Immigration in 2009 posted a regulation that everyone must apply for an extension in the district where they live. I've heard from two people who claim that they got their extension outside of Samui even though they put a Samui address on the application. Can anyone verify that they have done this? Many here would like to avoid SIO at all costs and perhaps go to Suratthani so it would be helpful to know if others have done just that.

I too would be interested if this is possible. Fyi I (my in-laws) made enquiries abt 2 years ago at the Nakhon Sri Thammarat office about this and the answer was an emphatic no (and they are friends with one of the senior officers there).

I stopped doing extensions because of the corrupt scum I had to deal with on Samui; everyone knows he charges 5k but nobody does anything to stop it.

Edited February 26, 201214 yr by ParadiseLost

I too would be interested if this is possible. Fyi I (my in-laws) made enquiries abt 2 years ago at the Nakhon Sri Thammarat office about this and the answer was an emphatic no (and they are friends with one of the senior officers there).

I stopped doing extensions because of the corrupt scum I had to deal with on Samui; everyone knows he charges 5k but nobody does anything to stop it.

you are a bit out of the loop Las2 years rates are posted, if all your paperwork in order no dramas.

To the OP , you ask that question every year, I understand you have an issue with Samui office, but again if you have all your documents in order, shouldn't be a problem.

For any further information about this, either search the visa section or contact one of the lawyer firms tthat specialise in visa & get correct information.

As far as I know the Immigration policy has not changed, but like many laws in Thailand they are sometimes ignored. The reason I brought this topic up was that when I told several people that they must go to the IO where they live two people told me I was incorrect and gave examples of people going elsewhere. I then said that it was probably either illegal or the IO didn't notice the address. I am just trying to determine if they have become lax in this regulation. One guy I know will test it next month and go to Suratthani and I will report what happens.

By the way, thanks to TV, I have paid only 1900B each year using the envelope method so I don't have a major complaint anymore like others do. I think it is important for this forum to not only report the law or regulation but also the reality; e.g., no bars open after 2am or no smoking in restaurants. Both are laws that sometimes, but not always, are followed.

A very big difference between bars staying open after 2pm & Immigration Laws.

As I said, this is not something your rely on from hearsay. Ask t6he question in the relevant section.

http://www.thaivisa....d-work-permits/

I will move this topic for you , so you can get what you seek.