I visited Chiangmai Immigration today - retirement

[Bundooman]

For those of you all that haven’t yet experienced Chiangmai Immigration at the old airport road site, I thought you might appreciate a re-run of my visit earlier today for my annual Retirement extension, sometimes referred to as ‘retirement visa’.

 

For background information and a summary of what we have been used to in the past:

 

I have been on CM now for 14 years. In the early days, many of us arrived early, sometimes at 3-4am and waited in the dark and all weathers to do our 90 Days, Retirement, whatever. It was always a bit chaotic and uncertainty ruled. The Immigration staff ranged from occasionally friendly to downright rude and dismissive. (We can all recall those specific officers, no doubt).

 

Promenada was a slight improvement, but not much. The staff were friendlier, and I personally, felt that it was less chaotic than the airport. Thai Immigration staff went from a variety of dress codes to a general relaxed mode, but still uncertainty ruled and the usual unhelpful individuals. However I, on many occasions arrived at ungodly hours 2/3 4am in order to be seen that day. I steadfastly refused to use an agency because of what it represented – privileged priority with agency personnel camped out overnight and commandeering the first 6-10 positions so that the applicant could get up late and jump the queue. I resented them and the extortionate cost, but hey – that’s the way it was. However, I was never asked at Promenada to pay money, “under the table” – and therefore was OK with the system.

 

Then everything went back to the Airport site. I went there in early November for my 90 days and was pleasantly surprised how easy it was. I arrived at 1pm mid-week – walked straight to the information desk, showed my 90 day paperwork and received a number ‘235’-  and on the very visible Information boards, (4-5 of them), for 90 days – was the number 155 – something like that. My first thought was, “They’ll never get round to my number this afternoon” but they did and I was happy with the smiling female officer who dealt with me. My only criticism of the entire process was that there was still an air of uncertainty and chaos in the building. I was out of there by 3.30pm. Quite satisfied.

 

So today was my annual renewal of my extension for retirement. It wasn’t due until 4 January 2019, but that is slap bang in the middle of the Government New Year holiday period and I decided that I would do it early to ensure it was done without too much hassle, without coping with maybe hundreds of people all trying to get seen on the first two working days after the 9/10 day holiday break in 2019!

As I wasn’t sure how many others would be doing the same, I juggled with arriving at 2/3am, but decided to go at 5am(ish) and if I arrived too late – then I would go at 2/3am on Wednesday, (Tomorrow).

 

I actually arrived at 5.30am.I was pleasantly surprised to see that the lights were on, the doors were open and about 20 people were already there, sitting inside and waiting. I sat there until about 6.15am. Having heard previously that the toilet facilities were poor and closed that early, I was also surprised that I was able to visit a spotlessly clean facility which was also open that early. Great improvement on earlier times at Promenada and the old Airport arrangement.

 

Then, at 6.30am, all the remaining lights were switched on and the place began to stir. Immigration officers came in, about 3-4 initially and began preparing their stuff. At this stage, I noticed that all of them were smartly dressed in uniform and the men wearing military style haircuts. Wow! No more sloppy turn outs!

 

A few minutes later they started to hand out the tickets. I stood in the queue, (a bit disorderly but only from the crowd of about 30-40 applicants surging forward. One Immigration officer took charge and sorted it. You have to line up. One smiling female Immigration officer checked the passport and opened it at the correct page. You moved with your open passport to the next smiling lady who checked it and gave you the appropriate ticket. (Although I was about 15^th in line, my Retirement ticket was R4 – fourth in line to be seen. We then sat down near counter 6.

 

By now, others were arriving – Immigration officers and us. It seemed to be well structured and orderly. I did notice however that there seemed to be a significant number of new faces amongst all the officers, something I didn’t notice in November doing my 90 days.

By 6.45am the first foreigners were being called up. R1 went up at about 7am. Yes. 7am! He and I had chatted bit and we were both a bit impressed so far. This guy had arrived at 3am(ish) and was still able to enter the building and sit down. Good, eh? When he came back and sat down after 15 minutes, he was finished, apart from his photo taken and awaiting his passport and receipt for the 1900 Baht. He told me the officer was pleasant, gave him two additional forms to complete and wasn’t that worried about the money side – the 65,000 Baht or the 800,000 Baht system. He had already told me that he would have to wait and see what the officer said, so I presumed he was thinking the same as me about the recent Embassy notifications. But he was happy with the way things had gone. He left before7.30am. -  Yes. 7.30am!

 

Then, half an hour later or so, maybe 8.15(ish) it was my turn and it was also my time to be concerned. I’m a Brit. And I use the British Embassy letter of pension income to show I receive 65,000 Baht per month. Last year I was way above the required amount, but this year, with Brexit looming and the dismal British Government  - all of them, not just May’s lot – all of them completely messing up our lives due to their constant refusal to work together – and now the British pound is worth considerably less than it did 3 weeks ago. So now, I was just under the required 65,000 Baht I needed.

 

(I personally, have decided to end my annual anxiety regarding this continuing problem by simply going the 800,000 Baht route for next year. I appreciate that some may not be as fortunate as myself to do the same. Over the last two weeks I have transferred 800,000 from UK to my Thai account. I knew it wouldn’t stand up to scrutiny regarding the 2 months ‘maturing’ period, but I wanted to be prepared for every eventuality).

 

As I approached the Officer’s desk, I was quite concerned. I needn’t have been. The guy was friendly, helpful and efficient – and a bit chatty. Excellent English. I’d never seen him before so he must be part of the new set-up.  I was doing great until he reached my British Embassy Income letter. He did the necessary calculations and he could see I was just under the 65,000 Baht. He spoke to another Officer, a woman and they both smilingly approved my income as it was. At this stage I hadn’t mentioned my banking documents showing 1million Baht. He wasn’t really interested in that. I must say that I was only about 1-200 Baht per month short – but I was delighted that they were prepared to cut me a little slack.

 

He gave me the two forms I mentioned earlier. One was to sign that I understood the consequences of overstay. The second was for me to sign that I understood my visa was valid only for its purpose. I signed both. I then paid my money – the officer asked me some friendly questions about how long I had been in Thailand – and I asked him a question regarding the 800K Baht. He told me that I didn’t need to open a dedicated Bank account for that money – as long as the correct maturity was in place by the time I did my next Visa, I could use the same account I already had.

 

A very cheerful young girl took my photo and smilingly asked me to wait for my receipt. That took about 20 minutes and then I was on my way before 9am -Visa held firmly in my grubby little hand and quite happy.

 

So, a very long-winded tale, but I hope it is of use to someone. Particularly someone like me who was very concerned about this year’s renewal in the midst of Brexit and the discontinuation of the Embassy income letter.

 

Chiangmai Immigration today was efficient, well-run and the staff were extremely smart and professional in appearance and their duties. They were a massive improvement on days gone by. I looked around and saw many of the officers, both male and female, smiling, helping and looking more professional than any other Governmental organisation I have seen here in Thailand in my 14 years. Whoever turned this vital foreigner service around deserves some recognition. I hope it continues.

 

 

[DrJack54]

Why on earth would members give this a LIKE. Geezus OP you could condense this to a paragraph. Perhaps your bored to relate tale of zillion words. Challenge~ list facts in point form. Leave out io outfits and attitudes, that will save few hundred words. Just relate facts that assist members doing an extension. 

Edited December 18, 2018 by DrJack54
Error

[arithai12]

11 hours ago, Bundooman said:

So, a very long-winded tale, but I hope it is of use to someone.

Yes, and yes. Thanks.

 

Do you, or someone else, know how late you can arrive and still manage to get a queue number for the retirement extension?

[TerryLH]

12 hours ago, Bundooman said:

"...after the 9/10 day holiday break in 2019!"

What days would those be?

[YogaVeg]

7 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

Why on earth would members give this a LIKE. Geezus...

Simple: it's entertaining, well written, informative, and refreshingly positive.

 

The OP is not condescending, bullying, negative, ordering people to do things in an unwelcome fashion, full of piss and vinegar, actually relevant...

You know, the exact opposite of your "contribution”.

Shame you didn't learn anything from the example.

 

Take a look, OP has 10 likes now. Now look at your pessimism- zero.

Get it?

 

Edited December 19, 2018 by YogaVeg

[jacko45k]

7 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

Why on earth would members give this a LIKE. Geezus OP you could condense this to a paragraph. Perhaps your bored to relate tale of zillion words. Challenge~ list facts in point form. Leave out io outfits and attitudes, that will save few hundred words. Just relate facts that assist members doing an extension. 

He deserves a 'Like' or a 'Thanks' for at least making the effort, a substantial effort!????

[jesimps]

7 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

Why on earth would members give this a LIKE. Geezus OP you could condense this to a paragraph. Perhaps your bored to relate tale of zillion words. Challenge~ list facts in point form. Leave out io outfits and attitudes, that will save few hundred words. Just relate facts that assist members doing an extension. 

Cut the lad a bit of slack, he's just staving off boredom, there's beggar-all else to do in Chiang Mai. Actually, what he's getting all orgasmic about, is perfectly normal at Pattaya immigration.

[Guest]

8 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

Why on earth would members give this a LIKE. Geezus OP you could condense this to a paragraph. Perhaps your bored to relate tale of zillion words. Challenge~ list facts in point form. Leave out io outfits and attitudes, that will save few hundred words. Just relate facts that assist members doing an extension. 

I will tel you why it was well written and informative not like your negative coments it was refreshing to have a post with a positive message, posters like you are the reason people tend not to post or read Thai Visa all you want to do is complain.

[joevanwyck]

The OP took his time to post his report on TV . His report was well written and informative. I appreciate him taking his time. Thank You for your post.????

[Joe Mcseismic]

Turning up so early that it's still dark? Bugger that!

Glad I don't live there......

I turn up at around 2 pm for all business and rarely have to wait more that 30 minutes in Phuket.

[jacko45k]

Just now, Joe Mcseismic said:

Turning up so early that it's still dark? Bugger that!

Glad I don't live there......

I turn up at around 2 pm for all business and rarely have to wait more that 30 minutes in Phuket.

Too right, going all that way on my little bike in the dark with all the drunks driving around! I too think arriving later works better, well for Jomtiem which is usually very efficient. Not last week sadly as there has been a retirement ext, panic rush and a lot of tourists.  I still can not conceive that some actually hang around in some IO (or worse, out in front of one) for periods like 5 or more hours! Unbelievable. 

[KClark]

(I personally, have decided to end my annual anxiety regarding this continuing problem by simply going the 800,000 Baht route for next year. I appreciate that some may not be as fortunate as myself to do the same. Over the last two weeks I have transferred 800,000 from UK to my Thai account. I knew it wouldn’t stand up to scrutiny regarding the 2 months ‘maturing’ period, but I wanted to be prepared for every eventuality).

 

For OP:  The 2 month 'maturing' period for the 800k route is for the initial visa only.  Extensions of stay based on retirement have a 3 month 'maturing' period requirement.  Don't get caught a month short next year!  Also, make sure your passport is valid thru the requested extension.  Glad you had a good experience.  Happy holidays.

[jacko45k]

2 minutes ago, KClark said:

Over the last two weeks I have transferred 800,000 from UK to my Thai account

Ouch.... you sure got a poor rate!

 

[flossie35]

1 hour ago, YogaVeg said:

Simple: it's entertaining, well written, informative, and refreshingly positive.

 

The OP is not condescending, bullying, negative, ordering people to do things in an unwelcome fashion, full of piss and vinegar, actually relevant...

You know, the exact opposite of your "contribution”.

Shame you didn't learn anything from the example.

 

Take a look, OP has 10 likes now. Now look at your pessimism- zero.

Get it?

 

Hear, hear. Informative and helpful. Hope OP not put off by miserable comments from miserable gits.

[Kurtf]

8 hours ago, arithai12 said:

Yes, and yes. Thanks.

 

Do you, or someone else, know how late you can arrive and still manage to get a queue number for the retirement extension?

I arrived on a Tuesday at 1pm and was in and out in under an hour.

[wernerfreitag]

I did my retirement on November 26, moved from marriage extension.

We arrived after getting the bank letter at 1:15 pm and left about 3 hours later with the extension and a re-entry.

 

No need to go very early.

 

And yes, much better English and more friendly, even some jokes !

[lordblackader]

Quote

 Whoever turned this vital foreigner service around deserves some recognition. I hope it continues.

You can thank Big Joke for this - he cracked the whip a few months back when reports of people queing down the road made Thai media and it has been running well ever since. Let's hope it stays that way.

[thaiden1]

I did mine in Sept. at Chonburi Immirgation. I had all my paper work in order. Walked up to the desk to get a number. The lady looked over the papers and gave me a number. Went to the counter to see how long I would have to wait. Low and behold my number was next. In and out of the place in under 5 minutes. I had to go back the next day to pick up the passport. Very efficient.

 

[hobobo]

3 hours ago, jesimps said:

Cut the lad a bit of slack, he's just staving off boredom, there's beggar-all else to do in Chiang Mai. Actually, what he's getting all orgasmic about, is perfectly normal at Pattaya immigration.

Except that the retirement extension is still a two-day exercise in Jomtien.

[orchidfan]

Walking out with the "visa" on the same day??

My extension of stay based on marriage has a 2 week waiting period (usually including a home visit by IO's) and on the day of application is stamped with a "come back and see us again on such and such a date"

Obviously different from a retirement extension??

Edited December 19, 2018 by orchidfan
mis-spelling

[AAArdvark]

Am I missing something?  You say that you show up early to do your "90 days".  Can't this just be done online:  https://extranet.immigration.go.th/fn90online/online/tm47/TM47Action.do?cmd=acceptTerm

Or is this not working?

[vinegarbase]

Goodness, the amount of  herded masochist farang cattle in this country. 

 

Thailand immigration is great, Thailand immigration is great and by the way did I tell you that despite all the fines, fee's, and hoops I have to jump through how great it is! Oh yes and one more Thailand immigration is so great.

 

Meanwhile in Chachoengsao a guy I know that has been working here for 4 years no problems went to renew his visa to work another year and they straight up told him that it's time for him to leave despite nothing changing and him doing nothing wrong. 

 

[Loaded]

thank you OP, great post

 

I had heard things had changed for the better at immigration but reassuring to read first-hand experiences

[Old Croc]

Getting up at 2 or 3 in the morning to wait in semi darkness in hope of getting seen that day.  And that's an improvement!  Have to feel sorry for the CM brethren, glad I don't live there.

[DJ54]

12 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

Why on earth would members give this a LIKE. Geezus OP you could condense this to a paragraph. P

Maybe he did just for you knowing your impatient. I enjoyed the read that gave all the details. He could’ve said went to Immigration handed them passport and papers and off I went..... then what? 

 

Bustin your balls because you needed it after yiu woke up grumpy 

 

 

cheers enjoy the day

Edited December 19, 2018 by DJ54
Had correct you that I hit wrong key didn’t want to talke too much time. Didn’t want someone to get their panties in a wad for too long of a reply to post. Krup

[dcnx]

22 hours ago, Bundooman said:

I steadfastly refused to use an agency because of what it represented

It represents doing things the Thai way. Nothing more. That’s how this country operates. You should know that after 14 years of being here. 

 

It amazes me how many of you choose to do things the hard way here. It’s no wonder so many of you struggle with visas and immigration.

 

Going to stand in a line at 4am.... ????????????

[jacko45k]

4 minutes ago, dcnx said:

 

It amazes me how many of you choose to do things the hard way here. It’s no wonder so many of you struggle with visas and immigration.

I choose the cheaper way.

[Bundooman]

12 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

Why on earth would members give this a LIKE. Geezus OP you could condense this to a paragraph. Perhaps your bored to relate tale of zillion words. Challenge~ list facts in point form. Leave out io outfits and attitudes, that will save few hundred words. Just relate facts that assist members doing an extension. 

Wow!. Sorry it wasn't useful to you Mr. High and mighty DrJack54! If you didn't like it - why read it and bitch?

 

It was meant to be helpful to others - no need to act like a jerk-off. Just throw your silly tantrum somewhere else!

[billd766]

12 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

Why on earth would members give this a LIKE. Geezus OP you could condense this to a paragraph. Perhaps your bored to relate tale of zillion words. Challenge~ list facts in point form. Leave out io outfits and attitudes, that will save few hundred words. Just relate facts that assist members doing an extension. 

Why did you bother to respond to it then? You could have read the first few lines and then skipped over the rest.

 

I do that quite often. I enjoyed reading the post even though I don't live in CM or use the Office there.

[DrJack54]

9 minutes ago, billd766 said:

Why did you bother to respond to it then? You could have read the first few lines and then skipped over the rest.

 

I do that quite often. I enjoyed reading the post even though I don't live in CM or use the Office there.

Granted my words were harsh could of been far more polite. However look at the times of posts. The OP was about 23hrs ago. My reply was FIRST some 11 hours ago. The thread had a few views and zero replies for 11 hours. Daytime hours. It certainly got a bump