I was in Laksi (Chang Wattana) yesterday while my wife had to renew her Thai passport.

Since we were in the area I thought I might as well get my re-entry permit too.

I have been away 5 months and had forgotten that I'm supposed to go Nakhon Sawan immigration

(since I live in Uthai Thani province).

At the Laksi Immigration centre I saw a sign saying "Bangkok Residents Only!"

I asked the reception girls if it was OK for me to apply for my re-entry permit there.

They seemed to think it would be no problem, but then again maybe they didn't really know.

My original re-entry permit said "Valid to 23rd December 2010"

I left Thailand early Feb this year and returned 17th June.

The new re-entry permit was stamped with the same date and there was a little note

attached saying I should in future go to the correct centre.

I thought that my time away from Thailand would not be counted

so that the stamp should have read valid to May 2011.

Lately I seem to have a gift for making assumptions that nearly always

turn out to be incorrect.

Is this another one?

Another one. Your permitted to stay date will only change with a new extension of stay. Re-entry permit is always valid to the current permitted to stay until date.

Another one. Your permitted to stay date will only change with a new extension of stay. Re-entry permit is always valid to the current permitted to stay until date.

Thanks for that lopburi.

In the application I said I planned to leave Thailand on 14th July and return after one year.

Looks like I could have saved a thousand baht and just applied in Oz for a new Non-Imm O Visa?

Although the permit could be handy if I needed to come back in an emergency before it expires?

Ass-umptions ... a suitable word combination!