Answered3 years ago
Why was my friend's visa extension in Phuket charged 2200 baht instead of the standard 1900 baht?
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.
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.
107 repliesnewest first
Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.
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…
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 promotion
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...
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.
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 **********
OP@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.
Tobben ********
It's spelled CORRUPTION and normal in Thailand if you are a foreigner !
Philip **********
OP@Tobben *******
it's spelt คอรัปชั่น but evidently not in this case but 300 baht for the photo and photocopy.Tobben ********
Ok,who cares ?
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 **********
OP300 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 ..🤣🤣🤣
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.
Durrant ********
monies paid to immigration should be accompanied with a receipt
Garry ********
Tea money
Philip **********
OPI 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 haha
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
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 money
KO ********
@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
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.
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 *********
this
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?!🙆♂️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
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 me
Manfred **********
@Kevin ******
in turn they do everything for you. No need to bring copies or photos
Gianpaolo ******
@Manfred *********
yes! I am happy to pay 100 bath! No picture no application form no fotocopy! Just only signatureRobert *****
That was a service not officially immigration. Some in Bangkok are at the same office upstairs and charge 2400 baht.
Neil *********
$60 to extend visa. Sounds fair to me.
Jeff *********
Neil *********
@Jeff ********
Not based on todays exchange rate.Neil *********
@Jeff ********
Agreed.Jeff *********
@Neil ********
oh I was calculating just the cost for the extension ฿1900, I guess we weren’t on the same page, I was getting nervous about my mathematical abilities 🤣 either way it’s a reasonable costJeff *********
@Neil ********
36.48?
Jim *********
300 bhat to the "tea fund" ... welcome to Thailand
Henrik *****
I paid 1900 for the extension, at Immigration in Patong, didn’t see any foul play, only a lot of kindness.
They did do some on the spot photos, letting people hand in their application, instead of having to come back.
They did do some on the spot photos, letting people hand in their application, instead of having to come back.
John *********
@Jim ********
It's not when the fee is 1900 baht. Unless of course there was an extra charge for something legit.Jim *********
The "tea fund" is code for gaff. Cops took their piece
Andy *******
300 baht for coffee fund. 'Bangla' Rd.
Colorado ******
Is this the only way to extend visa for another 30 days? Or, is there cheaper way?
Steve **********
@Colorado *****
your talking an increase ( tea money ) of 10 baht / day.What do you consider cheap ?
Colorado ******
@Steve *********
as Andrew stated above, I was thinking of the 60 day visa which one can apply for before leaving home country.
Edna *******
@Steve *********
just know everyone there is a fee of 200$ USD, takes about 4-5 days.Steve **********
@Colorado *****
always cheaper getting from home country, and less stressfulSteve **********
@Colorado *****
misunderstood..Andy *******
@Colorado *****
1900 baht is only way. 2200 is excessiveAndrew ***********
@Andy ******
not if he needed photos and photocopies.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.
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 *****
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.
Colorado ******
@Andrew **********
yes this is what I was thinking of.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 **********
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?Andy *******
@Andrew **********
very obvious beforehand / collateral expenses.
Brandon ************
@Stuart ********
any insight?
To**
@Brandon ***********
Tea moneyHenrik *****
No.
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.Philip **********
OPHe 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?Activity
61 joined61
people
Related
25What do I need to know about extending my DTV visa in Thailand?
3.5k11095mo
Can I change my DTV to a work visa if I find a job in Thailand?
10.2k581846mo
How can I extend my Thai visa using the Ranong to Myanmar route?
4k205110mo
How long does a 90-day report take at Bangkok Chaeng Wattana immigration without an appointment?
2.9k23131y
What should I do after my Thai visa application was canceled due to missing my middle name?
7.9k73671y
When can I apply for a 30-day extension for my UK passport in Phuket after arriving with a 60-day stamp?
2.3k19162y
What are the requirements and tips for applying for a DTV Visa in Laos?
6.4k45692y
How can I switch from a Non-O Retirement visa to a Married visa in Thailand?
1.3k5173y
Can I get a Thai visa without a plane ticket number?
1.3k7113y
What documents do I need to extend my visa exemption in Patong and can I get a passport photo there?
3.8k32253y
What are the current requirements for changing to a Non-O retirement visa in Phuket?
1.4k4264y
What documents do I need for a one-month visa extension in Bangkok?
1.1k634y
What are the qualifications and fees for obtaining a 90-day Retirement Visa in Thailand?
3.7k32264y
How can I rectify an incorrect entry stamp for a Thai tourist visa and extend our stay?
2.9k21314y
What additional documents might be required when changing a visa to Non-O based on retirement in Thailand?
3.3k26305y
What are the steps to obtaining a non-o retirement visa and extensions in Thailand?
10.8k143095y
How do I apply for a marriage visa at a Thai embassy in my home country and fulfill the THB 400,000 security deposit requirement?
1.1k585y
What forms does my friend need for a 60-day visa extension at Phuket immigration due to COVID-19?
455136y
What are the requirements for extending a stay in Thailand through the Rayong Immigration Office?
7781116y
What are the current requirements for a 60-day extension based on having a Thai child at Chiang Rai Immigration?
55276y
What is the process of applying for a visa based on marriage to a Thai national in Chiang Mai, Thailand?
2.2k12256y
What documents and fees do I need to extend my tourist visa in Phuket?
896477y
What should I know about registering for a non-B visa in Vietnam?
911728y
Can I extend my SETV visa for 60 days based on marriage in Bueng Kan, Thailand?
936588y
What are the requirements for obtaining a retirement visa in Thailand if I am already in the country?
3.4k35108y
Resources
Need help with your Thai visa?
#1 visa agent · 4,000+ reviews · 100,000+ expats served