Buriram Expats
Buriram Province - General Category => Isaan Thai Visa => Topic started by: IRON DUKE on June 07, 2016, 06:18:31 PM
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Hi Everyone
I have just been informed by my TW that KCI are planning a home visit tomorrow morning. This is the first time I have ever experienced anything like this, previously we were living in Hua Hin and never had a home visit. My TW tells me that the Immigration officer on the phone today told her that Frang would have to pay for their Gasoline!!
Is this normal practice? If so is it just for Gasoline or is it some sort of racket? How much will I have to pay and has anybody else got any good. bad or indifferent advice from their previous experiences.
Looking forward to your advice
Cheers TAFFY
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I had the same thing happen to me. A phone call then asking for 500 baht for the trip. Considering they see between 9 and 11 people per trip it could be a good way to make some extra cash. I paid the 500 baht which left me with no hassles.
Regards
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I had a home visit also. There will be very little interaction with you. Their focus will be on your village headman and whoever you have there with him.
Regarding the petrol money. When KCI called to inform us of the visit the following day they said we'd have to give fuel money but did not specify an amount. On the day we offered 300 baht but it was declined. In any event I think 500 is taking the piss. As you say, they do a number of visits a day. I think 300 more than enough to offer. It's obviously a scam. I'm sure the KCI office pays the fuel but they know damn well we don't want to risk pissing them off.
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The going rate to Sikhoraphum is 2000Baht
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I would pay, but that is just me. But if you have the chance just take a picture of them, without them knowing of course.
Good luck tmrw and let us know how it went.
Ps: This is one of the things that I switched to Multiple Entry Non-O Visa's to not have the hassle of dealing with KCI.
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I would pay, but that is just me. But if you have the chance just take a picture of them, without them knowing of course.
Good luck tmrw and let us know how it went.
Ps: This is one of the things that I switched to Multiple Entry Non-O Visa's to not have the hassle of dealing with KCI.
+1
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I would pay, but that is just me. But if you have the chance just take a picture of them, without them knowing of course.
Good luck tmrw and let us know how it went.
Ps: This is one of the things that I switched to Multiple Entry Non-O Visa's to not have the hassle of dealing with KCI.
BUT, if you are living full time in Thailand involves you in 3 exits from the country (or visa runs) and an annual trip (most likely) to Savannaket.
That is significantly more hassle than dealing annually with KCI.
For those regularly traveling in and out of Thailand I agree that it is a better fit.
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I think those that live further than a 120k round trip to do their Visa application should ask KCI for their petrol money to be knocked off the price of the Visa, see how they like it.. ::)
But as Mr Co Co say's, what's 500baht is the scam scheme of things for those living here full time ;)
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I think those that live further than a 120k round trip to do their Visa application should ask KCI for their petrol money to be knocked off the price of the Visa, see how they like it.. ::)
But as Mr Co Co say's, what's 500baht is the scam scheme of things for those living here full time ;)
I think you misquoted me there.
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I think those that live further than a 120k round trip to do their Visa application should ask KCI for their petrol money to be knocked off the price of the Visa, see how they like it.. ::)
But as Mr Co Co say's, what's 500baht is the scam scheme of things for those living here full time ;)
I think you misquoted me there.
Sorry , I should have said compared to getting a Multiple Entry Non-O Visa and the trips and charges involved as you pointed out :)
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I think those that live further than a 120k round trip to do their Visa application should ask KCI for their petrol money to be knocked off the price of the Visa, see how they like it.. ::)
But as Mr Co Co say's, what's 500baht is the scam scheme of things for those living here full time ;)
I think you misquoted me there.
Sorry , I should have said compared to getting a Multiple Entry Non-O Visa and the trips and charges involved as you pointed out :)
Apology fully accepted.
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While the 500 baht charge (less than $15) is total BS, I would pay it.
I wish I could get the US to give my TW a visa for less than $500 (1900 baht extension, 3800 baht multi entry, 1000 baht other/extra).
Yes you can make an issue of it and win. But my view is that it is only $15 f@@king dollars, pay it and be happy. I wish I could pay that graft to my GVT to get my TW a visa.
Bottom line, for a 1 year "visa" it costs you officially $60, $120, and $15 (unofficially) for a total of less than $200. That is a super deal IMHO.
In the big picture, what is best for you?
BTW, I would bet money that these home visits are a direct result of expats gaming the system. Who does not know of an expat paying off a visa service to get him his yearly "visa"? Comes down to you reap what you sow.
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In the great scheme of things I agree that 500 baht isn't a big deal and certainly not worth getting hassle over your visa. I guess what bugs me is that initially when they started with the home visits, gas money was suggested with the amount being 'up to you'. Now a specific amount is being requested. If they average 10 visits a day, 5 days a week........
Sure it's easy for each individual to hand over the cash to keep things sweet but its also sustaining the 'screw the farang' approach.
Completely up to individuals but I still think I would offer 300 and at least try to maintain a bit of control.
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Excellent suggestion Steve. Pay 300 baht.
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I would pay, but that is just me. But if you have the chance just take a picture of them, without them knowing of course.
Good luck tmrw and let us know how it went.
Ps: This is one of the things that I switched to Multiple Entry Non-O Visa's to not have the hassle of dealing with KCI.
BUT, if you are living full time in Thailand involves you in 3 exits from the country (or visa runs) and an annual trip (most likely) to Savannaket.
That is significantly more hassle than dealing annually with KCI.
For those regularly traveling in and out of Thailand I agree that it is a better fit.
100% correct. But we (at the moment that is) love to travel, so every 3 months out of the country is no hassle. Last time we went to Singapore, next time Cambodia and HKG, next time after that no idea yet because as people say "the world is your oyster".
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BTW, I would bet money that these home visits are a direct result of expats gaming the system. Who does not know of an expat paying off a visa service to get him his yearly "visa"? Comes down to you reap what you sow.
How do you work that one out ??
To blame a few local Ex-pats that use a visa service for the new Home visits just doesn't make sense .
There is nothing illegal with using a visa agent and if there are people obtaining Visa's and Visa Extensions without the correct paperwork then maybe they should start by looking at the people that are issuing these visa's in the first place. ::)
I remember when I got my first marriage extension 14+ years ago and I had to go to the local police Station with the in-laws and the local village headman to be interviewed before I was granted my extension . They have let this slide over the years and have now decided to do home visits. I would guess that because of low number of immigrants applying for extension's in the local area they have decided to include Retirement extension's too.
I would say it has more to do with the Immigration Police coming out into the community , chatting with the locals to to find over-stayer or those working illegally . I remember reading somewhere they have caught a few over-stayers by chatting to the locals, but haven't heard of any visa agent user being locked up :)
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I think it is just a cash cow. As some one mentioned, if they make 10 visits a day then that is 5000. Good money.
If they were doing it because of those who use agents or are on overstay, why are they targeting those that willingly walk into their office and offer personal information for perposes of a legitimate extension of stay?
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I think it is just a cash cow. As some one mentioned, if they make 10 visits a day then that is 5000. Good money.
If they were doing it because of those who use agents or are on overstay, why are they targeting those that willingly walk into their office and offer personal information for perposes of a legitimate extension of stay?
Exactly. If it were the faceless Farangs represented by agents being targeted then it would be those who should get the home visits.
Current home visit situation is a way to make it appear tighter controls are in place and the easy option to get pocket money.
I had been under the impression that as I had a home visit for my most recent extension then I am unlikely to require one for my next. It will be interesting to see if this is the case. If 500 baht is being generated per visit then I think it more likely KCI will want to do home visits every year.
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Let's not beat around the bush here .... this "gasoline money" is called extortion in English.
Doesn't matter that's it's a fairly trivial amount to most expats, but to a Thai it's a considerable amount of money.
The only reason that all of us are bending over and taking this up the arse, is because we can't read or speak Thai, and we don't know who to complain to.
I'm pretty certain that none of us would tolerate this back in our home country, as there we are familiar with the system and our native language, and we would know how to expose this type of condoned extortion to the public arena.
The Thai Prime Minister has made a big deal of trying to clean up corruption. Woopee. It hasn't worked, even at grass roots level.
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+1
Also it is interesting that our wives and girlfriends don't challenge it either. They do speak and read the language. Another example of the average Thai citizen being fearful of any government official and a general apathy and acceptance that corruption is normal and money is everything. I don't see anything changing anytime soon.
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In think there is a level of acceptance because, at the end of the day, you don't want to upset the man that has the stamp in his hand that enables you to stay in this lovely Kingdom. There are no "3 strikes and out". You piss him off and that is it.
Thai people will generally not confront officialdom. This is a class society, one of the few drawbacks of said Kingdom.
I have been asked a few times if I would act as an onsite interpreter at Immigration. I have declined on all counts. I do not want to be seen to be causing trouble and end up with not only expat being banished but two.
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<Deleted>
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In think there is a level of acceptance because, at the end of the day, you don't want to upset the man that has the stamp in his hand that enables you to stay in this lovely Kingdom. There are no "3 strikes and out". You piss him off and that is it.
Thai people will generally not confront officialdom. This is a class society, one of the few drawbacks of said Kingdom.
I have been asked a few times if I would act as an onsite interpreter at Immigration. I have declined on all counts. I do not want to be seen to be causing trouble and end up with not only expat being banished but two.
You may actually be the ideal person to perform that role given that KCI have no grip on your balls whatsoever.
That, of course, should be unnecessary. Immigration should understand that we only want to make their job easier, which in turn makes life easier for us. That is why the likes of Keith, you and numerous individuals/groups have spent hours trying to put together information packs. The idea of this is simply to enable us to present the right documents so we can meet immigration requirements in the most efficient manner.
We need to understand that Immigration has a job to do and it is our responsibility to meet their requirements and present the necessary paperwork.
Why does it feel that we are not working together? - surely that would help everybody.
Additionally, nobody is fundamentally in favour of corruption and nobody likes to feel 'screwed over'. That is how it feels with the 500 Bahts for home visits or previously for residence certificates. The amount is not important - the principle is.
IMO Immigration should clearly list, and update, required documents/procedures on a website. Any applicant who has made the effort to read and comply with those requirements should then be 'fast-tracked' at KCI. There seems little reward for those who have spent time trying to get everything in order. Those who haven't bothered can be directed to a waiting area and given an instruction sheet so they can complete the necessary paperwork. Junior staff can be available to provide guidance. It reminds me a little of the TM7 form on arrival at Suvarnabhumi airport - many times I have been delayed because some prat has not completed the form; now they have checkers on hand.
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Some good points there.
The problem with listing requirements on a website is that there would be a need for a website for every immigration department.
The OP stated that this is his first home visit despite having used Hua Hin immigration in the past.
Immigration offices each seem to have their own quirks.
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Some good points there.
The problem with listing requirements on a website is that there would be a need for a website for every immigration department.
The OP stated that this is his first home visit despite having used Hua Hin immigration in the past.
Immigration offices each seem to have their own quirks.
Agree.
They shouldn't have quirks though. Immigration is based on national directives (Police Orders)and should be applied consistently in all areas.
T. I. T.
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It reminds me a little of the TM7 form on arrival at Suvarnabhumi airport - many times I have been delayed because some prat has not completed the form; now they have checkers on hand.
Off topic .... Ray, I've never seen anyone do a TM7 before arrival Immi at Suvarnabhumi ? Why would they need an "Application For Extension of Temporary Stay in the Kingdom" before they've even entered Thailand ?
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It reminds me a little of the TM7 form on arrival at Suvarnabhumi airport - many times I have been delayed because some prat has not completed the form; now they have checkers on hand.
Off topic .... Ray, I've never seen anyone do a TM7 before arrival Immi at Suvarnabhumi ? Why would they need an "Application For Extension of Temporary Stay in the Kingdom" before they've even entered Thailand ?
I think Co Co means a TM6 [ only one out :) ]
(http://www.thaivisa.com/forms/arrfront1.jpg)
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It reminds me a little of the TM7 form on arrival at Suvarnabhumi airport - many times I have been delayed because some prat has not completed the form; now they have checkers on hand.
Off topic .... Ray, I've never seen anyone do a TM7 before arrival Immi at Suvarnabhumi ? Why would they need an "Application For Extension of Temporary Stay in the Kingdom" before they've even entered Thailand ?
My mistake Smooth - as Sofa King correctly pointed out I should have said TM6 :)
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No worries Ray. thumbup If you give me 500 baht, I can make this Post go away :D
Unfortunately, I will not be able to give you a receipt for said transaction. tonguebar2
That's the way it works here isn't it ?
Cheers mate.
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Let's not beat around the bush here .... this "gasoline money" is called extortion in English.
Doesn't matter that's it's a fairly trivial amount to most expats, but to a Thai it's a considerable amount of money.
The only reason that all of us are bending over and taking this up the arse, is because we can't read or speak Thai, and we don't know who to complain to.
I'm pretty certain that none of us would tolerate this back in our home country, as there we are familiar with the system and our native language, and we would know how to expose this type of condoned extortion to the public arena.
The Thai Prime Minister has made a big deal of trying to clean up corruption. Woopee. It hasn't worked, even at grass roots level.
Terrific news that Buriram Immi Office has finally opened.
I live about 7km from this new office. About half a litre of petrol I reckon.
Next time I get a home visit from Immi guy, do you reckon he'd be disappointed if I put 12 baht in the envelope to cover his half litre of fuel ?
.................... only joking ................. but it does open an interesting scenario. Will they still request fuel money ?
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Let's not beat around the bush here .... this "gasoline money" is called extortion in English.
Doesn't matter that's it's a fairly trivial amount to most expats, but to a Thai it's a considerable amount of money.
The only reason that all of us are bending over and taking this up the arse, is because we can't read or speak Thai, and we don't know who to complain to.
I'm pretty certain that none of us would tolerate this back in our home country, as there we are familiar with the system and our native language, and we would know how to expose this type of condoned extortion to the public arena.
The Thai Prime Minister has made a big deal of trying to clean up corruption. Woopee. It hasn't worked, even at grass roots level.
Terrific news that Buriram Immi Office has finally opened.
I live about 7km from this new office. About half a litre of petrol I reckon.
Next time I get a home visit from Immi guy, do you reckon he'd be disappointed if I put 12 baht in the envelope to cover his half litre of fuel ?
.................... only joking ................. but it does open an interesting scenario. Will they still request fuel money ?
Sutin Immigration stopped doing them on repeat renewals, only first timers.
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That "request" for gas money is nothing short of of the officials tryin' to รีดเงิน "wring money" out of foreigners, no matter how you wanna play it off..
The thai immigration office thought this up, it's their deal, you're not obligated in the least to offset their home visit program.
That you buy into it, or even worse try to justify it as "the cost of living here" is sad.
I hafta ask you, "Do you find it hard living here without a spine?" If you meet the requirements to get an extension of stay why would you walk around on eggshells with some thai wearing a too-tight of uniform with a bunch of bangles hangin' off it?
I highly doubt they're gonna deny you your extension because you don't buy into the "gas money" scam. Even if they did, you could immediately file an appeal (seeing as there is now a defined appeals process for denial of extensions)..
Still you guys do what you want. I'll just be thankful that in Bangkok they don't do home visits for marriage or retirement extensions.