I decided to try to get it done in the afternoon instead of a early morning visit. I usually went at 8:30am and it usually took 2.0 to 2.5 hours. This time I arrived at 2:40 walked up to the counter to see what ticket I needed and one of the immigration officers came from behind his desk took wife (PI)and I and led us to his desk, looked over our paperwork (I have copier and printer at home) that we prepared the night before, everything in order except 2 more pages from wife's passport needed copy, she dashed out and back in 5 minutes. Stamp, stamp, stamp pay the fee (B1900 ea.) move over to other desk (no wait) check everything give us a ticket, come back tomorrow PM to pick up your passports.

I also wanted to get re-entry permit at same time but was told get it tomorrow after picking up passport. Never again will I go at 8:30, I brought a book to read as usual but never had time to even open it. LOL

moving to visas forum

I tell all tourists to go in the morning.

Then I go myself in the afternoon.

A re-entry permit is for the stamp currently in your passport (permitted to stay) so until the new stamp is entered you do not want to obtain a re-entry permit.

...I also wanted to get re-entry permit at same time but was told get it tomorrow after picking up passport. Never again will I go at 8:30, I brought a book to read as usual but never had time to even open it. LOL

A retirement extension is usually approved, ie passport with the extension stamp in it given back, on the spot. Pattaya immigration seems to be an exception to this rule. You needed to make a second trip. From what you wrote it appears that you arrived for your first visit on Thursday at 2:40 pm and for your second visit at 8:30 am on Friday. On this second visit, did you have to wait long to get your stamped passport back?

No wait at all just walked to desk in back gave them my number and they handed me my passport.

A re-entry permit is for the stamp currently in your passport (permitted to stay) so until the new stamp is entered you do not want to obtain a re-entry permit.

Several posters in other threads have referred to obtaining a re-entry permit at the same time as an annual extension. Does this mean that this is no longer possible, and that a further visit to Immigration the next day or whenever is now needed for the re-entry permit? I was hoping to do both in a single trip to Immigration on Thursday!

Most immigration offices provide immediately - not the next day as Jomtien. So they get the stamp of extension and then the stamp for re-entry in one sitting.

Most immigration offices provide immediately - not the next day as Jomtien. So they get the stamp of extension and then the stamp for re-entry in one sitting.

Yes, I certainly got my extension of stay in one sitting at my local immigration office (Maptaput) last year. Hopefully the same on Thursday.