vbjohnc

This chain of discussion is awesome. We Chinese Americans need a forum to discuss these kind of things, especially the Chinese food! Our challenge is we don't look the part of farangs but at the same time look Asian but aren't Thai. They call me jeen farang. 

- Boston Chinatown born & raised (any fellow Cantonese, Toisanese jook sing out there?)

I applied on December 16 and got the approved COE on January 6.

The 21 days were calendar days. As far as reaching someone I punched in 4 then 2 about 7  times for the main Chicago consulate number until someone answered directly. He was able to verify my application and told me everything looked in order and not to worry, I had plenty of lead time. He stated his name was Officer Nick and the only person in the Thai Consulate in Chicago that reviews and approves COEs. Good guy. 

Not sure it it took 21 days only because my flight is in 2 weeks but sure was relieved! 

On 12/21/2020 at 12:06 PM, vbjohnc said:

I applied about two weeks ago. Initially I applied at the Thai in-country site and got rejected as the only visa that was available on their pull-down menu was a diplomatic visa. Got this response from the DC embassy:

 

"The rejection is just a technical issue. You applied in https://coethailand.mfa.go.th which in not yet open for US residents. Please go to this Embassy's link https://thaiembdc.org/onlinevisaapplication/ and re-apply. For more information please go to https://thaiembdc.org/visas/"

 

I still have a valid non-B visa, APEC and a work permit. I reserved a delta flight with a connection through Seoul into BKK and have reserved an ASQ/ALQ in Chonburi with confirmation and included a bank statement and proof of insurance in my online application. Have not heard back yet. Will keep you guys posted...

Got my COE after 21 days! I travel on 1/22/21.  The consulate in Chicago sent me the COE as well as a declaration form. I had called them earlier and the officer in charge of COE approvals was very helpful. He sent me an email that had a "View Entry"  button to click that took me directly to my online submission. I was getting nervous that they did not receive my submission but it was nice to see it there with my own eyes.

By the way if you try to enter another submission on the same website it automatically checks to see if you already submitted an application as a message pops up warning you not to submit another application!

I applied about two weeks ago. Initially I applied at the Thai in-country site and got rejected as the only visa that was available on their pull-down menu was a diplomatic visa. Got this response from the DC embassy:

"The rejection is just a technical issue. You applied in https://coethailand.mfa.go.th which in not yet open for US residents. Please go to this Embassy's link https://thaiembdc.org/onlinevisaapplication/ and re-apply. For more information please go to https://thaiembdc.org/visas/"

I still have a valid non-B visa, APEC and a work permit. I reserved a delta flight with a connection through Seoul into BKK and have reserved an ASQ/ALQ in Chonburi with confirmation and included a bank statement and proof of insurance in my online application. Have not heard back yet. Will keep you guys posted...

Unless things have changed in the last few years I got a Chinese visa the same day at the Chinese embassy in BKK. Got in line in the morning to submit my application. Went back after lunch to pick it up. Quick and easy. I have an American passport.