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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
2 years ago
Philip **********
ORIGINAL POSTERA 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.
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.
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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…
Here’s what they look like…
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.
Andy ************
@Tim ********
yes that’s common, pay for a job and pay for promotionReply to
Andy ************
Reply
Alan ********
Suffer in silence you have 30 days in paradise consider it a 5 beer shout.
Mark *******
It is 300 baht you are worried about just pay it and don’t be so tight
Tim *********
Graft and corruption thrives in Asia
Steve **********
@Tim ********
are you watching tramp campaign in USTim *********
@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...Reply to
Tim *********
Reply
John *****
Welcome to Thailand. Land of scam
Steve **********
@John ****
sounds like her father caught you in the act.So you cry entrapment scam !
Tsk tsk tsk....shame !
John *****
@Steve *********
what time did you start drinking today?Steve **********
@John ****
haven't stopped.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 !! 🙏🏻
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.Reply to
Philip **********
Reply
Tobben ********
It's spelled CORRUPTION and normal in Thailand if you are a foreigner !
Philip **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Tobben *******
it's spelt คอรัปชั่น but evidently not in this case but 300 baht for the photo and photocopy.Tobben ********
Ok,who cares ?
Reply to
Tobben ********
Reply
Radek *******
Passport copy & photo maybe? Although that would be like +100 THB
Sherry ********
Really 300 baht.........in Canadian $'s that is only $11.17...... are you on that tight of a budget
Philip **********
ORIGINAL POSTER300 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.
Louise *************
@Sherry *******
exactly...convienence peace of mind....for 300bht....$12 Aussie ..🤣🤣🤣Reply to
Louise *************
Reply
Ste *******
Everything is more expensive in Phuket.
Franky ******
That's a full nights boozing lost
*****
Victor ***********
The extra amount is you didn’t have a picture. He takes your pic for 200.
Joe ******
Outrageous, I would have refused and not extended and gone home in protest.
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.
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.
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...
Imagine what a paradise it would be without all of the wasteful corruption destroying efficiency & development...
Alan ********
@Jody ******
if they paid a decent wage it would be 4000 baht it is a tip for the underpaid.Jody *******
@Alan *******
The only tip they deserve is a rubbish tip.Reply to
Jody *******
Reply
Durrant ********
monies paid to immigration should be accompanied with a receipt
Garry ********
Tea money
Philip **********
ORIGINAL POSTERI just heard from the other forum the extra 300 baht was for the photo and photocopy the passport.
Andrew ***********
@Philip *********
exactly what I was trying to say haha. Op didn't give all the details hahaReply to
Andrew ***********
Reply
Kel *******
What’s 300B , it’s Thailand , I’d give them 300B for convenience
John *******
Why are these questions always for a friend don't people do anything for themselves anymore
Jason *******
A receipt is always given
Aake **********
I live in Mahasarakham, at imigration there are many signs saying that gifts to the staff are forbidden
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 .
If he is worried about the 300 ?.Buy two less lady drinks in Bangla , immigration have " costs " too .
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
Reply to
Sadir ******
Reply
Pelle **********
Oooh No 300 bth!!
Kike *******
Sounds very shady to me
Narelle *********
Might not have filled out the paperwork, had photocopies, or photographs prepared.
Michael ********
I am guessing he didnt have the photocopies
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 😊🙏
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.
Steve **********
@Martin *******
not worth speculating...tea money is tea moneyKO ********
@Steve *********
‘not worth speculating’ like you yourself are. Who cares if you have been here 22 years? Thank goodness for the ‘block’ function.Martin ********
@Steve *********
how are you so sure?Steve **********
My 22nd year here
Reply to
Steve **********
Reply
Steve **********
Never go at end of month, tea money.
Always go after their payday.
Always go after their payday.
CN ****
@Steve *********
when is their pay day?Steve **********
@CN ***
1st of month, you always see more police presence and traffic police the last week of month.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.
Sacher *******
@Celeste *********
thisReply 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.
Lisa ********************
Fee is 1900bt. The rest, well " coffee money." I always get receipt when I extend
Kevin *********
Immigration people have to make money too, you know?
Tonino *****
@Kevin ********
Out of ripping it off from civilian, y mxppet?!🙆♂️Reply to
Tonino *****
Reply
Andy ************
Your in for extra 30’take it and enjoy it do you really care about 300 baht?
Marc ********
George *********
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
Reply to
Marc ********
Reply
Kevin *******
2k all the time in udonthani !
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 handKevin *******
@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 !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 meReply to
Nongnuch ********
Reply
Manfred **********
@Kevin ******
in turn they do everything for you. No need to bring copies or photosGianpaolo ******
@Manfred *********
yes! I am happy to pay 100 bath! No picture no application form no fotocopy! Just only signatureReply to
Gianpaolo ******
Reply
Robert *****
That was a service not officially immigration. Some in Bangkok are at the same office upstairs and charge 2400 baht.
Neil *********
$60 to extend visa. Sounds fair to me.
Jeff *********
Neil *********
@Jeff ********
Not based on todays exchange rate.Jeff *********
@Neil ********
36.48?Jeff *********
@Neil ********
oh I was calculating just the cost for the extension ฿1900, I guess we weren’t on the same page, I was getting nervous about my mathematical abilities 🤣 either way it’s a reasonable costNeil *********
@Jeff ********
Agreed.Reply to
Neil *********
Reply
Jim *********
300 bhat to the "tea fund" ... welcome to Thailand
Henrik *****
I paid 1900 for the extension, at Immigration in Patong, didn’t see any foul play, only a lot of kindness.
They did do some on the spot photos, letting people hand in their application, instead of having to come back.
They did do some on the spot photos, letting people hand in their application, instead of having to come back.
John *********
@Jim ********
It's not when the fee is 1900 baht. Unless of course there was an extra charge for something legit.Jim *********
The "tea fund" is code for gaff. Cops took their piece
Reply to
Jim *********
Reply
Andy *******
300 baht for coffee fund. 'Bangla' Rd.
Colorado ******
Is this the only way to extend visa for another 30 days? Or, is there cheaper way?
Steve **********
@Colorado *****
your talking an increase ( tea money ) of 10 baht / day.What do you consider cheap ?
Colorado ******
@Steve *********
as Andrew stated above, I was thinking of the 60 day visa which one can apply for before leaving home country.Steve **********
@Colorado *****
always cheaper getting from home country, and less stressfulEdna *******
@Steve *********
just know everyone there is a fee of 200$ USD, takes about 4-5 days.Steve **********
@Colorado *****
misunderstood..Reply to
Steve **********
Reply
Andy *******
@Colorado *****
1900 baht is only way. 2200 is excessiveAndrew ***********
@Andy ******
not if he needed photos and photocopies.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?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.
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.
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..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.
***************************
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.
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.Colorado ******
@Andrew **********
yes this is what I was thinking of.Andy *******
@Andrew **********
very obvious beforehand / collateral expenses.Reply to
Andy *******
Reply
Brandon ************
@Stuart ********
any insight?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.Phil ******
@Stuart ********
might be they did the photos. I lost my photos on the way to buriram immi and thats what I paid.Chris *******
@Stuart ********
Probably wasnt prepared and I am guessing they charged him for a passport photo and photocopies.Reply to
Chris *******
Reply
Philip **********
ORIGINAL POSTERHe had to leave the passport and pick up later 1pm. They were wearing official looking uniforms. Immigration near Bagna road.
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.
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.
Brandon ************
@Philip *********
did he actually go into the immigration office, or leave his passport with someone that approached him outside?Reply to
Brandon ************
Reply
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