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Apart from the regular police, all major tourist centers have a special Tourist Police force, which is pretty unique world wide.
The tourist police is English speaking and in charge of helping tourists that have problems of any kind.
Charges in a restaurant too high, be bothered by Thai people or other foreigners? No problem: contact the nearest Tourist Police officer and they will help with any inconvenience.
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A "Visa on arrival" is granted automatically on entry into Thailand (at the airport, sea port) to visitors from most Western and Asian countries. The Passport has to be valid for at least 6 months after the entry date. Children have to travel with their own passport (child entries in parent’s passports are not considered valid).
Long stay or Business Travelers need a non-immigrant visa, which is valid for 60 to 90 days. Such non-immigrant visas have to be applied for with the Thai Embassy or Consulate abroad.
These non-immigrant Visas can be converted to 1-year Visas with the local immigration authority in Thailand, if requirements are met. The 1-year visas will be extended for another year each time as long as the requirements are met. Foreigners are required to report to the immigration office every 90 days, confirming the address of residence.
Valid reasons for long stay visa extensions are: retirement (persons over 50 years of age), employment by a Thai company, business or investment related reasons, education by accredited school, marriage with a Thai spouse, and a variety of special purpose visas.
After 5 years of consecutive 1-year permits, a permanent residence status can be applied.
Useful links for Visa questions:
Thai embassies worldwide.
Foreign embassies in Thailand
Visa information
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