Chiangmai Immigration

[marshall]

hey guys, do you know if chiangmai immigration is opened on saturdays, i want to extend my 60 day tourist visa. can you give me times please, thanks in advance Marshall

[ThaiPauly]

9-noon

[Wizzard of Oz]

I thought it was only mo-fri and closes at 4:30

Could be wrong tho.

[Tywais]

I thought it was only mo-fri and closes at 4:30

Could be wrong tho.

The immigration website says that, but the sign at immigration shows it to be open Sat. AM.

[higgy88]

The sign at immigration did say that it was open Sat 9-12, but the last time I was there a couple of weeks ago it looked like someone had taken the numbers off and there was just a big blue blank space next to Sat. ???

[Tywais]

The sign at immigration did say that it was open Sat 9-12, but the last time I was there a couple of weeks ago it looked like someone had taken the numbers off and there was just a big blue blank space next to Sat. ???

Hope someone has a definitive answer. Would be useful to know for certain.

[earlofwindermere]

I was there today and I'll be there tomorrow. I'll ask them for you.

Incidently, I am curious - how many people take "gifts" to the Immigration authorities when they go? Today, I watched at least farangs present iced coffee, oranges or cookies when they were applying for various things. Is this expected? I'm starting to think it is because I've been 4 times now and even though I've asked for a full list of documents to bring next time, there always seems to be a new one that I somehow missed.

[Crow Boy]

I was there today and I'll be there tomorrow. I'll ask them for you.

Incidently, I am curious - how many people take "gifts" to the Immigration authorities when they go? Today, I watched at least farangs present iced coffee, oranges or cookies when they were applying for various things. Is this expected? I'm starting to think it is because I've been 4 times now and even though I've asked for a full list of documents to bring next time, there always seems to be a new one that I somehow missed.

I have heard of various people doing it but not witnessed it myself. I haven't ever been asked for or given any gratuities to the Immigration Officers.

Re the extra or missing page - that's normal and part of the game. Smile, nod, get the page, come back, and wait for the next bizarre thing required. One of the many documents I needed was my financial statements when I did mine, the bank officer told me there were two different documents and wanted to know which one I needed. I said do both and paid the 500B fee for each. Presented one version to Immigration and was told I needed the other one. I smiled and said I would be back. Went down to Central Plaza and had a coffee, went back to Immigration and took the second version out of my bag where it had been all the time and presented it. Officer said that's good and stapled it to the pack. It is just a game so don't worry about it. I think they run a pool out back on who can get the most strange document form a farung. I know of people who have been asked for copies of their high school certificate despite already handing over their Master's Degree. I had mine ready and put it into the pack with my MBA and Masters of Engineering degrees, the official looked at it and smiled, handed it back and then wondered what else they could get from me instead. He checked the transcrips and said they needed the receipts from the University to prove I had paid the money Back to Starbucks in Central Airport and I pulled together a bundle of invoices and receipts. Headed back and handed them over. He looked and said "thankyou".

Eventually if you play by their rules (and that is a whole new subject) you will win. It is a game of atrition and only the fit survive. However once you have a visa the annual renewal is much simpler and easier.

CB

[tijnebijn]

I was there today and I'll be there tomorrow. I'll ask them for you.

Incidently, I am curious - how many people take "gifts" to the Immigration authorities when they go? Today, I watched at least farangs present iced coffee, oranges or cookies when they were applying for various things. Is this expected? I'm starting to think it is because I've been 4 times now and even though I've asked for a full list of documents to bring next time, there always seems to be a new one that I somehow missed.

I have heard of various people doing it but not witnessed it myself. I haven't ever been asked for or given any gratuities to the Immigration Officers.

Re the extra or missing page - that's normal and part of the game. Smile, nod, get the page, come back, and wait for the next bizarre thing required. One of the many documents I needed was my financial statements when I did mine, the bank officer told me there were two different documents and wanted to know which one I needed. I said do both and paid the 500B fee for each. Presented one version to Immigration and was told I needed the other one. I smiled and said I would be back. Went down to Central Plaza and had a coffee, went back to Immigration and took the second version out of my bag where it had been all the time and presented it. Officer said that's good and stapled it to the pack. It is just a game so don't worry about it. I think they run a pool out back on who can get the most strange document form a farung. I know of people who have been asked for copies of their high school certificate despite already handing over their Master's Degree. I had mine ready and put it into the pack with my MBA and Masters of Engineering degrees, the official looked at it and smiled, handed it back and then wondered what else they could get from me instead. He checked the transcrips and said they needed the receipts from the University to prove I had paid the money Back to Starbucks in Central Airport and I pulled together a bundle of invoices and receipts. Headed back and handed them over. He looked and said "thankyou".

Eventually if you play by their rules (and that is a whole new subject) you will win. It is a game of atrition and only the fit survive. However once you have a visa the annual renewal is much simpler and easier.

CB

crazy isn't it?Until now I only did a single non O once in the past,went just nowmally,also had a few tourist extensions,long time ago.Once I saw a farang handing them over a basket with fruits and a black label...

I was wondering why he did that.I asked my wife what she thought of that.She replied saying it is not supposed to,they even could lose face ,for example if higher ranked officers are present,but when foreigners keep doing like this they will look someone not doing it like being awkward.......

maybe tea money to have what you want is possible,not sure about CM.A countryman and friend of mine in the area ot Trang,in the south,sais they asked him a couple of thousand and extend his renewal very easily without anything asked......I do not know if I would want that,but the officers will know...

[cmsally]

Seems like bad etiquette to me, all the favours and sucking up to are done behind the scenes

Puts them in an awkward position if its in front of other people.

Having said that I doubt you could alter your visa position much as the rules are laid down by BKK and that's what they have to follow. You might just get bit of priority treatment.

[earlofwindermere]

Well, after 4.5 hours at immigration today, my visa was extended for 30 days and hopefully one year once Bangkok approves it (or so they say). Yes, more documents were demanded (which I also had in my bag ready and waiting). When I had them all, she finally asked for everything in triplicate. The little photocopy lady behind the office sure must make a good coin. In any case, it's good to know that you can get things done without bribes.

And, the office is closed on Saturdays.

Cheers

[sylviex]

Anyone able to confirm the current opening hours :

Mon - Fri 9.00 - 4.30 and closed Sat/Sun ??

[Ulysses G.]

Seems like bad etiquette to me, all the favours and sucking up to are done behind the scenes

Puts them in an awkward position if its in front of other people.

Having said that I doubt you could alter your visa position much as the rules are laid down by BKK and that's what they have to follow. You might just get bit of priority treatment.

This is exactly right. It is not done in the open, however, they won't break the rules for you, just stretch them a little bit once in a while.

[sylviex]

Anyone able to confirm the current opening hours for not handing over baskets of fruit ?

Mon - Fri 9.00 - 4.30 and closed Sat/Sun ??

[southerndog]

Hi, I have a 1 year multiple entry non imm "o" visa. This requires a stamp every three months. In the past, I have gone to Mae Sai, but can I just go to this Chiang Mai office?

[Mapguy]

I was there today and I'll be there tomorrow. I'll ask them for you.

Incidently, I am curious - how many people take "gifts" to the Immigration authorities when they go? Today, I watched at least farangs present iced coffee, oranges or cookies when they were applying for various things. Is this expected? I'm starting to think it is because I've been 4 times now and even though I've asked for a full list of documents to bring next time, there always seems to be a new one that I somehow missed.

I have heard of various people doing it but not witnessed it myself. I haven't ever been asked for or given any gratuities to the Immigration Officers.

Re the extra or missing page - that's normal and part of the game. Smile, nod, get the page, come back, and wait for the next bizarre thing required. One of the many documents I needed was my financial statements when I did mine, the bank officer told me there were two different documents and wanted to know which one I needed. I said do both and paid the 500B fee for each. Presented one version to Immigration and was told I needed the other one. I smiled and said I would be back. Went down to Central Plaza and had a coffee, went back to Immigration and took the second version out of my bag where it had been all the time and presented it. Officer said that's good and stapled it to the pack. It is just a game so don't worry about it. I think they run a pool out back on who can get the most strange document form a farung. I know of people who have been asked for copies of their high school certificate despite already handing over their Master's Degree. I had mine ready and put it into the pack with my MBA and Masters of Engineering degrees, the official looked at it and smiled, handed it back and then wondered what else they could get from me instead. He checked the transcrips and said they needed the receipts from the University to prove I had paid the money Back to Starbucks in Central Airport and I pulled together a bundle of invoices and receipts. Headed back and handed them over. He looked and said "thankyou".

Eventually if you play by their rules (and that is a whole new subject) you will win. It is a game of atrition and only the fit survive. However once you have a visa the annual renewal is much simpler and easier.

CB

This is a very entertaining story even though it must not have been at all fun at the time. Sometimes, I guess, immigration officers want to get some revenge, even upon the innocent and well-prepared.

Fortunately, life is not so difficult for all people. I have never had a hassle at that office.

I've never had to spend an hour (total time) going through the process. While waiting, I have noticed some farang acting like total wanke_rs as well as others who seem to transmit (sometimes loudly) the notion that immigration officers are ignorant because they don't happen to speak the farang's language.

In any case, going well-prepared is smart. But I would never suggest taking "tea money" or gifts. I would suggest smiling and having your fly zipped up.

[Mapguy]

I recently obtained the necessary one-year extension to my retirement visa setting a new "personal best" for elapsed time: 33 minutes. The previous best (last year) was 41 minutes. The atmosphere was, as usual, businesslike but pleasant.

It is not the most efficient cyber-smart process you've ever seen, but it works. It required seven staff to get the job done: three clerks, one senior sergeant, one captain and one major in three major steps. The officers verified the work the senior sergeant did. The office was reasonably busy, but there was no significant wait time. Didn't ever get a chance to finish an article in my news magazine.

On the day of my last 90-day residence report I took a moment to double-check requirements for the one-year extension at the front window. The information in Expat Newsletter #26 was correct in my case. Email Tom for a copy. For a one-year extension, as for an original visa, it is necessary to come up with and certify no less than 800,000 baht in Thai bank accounts and/or other income. Other income may include pensions, interest, dividends, etc., but it is necessary to certify that income (depending upon the home country certification requirements, which I understand do vary). In conjunction with a consular letter (if needed) you might also require a bank certification letter

If you wish to photocopy documents in advance, you will need copies of the following pages of your passport:

1. ID page(s) with photo and signature

2. Pages with original visa and each one-year extension, last immigration entry stamp and departure card

If you want, of course, you can photograph a copy of your application form (TM 7) in advance. Pick one up on your next 90-day visit. On that form, by the way, it is correct to enter the most recent entry data and departure card number

Otherwise, you will be asked for your telephone number in Chiang Mai.

I've never been asked for more than my telephone number, but I would still suggest taking in "back-up" documentation, such as updated Thai bank passbooks and home country bank statements showing transfers, local residence information, and your marriage registration certificate, if you happen to be legally married in Thailand. Tom suggests some other things, as well.

Otherwise, I would shower and shave and dress appropriately (singlet over shorts and sandals doesn't hack it. And smile. I would never take a gift.