Probably a subject done to death, but anyway here's my report on retirement extension today 29 Sept 2011.

Was there at 8:15 for 8:30 opening. Had a bit of a scare as there were about 50 Vietnamese milling about in front of the door before it opened. No attempt at a queue for them. However once the doors were opened the Thai security and immigration sorted them out quickly.

I had my forms and passport copies/bank letter all ready. I got number 6 for non O visa retirement extension. When I got to that section they were already on number 3, so I didn't have to wait very long.

Signed all the copies of passport pages and last entry and arrival/departure card.

The female immigration officer asked me to go down to the first floor and update my bankbook balance. The letter I had from the bank was only one day old, from the 28th of September...but she still insisted on having an updated entry from the same day as the day of application. Not a big problem, but it was insisted upon.

When I came back she had all the paperwork finished. I paid the 1900 Baht and went to the supervisor who checked all the paperwork and signed my extension. She then made sure I understood that I had to report again in 90 days, pointing out the date on the card that I must report by.

No request to verify my address, no request to draw a map to where I lived. Did enter my telephone number on the back of the Tm 7 form next to my signature.

Total waiting time, including going to the bank and "updating" my passbook was only about 45 minutes max.

A nice easy initial application...and now I'm set for the next 90 days.

I have only had excellent service all round at Chaeng Wattana Immigration - very quick, efficient and helpful too (am tempted to call it a Hub of Efficiency). Good, cheap photo and copying services downstairs and I have also noticed, but never used, a small clinic for medical certificates if required.

LOS is indeed looking up.

Chaeng Wattana Immigration are obviously well geared up for such applications.

Although I am covered by Korat immigration I would rather make the extension application at CW and the do 90 day reporting at Korat. Would I get away with that ?

You must use the office serving your location. If living in Korat that would not be Bangkok.