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Is the 1000 baht charge for residency certificates in Chiang Mai valid?

Residency CertificateVisa FeesImmigration ServicesChiang MaiThailand Expat CommunityFraud and CorruptionVisa RegulationsExpats in Thailand
Jul 6, 2018
7 years ago
Alan *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
A poster on Chiang Mai Expats says they are now charging 1000 baht for a residency certificate at local immigration. And they got a receipt, so apparently it’s legal. Does anyone know more about this?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A discussion on a Chiang Mai expat forum reveals varying fees for residency certificates, with some claiming charges of 1000 baht at local immigration offices while others report lower fees or free services in different locations across Thailand. Some users suggest that the 1000 baht charge might be from an agency rather than the official immigration office, indicating possible corruption or misinformation regarding the standard fee.
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Adam ******
I paid 300 baht in Pattaya last week. In and out in 30 minutes.
7 years ago
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Russ *********
I paid 500 baht a year ago in pattaya, no receipt given.
7 years ago
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Bob **********
I believe that’s from an agency
7 years ago
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David ****************
Called the ‘Mafia’? 555
7 years ago
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David ****************
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Kristen *******
I'm being charged 2000. She because of there's to of us.. is this correct? For my son and I.
7 years ago
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Bob **********
Go to Immigration not the agency’s my friend almost fell for it on Monday
7 years ago
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David ****************
Kristen. There is a reason why you have no receipt. Its corruption. You’ve been tricked by the robbers in uniforms.

You have paid the highest fee that I’ve ever heard of in 12 years, Sorry!
7 years ago
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Kristen *******
Didn't get one. Just a slip on when to pick it up.
7 years ago
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David ****************
@Kri****
. Please show us your receipt???
7 years ago
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Kristen *******
It's the one in the promenade. I ended only paying 1000 because I told her I only need one. It felt weird the way she told me the price. She lowered her head and whispered the amount, it felt very odd.
7 years ago
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Tod *********
Are you sure you're using the immigration office in Chiang Mai and not an agency masquerading as one?
7 years ago
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Tod *********
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Steve *********************
300 Jomtien for residents cert only 90 days is free
7 years ago
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Jim *******
Free in Nakhon Ratchasima. Walk in. Get it in a few minutes time
7 years ago
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Jim *******
Amazing Thailand. 555
7 years ago
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Jim *******
Strange. Went with a Brit friend few weeks ago for his. He wasn’t charged either
7 years ago
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Al *******
@Jim ******
 I also got two, both at the old location, so I could get an auto and a motorcycle license. Charged both times.
7 years ago
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Jim *******
Have gotten 2. One at old. One at new. Never charged
7 years ago
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Al *******
It was 500 baht for one there just a couple of years ago when immigration was at its previous location.
7 years ago
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Al *******
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Tod *********
It's the agency that charges the 1000baht for the certificate of residence in Chiang Mai NOT the real immigration office.

They still issue them for free.
7 years ago
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Bob **********
I think it takes a week or two but there free I pay 300 in Pattaya get it the same day though
7 years ago
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Zabel ******************
Wish it was like that in Phuket
7 years ago
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Zabel ******************
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David ****************
Free in Sisaket
7 years ago
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Joe ***********
With my idea - the Expat pays once, applies for the card with all the proofs, lease, police cert., etc.
7 years ago
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Joe ***********
@Tod ********
 - yes day dreaming
7 years ago
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Tod *********
good idea, but I'm not gonna hold my breath for the powerz-that-b to adopt it. I think I'll leave that for my grandchildren to worry about here. :O
7 years ago
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Tod *********
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Joe ***********
It has been proposed more than once that Thai Immigration issue Expat photo ID cards (for those on long stay Visas and Extensions. With such an Expat Card there would be no need for Residency Certificates, Carrying the Passport for routine out of the house short travel, no need for proofs in applying for Drivers Licenses other than a passport, etc. Other countries do this - even in Asia.
7 years ago
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Pedro **********
what is this purple/pink id card ? I own a condo and am on non O-A. I am in Pattaya. Where would i apply for this ?
7 years ago
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Joe ***********
@Tod ********
 But I know I'm day dreaming
7 years ago
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Joe ***********
@Tod ********
 - I just think something more in a comprehensive card used by all Expats such as the Philippines: Foreign National / Alien ACR I-Cards with defined uses and privileges. Even if there is an annual fee. Malaysia also has a Foreigner ID card.
7 years ago
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Tod *********
@Joe **********
 You can get a yellow house book (a prerequisite to getting a pink thai i/d card) when you rent and without being married to a thai.
7 years ago
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Robert *******
They do, but need help of the land lord for providing the yellow book.
7 years ago
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Tod *********
@Robert ******
 unfortunately I have not heard any reports (except at banks) where the card was accepted as proof of residence). I mean the DLT won't take it,etc...
7 years ago
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Joe ***********
@Robert ******
 - but some maybe many long stay Expats don't qualify for the cards you mention... i.e. single, rent only
7 years ago
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Robert *******
You can apply at your Amphur for the purple/pink ID card. With picture and details of address. I only have picture of the back side:
7 years ago
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Robert *******
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Zabel ******************
Martin Howarth

Nice keep the good news coming fist from Robert Lagas and now from you always make me happy when hear about this thing's
7 years ago
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Martin *********
It’s free in Jontiem ( pattaya )
7 years ago
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Martin *********
@Michael *******
 I honestly don’t recall paying anything , and I had to go back to get another copy 3 days after getting one too , ( driving license) .
7 years ago
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Michael ********
No it is 300 baht.
7 years ago
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Michael ********
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Wi ****
It’s free if it’s issued by the immigration office on the 2nd floor and takes abt 2 weeks time to get it.

In the past, if you wanted to get it within 3 working days. There was an agency down there (next to a photocopy shop) who managed this to you at 500 baht.

But after April 2018, the new agency at the same office place charges you 1,000 baht and you will get it the next day after 3 p.m.
7 years ago
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Zabel ******************
As far I know it's always been free from the guverment but nomatter which immigration office they has always been charging an ilegal fee

But as we all know this how it's work in Thailand the law's says one thing but in reality it don't work like that
7 years ago
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Zabel ******************
@Robert ******
Nice wish I lived there but good on them for doing the right thing
7 years ago
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Robert *******
In Krabi this Certificate of Residence is directly made and FREE.
7 years ago
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Robert *******
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Robert *******
There was a report some time ago that the price went from 500 Thb to 1.000 Thb, but that was the price from the visa agent next door of the Immigration but you would get this certificate faster than when you apply yourself.
7 years ago
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Robert *******
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