cusanus

17 hours ago, Sparkles said:

I note on my yearly calendar and then send it between 15 to 12 days remaining.Its 99% back within 4 working days.5 mins to the PO office for me as against a 30 min drive to Promenada.

 

I've done both EMS and Registered there and back, max 50 baht.

 

Theres some misconception, among some, that you send you passport, well you dont EVER as the pinned topic above explains

 

 

 

 

THANKS! Sorry, Sparkles, not Sparkies. That's been my experience. I do believe you have to send a COPY of your passport, or the relevant pages. I keep an updated PDF copy by scanning the return receipt or other changes and replacing those pages in the PDF, then just print when needed, also keep that on Google Drive in case I'm in a bind without a passport. Some don't have a PC but a copy service works. I also print out a preprinted (copy) of the filled in TM47 and just sign it before sending. Online could be better yes, but most of the time it hasn't been working it seems for Chiang Mai.  EMS seems best, no problems. If I were in Chiang Mai, I'd go in person as I enjoy going in to Promenada and seeing familiar faces. 

2 minutes ago, hml367 said:

Cusanus,

You asked if anyone had a problem with mail-in - I answered that I did.  I then commented on how I do the reports now.  Of course my comment was on 1 instance - mine!

 

There are some people that make comments about why everyone does not mail-in.  Obviously not all the people that mail-in are that way.

 

Yeah, I saw your answer, which Sparkie addressed adequately. I don't know any of those people,. I enjoyed going in person for years and some of them have been disappointed since I've gone mail, but it's a long trip these last several years and indeed the PO service is reliable. . 

21 hours ago, Sparkles said:

I dont consider myself smarter than other people because I have been doing 90 day reporting by mail for 17 years without a problem. 

I just have better things to do with my meagre savings than give it a to an agent or trekking  out to Promenada.

 

You are just basing your opinion on one isolated incident and others are paranoid about using what I have always found to be a very efficient Government department.

 

We all have choices nothing about feeling superior

 

 

 

 

Thank you Sparkies, well said. Let me ask, if you don't mind, how many days before the date on the last TM47 stub do you mail your form? I've never been too clear on the deadline. I give it at least 15 days, but maybe I'm being too cautious. If I lived closer I'd probably go in person as I used to do, but it's a long day from here. . . 

20 hours ago, KhonKaenKowboy said:

So true, so many insist on the hardway.  One neighbor has been here thirty years and always made a day of it.  I finally gave him my old envelope and told him there was really no need to suffer...he finally did it, told me it worked like a charm.  Another guy in his 80s is more the morning warrior type.  I finally convinced him to go at 15:00.  Saw him the other day...."was in and out in five minutes.". 

I've nothing but time being retired and for many years got much enjoyment out of visiting Immigration for the 90 day report. The only unpleasant thing about Thailand is bumping into the farang beefers I'd otherwise managed to leave behind in the states. Then I married a beautiful Thai lady and moved a bit south so switched to the mail in option. I know people who have used the mail in option for 15 years as they live a great distance out. They've never had a problem, nor have I.  I think the really important question ought to be, "Has anyone, ever, had a problem with the mailing in option or with getting the TM47 receipt back in a reasonable period of time? " Well, anybody? 

21 hours ago, elektrified said:

Did the extension last week. Tried a different approach this time and showed up at 14:50. The large room was almost empty. There were only about 3 customers in there, although the other rooms (2 and 3) were busy. A very lovely and friendly young lady out front examined my documents and said "everything looked good". She went inside and about 2 minutes later she came back with an Immigration Officer - a very modern looking, fairly young guy with kind of a Clark Kent look. I hadn't seen him before - I don't think. He was very nice and very friendly. He immediately pointed out that my TM-7 document I have been using for the last 10 years was out of date and asked me to fill out a new one by hand which I did. He said that he would be handling my extension this year and that he would do it right then. The whole process took about 5-7 minutes. The only quirk was that he asked me to go to the photocopy shop and make 2 copies of my 90-day report. In all the years, I have never been asked for even one copy of that! I sat down and waited until about 15:45. At that point it was obvious I was the last customer of the day and all of the staff had split off in groups and were talking, laughing, and eating snacks together. It appeared my Officer was gone, so I asked someone what was happening and the girl apologized and sent someone to retrieve my passport which had been taken to another office? Five minutes later I had my passport and was out of there by 16:00. So a new record...one hour and ten minutes....

 

AND....nobody ever asked me for that form that people go on and on about......just as I had predicted. I've said it once and I'll say it again, dress nicely, be polite, speak polite Thai, have your documents in order and the whole thing is a breeze. I hope things never change at C.M. Immigration!

Twelve years here, never had a problem, they've been great every time. 

YES, you do need the import permit in advance by 15+ days. This link should straighten it all out, because this forum is quite unclear. I had trouble getting it right myself. Here's what you have to do: 

http://thaiembdc.org/bringing-pets-into-thailand/

On 5/14/2017 at 11:24 AM, Sparkles said:

Yes hopefully IMM will become more efficient,the bickering on this forum can stop and we can move on.

 

However the move back to the Airport site is no guarantee of any improvement .

 

Its the Bangkok/CMI decison makers and staff that are the key to providing that.

 

Its very evident that the unprecedented influx of permanent residents to CM is likely to continue and whether CMI can keep pace with progress 

In twelve years, I've never had a problem with Immigration or serious impediment of any kind. Initially, there could be some confusion and anxiety about getting it done, it can be crowded, plus at times the increasing workload has led to long lines, extra confusion and a bit of inconvenience. Clearly, the CM immigration folks are really good people doing their best to keep up with big changes. Some people who are in poor health or for whatever personal preferences may benefit or feel safer using the agencies. It seems very out of synch with both basic human courtesy and especially the civility of Thai culture to be negative or personal or to even acknowledge overly critical and harsh sentiments. Indeed, it is, I believe, against forum rules to criticize Thai institutions unless perhaps a special case arises where someone has been badly victimized.  If anyone has an axe to grind, I really suggest that you examine yourself carefully and consider adjusting your attitude. Sit back and appreciate the Thai culture, the friendly smiles, the great scenery, the conveniences. Be at peace.

16 hours ago, hml367 said:

cusanus,

 

my post that you quoted and all of my other posts related to that one have nothing to do with 90 day reports.

 

I never mentioned any departure date either.  When I do my annual extensions of permission to stay, I also do a reentry permit rather than waiting until I may want to depart.

 

Just as I have told others, I use an agent because I choose to, not because I don't know what I am doing. Too many people make that false assumption about people that use agents.

 

 

My bad. And you're right, too, that for whatever reasons you are entitled to use an agent, but it's natural for the rest of us to discuss what works best and what options are available, no offense intended. I would have been a lot better off using an agent the first year or two, so glad to hear how it works for you. 

21 hours ago, hml367 said:

Yes.  I also paid them to do my extension of permission to stay at the same time, which is why I was upstairs.

 

I have probably done more re-entry applications myself than you have, along with everything else required at Immigration.  I choose not to do them myself now.  I don't see why that would need a condescending reply from anyone.

 

The reason I had to wait longer is because the extension has to be completed before the re-enty can be done.  I am sure you know that.

 

 

Well, I don't know. I got my 2nd re-entry permit Thursday as well, by myself, both times took about 20 minutes more or less. I assume your departure date is later than your 90 day report deadline or it wouldn't be necessary to do the TM7. I've done several 90 day reports and they were always done downstairs, but the last four or five times have been by mail,so you could be right now, but mail is a rock solid reliable method taking a few minutes to fill out the application at home, make a passport copy, and about twenty more getting the SASE (self addressed stamped envelope) at the post office and mailing the three docs in by EMS. Actually, I have a cheap printer and having updated the passport whenever it changes on the computer hard drive, I just print the passport in about five minutes from a PDF file, the last page being the TM7 already filled in from a scanned image several years ago. Now, I realize not everyone is situated so conveniently and/or been here long enough to figure this all out, but the agent method is very inefficient and needless if you know what you're doing. No reason for any of these procedures to take more than a half hour. I do confess, however, that I like to arrive and wait longer than I have to, then enjoy walking around Promenada. So, hopefully I'm not being taken as sarcastic, everybody has their own need and difficulties, but it took my some years to perfect this procedure and  I recommend doing it that way. 

13 hours ago, heybruce said:

I may try that next time.  I wanted to make sure my first 90 day check would be done correctly, and I have more faith in a visa service than the Immigration office, which gets mixed reviews from those that deal with it.

 

For many years I did the 90 day in person. I enjoyed the routine and chance to see familiar faces at Immigration. In 12 years have never had any problem with immigration, they've always been very helpful and polite.

16 hours ago, heybruce said:

I walked to a visa service near my condo on Tuesday, gave them my passport, some information and 500 baht, walked back on Thursday to pick up my passport with my 90 day check complete.  I wasn't asked about a TM30.  Total cost 500 baht, total time invested, including travel to and from the office, less than one hour.

 

Since I don't like hanging out in malls, don't like taking my bike on the superhighway, don't like waiting in line and dealing with bureaucrats, and it would take at least an hour each way traveling, parking and finding the appropriate offices, I think I'll stick with the 500 baht lazy method.

Doing it by mail here in Sanpatong takes about ten minutes to fill in the form and return envelope, ten minutes to get to the PO, send EMS. Some people I know have been doing it that way ten years, never had a problem. Oh, the return TM30,  same experience as the other fellow, no sweat at all. 

9 hours ago, worgeordie said:

A nearly pleasant day at Immigration,  rose very early,showered,had a cup of tea, 

arrived at Promenade at 4.30, took seat  No.5 in the Retirement line,the 4 seats in 

front of me taken by Burmese sitters,one on 90 days, couple on voluntary ,the next

one to arrive in the retirement que was 7.00, so i didn't need to get up so soon, about 

7.30 more people started to arrive ,mostly 90 dayers ,so on that day at least it was a lot 

quieter than usual, low season,satellite offices  opened up around  Chiang mai,?

 

They started handing numbers out at 8.30, ,about 9.00 the officer started No 1 in

retirement,  they had to get more copies, same with 2 and 3,  9.45 it was my turn

Very friendly officer, everything in order,askd him couple questions about my passport,

They now have a Boss Lady, who signs the passports so you can collect them about 

1/2 hour after they are processed ,which is a whole lot better than having to return

in the afternoon,as in the past,   

 

Next time I may not get there so early,as if i had arrived at 7.00 i would have still

been finished by 12.00, a slow day or Chiang Mai immigration improving ?,

so spent a few hours there,saved a few bob not engaging an agent,the only

downside was the smell ,some very smelly people there,even in the open,

the smell was very noticeable , I hope the new Immigration buildings have plenty

of extractor fans installed, the old place on a hot day was like the Black Hole of Calcutta.

 

Regards Worgeordie

That was my experience, except I got there at 6:45 and was third in line, got my passport back within ten minutes. 

Dang, how long did your flight to Thailand take?

On 4/7/2017 at 9:25 AM, worgeordie said:

Been posting 90 day report for years,not one problem,anything to

prevent me to going to Promenade is a huge plus. 

Pleased to see you were going back to Oz,then you said you intend

coming back !  just joking my old cobber.

regards worgeordie

Know people who have been doing the 90 day report by mail for over ten years, never a problem, but be sure to save your receipt. Use EMS. Best to update your passport on your computer and print when needed for next report. Ten minutes plus trip to post office. No need to get up early and spend all day bumming around CM unless you like to do that. I save the last SASE (self addressed stamped envelope) with the copy of the passport and the TM form until the next mail in time. I do it exactly 15 days before last 90 day expires because I'm not certain what the time range is, but have never had a problem. 

My Bangkok Bank debit card worked fine to book my flight to the USA, but it wouldn't work to book the flight back. Also, can't access my account via iBanking with the same password I used when I left. Guess we'll figure it out when I get back.

Quote

 

On 1/20/2017 at 9:05 PM, NancyL said:

No the officer doing the extensions is not authorized to sign for them.  But now there is someone with authority working at Prom to sign, but if that person is in a meeting, then you wait.  Personal Info Form seems to be dead and gone now.

Gee, I got six critical reactions to my post. I really shouldn't bother, but I'll say it again for the nth time. The officer who I connected with this year for my visa extension was authorized to sign indeed, though I can't be certain he was the one who signed it because I waited another ten minutes. Yes, in prior years you had to sit around until about 2PM until the passports were signed and returned from the Airport office, but that was then and no serious hassle. As for the 90 day, once again, the last couple of years I've mailed it because it takes only a few minutes to fill out the form, copy the passport, and mail it using the SASE I printed somewhere above; however, I actually find it a great pleasure to go in person and spend the day exploring the city. I'm no novice, this is my 12th year in CM and have NEVER had any confusion or frustration or burden or excessive wait for either visa extensions or 90 day reports. My TM30 was done at the Airport building. Every procedure requires little more than a very simple, one page form and copy of passport depending on your purpose. I think I did try to go back and explore the origins of this battle with immigration but many of the posts had been removed because forum rules do not permit dragging Thai institutions through the mud. Perhaps some people have had problems and valid complaints, but I've never had anything but positive experiences with Immigration. I saw a friend who panicked because his supervisor failed to sign his work verification, but my good wife helped him resolve that problem. In any case, I do not believe the thaivisa forums should be used to air complaints against the system, nor do I believe that CM Immigration has ever deliberately created an impediment to quality service. If you don't like to wait or have a struggle with the forms, then by all means use a 3rd party service, but don't wage a war with CM Immigration, they definitely are not trying to screw you, and that isn't the way to go in Thailand.  Now I'm just going to ignore this thread from now on. 

22 hours ago, EricTh said:

 

True. But not everyday can wade through pages and pages of posts to get what they need or know of this website.

 

A lot of these retirees are not from English speaking countries such as Japan, France etc.

This year I had to fill out a simple single page form, same as the last 11 years, a few minutes to spit a copy of my passport out of the printer, had to wait a little over two hours whereas a few years ago the wait was ten to fifteen minutes. The officer complimented me on my preparation and returned my passport with extension within ten minutes. I'm nothing special. I can't comprehend why anyone should be confused or need special help or find any difficulty in getting an extension, no more complicated than a trip to the grocery store. The TM30 caused me a little pause last year, but it was explained perfectly well in numerous places, including Immigration's website.      

14 hours ago, Thailand said:

Or simply send it by post? 

Indeed, that's exactly what I've done the last couple of years, twenty minutes effort max, but I sure don't mind having an excuse to spend a day in Chiang Mai. . 

22 hours ago, eyecatcher said:

I went for a 90 day report today. 

Arrived 3pm, the checkers firstly pulled out the foreign info forms and said we no longer need them.

 

Sat down and was called immediately....there was no one there, infront or behind me!

 

Actually there didnt seem to be that many people there at all today which is a surprise after the weekend.

 

3.10pm  walking back to my bike done and dusted.

 

just saying that you really dont need to bust a gut setting your alarm for 5am!

 

That's how it always was for me at the Airport, just walk in any time at first, but then later you were out if you didn't get a queue ticket, tough luck. Now, some say it's easy to get done at Promenada, too, but maybe not always. I have a 35k drive times two that has to be repeated if it's not a hit, so it's safer for me to get there by 6:30AM and really no trouble, plus I've got all day to have fun in town. 

10 hours ago, true blue said:

Most sensible post so far on this subject.very intelligent assessment of people's gripes.you would think they would get a life.there so boring. And full of themselves

 

Much Ado About Nothing? I went to Promenada last month for my extension after 12 years in Thailand. There are perhaps hundreds more people needing services than in 2005+ so I can no longer waltz in any time of day and be done in less than an hour, sometimes ten minutes. So, I arrived this year like last at 6AM. My passport copies and form were filled out in advance, about five minutes to do that. I enjoy walking around the mall and sometimes have a little coffee. Only dimly aware that these third party visa services exist. I was 3rd in line and finished by 9AM, delightfully pleasant time and little inconvenience. I thoroughly enjoy the opportunity to spend a day in CM cruising the malls, having a new food adventure, and sometimes making great friends. I've been blissed out and blessed out of my socks since the day I first arrived in Thailand. Immigration has always been informative and helpful if a bit rushed at times. Of course, arriving out of nowhere and not knowing the language may result in some confusion and a few rough spots initially, but I've never lacked for help. It made a big difference when I found the most adorable Thai woman I've ever seen who speaks both fluent English and Thai. Nowhere else in the world can you stumble over so many beautiful women and warm hearts. Thaivisa and other Internet forums/blogs have helped me keep abreast of things and ease me over a few rough spots.  

On 2/12/2017 at 4:35 AM, EricTh said:

 

The officer I asked 2 weeks ago said it doesn't need to be 24 hours. It can be one or a few weeks.

 

If the TM30 needs to be only endorsed on re entry, that's excellent, I don't have to drag my Thai wife along (meaning she may have to work). Normally, 24 hours is no problem for me, one day is the same as any other except for perhaps a bit of jet lag; however, what if I wanted to stay in a different province for a few days before going back to Chiang Mai? Ok, not convenient to go to a different Immigration Office I guess.

6 minutes ago, mcfish said:

Excellent report! I've saved it for the near future and will go the same dentist. Can I ask what pain control method you chose?

Sent from my Redmi Note 3 using Tapatalk
 

They didn't offer a choice, but I'm very sensitive, have fought bitterly with dentists over the pain in the past and was scared, but I felt absolutely nothing on the bottom two molars and had the crowns about six weeks later. The top three took quite a while and the gums towards the front were quite sore afterward, but otherwise again not a hint of pain except that afterwards I was still quite sore for a few days, but there was no swelling and not nearly as much trouble as I expected from the surgeon's caution. I'm convinced it doesn't get any better than these guys, very nice, very professional, very honest, I'm very happy and pleased to recommend them.  

I've had five implants this last year at Chiang Mai supporting seven 100% zirconia crowns, not a hint of pain on the bottom two though the three implants on top were a bit rough and had to wait three months for the five crowns. Absolutely TOP quality work, no charges for appointments or x rays, I was treated extremely well. The surgeon was most professional, excellent, while the impressions and crowns were later done by a very efficient, superbly competent and lovely young lady. I discovered that the surgeon performs at at least one other clinic.  These were Osstem implants which I researched as being cheaper but seem to have as good a record for quality and longevity. I expect them to be fine through the rest of my life. The cost was 36,000 per implant plus 15,000 for each of the zirconia crowns. The crowns were a choice with the cheaper option being 10,000 each, but these were ceramic and metal combination, not as strong, also the presence of metals, particularly dissimilar metals, can cause galvanic currents that destroy the implants and spread toxins, so the zirconia is the way to go and mine are just plain gorgeous, better than natural teeth. The upper jaw bone is not as rugged, so I also had a bone graft for 30,000.  The total cost as you can figure yourself was 285,000. Absolutely worth every baht and I can't imagine a better result anywhere. (Hope the math is right) Elite Dental at the Pantip Plaza.  

6 minutes ago, CMBob said:

It seems that the TM30 enforcement which was 100% enforced out at the old Immigration office is not being 100% enforced at Promenada Immigration.  For example only, as I noted before, a friend recently extended his Tourist Visa, didn't have any TM30 filed for him, and nobody at Promenada even asked about it.

Also, as I noted before, I specifically asked the Immigration officer why some officers were saying you only have to "update" your TM30 when you re-enter the country whereas at least one or more officers are saying that one must do it if even gone 24 hours from your registered address within country.  The Immigration officer acknowledged that different stories are being given by the officers and, when I asked the officer what the heck I should do, I was exactly told with a smile: "Up to you!"  I'm only updating when I re-enter the country and we'll see if I ever have a problem.  Hopefully not.

I think you're right, that it's only when entering the country (TM30). I may have been told wrongly. Maybe Don's Life can help, if it's okay for me to post the link: http://donslifeinthailand.com/TM28_Imm_Law.html

1 hour ago, Konini said:

I keep dropping in and out of this thread, but I'm here now to ask a question regarding a comment I saw some time ago.

 

We don't do 90 day reports, we always go somewhere before the 90 days are up, the condo management are responsible for reporting us as coming back; I doubt they do but it's never been a problem and it certainly isn't our problem.

 

I read somewhere that when you re-enter the country, you're supposed to fill out some form once you've passed through immigration clearance, I remember 'round a corner' being mentioned.  We're going to Australia in a couple of weeks and would like to know if anyone knows the current system (I know it changes a lot) and if we do have to go to some counter to report that we are back in the country before we leave the immigration area.

 

Will be very grateful if anyone can fill me in on this.

Pretty sure what you're talking about is the TM30. If you don't have a stub already in your passport, you're liable for a 1600 baht fine. I always knew about that, but the first ten years I was here nobody ever bothered with it and it wasn't enforced, but recently some people have been getting called on it and fined. I voluntarily went it and paid the fine. The rule is that anytime you sleep somewhere overnight besides the address on your 90 day report, or re enter Thailand, then you must get a new TM30 within 24 hours.  You can look this up on the Bangkok immigration site where it is clearly written. Much of the confusion and argument in this thread is concerned with that. It appears that in some places it is being enforced but in others not. Also, some people believe that it's the property owner's responsibility. Technically, this is true, but it's also very inconvenient to get shot down when you go in for a visa extension and don't have the stub in your passport.  Now, I'm not sure if this answers your question, and I can't say that you will ever be called on a missing TM30 stub, but that's the law and it's always a possibility. Hope this helps.