Fast Track Immigration (Corruption?)

[TheNoob]

Recently I got the news from a foreigner living closely in my neighborhood about a so called Fast Track System at Nontaburi Immigration.

He went to the Nontaburi Immigration office to get a Visa Extension based on Marriage... he had all papers, money, etc... everything was in order as I even saw the paper work myself.

As a good foreigner trying to respect the rules in Thailand he went one month before expiration of the 90 days with a Non-O Multi Entry. The officer told him he was coming to soon and

had to come back not earlier then 2 weeks before the 90 days expired.

He went home... and told me his story, but I had some questions about what the Immigration Officer said to him. As far as I know, it takes about one month to process a visa extension but he was asked to come not sooner then 2 weeks before his 90 days expire.

Was he in danger of overstaying than? So my wife called to the immigration office and asked about the so called Fast Track system... the answer she got was...

"you know what it is... its the Thai way... you know? You know right?"

after a few more words on the phone things got more clear... you pay about 2000 to 3000 baht and things will be done on time. To put it simple... its corruption once again.

Does anybody else heard or have experience with this so called Fast Track System?

[Crossy]

I can't speak for Nontaburi but when I apply for my marriage extension I get a 30 day 'under consideration' stamp, this acts as a temporary extension after the expiration of the last permission to stay stamp, so there is no overstay. You can even go on the last day of your current stay with no danger.

Pathum Thani immigration are happy to process any time within the last 30 days of your stay.

[KhunRobert]

I had the same in Krabi. Went 30 days before expiring of 1 year Non B visa with all the copies plus many more just in case.

Asked to come back 2 days before expiring date.

Came back filed all the papers and they give me another 30 days extension stamp in my passport.

After 30 days went back and got another 11 months

I just paid the normal fee of 1900 THB.

I also know from other farangs in Krabi that this is the system here.

[Just1Voice]

In three years of dealing with Immigration in Chiang Mai, I usually show up about a week prior to the date of expiration, bring all my papers, and my wife, and everything is done within an hour or so. Never had a problem with them, although there is one woman there who could seriously use a class in manners & tact.

[singa-traz]

I can't speak for Nontaburi but when I apply for my marriage extension I get a 30 day 'under consideration' stamp, this acts as a temporary extension after the expiration of the last permission to stay stamp, so there is no overstay. You can even go on the last day of your current stay with no danger.

Pathum Thani immigration are happy to process any time within the last 30 days of your stay.

In Samut Prakarn, when I asked If my 30 days 'under consideration' was taking longer than 30 days and no positive news about it on the 30th day, whether I would be technically overstaying, his answer was "No", and he proceeded with attaching a small printed paper with the telephone number of immigration.

I tried to explain him that in Suan Plu they would stamp me for another 30 days "under consideration", but he was not keen on doing it like this.

Last year, I think they called me the last day, late afternoon, and let me know I could come the next day.

[Guest]

I've been using Nonthaburi since they opened for retirement extensions. No problems doing it about four weeks before hand, no extra payments requested, no "pending approval" stamp. Marriage extensions may be handled differently.

[Maestro]

Hearsay story about alleged corruption. Topic closed.