Answered5 years ago
Why was I charged 3,000 baht for my first COVID visa extension in Thailand instead of the 1,900 baht fee?
Hi everyone I went yesterday for my first covid extension I was charged 3,000 baht I told the lady at immigration I thought it was 1900 she said because it was my first stamp I had to pay 3,000 was this correct or did she have my pants down ? Plus I got a letter to open a bank account she charged 500 baht for that also thanks for any information
Answer summary
The user inquired about being charged 3,000 baht for their first COVID-related visa extension, expecting to pay the standard fee of 1,900 baht. The community provided various insights, indicating that the higher fee might be due to an unofficial 'express' service or corruption at the immigration office. Many users confirmed that the official charge is 1,900 baht for such extensions, and emphasized the importance of obtaining a receipt. Additionally, some users mentioned they had encountered similar experiences with varied charges for residence certificates, which are typically stated as free of charge.
96 repliesnewest first
Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.
Scot *******
Hello, what is a certificate of residence?
Frank-Steven ***********
@Scot ******
Just a letter written by the immigration office in Thai, stating what your name is, what visa you are on and at what address you did your last report. So certificate of residence sounds a bit misleading. And it should not me needed, cause everybody could easily take these information from your passport with the TM.30 and visa / extension stamp in it. But the certificate of residence is another over-bureaucratic way of making money. Frank-Steven ***********
And lastly: At immigration office be prepared that they might tell you they stopped issuing those and that you should go to your embassy. The next day, they do issue those, but it will take weeks and can only be send to your reported address. Then you let them know you’d be happy to expedite things with a donation. And about 500 Baht and 24 hours later you can pick it up. Quite irritating if it is your first time.
Frank-Steven ***********
You need it for things like applying for a drivers license or opening a bank account. And don’t think they would accept a copy for this. No of course not. And I quote: “One original for one job, sir”. So if you want both, driver license and bank account - better order two of those. 🇹🇭
Frank-Steven ***********
@Scot ******
Sure. Same, same but sometimes different. Nothing ever works consistently. For driver license or car / motorcycle registration you need one for sure, though. Scot *******
@Frank-Steven **********
- well I got a bank account in Bangkok a few weeks ago and they did not ask for one.Scot *******
@Frank-Steven **********
- so why would someone obtain one?
James ********
@Scot ******
to purchase a motorbike or auto you will need a Residence Certificate from your Thai immigration office. 
Nikk ******
Did you come in on a 30 day visa exemption? I'm from the US and wondering if I come in with no visa, can I get covid extensions after the 30 or 60 day exemption is up?
Martin ******
I once got charged 3,000 in Udon for a 1 week extension. Some just take the pish.
Arjun ********
Soap definately fell on the floor when she saw you
Frank ******
Scammed
Stephen **********
ha ha u grabbed you socks ha ha ha
Frank-Steven ***********
As for the certificate of residence: It is supposed to be free of charge. BUT if you really want it for free, they say it is going to take a few weeks. If you pay 500THB, you can come in and collect it the next day. Welcome to Thailand.
Erik **********
@Frank-Steven **********
blah blah... 10 years always free.. ask for receipt otherwise... mafia...
Ben *********
Always demand for an invoice that match the amount.
Michael *******
1900,no ifs buts or maybes,its 1900 👍
Huey ***********
Should be 1900 only. Without a receipt how do you know it was done correctly? Maybe you should go to another immigration and see if it’s a legit stamp and that it was put into the system.
Richard ********
For Second extension they will charge you 4000 !!!
Tod *********
@Richard *******
they have his number now 😛 
Kim ******
Do u need any additional letter from you embassy or anything or just passport enough?
Michael *******
@Kim *****
passport with relevant forms completed along with photos.There will usually be a local office service to help complete for you and take photos for around 150 baht.
Totally stress free then 👍
Prieto ****
u got scammed
Rollo ************************
No one ever accused Thai’s as being people of integrity— 🤷🏾♂️
“Do not prostitute thy daughter, to cause her to be a whore; lest the land fall to whoredom, and the land become full of wickedness.”
Leviticus 19:29 KJV
{I would add sons too in this land of Sodomy} 😂
“Do not prostitute thy daughter, to cause her to be a whore; lest the land fall to whoredom, and the land become full of wickedness.”
Leviticus 19:29 KJV
{I would add sons too in this land of Sodomy} 😂
Nick *******
@Rollo ***********************
well if some guy wrote it on a scroll thousands of years ago it must be a legit and up to date code of living. But what I think most of us really want to know is: did you not know anything about Thailand before moving here? Their land, their culture. Who are you to judge what they do? Didn't the same guy or one of his pals also write "judge not, lest ye be judged"?
Steve **********
@Rollo ***********************
You talking about your host country, which you are a guest ?....bye, will forward.
Leslie *******
I always give them a few hundreds extra for cafe N donut.for the last 18 years.at udon or Nong Khai.or sakanakon
Tod *********
@Leslie ******
that's a fail if I ever heard it. Why would you tip someone for doing their f*cking job? They have GREAT benefits, good wages and aside from having to deal with dip-shit foreigners all day it's not a bad gig. 
Mark ***********
@Les***
, I do hope that you are kidding, as such a selfish act only encourages corruption.
Mark ***********
She is working the franchise.
Andy *******
OP@Mark **********
Mrs Ferrari of immigration 😂 Tod *********
@Andy ******
look on the extension of stay stamp she gave you and see if it has a #5 or a ข้อ5 written on it <- that's a 60 day covid extension, OR see if it has thai writing <- meaning she issued you a 60 day visit thai family extension. BOTH are only 1900baht but you already know you were hosed. ..
Tod *********
okay, listen up boyz and squirrellz 😮 The residence certificate price varies from office to office, SOME issue it free, SOME charge money for it. ONLY Bangkok charges 200baht AND gives you a receipt showing that money didn't just end up in someones pocket 😛
So that your office does it for free, or 200 or 300 or even 500 is neither here nor there. There is NO 'officially set price' for that service 😕
So that your office does it for free, or 200 or 300 or even 500 is neither here nor there. There is NO 'officially set price' for that service 😕
Ben *********
@Tod ********
unbelievable
John ********
Did you get receipts
Steve **********
@John *******
always ask for receipt. Then they correct statement and reduce price to that listed on sign .
Sometime not worth the hassle, they' ll get you one way or another .
Channel **********
Don't believe that story.
James ********
@Channel *********
believe it... It's reported to be happening in a few other Thai immigration offices too. 
Andrew ********
When in Rome
Helio *****
Residence letter should be 300 baht
Nigel *********
@Helio ****
Elisa and Colin ar corect. Its free 
Andy *********
Free at Khon kaen
Colin ***************
@Helio ****
No Helio *****
@Colin **************
now I'm confused haha. Is this a scam then?Colin ***************
@Helio ****
ScamColin ***************
@Helio ****
macS Helio *****
@Colin **************
Macs?Colin ***************
@Helio ****
macSHelio *****
@Colin **************
I didn'tColin ***************
@Helio ****
Did you get a receipt ???? 
Vasco ***********
@Colin **************
always freeHelio *****
@Colin **************
how come everyone pays 300 Baht?Colin ***************
@Helio ****
I don't know. I don't. 
Ivan ********
They lies to much every were
Mark ***********
Did you received your 60-day extension yesterday, or an "under consideration" stamp? For 1,900 Baht, they make you come back in two weeks to re-genuflect. But, I have been told, for 3,000, you can pretty much get same-day service.
Charlene ****************
@Mark **********
I got my first for 1900, same day.
Lisa ********************
@Mark **********
that's a scam tooNigel *********
@Mark **********
I thought they done away with the unfrconsiderstion element at the last round of extensions. Maybe not every office. Mark ***********
@Ni***
, that would be nice, but I guess one thing that this two-step process does is stop people from all piling in on the last day. I have the feeling that the standard expiration date for these extensions is on the 28th, (this month.) Not sure why they did that, but it may have created a mess for them on the 27th, eh?Tod *********
@Nigel *********************
most offices started issuing a straight 60 day covid extension when you show up BUT some (Samui, Pai, etc) were known for saying you can pay 1900baht and get the under consideration stamp OR you can pay the "special price for you" 3000baht and we'll give you the extension today. 
Travis *******
@Tod ********
Samui never offered that. Surat Thani mainland did. Samui is 1900, no under consideration period. Andy *******
OP@Nigel *********************
I was on a non o visa I have a 8 year old son out here so may be that had something to do with it Andy *******
OP@Tod ********
non o 60 days +30 days Tod *********
@Andy ******
, a non o 90 day entry stamp OR a year extension or what? Andy *******
OP@Mark **********
got the stamp yesterday may be your correct with that thenMark ***********
@An**
, well, at first glance, it makes it all seem bogus, but then, even the U.S. will charge you (a lot) extra for expedited service. Was your receipt for 1,900 or 3,000? That would say a lot. Also, this explains why, even though it usually takes a few weeks for this process, a sign out front states that you can come in up to about the day before your current visa expires.
Marguyvin **********
People on the gulf islands (Tao, Phanghan, Samui) actually appreciated the 3000 deal. It saved them an extra hassle of having to return a 2nd time on a ferry boat trip just to get the stamp. It's a non-standard fee though. The official is always 1900baht.
Marguyvin **********
@Andy ******
It sounds like you were given the "express" service to expedite your stamp. This happened a few times at Surat Thani also last year. When word got around, they quickly stopped doing it.
Jared **********
@MarGuyvin **
I went for my 30 day extension on my TR in Surat Thani and was offered 60 day covid for 3000 baht, I got an extra month I wasn’t counting on but that’s pretty funnyAndy *******
OP@MarGuyvin **
that make’s me feel a bit better may be thats what she’s done Nigel *********
The resident certificate is free.
Marguyvin **********
Be certain you were at Udorn Thani Immigration.
It might be you were at an Immigration Services Office(read:agent) in Udorn Thani. 1900 is all you would pay at the official govt office.
It might be you were at an Immigration Services Office(read:agent) in Udorn Thani. 1900 is all you would pay at the official govt office.
Cambodia **************
lol
Tod *********
Wanna say what immigration office you were at?
Andy *******
OP@Tod ********
udon Thani Tod *********
@Andy ******
strange, as a rule that place is pretty easy to deal with. I'm sure you didn't get a receipt either did you?
Sadly (for you) they totally hosed you.
Keep in mind EVERY extension you apply for inside of thailand no matter the reason and no matter how long it's issued for is always 1900baht AND
to avoid any issues you should always have correct change 😛 😉
Chris ********
@Henrik *************
why is he a "cheap charlie"?. If the price is set, why pay more?. Do you pay extra for everything, fridge, car, TV?. And paying 100 baht extra, £2.20, you are not exactly splashing the cash around yourself! 
Henrik **************
@Tod ********
I guess everyone ain't a poor cheap charlie like u but whatever floats your boat 🤷🏻♂️Tod *********
@Henrik *************
wow a whole two hours a year out of your life 😮 Oh the humanity 😉 Henrik **************
@Tod ********
time is money, I lived in Rayong for 2 years and every time I went for extension it took 1 - 2 hours so I have no problem with that at all 😊Tod *********
@Henrik *************
any wonder why they take advantage of us 😛 Henrik **************
@Tod ********
Udon thani Immigration have always charged me 2000thb for extension but it's 5-10 minutes from walking in to the office until it's finished and they do all the paperwork, only thing I need to do is write my signature so it's worth the extra 100thb. James ********
The 500 for the residence certificate is OK...a nominal contribution... You got it on the same day rather than having to return days later ....
The 3,000 is a combo of the extension fee of 1,900 and a contribution to the office coffee and donut fund.
Welcome to Thailand.
The 3,000 is a combo of the extension fee of 1,900 and a contribution to the office coffee and donut fund.
Welcome to Thailand.
Colin *******
You get receipts,,??
Andy *******
OP
Chris ************
@Andy ******
lottery money!!! 
Harry ************
@Andy ******
you would get a receipt for a pair of socks....why not you ask when something so important like immigration.????Andy *******
OP@Harry ***********
next time I will be asking questions and asking for receipts Harry ************
@Andy ******
well as it's your first time Andy you are forgiven, I have done far worse......it's all alearning curve here in Thailand.........Andy *******
OP@Harry ***********
your in there the only think your thinking about is getting your stamp and not any problems didn’t even think about receipt it was my first time at an immigration office 
Stan *******
@Andy ******
Then she screwed you. You should have asked to see a supervisor. Lisa ********************
1900bt is fee for extension... at every immigration office. You got pants down and spanked.
George *********
@Lisa *******************
that’s hilarious. Activity
45 joined45
people
Related
25How can I open a bank account in Thailand on a Non-O retirement visa with minimal documentation?
3.3k29342mo
What are the steps to obtain a one-year extension on a Non-O visa in Thailand?
3.5k28415mo
Can I switch banks for my visa extension transfers in Thailand, or must I use the same account for 12 months?
2.1k14278mo
What should I do if I have a tight window for my non-O visa extension application in Thailand?
2.7k14479mo
What do I need to apply for a one-year extension on my non-O visa in Thailand?
6.6k61531y
What is the process for obtaining a Retirement Visa in Thailand as an expat, and should I hire an agent?
13.1k981672y
How easy is it to get a marriage visa in Thailand if I am married to a Thai national?
2.3k19143y
What documents are required for applying for a Non-O visa in Thailand after extending a visa exemption?
2.4k16253y
What documents do I need to apply for another COVID extension in Thailand before my 6th extension expires?
1.7k12155y
What are the requirements for extending a Non-O visa based on marriage in Thailand?
3.5k32225y
Can I directly apply for a Non-O 90-day Visa based on marriage after getting married while on a 60-day tourist visa?
1.4k995y
Can I extend my COVID visa extension in Thailand due to marriage and bank requirements?
1.5k9175y
Do I need to leave Thailand to apply for a Non O retirement visa after my 30-day extension?
1.7k9195y
What type of bank letter is required for a Non-O visa extension in Thailand?
3.5k19506y
What are the requirements for a one-year extension of a Non-O visa based on marriage after re-entering Thailand?
1.1k4156y
What type of extension am I likely receiving if I was given an 'under consideration' stamp for my visa application?
1.4k6166y
What is the normal fee for a COVID extension visa in Thailand?
1.3k7146y
Can I extend my Non-B visa to a Non-O retirement visa if I'm over 50 and have 800k in a Thai bank?
2k15156y
Should I be worried about not receiving a home visit for my Non-O extension application in Thailand?
4.1k33406y
How can I obtain a 30-day visa extension in Thailand with the help of my embassy?
2k7366y
Can I extend my multi-entry Non-O visa in Thailand for additional stay options?
1.9k15116y
Can I extend my visa in Bangkok without a TM30 receipt from my landlord?
2.7k2897y
What documents do I need to extend a Non-O visa in Thailand if my wife is a foreign teacher with a Non-B visa?
747418y
What are the options for extending a marriage visa in Thailand without leaving the country?
5.4k56238y
What documents are required to obtain a residence certificate for a Non-O spouse visa extension in Thailand?
75559y
Resources
Need help with your retirement visa?
#1 visa agent · 4,000+ reviews · 100,000+ expats served