Exactly, have people out there been asked for proof of address before ?
The way Tabien Bahn's are used/misused, they are far from relevant to current address.
We were asked on this year's visa renewal (never have been before) - they wanted a copy of the Tabien Bahn and the rental contract (this was for an office though, not home addresses).
Its either another Hua Hin squeeze on foreigners or again different officers doing things their own way.
As you say, most owners don't want to show they're renting to farangs for tax purposes so getting the blue book is not that easy.
Last edited by buksida on Mon Aug 25, 2008 10:04 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Who is the happier man, he who has braved the storm of life and lived or he who has stayed securely on shore and merely existed? - Hunter S Thompson
If you live in a guesthouse, you have to use their address when you apply for a visa.
That's where you live and that's what they want.
I have done this myself and that was in accordance with the Sinkhon (now Hua Hin) immigration authorities some years ago.
I expect this to be still valid.
"As you say, most owners don't want to show they're renting to farangs for tax purposes so getting the blue book is not that easy."
You are quite correct Buksida .A lot of Thai people are paranoid that everyone is after money from them and fear anything that might cause them financial liability but does anyone really believe that the desk orificer at immigration is part of a highly organised ,technologically brilliant,nationwide system of communication that enables all govt. departments to interact in real time ? Or any time for that matter .
From what I've read, this proof of address is not just limited to HH. Other offices are asking for it now.
I picked up a copy of my rental contract from the owners yesterday when I paid my rent. I hope this suffices as quite what else I can give Imm is beyond me.
Frankly, I dont actually know what color the book for our house is! I have yet to dig it out of where we keep documents. We own the house and have done for several years now. But it is, of course, in my Thai spouse's name. So my copying the house book or bringing it in or both still says nothing about MY actually living in the house as my name is not on it. . . which is why I asked about getting a police statement. The guy said that was not necessary. Seems kinda vague for them to just take my word for the fact that I live in the house I am presenting the book for. ( Couldn't I just present them with any book for any house?)
Of course you could show them any book .These people are programmed and as long as they can tick all the little boxes they are happy .They cannot question their superiors and if their superiors have got it wrong they can't admit it because of the face thing .asking questions is admitting that you don,t know something that maybe you should,again the face thing and fear of authority .Better to make the scary farang go and get another peice of paper and hope they go to a different desk when they come back .
When it comes to dealing with officials here some of you are
when you could get a Thai friend or pay an agent to do it and
If you can't for some reason then next time you are at immigration swap phone numbers with all the other farangs that will be due again at the same time as you and arrange to all turn up together next time with identical paperwork .If they process one they should process them all .Make conversation with the official,find out if they have kids .If so drop by before your next due date and give them a little present for the children,take their phone number and call in advance enquiring after the children and asking what would be the best time to come in and if the same paperwork as last time is still ok .I had to transfer substantial sums of money over during the time when they were being really strict and holding payments .We were building 3 houses at the time and my mother needed a car as did I .A silk scarf,a tin of biscuits from Harrods and some perfume have so far secured us front of the queue every time and no hassles .Look beyond the uniform to the person,it works .
I feel I have to have a say on this Crazy 88 and others who would offer bribes.
Where I come from offering a bribe is just as much a crime as accepting one and with your attitude is there little wonder corruption is rife?
I note on another post that one of the big hates about Thailand is the level of corruption. Well ladies and gents here in Crazy 88's post we see the reason for that corruption.
When people are willing to offer bribes for their own purpose and to the detrment of others who are not willing or able to pay the same this to me is reprehensable.
When bribes are offered to Govt officials it soon becomes expected by those on the receiving end and those who do not pay will receive inferior or possibly no service. With the Thai attitude I suspect it could also be a loss of face with others in the office not to get bribes making the problem even worse.
So keep your cookies Crazy 88, take a number like others and get to the end of the line.
Nah, sorry, I'm with robby on this one. I don't think he was being prissy about it, and nor am I. If I was in a situation where there was no other choice I wouldn't hesitate - I'd either not try to do whatever I wanted to do, or hand over whatever was needed, if it was worth it to me. That's life. And I think if you're in business here that might often be the case now and then.
I also think it's a 'system' that needs to be tested now and then. If you're a straightforward retiree or someone on a work permit (not self-employed), don't start handing over 'tea money' just for the heck of it.
Wrong thread SJ thats add a word
It does annoy me the attitude of bribes from farangs i have never i will say that again never paid or been asked for a bribe for doing what they should
being polite and respectfull has worked for me for 23 years its A%$#holes that dont want to bother getting there paperwork correct or are so full of shit they know better than the officer or they know damn well they are not really entitled or qualified for what they are demanding that go on about bribes
I am with Robby and DM on this one