Nong Khai Immigration Only 7 Days Extension On Tourist Visa

[Chaichara]

I have been in Thailand a long time on a mix of Work Permits, Visa B, tourist visas and 30 day entry stamps.

Two recent 90 day tourist visas in a row, entry for 60 days, then each extended at Pattaya immigration for a further 30 days. On 28 April, for the extention to the the third one at Nong Khai immigration office I was given only seven days. Reason: No return air ticket. Cost for the seven day extention: 1,900 baht.

So a warning to anyone who believes that the return air ticket is only a condition for people arriving withot a visa.

[lopburi3]

Actually that has happened a few times for people with passports that indicate they are living in Thailand long term.

((edit: But this is the first report since high tourist season started so perhaps it signals a return to closer inspection))

All extensions of stay are 1,900 baht.

[tropo]

So a warning to anyone who believes that the return air ticket is only a condition for people arriving withot a visa.

There's nothing new here. A lot of people have been caught out on this at Jomtien over the last 6 months.

I always carry a copy of my return ticket when I'm applying for extensions. It seems sometimes they want to see them, sometimes not, but it's better to be sure and have one.

[Lite Beer]

Nong Kai would not be my choice to apply for anything.

[funfun]

So a warning to anyone who believes that the return air ticket is only a condition for people arriving withot a visa.

There's nothing new here. A lot of people have been caught out on this at Jomtien over the last 6 months.

I always carry a copy of my return ticket when I'm applying for extensions. It seems sometimes they want to see them, sometimes not, but it's better to be sure and have one.

I didnt tropi did you, also can one buy one soi 5?

Chris

[Chaichara]

Time to go home and come back with another new 12-month multiple visa O or B.

Not really an inconvenience. Like living here too much.

[sniffdog]

Bangkok still 30 days on extension without ticket ....

[Ray1167]

sorry to hear that. It just serves to prove the inconsistencies in immigration's treatment of visitors. I was in Nong Khai last week doing a run over to Laos. My friend who was with me crossed back into Thailand with no visa , and received another 30 day entry stamp . They never even asked to see an air ticket. Yet i understood this was the policy . Anyone's guess.

[toptuan]

Nong Kai would not be my choice to apply for anything.

Agreed. I have tried dealing with them for over 6 years. The rules change every visit.

My conclusion: They are a completely dysfunctional branch of immigration--both the border station and the immigration office.

[Maestro]

...The rules change every visit...

Not really. The rule for a tourist visa extension is – and has been for many years – “Permission will be granted for a period of not more than 30 days”

Therefore, if one applicant is given 30 days and the next is given 7 days, both have been dealt with in accordance with the rule. The “not more than” clause allows immigration officials do handle each application based on its merits.

--

Maestro