Jomtien Immigration Renamed "The Gates Of Hell"

[soi3eddie]

My girfriend has been using the Jomtien office for visa extensions for the last 3+ years (tourist visa extensions at first, then Covid extensions). The total s.h.i.t.e and runaround she got was appalling. A simple extension would take 3-4 visits (come back later, come back tomorrow, or simply "cannot" total BS). Now she uses an agent for a Non-O family visa, 90 days, re-entry permit etc. and there's zero stress - but at a high cost. It's like they are just making life so difficult it pushes people to use agents. BTW my GF is Cambodian and they are treated even worse than us farangs.

 

Edited April 6, 2023 by soi3eddie

[topt]

4 hours ago, Mickeymaus said:

I don't know. Perhaps they get more serious about this balance check after 3 months.

I renewed my extension 3/4 weeks ago and was not given the paper to come back. In previous years I have been. Since it is so random I don't think you risk anything - anyway your bank book will prove the relevant funds so as others have said I personally would not bother.

[ukrules]

53 minutes ago, Ohyesuare said:

I was there a few days ago to meet the agent for my one year Elite Visa extension because they now require a photo of you right in front of Jomtien immigration.

This is an interesting development, I did my TE 1 year extension in November (I think) and there was no photo.

 

I hear the Elite visa is popular with the Chinese, there's been a lot of talk about them abusing visas - I have to wonder if this is why the photo requirement has now appeared and why they're doing it.

 

I wonder if it's to combat passport sharing among overstayers.

[Ohyesuare]

3 minutes ago, ukrules said:

This is an interesting development, I did my TE 1 year extension in November (I think) and there was no photo.

 

I hear the Elite visa is popular with the Chinese, there's been a lot of talk about them abusing visas - I have to wonder if this is why the photo requirement has now appeared and why they're doing it.

 

I wonder if it's to combat passport sharing among overstayers.

Possibly. I did hear that as well and that they would be cracking down somewhat on people who apply for it. Could also just be my agent being overly paranoid as well. I was also told by Thai Elite that a certification letter is no longer required for the extension at Jomtien Immigration but the agent insisted I ask for one anyway. Also couldn't have my backpack showing in the photo at all.

 

Very strange for a completely legitimate extension that I could have done myself while there if I really wanted to. Anyway got my passport the next day with the one year extension without issue and that's all that matters. Wouldn't exactly say it was 2600 baht well spent but glad I got it sorted before/after the Songkran holidays.

[Toby1947]

7 hours ago, Henryford said:

I have never had any problems at Jomtien immigration. Whether it's 90 day report, or visa extension or residence certificate i never wait for more than 20 minutes and the staff are polite and efficient.

Henryford when was the last time you were there, I suspect about the time you produced your last car ???? ????????

[chris carre]

Get yourself a yellow Tabian Bhann problem solved.

[Neeranam]

I suspect the Immigration officers get tired of dealing with sexpats, who have no intention of integrating into Thai society, ignoring things like 'greng jai' and 'boon koon', or not even knowing what they mean. Lack of obeisance to civil servants, having a prostitute in tow, etc. To be fair, most immigration in other countries would feel the same disdain at foreigners like that. 

[Neeranam]

1 hour ago, topt said:

Apparently it is supposed to be free but it has always been 300 baht at Jomtien - well at least for last 10 or more years.

Has anyone ever stood up for their rights? It is a free service. Report them to the hotline. Phone your local MP. 

I did this in Khon Kaen, when they had a tip box, and it was removed immediately.

[LarryLEB]

6 hours ago, scubascuba3 said:

In reality if you go earlier say 7 so at front of queue you'll have an hour and half wait, 7.30 about 2 hour wait on busy days, remember it can be busy even on "non busy days"

I was there two months ago to document a change to my new passport.  Waited hours and had to come back the next day.  I talked with one fellow in the nearby coffee shop:  He said he came at 7:30 and that there were already a hundred people in the queue.

Edited April 6, 2023 by LarryLEB

[Neeranam]

6 hours ago, Mickeymaus said:

Dressed in my warm immigration outfit an unbearable situation.

You have an immigration outfit?

 

I imagined the Jomtien uniform would be a beer Chang wife-beater.  

[nickmondo]

i lived in Jomtien (Moscow) for a few months, needed a Res Cert for same reason.  Went to a recce.  Sod that, no bloody chance.  An agent did the whole job for 1,000 baht.  Be careful what agent you get, some are rip off merchants

[nickmondo]

1 hour ago, topt said:

Apparently it is supposed to be free but it has always been 300 baht at Jomtien - well at least for last 10 or more years.

it is free, but it takes a couple of weeks.  the charge is for same day service

[topt]

1 minute ago, nickmondo said:

it is free, but it takes a couple of weeks.  the charge is for same day service

Oh yes I had forgotten that minor detail........

[orchis]

8 hours ago, Mickeymaus said:

Dressed in my warm immigration outfit

Pictures, please!

[chilly07]

7 hours ago, NONG CHOK said:

I started using a visa agent 7 years ago, I know it's not legal but as I'm 80 years old it suits me fine. Just a question for the detractors of visa agents, are you all squeaky clean in everything you do. Even buying booze out of hours at the shop around the corner is illegal. What about how most of us met our partners, isn't prostitution illegal too?

It is legal. IO exercising their legal discretion. Also use of agent is needed for those of us who have age related mobility problems 

[Dart12]

Always had problems when doing something myself there.

Last time I went for a simple 30 day extension in the morning, seen a long line already....

called my agent and gave her the 1000 baht to give me my day back.

Well worth it.

[Mickeymaus]

33 minutes ago, orchis said:

Pictures, please.

This is my best dress that I have with a black shirt with longer sleeves. I only use it for the immigration. The same outfit for very, very many years. But it is too hot for me. Close to the immigration I always change the shirt and change it immediately back to my stylisch Singha T-Shirt afterwards. Good that they don't enforce the long trousers. I would die. 

[DrJack54]

1 hour ago, Neeranam said:

I suspect the Immigration officers get tired of dealing with sexpats, who have no intention of integrating into Thai society, ignoring things like 'greng jai' and 'boon koon', or not even knowing what they mean. Lack of obeisance to civil servants, having a prostitute in tow, etc. To be fair, most immigration in other countries would feel the same disdain at foreigners like that. 

Your typical Rant.

Seriously embarrassing posts. 

[jesimps]

8 hours ago, NONG CHOK said:

I started using a visa agent 7 years ago, I know it's not legal but as I'm 80 years old it suits me fine. Just a question for the detractors of visa agents, are you all squeaky clean in everything you do. Even buying booze out of hours at the shop around the corner is illegal. What about how most of us met our partners, isn't prostitution illegal too?

If I could afford it, I'd use an agent too. I don't knock those that can pay the high cost, just envy them.

Edited April 6, 2023 by jesimps

[Ralf001]

Thank Buddha nobody has realised there is more than one immigration office in Chonburi !!

[Woof999]

2 hours ago, Neeranam said:

I suspect the Immigration officers get tired of dealing with sexpats, who have no intention of integrating into Thai society, ignoring things like 'greng jai' and 'boon koon', or not even knowing what they mean. Lack of obeisance to civil servants, having a prostitute in tow, etc. To be fair, most immigration in other countries would feel the same disdain at foreigners like that. 

Having a job at Jomtien immigration probably wasn't the smartest move they could make then. Someone who has an immediate aversion to a decent percentage of their every day customer base shouldn't be in a public facing position.

 

When knowing what 'greng jai' or 'boon koon' mean is a requirement of a visa then maybe you'll have a point.

Edited April 6, 2023 by Woof999

[Ohyesuare]

19 minutes ago, jesimps said:

If I could afford it, I'd use an agent too. I don't knock those that can pay the high cost, just envy them.

I'd say that's pretty common on this forum but few are as honest and not in denial to say it as you. 

[Canadian Snowbird]

I recently had to apply for a 30 day extension. Took the lady friend with me to the Jomtien IO just hoping to pick up the correct form to take home and apply when I had everything together. It was an absolute <deleted>-show, long cues and very hot. No directional information to assist, and they wouldn't let anyone in the building, they made you stand in the cue. My Thai lady friend simply tried to ask how we could just get the form and come back another time. The guy was young and extremely rude to her. So I said to hell with it and contacted the agent I normally do visa runs with. 1,900 baht IO fee and 2,100 baht agent fee. They did all the paper work. All I had to do was follow their guy to the Jomtien IO, then follow him in through the side door. He took me up to a specific booth inside and handed them a piece of paper (I'm assuming they had submitted everything on-line). Then the guy in the booth took my picture to confirm it was me .... easy peasy, in and out in 2 minutes. Let's face it, they are set up to make life frustrating for you so you will spend the extra money to hire an agent. It's all about employment generation and greasing the wheels Thai style. 

[Maestro]

Removed an off-topic post and the replies to it.

 

[scubascuba3]

7 hours ago, Canadian Snowbird said:

I recently had to apply for a 30 day extension. Took the lady friend with me to the Jomtien IO just hoping to pick up the correct form to take home and apply when I had everything together. It was an absolute <deleted>-show, long cues and very hot. No directional information to assist, and they wouldn't let anyone in the building, they made you stand in the cue. My Thai lady friend simply tried to ask how we could just get the form and come back another time. The guy was young and extremely rude to her. So I said to hell with it and contacted the agent I normally do visa runs with. 1,900 baht IO fee and 2,100 baht agent fee. They did all the paper work. All I had to do was follow their guy to the Jomtien IO, then follow him in through the side door. He took me up to a specific booth inside and handed them a piece of paper (I'm assuming they had submitted everything on-line). Then the guy in the booth took my picture to confirm it was me .... easy peasy, in and out in 2 minutes. Let's face it, they are set up to make life frustrating for you so you will spend the extra money to hire an agent. It's all about employment generation and greasing the wheels Thai style. 

The new very rude gaykeeper at the front has taken over from the very rude gaykeeper who died

[hkt83100]

Did you get a receipt for the 300 Baht "fee"?

[Sheist]

19 hours ago, Ohyesuare said:

I was there a few days ago to meet the agent for my one year Elite Visa extension because they now require a photo of you right in front of Jomtien immigration. I paid an agent to do it even though I paid 600k baht for my completely legit EV and supposedly can get express service by asking for a certain immigration officer once I enter because I loathe having to set foot near that immigration. Even for the short time I was there and even though I never even had to enter the building, I hated every minute. Miserable, rude people everywhere and a mess of disorganization. Hopefully the last time I need to go there or at least not for another year guaranteed.

I got there at 7am and was 7th in line.  As usual, a gaggle of unprepared foreigners waiting.  After officers "helped" those 6 in front, they all moved off and I became first in line.  Got my ext. just 29 minutes after their opening time of 08:30am.  The beef of bodies by that time was full... all outside chairs taken and bodies continuing to arrive on foot.  I do not feel sorry for those ill-prepared whackadoodles.  Visiting this place is THE TOP stress point of my entire year!, but I have always received professional service as a result.

[LittleBear57]

Just done my visa renewal on retirement. It is busy and somewhat disorganised outside, hopefully that will improve. The guy who checks your documents was the same guy as last year efficient and good at his job. If you have your docs its done quickly 45 mins from going in to going out. However there was a guy who kept shouting at people outside at the entrance door to sit down and wear mask.

[fulhamster]

On 4/6/2023 at 9:36 AM, JackGats said:

By this time I'd had enough. I called a cab to take me to my usual visa agency. 

But that is exactly what the IO wanted you to do

[Kaoboi Bebobp]

Gone downhill then. I've been considering moving back to Pattaya/Jomtien, after moving to Bangkok 4-5 years ago. Figured one of the bonuses was the ease of dealing with Jomtien Immigration compared to Chang Wattana. This has been a dose of reality. At least the agent fees are lower than Bangkok's.