Phuket Expats Allege Extra 200 Baht Fee Asked at Immigration
Saturday, October 11, 2014
PHUKET: Phuketwan is delivering the following email from a reader to the Governor of Phuket on Monday:
Letter of Complaint
Today I went to the immigration office in Patong to get a re-entry permit as I have to leave Thailand quickly because my father is dying in the UK.
The price I know I always pay is 1000 baht. I had prepared the for at home already and I handed this over with my documents and application form to the officer, he immediately told me there was a 200 baht service fee as well as the 1000 baht at the Patong office.
I have never heard of this before but I paid it as I was in a hurry and also worried about my father, but I asked for a receipt . When I got the receipt it only showed 1000 baht , so I asked the officer for a receipt for including 200 baht the service fee he had charged me.
This he refused and told me he can't give a receipt for the service fee, he said his office is expensive to run, he told me that the Patong office is not a government office.
He said you know I have to pay my staff 20,000 a month, so I have to charge a 200 baht service fee.
I then told him I had been living here 13 years and I feel that this is not correct, I also told him and his boss that I feel I should report this and made it clear to them that I was not happy.
Then both the officers, the one in the photo [ Phuketwan was sent the photo] and his boss told me that ''this is not a government office, its half half we are an agency.
This I know is incorrect, this was the Patong Immigration office on the beach road.
I would like to ask is this correct as I have lived here since 2001 and I have never been asked to pay a service fee like this before.
I took a photograph of the officer who asked me for the 200 baht service fee and the same officer refused to give me a receipt.
I am sure all this can be checked on the CCTV, the time was 12.00 pm Monday 15/09/2014.
Phuketwan has since received the following email:
Just wanted to share this info with you that i was on a visa run (non-B) to Penang, Malaysia and as we were about to leave Thailand from southern border our driver told us:
On the way back you put 200 baht inside your passport. This is the fee for Thailand entry.
Day after as we approached the border this information was repeated several times.
In my group, we had small chats and some of us decided to no put the money.
Our driver noticed and he got more involved. We told him we do not have the money and he opened his own wallet and gave us 200 baht.
He said in Thailand you pay back!
This was kind of proof to me that we won't be able to pass through immigration in case we refused to pay. I placed myself last in the line of our group just to see all others.
At this point i had only our drivers behind me. One person in our group had decided to not go with the flow. I was right behind him.
As he stepped in to immigration counter i whispered: Did you put the 200 inside your pass? He shoke his head in a denial way that No he has Not.
Anyway he passed the immigration but the officer looked at him very angrily.
Our driver was behind me. He was controlling the flock. He told again 200 inside your passport.
I put the money back in my passport and handed over to the immigration officer. He took my passport and discretely removed the 200 baht from my passport.
He then found un-explained errors with my visa! He started chatting with my driver who was behind me. Driver said: No Good!
I understood the problem was not with me or my visa but they were talking about the guy before me who passed in without giving the 200 baht.
Finally i got my stamp and went in. I approached the person who had refused to pay and he proudly confirmed that he had not paid the money.
As we were talking the driver caught up us and said: No good. You did not pay 200 baht. No good! You must pay.
The two men kept arguing till the driver got the 200 baht and went back to the immigration counter. He paid (?) and got back saying .. no problems. Let's go.
All of us, 10 people paid 200 baht. None of us got a receipt.
|
Comments
Comments have been disabled for this article.
more ripping of the farang..so what else is new..Patong immigration also asks fro 100 baht service fee for 90 day report
Posted by
sky
on
October 11, 2014 16:15
Why do you people complain about such small amounts of money and potentially cause problems for yourselves? If 200 baht is such an amount of money to you that it is worth complaining about should you really be here living in Thailand what will happen if unforeseen problems arise with health or anything that requires a considerable amount of money to be paid will you then have to beg or rely on someones charity to help you? Are you prepared to be a burden on somebody else?
If you cant afford this small fee go home and get a job or be a burden to your own countries social welfare or if its the point you are trying to make don't you think there are more outrageous issues to make a point about? You should be embarrassed and really try to get a life or at least send letters to the governor reporting issues that will help people or try to do something positive. People like you like to complain about very small things about this country but you still insist on trying to live here as your own country is not for you. You have wasted the governor or his staffs time with this pathetic show of tightness and probably taken their time away from some serious issues for the sake of $7 or 4 pound or 6 euro's...Get a life because as soon as you reach the UK you will be paying a lot more money for everything why don't you just stay in the UK and let a quality tourist who can afford to stay here take your place.
Posted by
Hulkster
on
October 11, 2014 17:55
This crime has been going on for years. I have reported it but in vane.
Posted by
bryan wilson
on
October 11, 2014 17:56
Maybe time to remove another structure involving illegal activity from the beach. I can see the response now, just a miscommunication!
Posted by
Manowar
on
October 11, 2014 18:03
Exactly the same thing happened to me last week again in the Patong immigration office , I went to do my 90 day address report. I was asked straight away for a 200 baht service fee , the officer said "200 baht service fee , you OK , if no OK you go Phuket Town , long way and very busy". I could not believe the way he just asked in front of many other people. I refused to pay and he said "OK you go Phuket Town" and gave me the form back
Posted by
Rudolf
on
October 11, 2014 18:12
What a pathetic reply from Hulkster , its fine to give a tip but to be blatantly blackmailed into paying a bribe is something else indeed. I fully support the letter of complaint , its all do with making a point. He was being charged 1000 baht fee for a re-entry permit so why is the officer demanding a 20% service fee on top.
Posted by
Rudolf
on
October 11, 2014 18:22
Hulkster,
I don't think the complaint is about the value of paying 200 baht, it's about being forced to be involved in a crime. The problem with Phuket is from the time you enter until the time you leave, every dollar you spend, part of it is a contribution to some form of extortion that lines the pockets of those in charge.
Posted by
Manowar
on
October 11, 2014 18:23
Patong immigration has been doing these extra charges so long now most people know the set fee's already. 100 extra for 90 day check in, 200 for anything else. As to receipts, yeah right sure they will provide people with evidence of the over charging....
Posted by
Lashay
on
October 11, 2014 18:36
@hulkster or whatever your G*y little name is this week. Its not the amount. but the absolute principal of the matter. If a service is free why should you give 200 THB to an immigration officer that will go in his back pocket. If 100 people a week pay it its 20,000 THB per week. 80,000 per month.
Can I ask you if it was 1000 THB would that be wrong or 10,000 THB - where's the line to be drawn.
People like you are the reason corruption exists because you whole heartedly accept it.
You mention the UK - hmmmm imagine a immigration officer pocketing 500 euros a week in bribes from immigrants. There would be uproar.
You have some nerve appearing on here disrespecting expats the way you have.
You are the problem with Thailand plane and simple.
Good Riddance
Posted by
phuketsaviour
on
October 11, 2014 18:44
Editor Comment:
''People like you are the reason corruption exists because you whole heartedly accept it.''
There is so much wrong with the post by Hulkster I won't even start!
It is amazing there are people like Hulkster that actively condones rampant corruption with some half assed argument that homeland is more expensive!
Posted by
Jim
on
October 11, 2014 18:52
Editor Comment:
There is a lot to like about living in Thailand and there's no suggestion the culture should be changed to be just like Britain, say. But corruption is a not-acceptable part of Thailand's culture, for Thais as well as expats. Hulkster is supporting the wrong team.
I went through the same border three months ago. I was told I had to put 200 Baht in my passport by the driver. The driver told me if I did not, the immigration officer would not stamp my tourist visa, this giving me problems when I wanted to leave Thailand. When we waited around the back of the building for everyone to clear immigration, I noticed that the immigration officers ALL had brand new vehicles - something out of the norm for public officials in Thailand.
Posted by
Kenny
on
October 11, 2014 19:36
I am embarrassed that people like "Hulkster" live in our country. How can he accept and agree that a government officer is correct in asking for openly asking for a bribe. this is the very thing that is ruining our country , the fee is 1000 baht for a re-entry permit. I think "Hulkstrer" is the one who should leave Thailand if he so does support this kind of corruption. The man who made the complaint is absolutely correct in doing so , I agree fully with his complaint.
Posted by
Sursasak Chanasat
on
October 11, 2014 19:47
When I needed a residential proof from immigration in phuket town, the guy with the floating newspaper asked for 500 but backed down after I said in Thai that it was 300 last time.
Posted by
Fea
on
October 11, 2014 19:55
@Hulkster:
I am the person who sent the email regarding the southern immigration bribe.
You are very wrong in your statements regarding quality tourist. Corruption is similar to cancer and it will eat you up from inside. Thailand needs to be rid of corruption for better future for all Thai Citizens and its tourist.
Just to inform you that i am very Okay with paying 200 baht at immigration upon receiving a receipt if i know that this small money along with thousands other visitors who were at my side at very same moment, along with those who were before me and those who arrived after me.
If all these money would contribute to Thailand's welfare and would be shared among all Thais in a logical way decided by government.
Additionally i believe you are the one who needs to get a life.
Posted by
Sam
on
October 11, 2014 21:16
Police in BKK will record those who try to bribe them with classic 100 baht note with a small camera mounted on their helmets. One of them already got 10,000 baht as reward. Whoever feels like to record the 200 baht note slipped into the passport at the immigration border and post it on the web, will receive the "jai dee person of the year" award by immigration itself.
Posted by
jai dee immigration
on
October 11, 2014 22:11
I just renewed my retirement visa for the 9th time. Usually its a straight up affair taking about 1 or 2 hours depending on how many people there. This time it took 2 visits and 10 hours of waiting. They asked for proof of residence ( after waiting 4 hours) even though they have my address on their computer and it has never changed or ever been asked for before. The usual excuse is that it is not a new requirement but only now being enforced. The next day I return with all in order and hand it all in. It took them 4 hours to stamp my passport and hand it back to me. It was 5:00 o'clock by then, 1 hour after closing time. So here is the deal. The tactic is to make things so difficult that for retirement visas and work permits, expats just give up and use Thai visa companies. It usually costs 10,000 baht for a work permit. My ex used to process work permits for a dozen foreigners as a part of her job. She finally gave up because it meant spending so much time out of the office because they made her return DOZENS of times. The imagined problems all magically disappear once you go through the visa company and the visa stamped passports are delivered right to the office in 12 hours. Immigration will even helpfully recommend a Thai visa company. And we say Thais don't think creatively.
Posted by
ex-expat
on
October 11, 2014 23:50
You should go and live up-country. 90 days in less than 5 minutes, 1 year retirement visa plus multi-entry stamp maximum 15 minutes and no 'tip'. Everything is computerized and straightforward if you have the correct documents. It also helps if the immigration officers know you, as they will attend to you ahead of others that are waiting.
Posted by
Pete
on
October 12, 2014 06:12
When in Rome do as the Romans do, Pay the money and be on your way, enjoy your time in Thailand.Wrong or right this is the way things are in Thailand.
Posted by
jimmy Rawai
on
October 12, 2014 06:40
Editor Comment:
What a crock, jimmy. You're part of the problem. This is not ancient Rome, it's Thailand in 2014, and it's time corruption was stopped. But if you can't tell right from wrong, your life must be quite worrying.
"Police in BKK will record those who try to bribe them with classic 100 baht note with a small camera mounted on their helmets"
They obviously will record and prosecute only insults by those who offer impolitely too small amounts , with a level of XXX THB set to be minimum not to damage a dignity of the officer in a particular situation ;)
Posted by
Sue
on
October 12, 2014 09:36
I am curious why the Governor is chosen as a venue where to file a complaint. Or is it just one among few adressees?
The Governor has no power neither over immigration , nor over corruption investigation, but instead over shelving complaint and making sweet tactical speeches.
The best what the Governor can do is just FWD complaint to an agency that has a competence to deal with it by substance.
Relevant agencies obviously would be those in Bangkok and Surrathani, that are charged with Phuket investigations.
In my experience complaints do work when you file one with a relevant agency, CC it to its higher authority, and one more time CC it to the higher authority of the higher authority, and indicate that you're doing it to make sure that consideration of the complaint is properly controlled.
The latter one in this case could be The Administration in Bangkok.
Posted by
Sue
on
October 12, 2014 09:52
Editor Comment:
The just-departed governor asked for all corruption complaints to be directed through his office and we are hoping the new governor is more inclined to solve issues.
I see Hulkster is taking a fair amount of flak with expats accusing him of condoning corruption.
The truth is that all expats condone it. Your money effectively fuels the system, if the expats weren't here there wouldn't be any to scam.
Change... we'll there's a nice thought. Unfortunately change comes about by actions not words. Just two days after the murders in Koh Tao I left because I feel I can no longer be party to a system that is corrupt and indeed murderous.
Certainly Thailand has it's good points but for those of you who are tired of all the scams and corruption the solution is really quite simple... leave.
Posted by
Graham
on
October 12, 2014 10:57
Editor Comment:
What rubbish. All expats do not condone corruption and do not pay bribes. Those who do are as guilty as the takers. You and Hulkster are just the kind of people Thailand doesn't need. If you've gone, good. If Hulkster follows, great.
Prime Minister, NCPO, please can you handle Phuket Immigration, which this moment is NOT obeying your orders. Prime Minister , can you send someone NCPO to Phuket to assist Col Sunchai and make Phuket Immigration again a department you can trust?
Posted by
Kurt
on
October 12, 2014 12:55
We wait and see how the.. Letter of Complaint.. will be received by Governor, but actually more by Prime Minister and NCPO.
Posted by
Kurt
on
October 12, 2014 15:26
I run a travel business in krabi. Recently, one of our vehicles had to go for a check. My driver told me the following morning that an official made him pay 1000 baht on top of the normal service fee. They gave him no receipt. I went in to the office and demanded a receipt or the 1000 baht back (all done in Thai) or i would take the matter further. The official immediately gave me the 1000 baht back and apologised. I was amazed. No one should have to pay under the table. It benefits no-one but the cockroaches.
Posted by
mr lob
on
October 12, 2014 18:47
The fee for an address certificate - the one with your photograph on it and needed for car/bike registrations and driving licences - is 300 baht at Phuket Town immigration office.
Col Sunchai Chokkajaykij - chief of Phuket Immigration office - says it is free.
It is free in Bangkok.
So why do the two officers in Phuket Town demand 300 baht?
(Non-rhetorical question.)
Posted by
Smithy
on
October 12, 2014 20:19
Do not know, if there is a fee for changing your status of Visa or stay in TH from an old Passport to a new Passport.
Anyway, I was asked for 200 Baht for that work in Udon Thani Immigration. Did not receive a receipt. I also did not ask for one. Just curious.
I usually give a TIP for extensions of stay there, when I pay 1.900 B. I pay with 2.000 and let the 100 Baht as coffee money.
Posted by
Alfred
on
October 12, 2014 21:43
ex-expat - So true.
I have heard (from an immigration employee) that immigration officials are supposed to rotate provinces every 2-3 years in an attempt to reduce corruption. It would be really interesting to have this corroborated on record and if true, I'm sure the official explanation as to why it doesn't happen to ALL personnel in Phuket immigration would make interesting reading. Surely all work placement /postings require a paper trail of signatures that would highlight those involved.
Posted by
Steve
on
October 13, 2014 00:36
Well I am glad this has gone public , I to was asked for a 200 baht service fee at the Patong office last month on top of the 1000 baht fee for a re-entry permit. I refused and my passport was returned and I was told to go to Phuket Town and wait long time.
Posted by
Liam
on
October 13, 2014 02:34
Phuket also charging for 90 day reports now and of course for residence letters.
Posted by
LivinLOS
on
October 13, 2014 07:37
It makes me smile that the Junta came to power because of a need to clear up corruption (in their words) yet these issues have sky rocketed under their watch.
* 200b entry fee in the south.
* VIP express lane at the airport and purposefully slowing down the others until they get paid.
* 100 - 200b 90 day report fees
* 200b Re-entry fee
* 300 - 500b residence letter.
Adds up to a lot of money processing these all day. Yet the Junta strangely silent on fees that apply to farangs.
Posted by
LivinLOS
on
October 13, 2014 07:43
Editor Comment:
The Army and Immigration have no connection, LOS. I don't understand why people imagine that everyone in uniform is part of the same organisation. Ever thought that perhaps if you told the Army what you know, they may show greater interest?
Hulkster! Its idiots like you who make these problems get worst. 200 baht per person may not seem a lot, but multiply that by 100 people an hour, then it becomes serious. It has to stop and people like you should be the first to stop.
Posted by
Amazed
on
October 13, 2014 09:16
I have heard about the 100 baht fee at airport, I have never seen it happening or been offered and as an offshore worker 1 fly in quite often
Posted by
Michael
on
October 13, 2014 09:57
"Phuket also charging for 90 day reports now and of course for residence letters."
Did my 90 day reporting last week in Phuket Town. No fee, polite staff, in and out in less than 5 minutes
Posted by
Richard
on
October 13, 2014 13:19
|
more ripping of the farang..so what else is new..Patong immigration also asks fro 100 baht service fee for 90 day report
Posted by sky on October 11, 2014 16:15