ed79

Ah yes thanks, before I came to CM I added Makro as a "place to visit" on googles maps but forgot about it. I don't have bike or car but Makro is kinda within walking distance. I'd still prefer an online order and delivery though. As to self-stuffing chicken breast I despise cooking. And actually where I am in CM I don't have a kitchen so that's my excuse! Joking aside I don't think my attempts would be as good as below and I wouldn't be surprised if it was cheaper to buy ready-made... https://expatfoodsthailand.com/shop/frozen-food/prime-food-service/prime-chicken-breast-stuffed-cream-cheese-jalapeno/ https://expatfoodsthailand.com/shop/frozen-food/meat-poultry/prime-chicken-stuffed-with-cheese-broccolli/

Ah yes Rimping. I always get them mixed up with Villa Market (both expensive I think?). I tried the Villa Market in Pattaya and thought it was a complete dump. Way way way worse than I'd expected. I think there's a Rimping in Maya right? If so I could try walking down there, although I'd still prefer online order with home delivery. Also, in my experience Siamburis was cheaper than in-person shopping at supermarkets in Pattaya at least.

I don't have transport. There's a small-ish Tops within walking distance but I haven't seen much of what I'm looking for. Specifically when in Pattaya I'd order about 2 weeks worth of stuff which could be kept in the freezer then warmed up in the oven. I've just got an air fryer so can now do something similar here in CM:- Greggs chicken bakes Bowmans Pies Frozen chips / wedges / croquet's Stuffed chicken breast Chicken Kievs Frozen veg UK gravy / tea bags / chocolate and cakes I also liked the Chefs Kitchen frozen pizzas but sadly they're too big to fit in my new air fryer ???? In my experience some of the above was available in Pattaya supermarkets but Siamburis was cheaper or same cost, and much easier to order home delivery with a few mouse clicks.

Hi all, is there a Chiang Mai equivalent to the Siamburis (https://expatfoodsthailand.com/) in Pattaya? I found somewhere called greens.co.th that looked promising, but they don't stock some of the stuff I wanted, or their prices are significantly higher, or they have out of date stock (like 3 months past sell buy date). I went through Greens website trying to add stuff to my basket for delivery but due to the above I'm struggling to find enough items to make it worth ordering.

Thanks Jim. I went this afternoon and my experience with an appointment was identical to yours. I did run into a bit of a language barrier as I understood "take a seat" but I thought I also needed to wait for a number. Fortunately they called out my name quite clearly although I couldn't make out which number window to go to. It seems having an appointment mean you don't get a number and you're dealt with at the left hand window (number 8?).

Quick update having just got back from CM immigration. I arrived at 1.40pm, and was done within 30 minutes... On arrival I was confused as there seemed to be 3 "entrances". I didn't fancy the covid-19 "screening" area on the right so headed to the covered area in the left of the car park which I believe is the doc check area(?) However this seemed to be a mix of people sitting down or wandering around and I couldn't work out if there was a queue or if they were just waiting for something. So I skipped this bit too and went straight to the "Information desk" inside the building. Inside was 80%-90% full, but no queue so went to window & explained I'd booked an appointment and was here to extend elite visa. The guy let out a sigh which wasn't encouraging but he took the pile of paperwork I'd brought including a pre-filled out TM7. He gave me 2 forms mostly in Thai to sign, then took passport and money and said to take a seat. As I wasn't given a number I was concerned I might get forgotten and still be sitting there at 4pm. But after about 15 minutes they called my name, went to left hand window and took picture. Waited another 5 minutes then was given back passport with stamp until Nov 2023. They also reset my 90 day report counter to day 1. So overall no complaints, and certainly was done quickly. It was quite confusing though, and kind of on the warm side with no aircon.

Yeah, I'll definitely report back. I've booked a retirement appointment for next Thursday afternoon. Hilariously having just emailed them my appointment preferences, Elite have just got back me saying I can "go whenever I want". So not sure why they asked in the first place!

Thanks, in the past I've done TR 30 day extensions in Chiang Mai. Last time Sept 2019, arrived at office just before opening, had to wait about an hour and most seats in the waiting area were full. As it's now November I'd expect it to be even worse.

Thanks, I did take a look at the online booking site. The thing is the Elite people supposedly pre-book an appointment for you, but there's an elite visa Facebook group full of reports from disgruntled PE visa holders who assumed one of the perks on paying all that money was a fast-track immigration service. This is true at Chang Wattana where someone meets you and you go direct to which ever desk is dealing with you, all other offices apparently disregard the booked appointment.

Thanks CMBob, this is just the sort of info I was after. I think I'll ask for afternoon appointment tues-thurs next week. The Elite "member centre" actually book an appointment at immigration as part of the extension process, and they asked me to choose a day and time hence my post. However reports from other elite holders say the appointment is completely ignored when you arrive at the immigration office and people end up in the same queue as everyone else. Thanks.

I need to visit CM Immigration office to do a 12 month extension on my visa (Elite visa if it matters). Needs doing between now and 24th Nov. Any recommendations of a good day and time to visit when queues will be at their shortest? Is it busier after weekends? What about time, is it best to arrive between 8am-9am, or try after lunch when it might have emptied out?

Hi all, I'm planning my relocation from Pattaya to Chiang Mai around the end of October. Due to the amount of luggage I'll have (3 bags total) I'm planning on getting the overnight train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. On my first visit to Thailand nearly 6 years ago I did the same journey in 2nd class and I think it should be quite nostalgic to do the trip again. Couple of questions:- 1) I'll be booking a taxi from Pattaya to the Bangkok. Should I book for Hua Lamphong or Bang Sue? I'll be getting the 18.10 departure so will be traveling up there mid afternoon with regards to traffic. 2) I want to book 1st class for privacy and due to amount of luggage. Do I have to book 2x first class tickets to ensure I don't get some random stranger sharing the cabin with me? 3) How far in advance can I book? I've read 1st class sells out quickly. Thanks!