Strict Changes In Immigration Office Areas From February 15

[rook]

I hope you are right but I cannot see Suan Phlu going though the files to see who should

be going somewere else, sending the files to the closet place then wrighting a letter to tell us all were

we have to go,it would be good if they did.

[bangkok blue]

Maybe a silly question but surely this doesn't effect extensions on tourist visas? Technichely on this visa you're just a temporary resident and have no fixed address. Surely you would be able to get your 30day extension at any immigration office? This must apply only to those who hav an O B visa or a workpermit for the 90day report, ye?

Only asking as I'm in Chiangmai at the moment, on my departure card I wrote that I am staying at the Bossotel. Due for my extension 21st March but maybe on an island then and want to go to Rayong or Trat to do my extension.

[Maestro]

I'm not sure if anyone will be able to answer this question but after reading the list of immigration areas I checked my address on the proof of income letter I got two weeks ago from the British Consulate in Pattaya, the last part of my address reads Amphur Sriracha, Nongprue, Banglamung, Chon Buri.

The way I am reading the list of immigration areas this means that I can continue to use the Pattaya immigration office as I have done previously. I would be very happy if this is the case as I have always found them much easier to deal with than Sriracha. But as I only live 10 minutes away from the Sriracha office and 30 minutes away from the Pattaya office this doesn't make sense to me.

Does anyone have any ideas?

With this enforcement of service areas it is not the distance or the travel time to the immigration office that matters but the amphur where you live.

Where, I wonder, did the British consul in Pattaya get your address with two amphur names in it if not from you? Did you you register that address at the British embassy at some time in the past? You definitely should get it corrected on the embassy/consulate record. In the meantime, go with the letter as it is to the immigration office that services the amphur where you really live: Sriracha office if you live in A. Sriracha, Pattaya (Jomtien) office if you live in A. Banglamung.

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Maestro

[ubonjoe]

Maybe a silly question but surely this doesn't effect extensions on tourist visas? Technichely on this visa you're just a temporary resident and have no fixed address. Surely you would be able to get your 30day extension at any immigration office? This must apply only to those who hav an O B visa or a workpermit for the 90day report, ye?

Only asking as I'm in Chiangmai at the moment, on my departure card I wrote that I am staying at the Bossotel. Due for my extension 21st March but maybe on an island then and want to go to Rayong or Trat to do my extension.

It does not apply to those on tourist visas or any type of visa.

It is for those living in the country with extensions of stay.

[Maestro]

Icequeen, the address you gave also includes “Nongprue”, presumably the name of a tambon. The only Nong Prue that Google Maps can find is in Kanchanaburi but Google Maps often has a problem with spelling Thai names. It has four Nong Pru, two of them in Chonburi: one in A. Bang Lamung, the other in A. Phanat Nikhom, but I don't know how accurate Google Maps is about this. Neither of them appears to be within 10 minutes' driving of Sriracha.

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source...e=UTF8&z=10

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Maestro

[astral]

This goes totally against the international trend to use computers and links to centralise record-keeping for the sake of standardisation,

and then to have multiple access points for the convenience of users.

So, Thailand goes in the opposite direction to the rest of the world.

That is an interesting observation.

Quite the opposite of the Thai Passport office where all documents are scanned

and can be retrieved later with in seconds.

No photographs from the local shop either.

The photo is taken, using a camera and computer, when the application is made

and both colour and black and white images go on the passport.

[ubonjoe]

Icequeen, the address you gave also includes "Nongprue", presumably the name of a tambon. The only Nong Prue that Google Maps can find is in Kanchanaburi but Google Maps often has a problem with spelling Thai names. It has four Nong Pru, two of them in Chonburi: one in A. Bang Lamung, the other in A. Phanat Nikhom, but I don't know how accurate Google Maps is about this. Neither of them appears to be within 10 minutes' driving of Sriracha.

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source...e=UTF8&z=10

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Maestro

Nong Prue sub district is almost all of Pattaya.

Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amphoe_Bang_Lamung

[Maestro]

It doesn't solve the puzzle of Icequeen's Nongprue yet. He has Nongprue, Sriracha and Banglamung in his address. If we take Sriracha and Banglamung to be amphurs – in the list of immigration offices and by Wikipedia called districts – then only one of them can possibly be correct in his address, as already mentioned by another poster.

Wikipedia uses subdistrict for tambon. So Icequeen's Nongprue could either be a tambon or a muban (village). Icequeen said that he lives much nearer to the Sriracha immigration office than the Pattaya (Jomtien) immigration office. Therefore, his Nongprue could be the Tambon Nong Prue that is part of Pattaya Municipality, that this Tambon Nongprue extends far north in the direction of Sriracha, and that Icequeen lives in the northern part of this Tambon Nongprue

If this is Icequeen's Nongprue then it is clearly part of the service area of the Pattaya immigration office.

So, Icequeen, is this your Nongprue?

Maestro

[Maestro]

An off-topic post has been deleted.

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Maestro

[Maestro]

On Google Earth, any part of T. Nongprue, A. Banglamung is closer to Jomtien than to Sriracha. Icequeen must have got it wrong.

--

Maestro

[icequeen]

The address I gave to the consulate was A.Sriracha, Chon Buri. The address on the letter reads A.Sriracha, Nong Prue, Banglamung, Chon Buri. I didn't take a lot of notice at the time as I was planning on doing my extension in jomtien anyway. But when I read the post about the enforcement of using your local office I thought I better check it out. I will go to see Barry Kenyon in the morning and post the results here.

[scotbeve]

That's also the thing that strikes me. The world is becoming more mobile, people move around and travel all of the time. Seems very inflexible.

I believe it's getting MUCH more inflexible.

[PaulOkay]

There seem to be some immigration offices/service areas missing from the PDF.

Specifically, I can't find an Ayutthaya immigration office or Nonthaburi/Pathumthani service area.

I cannot find any info in the PDF file about Phetchaburi / Prachuab Kiri Kahn. Seems there are some immigration offices missing in the PDF file. The article mentiones there are 63 immigration offices, but the PDF file only sums up 60.

Can anyone give more information on this?

PaulOkay

[ubonjoe]

There seem to be some immigration offices/service areas missing from the PDF.

Specifically, I can't find an Ayutthaya immigration office or Nonthaburi/Pathumthani service area.

I cannot find any info in the PDF file about Phetchaburi / Prachuab Kiri Kahn. Seems there are some immigration offices missing in the PDF file. The article mentiones there are 63 immigration offices, but the PDF file only sums up 60.

Can anyone give more information on this?

PaulOkay

They are on the central list. See Singkhon immigration office.

Immigration left a few off it appears. Some in the Bangkok area are mentioned in the topic post.

[bunta71]

In the age of the computer, Thailand takes a step backwards....................

Welcome to Thailand! Now set your watch back 50 -100 years depending on just how progressive the Thai person you are sa peaking to is....

[THAIPHUKET]

90 day reporting .

Can we get the 90 day stamp outside of area of residence ?

If not that will severely limit freedom of movement throughout Thailand.

Sure this question has come up before BUT=

tried to search subject,but any search much have more than 3 letters.

[ubonjoe]

Mailing in application will be best option for most people.

It appears the assignment of offices only affects extensions and re-entry permits,

For mailing report see this webpage.: http://www.immigration.go.th/nov2004/en/base.php?page=90days

It will not be a problem to mail reports to Bangkok.

Stamp is 10 baht for return envelope. Only copies of relevent passport pages are needed. Visa, extension, entry and etc,

[Redsands]

Is this the end of the office in Hua Hin, as they seem to concentrate on retirement visas

[Lite Beer]

Is this the end of the office in Hua Hin, as they seem to concentrate on retirement visas

It is closing next month. See here.Hua Hin

[ubonjoe]

Is this the end of the office in Hua Hin, as they seem to concentrate on retirement visas

Witin the last couple of days I read a post that the office is closing. I would guess that is why it does not show up on the list. The list shows Singkhon as being your office now.

[Acharn]

I will be comeing to Thailand on 26 of February and will be staying 29 days in Thailand, most of the time I will be staying in Srisaket Province and 1. week in Pataya.

My question is :, will I be issued a month visa on the airport, and do I need to fill in some papers or report to any of Immigration offices in Thailand while staying or traveling. thanks for an answer

Coming in by air you'll be issued a 30-day "Permission to Stay". It's not really a visa, although in discussions we often talk as if it was. The rule change to 15 days was for people arriving by land, e.g. from Malaysia, Burma, Laos, Cambodia. I never liked to run my time so close to the limit, but you shouldn't have any problem.

[ubonjoe]

I will be comeing to Thailand on 26 of February and will be staying 29 days in Thailand, most of the time I will be staying in Srisaket Province and 1. week in Pataya.

My question is :, will I be issued a month visa on the airport, and do I need to fill in some papers or report to any of Immigration offices in Thailand while staying or traveling. thanks for an answer

You will get a 30 day visa exempt entry. The day you arrive counts in the 30 days.

No need to check in with immigration.

Enjoy your trip.

[Mali1964]

I will be comeing to Thailand on 26 of February and will be staying 29 days in Thailand, most of the time I will be staying in Srisaket Province and 1. week in Pataya.

My question is :, will I be issued a month visa on the airport, and do I need to fill in some papers or report to any of Immigration offices in Thailand while staying or traveling. thanks for an answer

Coming in by air you'll be issued a 30-day "Permission to Stay". It's not really a visa, although in discussions we often talk as if it was. The rule change to 15 days was for people arriving by land, e.g. from Malaysia, Burma, Laos, Cambodia. I never liked to run my time so close to the limit, but you shouldn't have any problem.

Paper work wise there's Just Your TM 6 on-board your flight this is given to you 1-2 hours before landing simple but very important form make sure you don't lose the departure section that they staple in your passport at Airport Immigration.

Have a great holiday you will love Issarn & Si Sa ket.

[JetsetBkk]

This goes totally against the international trend to use computers and links to centralise record-keeping for the sake of standardisation,

and then to have multiple access points for the convenience of users.

So, Thailand goes in the opposite direction to the rest of the world.

Just because they want you to go to your local office for the 90 day report, this does not mean that they are not using computers to centralise record-keeping.

It's possible that they just want to:

1. even out the work load amongst all the offices by having only their own residents reporting to them, and

2. let each office use its knowledge of its area to check that the foreigner's reported address is correct.

[lounger]

...where you live.

What does this mean? I dont own (!) or am not registered officially anywhere. I stay in my girlfriends house in Singburi or in an apartment in Phuket for a month at a time. I give my address on any forms as the place where I am staying that night. I am expat with 12 month retirement extension visa. So where do I report for immigration purposes renewal of extension and 90 day address notification?

[ubonjoe]

...where you live.

What does this mean? I dont own (!) or am not registered officially anywhere. I stay in my girlfriends house in Singburi or in an apartment in Phuket for a month at a time. I give my address on any forms as the place where I am staying that night. I am expat with 12 month retirement extension visa. So where do I report for immigration purposes renewal of extension and 90 day address notification?

Which address did you use when you applied for your current extesnion. That should be the one you use for the next one. Although it probably does not matter as long as you go to the office where you are living at the time. I think I would choose the office that is the least crowded and/or gives the best service.

I think for you the best one would be Phuket since Singburi should go to Ayutthaya immigration which would be a longer trip.

For 90 days reports I think you can make them at about any office for now or mail them in. It is just a matter of wait and see how they are handled.

[lounger]

I have been through 4 annual extensions for retirement reaons and have never paid a bribe. I think you are overstating things when you use the term 'routinely'...unless it applies to a single office somewhere in this Kingdom...but I doubt that it applies across the board.

I agree. I've done 6 and never had a problem. I suppose it helps if you turn up with all the correct paperwork.

I was at a regional immig office and the officer behaved like a bar girl: Ok, he said, pay one million baht.

My sphincter tightened.

MY sullen silence cut his humour (!) short.........

[lounger]

...where you live.

What does this mean? I dont own (!) or am not registered officially anywhere. I stay in my girlfriends house in Singburi or in an apartment in Phuket for a month at a time. I give my address on any forms as the place where I am staying that night. I am expat with 12 month retirement extension visa. So where do I report for immigration purposes renewal of extension and 90 day address notification?

Which address did you use when you applied for your current extesnion. That should be the one you use for the next one. Although it probably does not matter as long as you go to the office where you are living at the time. I think I would choose the office that is the least crowded and/or gives the best service.

I think for you the best one would be Phuket since Singburi is a long way from any office.

For 90 days reports I think you can make them at about any office for now or mail them in. It is just a matter of wait and see how they are handled.

An earlier post talked about the punter having to transfer his file by collecting it from one immig office to register at another. Lets hope we are spared such nonsence....ah excuse me mr immig man but next year I will be in Phuket so can I please can I have my file as I wont be using you any more.

[sabaijai]

This goes totally against the international trend to use computers and links to centralise record-keeping for the sake of standardisation,

and then to have multiple access points for the convenience of users.

So, Thailand goes in the opposite direction to the rest of the world.

Just because they want you to go to your local office for the 90 day report, this does not mean that they are not using computers to centralise record-keeping.

It's possible that they just want to:

1. even out the work load amongst all the offices by having only their own residents reporting to them, and

2. let each office use its knowledge of its area to check that the foreigner's reported address is correct.

Those would seem to be the most logical explanations.

[DNPBC0]

...For 90 days reports I think you can make them at about any office for now or mail them in. It is just a matter of wait and see how they are handled.

I live in Khon Kaen and obtained my one-year extension for a non-immigrant O visa last November at the Korat office. My 90 day report was due this week, and last week I rang the Korat office to ask if I could do it by mail. They told me that this was not possible, and that I would have to come in person to the office in Korat. This morning just as I was about to leave for Korat, I rang the Korat office again to verify that they could process the report at their office. The answer was a definite, "No", and I would have to go the office in Nong Khai, which, after a swift 180 degree turn, I did. While I was at the Nong Khai office, I verified with them the exact process for reporting by mail in future. The Nong Khai staff were very helpful and good-humoured, and I came away feeling like I'd just won lotto - not entirely sure why, but I always do when leaving an immigration office with all the documents approved.