30-day Tourist Visa Extension

[cali4995]

Jomtien office, Soi 5. 1,900 baht, completed TM.7 temporary extension

of stay form, (1) 4x6cm photo, (1) copy each of passport data page,

entry stamp, actual visa sticker. They process such a volume of forms

at this office they really seem to be more professional in their demeanor.

No particular drama until I got to the very end, picking up my passport

and receipt and I was asked to sit down and underwent a little interrogation

as to the reasons for my stay. Specifically, I was asked what my "business"

was in Thailand. I had worn a pair of dress slacks and a nice long-sleeve

button-down shirt in an attempt to look polite. Apparently a mistake. To

anyone else endeavoring to undertake this procedure I recommend wearing

a Songkran/Hawaiian shirt, perhaps gargling with some stale beer and in

general staggering about the immigration office in confused fashion.

I did get the 30-days, but I'm really not sure what to expect the next time. In

all honesty, I don't think I would feel comfortable going back to that same office.