Best time of day for jomtien immigration?

[pomchop]

Have to do the 30 day extension soon...been many times but not in six + months.

 

Is it better now to get there early in morning or later in day?  Have been early but so crowded they made bunch of us hang around all day then say oh come back tomorrow...if that is the case still is it better to go in afternoon fill it all out and then come back next day to get passport?

 

what is recommended for least hassle / wait times?

 

thanks

[ModdaPunk]

Best time is always in the morning.

An hour before it opens.

It's a pain in the A but it's the only way to not spend hours waiting.

Jomtien immigration is the worst in the entire country.

You should go to Rayong for a day or two and do your extension there.

This is what I did last time I was in the area.

A went to Chanthaburi for a couple of days.

Nice city, super chill immigration office.

[Pattaya57]

13 minutes ago, ModdaPunk said:

Best time is always in the morning.

An hour before it opens.

It's a pain in the A but it's the only way to not spend hours waiting.

Jomtien immigration is the worst in the entire country.

You should go to Rayong for a day or two and do your extension there.

This is what I did last time I was in the area.

A went to Chanthaburi for a couple of days.

Nice city, super chill immigration office.

What a loud of rubbish. I've done 30 day extensions at Jomtien since 2018 and never had a problem. These idiots lining up an hour before it opens are crazy as my whole time usually lasted less than that.

 

I found going at 09:30 - 10:00 worked well to get rid of the pre-opening crowd and finish well before the 11:30 lunch break

 

Yes the last couple of years they may say to come back next day to pick up passport but in and out in 5 minutes

 

Edited November 17 by Pattaya57

[DrJack54]

21 minutes ago, pomchop said:

what is recommended for least hassle / wait times?

I recall your detailed post in February this year and your clearly aware many folk attend early..

Post above is standard/good suggestion re time.

One option is to use agent. Cost approx 4k which includes the 1900b application.

 

Not sure of current "behavior" of Jomitien immigration.

There were reports of some folk sent away and told to return closer to expiry of current permission of stay.

Other immigration offices usually couple weeks early is fine.

 

Note: for anyone who entered Thailand with eVisa a copy of that required. 

 

[Pattaya57]

36 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

Not sure of current "behavior" of Jomitien immigration.

There were reports of some folk sent away and told to return closer to expiry of current permission of stay.

Other immigration offices usually couple weeks early is fine.

What I recall is one poster made about 4 repeat threads over a year ago saying that Jomtien told him to come back 1 day before expiry but I never experienced that at the same time he was posting. All of my 30 day extensions in Jomtien were done about 2 weeks prior to expiry in the 6 years I used them (3 or 4 extensions per year)

 

Edited November 17 by Pattaya57

[DrJack54]

1 hour ago, Pattaya57 said:

What I recall is one poster made about 4 repeat threads over a year ago saying that Jomtien told him to come back 1 day before expiry but I never experienced that at the same time he was posting.

This attached thread is from OP that made report you refer to.

Another poster in that thread stated.

 

". Dr Jack54- I was sent packing when I tried to get extension 4 days before expiration day. Was told to come back 2 days later and then, thanks to holiday and Sunday, it was processed 2 days too late but no fine. The whole system sucks..." 

 

I have read other posts along same lines re Jomitien.

You have not had that experience. Great. 

 

OP of this thread extensively posted in attached thread Feb this year. 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1318842-jomtien-immigration-still-same-30-day-extensions-can-only-be-done-1-business-day-prior/

 

[Pattaya57]

31 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

This attached thread is from OP that made report you refer to.

Another poster in that thread stated.

 

". Dr Jack54- I was sent packing when I tried to get extension 4 days before expiration day. Was told to come back 2 days later and then, thanks to holiday and Sunday, it was processed 2 days too late but no fine. The whole system sucks..." 

 

I have read other posts along same lines re Jomitien.

You have not had that experience. Great. 

 

OP of this thread extensively posted in attached thread Feb this year. 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1318842-jomtien-immigration-still-same-30-day-extensions-can-only-be-done-1-business-day-prior/

 

Either way that is old news. I was at Jomtien in July, September and October and there was hardly anyone there with no queues at all unlike a year ago when absolutely packed (process much faster now and number of extensions significantly reduced due to 60 days visa exempt)

 

It also took me only 40 minutes to get a non-imm O 12 month extension as there was no queue, but people are saying here to line-up in a queue an hour before opening and then wait to get through that pre-opening crowd. Not good advice unless you want to take 2 hours

 

Edited November 17 by Pattaya57

[bmanly]

As of about 2 and half Months ago, Jomtien Immigration was easy for the visa extension. I went on a Thursday which was exactly 1 week prior the my stamp expiring and I was there at 8.30 AM which is when the doors open. Not many there. My paperwork was all done prior, with photo and photo copies, TM30 original (although photo copy was only required.) 

 

I was out 30 minutes later, all done and dusted and heading up to catch the songthaew back to Pattaya. FACTS: No queues, no reason to get there any earlier than 8.30 am, no waiting until next day to collect passport and visa was extended another 30 days. Easy to do yourself, cost 1900 baht. 

[pomchop]

14 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

I recall your detailed post in February this year and your clearly aware many folk attend early..

Post above is standard/good suggestion re time.

One option is to use agent. Cost approx 4k which includes the 1900b application.

 

Not sure of current "behavior" of Jomitien immigration.

There were reports of some folk sent away and told to return closer to expiry of current permission of stay.

Other immigration offices usually couple weeks early is fine.

 

Note: for anyone who entered Thailand with eVisa a copy of that required. 

 

so recommend time around 10 am and then likely come back next day?  is it possible to do anything online in advance for a simple 30 day extension..i seem to recall that something now available to shorten hassles there?  .also bit confusing over how many days in advance of 60 day no visa expiration..some say 7 days some say one day?  Don;t want a repeat of what i went through last year which was a major clusterfxxk all around.

 

thanks for information ....

[DrJack54]

23 minutes ago, pomchop said:

Don;t want a repeat of what i went through last year which was a major clusterfxxk all around.

Thinking your bad experience last Feb is causing your concerns.

Things in general were very busy at Jomitien at that time.

The two first hand reports above your post indicate that Jomitien far quieter currently. 

Your plan of eg arrive 9-10am few days prior to expiry seems good idea.

 

[pomchop]

44 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

Thinking your bad experience last Feb is causing your concerns.

Things in general were very busy at Jomitien at that time.

The two first hand reports above your post indicate that Jomitien far quieter currently. 

Your plan of eg arrive 9-10am few days prior to expiry seems good idea.

 

thank you...so u think it is ok if i go 4 days before expire date?

[Chivas]

I walk past that place probably 3 or 4 mornings a week it looks an absolute nightmare

 

I dread the the thought of going without having an utter clue as to whats the process

 

I actually only yesterday emailed an agent to sort out my 30 day extension when its due rather just pay the additional

[OJAS]

16 hours ago, ModdaPunk said:

You should go to Rayong for a day or two and do your extension there.

This is what I did last time I was in the area.

 

Presumably you were able to provide proof of a submitted TM30 stating that you were staying at an address within their catchment area?

 

[ModdaPunk]

1 hour ago, OJAS said:

 

Presumably you were able to provide proof of a submitted TM30 stating that you were staying at an address within their catchment area?

 

 

Yeah.

My hotel address.

They did everything necessary online and gave me a copy.

Went to the immigration the next day.

Done.

[Road Warrior]

there is NO BEST TIMES 

[KhunLA]

Don't know about Jomtein, but I always avoid Monday & Friday, along with mornings.  I prefer after their noon-ish break, when back to full staff again.  It's a roll of the dice.

[MeaMaximaCulpa]

I tend to go mid week, arriving a bit after 09:00 (I hit my bank 08:30 same day for the bank letter/800K which is always accepted). By then most of the eager beavers are through the system.

 

I have in all my time at Jomtien Immigration (at least since they moved from town) NEVER got my passport back the same day for retirement extension, regardless of time of day. As in NOT EVER. Last year it took two days even. So I am surprised to see this issue even being discussed. I guess it is the same as I have NEVER, for anything I need to do at the Land Transport Department in Pattaya been able to use my yellow book/pink card as proof of address, but have to get a certificate of residency at Immigration (who in turn uses my yellow book. Oh, the sweet, circular irony of it all). But still there are people saying they can use their yellow book, and I must be unpresentable or badly dressed or drunk who doesn't. Go figure...

[Pattaya57]

3 minutes ago, MeaMaximaCulpa said:

I tend to go mid week, arriving a bit after 09:00 (I hit my bank 08:30 same day for the bank letter/800K which is always accepted). By then most of the eager beavers are through the system.

 

I have in all my time at Jomtien Immigration (at least since they moved from town) NEVER got my passport back the same day for retirement extension, regardless of time of day. As in NOT EVER. Last year it took two days even. So I am surprised to see this issue even being discussed. 

It's discussed because this thread is about a 30 day extension, not a retirement extension. You used to always get passport same day but that changed to next day last high season. A recent report above says it's back to same day service for the 30 day extension.

[Andycoops]

There isn't one

[Caldera]

The worst time (of the year, that is) seems to be when the snowbirds are in town and have stayed long enough to be in need of an extension.

 

I'm not surprised that people aren't reporting long queues right now, but reported mayhem back in February. The worst time of the day now is probably still much better than the best time of the day in February. 

[geisha]

On 11/17/2024 at 11:32 AM, DrJack54 said:

I recall your detailed post in February this year and your clearly aware many folk attend early..

Post above is standard/good suggestion re time.

One option is to use agent. Cost approx 4k which includes the 1900b application.

 

Not sure of current "behavior" of Jomitien immigration.

There were reports of some folk sent away and told to return closer to expiry of current permission of stay.

Other immigration offices usually couple weeks early is fine.

 

Note: for anyone who entered Thailand with eVisa a copy of that required. 

 

Over 15 years I’ve gone early morning before opening.   very few in front of me. In and out in a jiffy if you have the correct docs. Then a nice breakfast in Arroy Dee next door which has very unfortunately closed so I’ve heard. Early fruit and veg shop at the market and home. 

[GypsyT]

I walked by today 4pm. No lines.

That means NOTHING to OP. Waiting time has always been 2 to 4 hours for me.

 

I saw one big improvement; The whole center is covered now! No longer hot sun baking poor souls...

And there is more; A small cafe next to entry.

Also; New Shining Golden Buddha statue to pray at entry.

So take those holy sticks, lit them up, pray and go in.  I'll take my own advice.

[Pattaya57]

23 minutes ago, GypsyT said:

I walked by today 4pm. No lines.

That means NOTHING to OP. Waiting time has always been 2 to 4 hours for me.

Sucks to be you. I'm generally done in less than an hour, 90 minutes tops (I had one time I was late arriving and had to come back after lunch)

 

Edited November 18 by Pattaya57

[GypsyT]

Not any more at all. Yes, first 3-4 years I was pixxx off but then adjusted my attitude.

I realized they won't change to fit me so I accept the way it is.

Besides, I travel so often no need to visit for extensions. New 60 days when return. With smile 😉

 

[CallumWK]

For the last 3 extensions based on retirement in Jomtien, I used the online appointment system, which worked nicely.

Arrived 15 minutes prior to appointment time, showed my print out email at the desk near the entrance door, and was let in.
Before that I always would go on a Wednesday or Thursday, shortly after midday. I looked for weeks that had no public holidays

[MeaMaximaCulpa]

6 hours ago, Pattaya57 said:

It's discussed because this thread is about a 30 day extension, not a retirement extension. You used to always get passport same day but that changed to next day last high season. A recent report above says it's back to same day service for the 30 day extension.

OK, my bad

[wolf81]

18 hours ago, MeaMaximaCulpa said:

I tend to go mid week, arriving a bit after 09:00 (I hit my bank 08:30 same day for the bank letter/800K which is always accepted). By then most of the eager beavers are through the system.

 

I have in all my time at Jomtien Immigration (at least since they moved from town) NEVER got my passport back the same day for retirement extension, regardless of time of day. As in NOT EVER. Last year it took two days even. So I am surprised to see this issue even being discussed. I guess it is the same as I have NEVER, for anything I need to do at the Land Transport Department in Pattaya been able to use my yellow book/pink card as proof of address, but have to get a certificate of residency at Immigration (who in turn uses my yellow book. Oh, the sweet, circular irony of it all). But still there are people saying they can use their yellow book, and I must be unpresentable or badly dressed or drunk who doesn't. Go figure...

Yellow book might be fine in other places. E.g. Land and Transportation Office in Fang accepts it just fine. And most stuff in Fang immigration takes me anywhere between 10-30 minutes. Though not many foreigners are willing to live in "the sticks" I guess 🙂

[bbi1]

16 hours ago, GypsyT said:

I walked by today 4pm. No lines.

That means NOTHING to OP. Waiting time has always been 2 to 4 hours for me.

 

I saw one big improvement; The whole center is covered now! No longer hot sun baking poor souls...

And there is more; A small cafe next to entry.

Also; New Shining Golden Buddha statue to pray at entry.

So take those holy sticks, lit them up, pray and go in.  I'll take my own advice.

It seems the later you go, the less crowded the lines to get queue numbers. 4pm should be a good time, but if you get a queue number at that time, I wonder what time they would process a certificate of residency or an extension of a DTV? What time do immigration actually stop working if their official closing time is 4:30pm? Do they work through all the queue numbers until they're all finished?

[GypsyT]

1 hour ago, bbi1 said:

What time do immigration actually stop working if their official closing time is 4:30pm? Do they work through all the queue numbers until they're all finished?

I was there couple of time and they did all numbers over an hour past closing time. I think they are good on that.

 

[pomchop]

OK...for anyone interested ...

 

went to jomtien immigration today a tuesday....got there at 12;50 stood in line with maybe 40 or so people ...moved quickly showed them packet of papers to include 30 day extension of stay, copy of passport and stamped page, tm30 rom condo, passport and one pic...got a number went inside and was #2 in line so i guess others in line were there for something else......five minutes later gal takes packet, takes 1900 thb, takes my pic and tells me to have a seat...at 1;20 they give me my passport all done with extension..less than 30 minutes arrival to out the door...

 

WOW i was amazed as last year it was an all day affair...so not sure if today was just dumb luck or what but it was very efficient today...

 

thanks for the tips...glad i went at 1 pm instead of early am like i did last year.