Foreigners' visas a matter of mystery

It is impossible for a foreigner to know the law. It is impossible for a foreigner to know the different stamps. There are private firms everywhere advertising “legal visa assistance” and many use excellent fake stamps or stolen real stamps. 

Thus, I have always done everything myself, even when it has been extremely confusing, sometimes challenging and different from morning to afternoon – which is normal for Thailand. I remember clearly my third extension, at 10.30 in the morning. I was sent off to get a medical certificate, returning just after lunch and being told, by a different officer, that the medical certificate was unnecessary. My total time in the office was about 45 minutes – less time than it took to get the medical certificate.

Michael Weldon

Udon Thani