First KCI Home visit tomorrow, do you have to pay their Gasoline

[IRON DUKE]

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

[Tassie]

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

[Freddy]

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.

[tommynew]

The going rate to Sikhoraphum is 2000Baht

[iammike]

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.

[gotlost]

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

[CO-CO]

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.

[Sofa_King]

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

[CO-CO]

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.

[Sofa_King]

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

[CO-CO]

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.

[urleft]

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.

[Freddy]

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.

[urleft]

Excellent suggestion Steve.  Pay 300 baht. 

[iammike]

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".