Thread: New 90 day reporting rule?

Originally Posted by superman

Went to immigration today. I smiled, as recommended by other posters, but still they refuse to do 90 day report by post. A complete waste of a smile. Fcuk 'em.

I don't know if you jump up & down they will fu-k you over.
You have tried the smile & that don't work.
You can not show them the rule, as that mite fu-k you to.

Sorry Superman I have run out of Idea's
PS you could move to Ratchaburi

In the 7 years I been living here our local immigration office has always been damn awkward. Moving location every year, on average, is the biggest fcuk about. Haven't figured out the scam benefits as to why they do it, as yet. I can only think they get paid 'relocation payments'?

At least here in Bangkok there are a multitude of "service providers" who'll run your passport and form out to Thai Immigrations at the Government Complex on Chaengwattana Road for a "fee". Bumrungrad charges 500 baht for it.

Seeing as I go out there myself a couple times a month at least, I always see the same "runners" from Bumrungrad, and a couple visa agents I know out there with a pile 'o passports doin' 90 day reporting for foreigners.

There's nothing written in the rules which say you hafta go in person. PLenty of people I know send a trusted motocy-driver out there for them. Now if you're reporting late (7 days later than your report date) you hafta go in person. Yes you do get a "write up", yes it is logged in the "big book", yes you do sign the "receipt of fine" slip and yes there is a stamp in your passport. It doesn't mean anything and if you don't like it, well don't report late...

Also that "change of address" form is just a free dealy which updates the information in their data base. In theory you're supposed to do it I think within 24 hours of moving, but I have seen people turn 'em in on their next 90 day report with no adverse effects...

Do be aware that the "usual" fine for late reporting is 2000baht, and there's a sign at Bangkok Immigrations which says a maximum fine of 5000 can be charged. I had a guy ahead of me in the queue who was reporting 9 days late. He was dumbstruck there was a 2000 baht fine, pounded his hand on the desk, got all red in the face, shouting he'd been here forever, this was an outrage, blah-blah-blah. The Immigrations officer took it totally in stride and said in crystal clear English; "Sir your fine is now 5000baht" as she pointed to the sign outlining the fines. His expression was priceless.

I mean I understand that with that zone system Immigrations adopted you might live way closer to an Immigrations office than the one you hafta report to. I know someone up country who lives just down the road from one, but is compelled to go to the assigned one 150km away. It's certainly not an ideal set up and I don't know why EVERY office doesn't take 90 day reporting by post.

Call the Immigrations hotline (1111, then 9, I think) if you feel something's not right about the office which services your area. You don't give your name and they speak English just fine.

I dunno about a "moronic smile and a thai wai" cutting any ice with these people. I've never wai'd a thai ever and most likely never will. Yet it doesn’t' seem to have affected my life here routinely dealing with the Police and Immigrations officials in the slightest. I always ask foreigners; Why wai? Are you Thai? and tell them "Wai's are for thais".. Honestly if you're just polite, courteous and keep those two "catch phrases” in your head and you'll do fine.