thailand
Ask question

Why was my friend's visa extension in Phuket charged 2200 baht instead of the standard 1900 baht?

Thai Visa ExtensionPhuket ImmigrationVisa FeesExpats in ThailandCorruption in ThailandVisa RequirementsImmigration Process
Mar 29, 2024
9 months ago
Philip **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
A friend just extended his free 30 entry by another 30 days in Phuket, Patong beach. I know it is suppose to be 1900 baht but the immigration folk there charged him 2200 baht. Has to be cash and no receipt.
8,821
views
29
likes
232
all likes
107
replies
5
images
54
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
A user shared that a friend extended their Thai visa for 30 days in Phuket, but was charged 2200 baht instead of the expected 1900 baht. This sparked a discussion among commenters, with many suggesting that the extra charges could be due to unofficial fees or 'tea money' typically requested in Thailand. Some mentioned that adding a passport photo and photocopies could justify the extra cost, while others raised concerns about corruption and scammers posing as immigration staff. Various members highlighted the importance of being prepared with necessary documents to avoid additional charges.
Robert *****
He got suckered into paying for a scam service in the same building to confuse people. They have no authority so they charge more and you have to wait until the NEXT DAY to pick up your passport.

Here’s what they look like…
8 months ago
Like
Reply
Robert *****
8 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Robert *****
Reply
Tim *********
Graft and corruption is rife in Thailand, my girlfriend works for a government dept, she took exams to better her position and ended up having to pay $1200.00 Aud for the privilege of having a better qualification.
8 months ago
Like
Reply
Andy ************
@Tim ********
 yes that’s common, pay for a job and pay for promotion
8 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Andy ************
Reply
Alan ********
Suffer in silence you have 30 days in paradise consider it a 5 beer shout.
8 months ago
Like
Reply
Mark *******
It is 300 baht you are worried about just pay it and don’t be so tight
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Tim *********
Graft and corruption thrives in Asia
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Steve **********
@Tim ********
 are you watching tramp campaign in US
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Tim *********
@Steve *********
 I'm actually not that interested in politics.. it leaves me cold. The only reason those idiots are there is because other idiots encourage them by voting...
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Tim *********
Reply
John *****
Welcome to Thailand. Land of scam
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Steve **********
@John ****
 sounds like her father caught you in the act.

So you cry entrapment scam !

Tsk tsk tsk....shame !
9 months ago
Like
Reply
John *****
@Steve *********
 what time did you start drinking today?
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Steve **********
@John ****
 haven't stopped.
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Steve **********
Reply
Stephen **********
Udon Thai the best service I have every received today !!!! Lovely staff in Udon Thailand I want to buy them all Easter eggs !! 🙏🏻
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Philip **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Stephen *********
 my wife was talking about bringing Easter eggs for family when we go. Then I reminded her hot weather and chocolate isn't a good combination.
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Philip **********
Reply
Tobben ********
It's spelled CORRUPTION and normal in Thailand if you are a foreigner !
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Philip **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tobben *******
 it's spelt คอรัปชั่น but evidently not in this case but 300 baht for the photo and photocopy.
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Tobben ********
Ok,who cares ?
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Tobben ********
Reply
Radek *******
Passport copy & photo maybe? Although that would be like +100 THB
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Sherry ********
Really 300 baht.........in Canadian $'s that is only $11.17...... are you on that tight of a budget
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Philip **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
300 baht is still a day's hard work on the farm in Thailand. Got to get things in perspective. The extra may have been to take the photo.
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Louise *************
@Sherry *******
 exactly...convienence peace of mind....for 300bht....$12 Aussie ..🤣🤣🤣
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Louise *************
Reply
Ste *******
Everything is more expensive in Phuket.
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Franky ******
That's a full nights boozing lost
*****
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Victor ***********
The extra amount is you didn’t have a picture. He takes your pic for 200.
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Joe ******
Outrageous, I would have refused and not extended and gone home in protest.
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Henrik *****
That’s the way they do it in Patong,

hand in the application and supporting documents,

pay,

Leave

Come back a couple of hours later.

Get passport back with extension, ( at 2. door without queue.

When picking up the passport, you are asked to check, everything is right, and there will be a receipt for the paided amount inside the passport.
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Jody *******
... & then they act surprised when a tiny number of foreigners act out in frustration at the constant scams & racism on the odd occasion then propagandize using such odd occasions to further justify underhanded treatment..! :/

Imagine what a paradise it would be without all of the wasteful corruption destroying efficiency & development...
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Alan ********
@Jody ******
 if they paid a decent wage it would be 4000 baht it is a tip for the underpaid.
8 months ago
Like
Reply
Jody *******
@Alan *******
The only tip they deserve is a rubbish tip.
8 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Jody *******
Reply
Durrant ********
monies paid to immigration should be accompanied with a receipt
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Garry ********
Tea money
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Philip **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I just heard from the other forum the extra 300 baht was for the photo and photocopy the passport.
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Andrew ***********
@Philip *********
 exactly what I was trying to say haha. Op didn't give all the details haha
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Andrew ***********
Reply
Kel *******
What’s 300B , it’s Thailand , I’d give them 300B for convenience
9 months ago
Like
Reply
John *******
Why are these questions always for a friend don't people do anything for themselves anymore
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Jason *******
A receipt is always given
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Aake **********
I live in Mahasarakham, at imigration there are many signs saying that gifts to the staff are forbidden
9 months ago
Like
Reply
David *********
Yep , most probably photocopies and pictures , the post does not tell the full story , so he's got the extension either way it's just a " cost " move on and enjoy the extra 30 days .

If he is worried about the 300 ?.Buy two less lady drinks in Bangla , immigration have " costs " too .
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Sadir ******
@David ********
 The thing is even they charge extra amount other than 1900baht, saying photocopy or tea or just commission they don't mention in the receipts. I always go with copies. Sometimes they are telling there is no changes ( no cash for changes. Even if I pay in 1000notes or 500 Notes

Even though they take extra money

In the receipt they only mention 1900 baht
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Sadir ******
Reply
Pelle **********
Oooh No 300 bth!!
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Kike *******
Sounds very shady to me
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Narelle *********
Might not have filled out the paperwork, had photocopies, or photographs prepared.
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Michael ********
I am guessing he didnt have the photocopies
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Davide *************
Truffa lo apoena fatto io allimmigrazione a Pattaya 1900 bhat consiglio se potete quando andate allimmigrazione andateci con un amico o conoscete poliziotto per ogni cosa. Vedrete che differenza c'è 😊🙏
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Martin ********
might have been for the picture, or the tm30, or the residency certificate... who knows... its not clear from the original post, and if not like somebody said, walk inside and do it yourself to make sure.
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Steve **********
@Martin *******
 not worth speculating...tea money is tea money
9 months ago
Like
Reply
KO ********
@Steve *********
 ‘not worth speculating’ like you yourself are. Who cares if you have been here 22 years? Thank goodness for the ‘block’ function.
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Martin ********
@Steve *********
 how are you so sure?
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Steve **********
@Martin *******
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Steve **********
My 22nd year here
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Steve **********
Reply
Steve **********
Never go at end of month, tea money.

Always go after their payday.
9 months ago
Like
Reply
CN ****
@Steve *********
 when is their pay day?
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Steve **********
@CN ***
 1st of month, you always see more police presence and traffic police the last week of month.
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Steve **********
Reply
Celeste **********
If you don't want to pay the extra 300baht take your own passport photos and photocopy your passport yourself. That's the extra cost.
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Sacher *******
@Celeste *********
 this
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Sacher *******
Reply
Stelios ********
I had mine 30 days extension last November in Patong. The officer was extremely helpful, he issued my visa extension immediately (I had a broken leg) and we took a picture together as well. Usually ask people to come later to pick up their passports. ฿1900.
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Lisa ********************
Fee is 1900bt. The rest, well " coffee money." I always get receipt when I extend
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Kevin *********
Immigration people have to make money too, you know?
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Tonino *****
@Kevin ********
 Out of ripping it off from civilian, y mxppet?!🙆‍♂️
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Tonino *****
Reply
Andy ************
Your in for extra 30’take it and enjoy it do you really care about 300 baht?
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Marc ********
@Andy ***********
 yes
9 months ago
Like
Reply
George *********
@Marc *******
 I agree. It's the principle.

I never use agents either
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Marc ********
@George ********
 Oh if it is an agent and I am paying him for his service no problem.

But if it is just a rip off then I have a problem even if it is only 50baht

Then it's the principle
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Marc ********
Reply
Kevin *******
2k all the time in udonthani !
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Nongnuch ********
@Kevin ******
 only if you hand over two brown bills. They won't give you any change. However if you hand over 1900.- in correct bills, they might accept. Try it next time, have 1900.- THB at hand
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Kevin *******
@Nongnuch *******
 I suggested that to my wife but she said no they want 2k ! Not a problem for me ! They are good staff there now !
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Nongnuch ********
@Kevin ******
 I used to pay 100.- THB on top of the 1900.- THB fee at the Sisaket Immigration, they said it was for the copies they needed to do, because I never brought any copied documents with me. A 100.- Baht, this was okay for me
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Nongnuch ********
Reply
Manfred **********
@Kevin ******
 in turn they do everything for you. No need to bring copies or photos
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Gianpaolo ******
@Manfred *********
 yes! I am happy to pay 100 bath! No picture no application form no fotocopy! Just only signature
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Gianpaolo ******
Reply
Robert *****
That was a service not officially immigration. Some in Bangkok are at the same office upstairs and charge 2400 baht.
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Neil *********
$60 to extend visa. Sounds fair to me.
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Jeff *********
@Neil ********
 actually about $52 the dollar keeps getting stronger 😂😂

Hope the trend continues
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Neil *********
@Jeff ********
 Not based on todays exchange rate.
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Jeff *********
@Neil ********
 36.48?
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Neil *********
@Jeff ********
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Jeff *********
@Neil ********
 oh I was calculating just the cost for the extension ฿1900, I guess we weren’t on the same page, I was getting nervous about my mathematical abilities 🤣 either way it’s a reasonable cost
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Neil *********
@Jeff ********
 Agreed.
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Neil *********
Reply
Jim *********
300 bhat to the "tea fund" ... welcome to Thailand
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Henrik *****
I paid 1900 for the extension, at Immigration in Patong, didn’t see any foul play, only a lot of kindness.

They did do some on the spot photos, letting people hand in their application, instead of having to come back.
9 months ago
Like
Reply
John *********
@Jim ********
 It's not when the fee is 1900 baht. Unless of course there was an extra charge for something legit.
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Jim *********
The "tea fund" is code for gaff. Cops took their piece
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Jim *********
Reply
Andy *******
300 baht for coffee fund. 'Bangla' Rd.
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Colorado ******
Is this the only way to extend visa for another 30 days? Or, is there cheaper way?
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Steve **********
@Colorado *****
 your talking an increase ( tea money ) of 10 baht / day.

What do you consider cheap ?
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Colorado ******
@Steve *********
 as Andrew stated above, I was thinking of the 60 day visa which one can apply for before leaving home country.
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Steve **********
@Colorado *****
 always cheaper getting from home country, and less stressful
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Edna *******
@Steve *********
 just know everyone there is a fee of 200$ USD, takes about 4-5 days.
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Steve **********
@Colorado *****
 misunderstood..
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Steve **********
Reply
Andy *******
@Colorado *****
 1900 baht is only way. 2200 is excessive
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Andrew ***********
@Andy ******
 not if he needed photos and photocopies.
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Colorado ******
@Andrew **********
 just thought i read somewhere when first entering country, you can get a 60 day visa, but that there are certain forms, paperwork, etc needed and it was cheaper. Maybe I am wrong?
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Henrik *****
When going to Thailand for 31 - 60 ( 90 )days, the 60 days touristvisa is the best option.

It is cheaper than visa excempt + 30 days extension.

No need of a onward ticket ( 90 days 1 onward ), if returnticket within 60 days.

It is easier to apply from the comfort of your home.

thaievisa.go.th

Not wasting holiday time to find, go to and waiting at a immigration office ( 90 you would need that ).

Then no need to leave Thailand in up to 90 days.
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Leo ******
@Henrik ****
 I've done both and the 18 days waiting for the passport to be returned and the cost of tracked courier of my passport for a 60 day tourist visa was 2 Australia dollars more expensive than getting 30 days on arrival and 30 days extension and I didn't have to show all the bureaucratic bullshit they ask for to back up your tourist visa.. Its alot easier to get an extension.. I've never had to wait or spend longer than 4 hours door to door doing an extension if you get there at 7am and wait till 830 open. Can be home by 11am. Depends where you do it also..
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Henrik *****
But now everything is changing for Australians to, since ( as far as I know ) you can now apply online:

***************************


Then the visa is send to your email, 1-2 weeks before departure.

No sending of passport is needed anymore.

And then it is waste of time to use a day of your holiday to go to a immigration office, where you never know how long the queue is.

And in Patong you hand in you applikation and passport, which you then have to come back and collect hours later.
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Andrew ***********
@Colorado *****
 no 60 day visa on arrival, maybe you thinking of 60 days visa that you apply for before you come from your home country.
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Colorado ******
@Andrew **********
 yes this is what I was thinking of.
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Andy *******
@Andrew **********
 very obvious beforehand / collateral expenses.
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Andy *******
Reply
Brandon ************
@Stuart ********
 any insight?
9 months ago
Like
Reply
To**
@Brandon ***********
 Tea money
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Henrik *****
No.
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Henrik *****
Reply
Stuart *********
@Brandon ***********
 Can’t really say why. It would be highly unusual and I’m thinking there might be more to the story that’s been “lost in translation”. Perhaps they also wanted a residence certificate - and they don’t issue receipts for those.
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Phil ******
@Stuart ********
 might be they did the photos. I lost my photos on the way to buriram immi and thats what I paid.
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Chris *******
@Stuart ********
 Probably wasnt prepared and I am guessing they charged him for a passport photo and photocopies.
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Chris *******
Reply
Philip **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
He had to leave the passport and pick up later 1pm. They were wearing official looking uniforms. Immigration near Bagna road.
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Henrik *****
That’s the way they do it in Patong,

hand in the application and supporting documents,

pay,

Leave

Come back a couple of hours later.

Get passport back with extension, ( at 2. door without queue.
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Brandon ************
@Philip *********
 did he actually go into the immigration office, or leave his passport with someone that approached him outside?
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Brandon ************
Reply
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
... members · 60% approval rate
The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.
Join the Group
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
View the Conversation
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
Why was my girlfriend fined so much for overstaying her visa in Thailand?
16 comments
5 months ago
What is the cost and process for a 30-day visa extension in Thailand?
51 comments
5 months ago
What is a reasonable fee for an agent to arrange a 30-day visa extension in Thailand?
56 comments
8 months ago
How can I get a 30-day extension of stay in Thailand?
1 comments
2 years ago
What fees did I incur during my visit to Kamphaengphet Immigration?
17 comments
2 years ago
What are the current photocopy requirements and charges at immigration offices in Thailand?
37 comments
3 years ago
Why do some immigration offices in Thailand offer different COVID extension durations?
16 comments
3 years ago
What advice can you give for getting a 30-day extension at Phuket immigration?
1 comments
3 years ago
How do I obtain a 30-day extension for my visa in Thailand?
5 comments
3 years ago
Why was I charged 3,000 baht for my first COVID visa extension in Thailand instead of the 1,900 baht fee?
96 comments
3 years ago
What should I do if I'm charged for transferring stamps between my old and new passport in Thailand?
1 comments
4 years ago
Is the 3000 baht charge for a home inspection after a Non O visa extension for marriage legitimate?
79 comments
4 years ago
What is the normal fee for a COVID extension visa in Thailand?
7 comments
4 years ago
What are the current visa extension procedures and fees for ED visas in Thailand?
55 comments
4 years ago
Is It Normal to Be Charged 2000 Baht for an Immigration Visit in Thailand?
11 comments
5 years ago
Is it normal to be charged 700 Baht for a confirmation letter from Bangkok Bank for immigration purposes?
12 comments
5 years ago
What documents and fees do I need to extend my tourist visa in Phuket?
4 comments
5 years ago
Why did I have to pay a 1000B home visit fee for my NON O visa extension in Thailand?
21 comments
5 years ago
What is the process for extending a 30-day visa exemption in Krabi, Thailand?
0 comments
6 years ago
Do I need to pay 1900 baht for a 5-day tourist visa extension in Thailand?
0 comments
6 years ago
Did I get scammed for my reentry permit at the airport in Thailand?
2 comments
6 years ago
How much does it cost to apply for a visa extension in Thailand?
14 comments
6 years ago
Can my friend extend her 30-day visa exemption in Patong for another 30 days?
5 comments
6 years ago
What are the current regulations regarding visa fees and immigration practices in Thailand?
42 comments
6 years ago
Do I need to carry 20,000 baht for a 30-day tourist visa extension at Cheang Wattana Immigration?
2 comments
7 years ago
Data protection policyTerms and conditionsDisclaimerPrivacy policyRefund policy
The asq:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.