Suan Plu Ed Visa Extension Today

[Tod Daniels]

I went to Suan Plu (Thai Immigrations) today to extend my education visa for another 90 days.

I got there at 8:15, doors were open and the information counter was handing out queue tickets. I got number 3 for the appropriate counter, and at 8:30 when the staff began taking paperwork, paid my 1900 baht and turned my paperwork in.

I was given a recall number, went out and smoked a cigarette and when I returned a scant 15 minutes later my passport was finished already.

Went back to the information counter and got another queue ticket for the 90 day reporting line. I sat down and within 5 minutes had the number come up on the board. Again given a return queue number and less than 3 or 4 minutes had my passport back.

The major hold ups at the education visa extension counter seemed to be people who didn't have the correct copies; passports, visas, Arrival/Departure card, last stamp, etc. The same could be said for the 90 day reporting counter where people were filling out the forms again slowing the process down.

I suppose the worst counter is the information counter where you get queue tickets to the rest of the counters. It is the catch all place for asking stupid questions and really slows down the lines. Thankfully, I was there so early there was almost no line each time I went thru it. If I had any advice for people it would be to do some research, see what you need, download and FILL OUT the forms before you go, make your copies, etc, it makes a world of difference time wise.

I also went up to room 206 to get the letter from Thai Immigrations stating I live here. Usual copies of things were required, (front page of your passport, last entry stamp, Arrival/Departure card, and current extension stamp). I just want to get the new "Smart Card" driver's license even though my 5 year thai license has more than 3 years left on it. It cost me a 100 baht EMS fee but the letter was free and will be posted within a week the lady who ran the office told me. It's certainly a LOT cheaper than the 1020 baht the US Embassy charges for a notarized letter, stating the same thing.

Even going and getting the residence letter done I was out of there by 9:30am at the latest.

All in all a fast painless, trouble free turn around.

[wasabi]

It seems like you did two things regarding the ED visa

1. I got there at 8:15, doors were open and the information counter was handing out queue tickets. I got number 3 for the appropriate counter, and at 8:30 when the staff began taking paperwork, paid my 1900 baht and turned my paperwork in.

I was given a recall number, went out and smoked a cigarette and when I returned a scant 15 minutes later my passport was finished already.

2. Went back to the information counter and got another queue ticket for the 90 day reporting line. I sat down and within 5 minutes had the number come up on the board. Again given a return queue number and less than 3 or 4 minutes had my passport back.

What is the first thing you had to do at 8:15 which cost 1900? I thought the 90 day reporting and getting the stamp were one in the same? did you have to pay a second amount for the 90 day reporting?

[lopburi3]

Extensions of stay cost 1,900 baht. There is no charge for 90 day address reporting.

[JAS21]

It cost me a 100 baht EMS fee but the letter was free and will be posted within a week the lady who ran the office told me. It's certainly a LOT cheaper than the 1020 baht the US Embassy charges for a notarized letter, stating the same thing.

I did exactly the same a few weeks ago, gave her 100Baht, didn't bother me as the BE charges about 2500baht for same. Whe EMS letter arrived, if I recall correctly the stamp was 37baht. The centre is now certainly more efficent provided you have the correct paperwork prepared.