Report - First Retirement Extension - my experience at Changwattana 7 Building B (IMM1)

[ronnie50]

First of all thanks to @DrJack54 and others for all the very helpful info. Some friends also shared their tips. Here is what I encountered.

 

• Pre booked an online mid afternoon appointment. Booked a month in advance as they fill up quickly. I had nested the overeas transfer in my Thai account for 3.5 months by this time and was seen 57 days after my O Visa was given.
• Followed Jack's advice - arrived just before noon (when they take their break) 
• Did all the photocopying there - 2 of everything - note you need to hunt for photocopying found two places side by side on 'level 1' - Note there is no 'basement' (Imm is on level 2 at far end of the giant complex). Level 1 is mostly banks (no SCB) and fast food joints/cantenes and it's busy as all the Imm staff and other workers are on lunch break - no queue for the copying and it's cheap.
• When the Imm re-opened after lunch at 1 pm (like Jack said before), I pointed to the actual appointment I had (not just a queue number) and the Officer let me slip in ahead of the crowd with on-the-day-numbers
• Even though I was mid-afternoon appointment, I arrived early and the kindly IO officer woman went through my docs ahead of time while I waited outside the cubicle. She made me fill out a few extras that I didn't have (it was no problem for her)

 

My Docs (all checked and accepted):

 

• TM7
• Passport with photocopies of bio page and every page with stamps (I added a blank page after them for good measure) sign all copy pages
• Bank letter and Bank Statement obtained 2 days previously
• Thai bank receipt of wire transfer in (e.g. the 800,000 THB transfer from foreign funds)
• Originating foreign bank wire transfer receipt
• Goodle map (Sat view) of accommodation
• Hand drawn map of same
• TM30
• photo of me standing outside my residence with number and condo name displayed
• Rental agreement (current)
• Owner's family book pages
• Owner's ID photocopy
• Original Passport
• Original bankbook with all pages copied (1 year) and updated same day at bank (with a photocopy at bank of last page and a stamp)
• A recent photo of me
• THB 1,900
• I think that's it - took about 20 minutes

 

Re-Entry visa and Certificate of Residence

 

• After the above, I also took a queue number for both re-entrey stamp and CoR at same time and lucked out one after the other
• Re-entry needed a form and a photo (multi 3,800) got it
• CoR got that too. Need to update using the PP photocopies and that day's Extension stamp copy. Otherwise, you need to wait until your first 90 day report to apply for the CoR - maybe they made an exception for me not sure.. Surprised it has to be mailed to me and is only valid for 30 days. I said it was for driving license

 

I think that's pretty much the (exhausting) day - be ready for all of humanity to be there with you. However, it's quite efficient despite the crowds.

 

R.

 

[ronnie50]

I forgot to suggest that you don't drive there in your own vehicle (unless a motorbike). Last time I was there (to get the O Visa) it took me an hour to find a parking spot - and the place is multi level and massive.

 

If coming from Sukhumvit BTS line you can get off at 11th Military station and take a taxi the rest of the way for around 70 baht. Coming back is more difficult. Take a taxi all the way home. The taxis stop outisde the complex door that is nearest to Immigration.

[DrJack54]

12 minutes ago, ronnie50 said:

Surprised it has to be mailed to me and is only valid for 30 days. I said it was for driving license

Yes the 200b fee covers mail to your address 

They state up to 2 weeks however most likely you will receive it in 5-7 days.

 

[ronnie50]

7 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

Yes the 200b fee covers mail to your address 

They state up to 2 weeks however most likely you will receive it in 5-7 days.

 

I was anticipating something like a booklet with my address etc., but the IO said 'no' and showed me the CoR, which is basically a letter confirming the address on the TM30. Only valid for a month she said. 

[Caldera]

1 minute ago, ronnie50 said:

I was anticipating something like a booklet with my address etc., but the IO said 'no' and showed me the CoR, which is basically a letter confirming the address on the TM30. Only valid for a month she said. 

 

Yes it's just a letter, that has always been the case. 

[DrJack54]

17 minutes ago, ronnie50 said:

Only valid for a month she said. 

Yes it's valid for a month.

Note: for folk obtaining a car + bike license, Transport will accept one original COR and photocopy for second licience.

 

"Letter of address" from embassy valid much longer (one yr) however not available from some embassies. + Expensive. 

 

Previously COR from CW required a previous TM47...that is no longer required.