CMBob

I too have wondered what happens to people needing some immigration service where they need a TM-30 Receipt but their hotel (or, more often, a landlord) refuses to do one. I'd guess that telling an Immigration Officer that would get somebody nowhere. I've read many posts over the years where this has happened but don't recall any such poster following up and subsequently explaining what happened or how the problem was resolved.

Sorry, like Novacova, I don't know anybody who's done that. It makes no sense to me that you can't do it in CR provided you've changed your TM-30 registered address to CR; however, like I said before, I have zero clue as to the local rules/practice in CR (let alone the rules/practice of a given officer there).

I'm presuming you are seeking a one-year extension based on retirement and, yes, there's no doubt you will be required to present a copy of a TM-30. You obtaining a printout of the TM-30 filing from your 1-night stay here in CM will suffice (ask right up front if the hotel will do the filing and, if not, go find another hotel that will do so). Once you're set there and go back to Chiangrai, you're going to want to do a TM-30 filing there so you're fine for future matters (that's presuming you stay in Chiangrai). And ask the IO in CR if you need to do anything else (such as filing any other address change document.....I only mention this as I don't know what CR requires). And, once you extend here in CM, see if they give you a new TM-47 (90-day address Receipt of Notification) with a new date for reporting because, if they don't, then you'd be wise to report 90-days from your last entry (or whatever your current Receipt of Notification says). As poster said above, they should be giving you a new Receipt and date. (P.S. I'm rather doubtful any CM Immigration Officer participates in this forum).

Real nice. As I said, I got in the short line to one before the line people's table. Was only a couple of people ahead of me and and it took 5-7 minutes or so.

All my paperwork was in order and the tent person quickly scanned through them and gave me a queue number. My mentioning that I had an appointment didn't seem to make any difference. I'm not sure what you mention about a "tent queue number" as I just went up to the people up front and somewhat wormed my way to a window after a few minutes. If they're giving queue numbers just to see the "tent people", I skipped that process and jumped in a short line before the tent people tables.

I had an appointment (for annual extension based on retirement) December 7th and went immediately to the central counter as I did the prior year; however, they then told me I first had to go to the outside "tent" and get a queue number from the people there before returning to the central counter. Was almost late for the appointment. And, yea, I was not thrilled about it. My advice to those having an appointment is to get there at least a half hour early as it takes some time to get through the hordes getting initial approval and queue numbers from the outside group.

From Google: "The full list of 22 countries temporarily exempt from K-ETA are: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Macao, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, UK, US (including Guam)." Would note I don't see Thailand in that list (i.e., I have zero clue what requirements involve your Thai wife). The K-ETA is easy to do online and allows entry without having to fill out the arrival card. I applied for one 4 months ago and had it within 3 days.

Given the two holidays since you applied, not surprising you're still waiting for it. Hopefully it'll come in the next few days. But, given you say you're only staying 2 months, you can always come in visa exempt and get 30 days and then get another 30-day extension at Immigration (or, alternatively, do the border hop you mentioned). Either way, you'll be good for 60 days.

Supposedly available other places but not sure if the VFS thing is working in CM.

Can't help with a specific place but almost all the furniture shops (ones selling wood/teak chairs, tables, carvings, etc.) likely could handle both safely packaging and shipping it for you. Years ago (as in 2 decades), I had teak furniture shipped back to the US but it was handled through the shop I bought the stuff at Baan Tawai. Took about 3 months and, as expected, shipping was a bit more than the 4 large items shipped. A few years later, I bought an approximately 3.5' x 30" rather delicate teak carving and had that shipped by wherever (I forget) I bought it (and it arrived in fine shape). Not sure where you bought your item but maybe that shop is used to handling shipping or at least could recommend a place.

You use the TM7 form for the 30-day extension. Under reasons, just put in Continuing Tourism.

The really only valid argument to use an agent is because somebody would like to reduce the stress a bit or because somebody just doesn't know what non-bank documents/copies are needed (or simply doesn't want to bother gathering same). Time spent is really isn't a valid point unless, I suppose, if one doesn't have an appointment and has to sit there for hours. (1) We likely both spend the same time getting the paperwork from our banks (unless agents do that for you?). (2) Takes me about an hour to fill out the TM7 (which I do on the computer and print out), make the necessary copies, and sign the stuff..... all of which I do at home. People using agents usually have to go to their agent's office with their bank paperwork and passport and then wait while they prepare the various paperwork and copies so they can sign the TM7 and copies there. (3) On the operative date, we both make our way to the Immigration office (people using agents sometimes make their way to their agent's office and the agent drives them to Immigration although some others have the agents pick them up at their home and drive them to Immigration). I presume we both go home from there (although I know some people end up back at their agent's office and go home from there). (4) I'm guessing you're at Immigration for 15-20 minutes or so whereas I have spent an additional 20-25 minutes the last two extensions (40 min total). Being retired, the extra 20-30 minutes once a year is tolerable to me. (5) We both pay 1,900 baht. You pay the agent whatever. I don't criticize anybody using an agent or argue that using one or the other is better, ultimately time-saving, or cheaper. Like you said, doing it yourself or using an agent is in the "up to you" category.

Nope, no appointments at Central Festival immigration office. Only at the main office near the airport.

For my annual extension based on retirement about 3 weeks ago, I had an appointment at 10AM and was walking out the door with my extension at 10:40. I can handle that once a year.....and it's relatively inexpensive (only had to buy myself lunch afterwards). In the future, I'll get the re-entry permit at the airport and avoid the wait.

I have known a lot of people who have gotten 30-day extensions (from exempt entries and Tourist Visas) and every one of them had the 30-days tacked onto the end of their exempt or Tourist Visa period. At least that's how it works here in Chiangmai.

Yes, they do 30-day extensions. I was out there 2 weeks ago and it was a zoo (busier than I've ever seen it). Got there at 10AM, finally got my re-entry permit at 2PM. Was still very busy when I left.

I remember having some of those a few years back as I remember that may have been a rule then; however, I don't believe it is any more (I've done a couple extensions and couple re-entry permits here in CM in the last 13 months and photos I provided just had a white background and there were no questions/issues).

There's an app called "Police i lert u".....which points out your location and gives you the option of calling the cops or an ambulance. I downloaded it but haven't used it (just thought it might come in handy if I witnessed an accident or whatever). Have no clue how well it does or doesn't work.

Confusing post as there is no such thing as a 15-month visa anywhere in Thailand. If what you're looking for is conversion to a Non-O followed by a 12-month extension during the last 45 days of the Non-O, that's possible by any visa agent (or by yourself) so long as you meet the requirements.

The subject of the thread is possible tax here in Thailand for expats who happen to be tax residents here. If you're concerned about inheritance/estate taxes in the UK, maybe contact a UK accountant (it isn't the topic here).

Well, inheritances are pretty much tax free here in Thailand (if under 100,000,000 baht). As to what you have to pay in the UK, I have no clue. And, maybe it's a problem if you transfer the UK inheritance proceeds into Thailand as perhaps a Treasury official requires you to prove that the funds transferred are inheritance funds. As to tax issues here (Thailand), it depends on whether you're a tax resident in Thailand, how the "new Thai tax" law is amended/interpreted, etc., etc.

Unfortunately, presuming the new tax law takes effect with all its glory (not), I just watched a video of a tax lawyer in BKK who said it will be up to the person to prove the money transferred wasn't from earnings or is exempt under an existing tax treaty. I know the OP said it was "savings" but the tax lawyer argued that it would be treated as earnings (as that's likely where originally it came from) unless you can prove an exemption. So best advice is for OP to transfer before the end of this month and avoid any possible issue. One issue that bothers me is that certain things (for examples only, inherited money or US social security earnings) are exempt from taxation here in Thailand; however, when transferring funds from a common account (where you keep all kinds of things - interest, dividends, prior earnings, etc., etc. - how does one satisfactorily prove you only transferred inherited funds, social security funds, etc.?

Please delete.

Never heard of anyone have that happen to them. If you're leaving on an international flight from CM, the re-entry desk will be open. Now, because this time I elected to not have to carry the paperwork to the airport, I went to the Central Festival Immigration office this morning to get a re-entry permit. Took 4 hours (was as jammed out there today as it was at the main Immigration office near the airport last Thursday).....I should have waited until I got to the airport....sigh. Also, the sign for re-entry permits out there now says 9:30AM to 11:30AM so I guess they might stop allowing any "inspection queue numbers" after 11:30AM now.

On the fancier end, try LeCrystal (google their website and hit the Festive Menu option. There are many places offering Xmas eve and Xmas day lunches and dinners. Most, I think, are set menus with option as to mains.