Retirement extension at CW without TM30

[Lorry]

For my extension last week, nobody bothered to ask about TM30, even I recently came back from abroad (same address in Bangkok).

After all those reports I was a bit worried,  but no problem. 

I have never been asked for it, many years, and often been abroad. Not always the same address in Bangkok. 

 

I have always volunteered my yellow book, and this was the first time they took an interest in it (and took a photocopy).

 

Is there any logic behind it?

 

[Upnotover]

13 minutes ago, Lorry said:

Is there any logic behind it?

No. The unpredictability is crucial to them maintaining control. I dumped everything in the desk last month, everything was kept. It's impossible to know what I could have skipped and still got the extension. Next year I'll go minimalist just for fun and see what happens.  

[DrJack54]

25 minutes ago, Lorry said:

For my extension last week, nobody bothered to ask about TM30, even I recently came back from abroad (same address in Bangkok)

It's hit and miss. 

The check doc chicks sometimes ask for it however sure enough when you bring it they don't want it. 

 

For others.... If it's easy to obtain a TM30 just prior to attending CW, I suggest that's a idea. 

[bamnutsak]

My guess is that the IO can "see" your current TM30, in their systems, is valid and accurate so no need for the paper.

 

 

[Caldera]

1 hour ago, bamnutsak said:

My guess is that the IO can "see" your current TM30, in their systems, is valid and accurate so no need for the paper.

 

That seems to be the case. If your TM30 is up to date, the IO actually processing the extension doesn't usually take any interest in TM30 paperwork, because it's on their screen. Getting past the document check is another story, sometimes they do insist and that's unpredictable - so I would always recommend to take it along. 

[Lorry]

14 hours ago, Caldera said:

 

That seems to be the case. If your TM30 is up to date, the IO actually processing the extension doesn't usually take any interest in TM30 paperwork, because it's on their screen. Getting past the document check is another story, sometimes they do insist and that's unpredictable - so I would always recommend to take it along. 

Sounds very plausible. 

Would be interesting to know who filed my TM30, and at which address. 

It wasn't me, for sure (and certainly not any landlord).

Never mind,  I am happy, they are happy...

[rockedbottom]

On 6/1/2025 at 3:04 PM, DrJack54 said:

It's hit and miss. 

The check doc chicks sometimes ask for it however sure enough when you bring it they don't want it. 

 

For others.... If it's easy to obtain a TM30 just prior to attending CW, I suggest that's an idea. 

I keep hearing about this doc check stage. Last time I went for my extension ( Jan 2025 ), I got my queue number, and then went straight to the IO when it was my turn. Where and when does this mythical doc check happen?

[DrJack54]

4 minutes ago, rockedbottom said:

Where and when does this mythical doc check happen?

Its first desk just past the area where queue tickets issued. 

Some advice here

https://aseannow.com/topic/1351456-etiquette-at-cw-immigration/

 

[Lorry]

6 hours ago, rockedbottom said:

I keep hearing about this doc check stage. Last time I went for my extension ( Jan 2025 ), I got my queue number, and then went straight to the IO when it was my turn. Where and when does this mythical doc check happen?

After you get your queue number,  the first counter is L27 (sometimes L28), it has a sign " document check" and will flash your queue number when it's your turn.

The lady there will check whether  you have all necessary documents,  put them in the correct order,  give you back some unnecessary photocopies and add some unnecessary  photocopies she deems necessary. 

She will also give you some (3-5) forms to sign (no real need to fill them out, just sign when you are waiting for the I.O. at L35), like the one where you state that you are a nice person or the one where you sign that overstay carries certain penalties. 

She gives you back all your documents, you then wait at e.g. counter L35  for your queue number to flash, and there the I.O.  stamps the extension stamp into your passport.

 

I don't know if your queue number will ever be called at L35 if you didn't go to L27 first. 

 

 

[rockedbottom]

8 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

Its first desk just past the area where queue tickets issued. 

Some advice here

https://aseannow.com/topic/1351456-etiquette-at-cw-immigration/

 

Thank you

[rockedbottom]

2 hours ago, Lorry said:

After you get your queue number,  the first counter is L27 (sometimes L28), it has a sign " document check" and will flash your queue number when it's your turn.

The lady there will check whether  you have all necessary documents,  put them in the correct order,  give you back some unnecessary photocopies and add some unnecessary  photocopies she deems necessary. 

She will also give you some (3-5) forms to sign (no real need to fill them out, just sign when you are waiting for the I.O. at L35), like the one where you state that you are a nice person or the one where you sign that overstay carries certain penalties. 

She gives you back all your documents, you then wait at e.g. counter L35  for your queue number to flash, and there the I.O.  stamps the extension stamp into your passport.

 

I don't know if your queue number will ever be called at L35 if you didn't go to L27 first. 

 

 

Ah. I see. I understand now. Never thought of that as the document check stage. Thank you.