Chiang Mai Immigration Office

[Sparkles]

I wonder if attitude has anything to do with it.

MSPain

Attitude was not a factor based on my observations in my recent visits to immigration, and the associated waits. One thing about the ticket queueing system is that they don't know who number 4XX is and whether or not their attitude is good until they are called. Furthermore, of all the people I saw being dealt with at the office, none showed signs of a poor attitude that I could see---no raised voices and everyone (on both sides of the counter) seemed quite polite. My attitude is about as good as it gets---I dress smartly, smile and wai all officials I dealt with. The problem is the long wait before you are called because of such issues as the small number of officers working on visa extensions and the increased requirements for the 90 day report etc.

What are these increased requirements for the 90 day report please?

There were none 2 days ago ,as per normal.

[Tywais]

What are these increased requirements for the 90 day report please?

Perhaps referring to the need to have photocopies of your passport now along with the TM47. Or, the fact that it is being actively enforced now as opposed to a few years ago. Only thing I've seen.

[Ulysses G.]

There were increased requirements a short time ago (one year?). Maybe that is what they are referring to.

Edited October 16, 2009 by Ulysses G.

[Sparkles]

There were increased requirements a short time ago (one year?). Maybe that is what they are referring to.

One week ! is a long time in Thai Immigration matters. The goalposts have wheels. As of now Its TM 47 form,passport , copy of last report (if any)photocopies of permit to stay stamp,date of arrival stamp,departure card . Better to get a spare form or 2 while you are there and multlple copies of all you need and fill it out at home plus stick a post -it note on the fridge of the date !

[Tywais]

copy of last report

Are you sure you are not referring to the receipt, the bottom part of the previous TM47 report? The reason is that no one would probably have a complete copy of the last TM47 filed as immigration takes the top half of the form.

As for myself, I have a pre-filled form and copy of my passport in pdf format and a reminder program. I just print the pdf file out, sign it and go.

[mcgriffith]

Passport facepage.

Current extension (or visa) stamp.

Departure card.

Most recent entry stamp into Thailand. I know, it is the identical stamp as on the departure card, but they want it. The one in the passport.

If one has extension, not visa- copy of the original visa that extension is based on. In my case, this is a 90 day Cat O non Imm issued in Penang years ago. Thankfully I've kept copies.

The last 2 items are the new additions, from my recent experience.

[Tywais]

Most recent entry stamp into Thailand. I know, it is the identical stamp as on the departure card, but they want it. The one in the passport.

If one has extension, not visa- copy of the original visa that extension is based on. In my case, this is a 90 day Cat O non Imm issued in Penang years ago. Thankfully I've kept copies.

The last 2 items are the new additions, from my recent experience.

When was that? I did mine just a couple of weeks ago and only the TM47, receipt, copy of passport and arrival card (TM6). Reason for asking is that my most recent entry stamp into Thailand is in my first passport which is 3 passports ago from 16 years when I entered Thailand. Same regarding my work extension, original visa is 16 years old. As far as I can tell, they only want a copy of the current permission of stay stamp plus face page from the passport and TM6.

[mcgriffith]

You're right, Tywais!

I was confusing the additional required copies for my recent retirement visa extension (which were not required before), with the simple 90 day TM47 form check in.

My apologies!

BTW, you have not left Thailand in 16 years.....not even a day visit to Tachilek?

You win the hard-core Thai expat award....

[Tywais]

BTW, you have not left Thailand in 16 years.....not even a day visit to Tachilek?

You win the hard-core Thai expat award....

Guess I did go to Tachilek several years ago but on a day pass so no change regarding entry stamps.

[jackr]

What pee's me off about the reporting is that applying for an extension doesn't count (after the first) even though you are there. Got caught out on this couple years ago to the tune of 2k. I'm also out of synch and have to report a couple weeks after applying for extension so that'll be three visits in one month! I guess I could tweak it by reporting early a few times but...

If there are any bigwig immigration officials reading this, can you please consider terminating the 90-day reporting as it really is a pain.

Edited October 17, 2009 by jackr

[jackr]

Has anyone going for an O extension based on marriage been asked to produce photos of house/wardrobe of late? Also a map to the house? I've never been asked for either.

[uptheos]

Went Thursday for Certificate of Residence.

First person to hand in application 0830 - all documents complete.

Certificate of Residence completed at 1000

This does not appear to be one of their improvements.

[Thailand]

What pee's me off about the reporting is that applying for an extension doesn't count (after the first) even though you are there. Got caught out on this couple years ago to the tune of 2k. I'm also out of synch and have to report a couple weeks after applying for extension so that'll be three visits in one month! I guess I could tweak it by reporting early a few times but...

If there are any bigwig immigration officials reading this, can you please consider terminating the 90-day reporting as it really is a pain.

The 90 day reporting inconvenience to farangs will probably be at the top of the agenda for next "bigwigs" meeting.

[Sparkles]

copy of last report

Are you sure you are not referring to the receipt, the bottom part of the previous TM47 report? The reason is that no one would probably have a complete copy of the last TM47 filed as immigration takes the top half of the form.

As for myself, I have a pre-filled form and copy of my passport in pdf format and a reminder program. I just print the pdf file out, sign it and go.

Yes I am ,badly worded ,sorry !

I wonder where they keep all the paperwork .My work pemit application used to be 27 pages x 8 years, thats a lot of trees and space.

[vagabond48]

If there are any bigwig immigration officials reading this, can you please consider terminating the 90-day reporting as it really is a pain.

The 90 day reporting inconvenience to farangs will probably be at the top of the agenda for next "bigwigs" meeting.

Yeah, if they are looking to reduce staff.

[vagabond48]

I wonder where they keep all the paperwork .My work pemit application used to be 27 pages x 8 years, thats a lot of trees and space.

I have gotten empty forms that were reused submitted photocopies. The back of my form had someone's passport photo page. I guess some at immigration aren't concerned about sharing our personal and private data. I am quite pleased for them to reuse phoot copies of passport pages and other submissions that didn't contain private information but copies with my personal info, please. I am glad I don't need to give them my SS# and bank information.

Paranoid, I guess.

[slapout]

The retirees who have voiced complaints about the time spent at immigration whether for extension or 90 day report, may have a time management problem. I have been showing up at immigration since 1991, monthly (awaiting Bangkok approval) of extension for 1 year, 90 day reporting, yearly extension (issued in CM for the past few years) I take my medication prior to arrival, fill out form, make copy of passport (sign each), supply required additional documents, photo, etc and go on my merry way. I may see someone known to me to visit with or give someone help (if requested) otherwise I watch people, read a book or patiently await my turn. Most of us can spare 2 or 3 hours in a pinch (I have spent that time on a river bank fishing, drinking in a bar, or even people watching at airports, watching idiot box, etc). Many of us moved to Thailand to relax and enjoy the change of pace and then we complain, because it does not meet our wishes for that time/day. You can always write up critiques of restaurants, bars, pubs, go go joints, etc, and even start a thread on what is done with waste (food, food order/receipt paper etc) at your favorite or non favorite restaurant.

[hml367]

good job, Slapout. I agree with you.

MSPain

[Thakkar]

I agree with Slapout that it's no big deal and can even be rewarding to make the best of the situation. On my visits, I do a lot of the things he mentions, my favorite being engaging with strangers. My problem—and it is *my* problem—is that I yearn to feel at home here but find it that much harder to do so when I have to report to the authorities every 90 days.

It helps that the immigration visit is a wonderful combination of laid-back friendliness and efficiency, but how to shake off that feeling of being regarded by the authorities as an untrustworthy 'other' who needs to be checked-up on every three months no matter how much of a model citizen you've been? As someone who was born in one culture, raised in another, strongly influenced by a third, married to a fourth and now living in a fifth, I yearn to feel at home. This 90 days reporting is throwing a spanner in the works, but that's just me. It seems others have come to terms with this reporting, and I envy them.

[mcgriffith]

And that is very well said, Thakkar, IMO.

The issue I have with this requirement is that it appears pointless.

You could fill out you live at 123 Main Street, Changpuek, Muang, Chiang Mai 50200.

I am certain they wouldn't even blink taking this info.

No central database, and no checking to verify the address given is the actual residence address.

An exercise in futility.

[cmsally]

Not to mention if you are a hotel owner then immigration need details of every person checked in every day. Goodness knows what they do with this.

Isn't there also a rule about people staying in your house or renting your house - same thing I suppose.

[Ulysses G.]

I bring a book and make the best of my 90 day visits, but I rather just stay home.

[zippydedodah]

Has anyone going for an O extension based on marriage been asked to produce photos of house/wardrobe of late? Also a map to the house? I've never been asked for either.

I was asked for pictures of marriage, map to the house and informed that an immigration official would be out to our home, to take photos for themselves, within the 30 days of my extension (pending approval for one year marriage visa). That was on Thursday.

arrived at 7:45 am, ended up with 8th in my queue for spousal visa, and left at 11:30 am. We were also asked for a copy of our rental contract for the home we live in... did not have it, but officer was kind enuf to process paperwork anyways, with promise we would return on friday with said contract (which we did.. walked right to her desk, handed it over, end of story).

[jackr]

Most of us can spare 2 or 3 hours in a pinch (I have spent that time on a river bank fishing, drinking in a bar, or even people watching at airports, watching idiot box, etc). Many of us moved to Thailand to relax and enjoy the change of pace and then we complain, because it does not meet our wishes for that time/day.

Perhaps you can if you have nothing better to do but I certainly prefer to do any of those things, or even nothing, because it's my prerogative and not something I am being told to do. In my case it doesn't just impact me, it also affects two others. On the reporting, one would think after several years of marriage where kids are involved they should be relaxing things slightly. Look at what other countries do with bonafide immigrants and drag one's policies in this regard into the 21st century for christ sakes. Relax that insatiable Thai trait of not giving a little and give a little.

On the last Thaier than Thai line, one is not complaining on the lifestyle, which is tickety-boo; it's more a case of being herded and made to jump through hoops. To what end?

[Patriciachas]

Most of us can spare 2 or 3 hours in a pinch (I have spent that time on a river bank fishing, drinking in a bar, or even people watching at airports, watching idiot box, etc). Many of us moved to Thailand to relax and enjoy the change of pace and then we complain, because it does not meet our wishes for that time/day.

Perhaps you can if you have nothing better to do but I certainly prefer to do any of those things, or even nothing, because it's my prerogative and not something I am being told to do. In my case it doesn't just impact me, it also affects two others. On the reporting, one would think after several years of marriage where kids are involved they should be relaxing things slightly. Look at what other countries do with bonafide immigrants and drag one's policies in this regard into the 21st century for christ sakes. Relax that insatiable Thai trait of not giving a little and give a little.

On the last Thaier than Thai line, one is not complaining on the lifestyle, which is tickety-boo; it's more a case of being herded and made to jump through hoops. To what end?

Because that is what you have to do and have no choice in the matter other than leave .

[slapout]

jackr; To expect Thailand to enter the 21 st century or anything approaching common sense where requirements of farang residing here, visas, extensions, overstay, , etc may be expecting a little too much. I used to extend on marriage visa and listened to wife bitch about time, paper work, officials at immigration, etc. As soon as possible I went the retirement route, thus 1 persons time involved (other than those dedicated to soliciting reams of paper). I realize, I can not change the requirements or the rational behind same, do not want to leave the LOS (yet), and equate time at immigration as 'nothing' in the overall time span of living here. My recommendation is, go for retirement visa, leave the wife at home, and equate the real worth of your time in baht while living here. The Thai system has been around longer than we have and, surprise, many other systems utilized by other countries of the world. I certainly am not supportive of the system but no one, of authority, have asked for my input for change.

[mcgriffith]

Yeah, the matrimonial visa rules seem way onerous to me.

A poster mentioned that to qualify, he was told a visit to his house; wedding photos, etc.

I am curious. This is mentioned, but can any member actually recount having Immigration Police go to their house?

(I do recall a thread from 1+ yrs ago relating some activity on this issue).

Retirement extension is the way to go.

Just get rid of that dratted TM47, and all will be well......:;

[satiariyan]

Speaking about how to spend time at - or not at- the immigration office, I'm wondering why noone have mentioned the computer set up in the waiting room with a sign saying "Free internet". Is it because it was there only the day I were there, or is it because everyone's cases were processed so fast that they didn't have time to look around and notice it? - Did they take it down again or didn't it just not work? - Otherwise, wouldn't it have been a great opportunity to have a few minutes/hours as the frontline reporter giving live minute-by-minute reports regarding how the case is going?

Seriously, I am a bit mystified why such a thing as free internet at immigration hasn't been mentioned in this thread. - I swear, there was a computer and a sign on Sept. 30, 2009 around 11.00 - 11.30 am.

[slapout]

mcgriffith; Yes the immigration police would visit the house of record to verify that the couple actually lived together. They would also visit with neighbors to verify that the farang involved had been there and noticed by others. This procedure was a one time visit (first extension application). My personal info on marriage, is dated, but it was still being handled this way 4 years ago (according to a friend).

[tijnebijn]

mcgriffith; Yes the immigration police would visit the house of record to verify that the couple actually lived together. They would also visit with neighbors to verify that the farang involved had been there and noticed by others. This procedure was a one time visit (first extension application). My personal info on marriage, is dated, but it was still being handled this way 4 years ago (according to a friend).

Never had a visit , never had to show pictures either , just the money in the bank and thats it .

Perhaps they look at having children or not , we do , and maybe when renting a place instead of owning it also .

Me thinks to notice this , from those who have a visit by immi , its one of both .