Immigration Online Queue (Appointment) System Is A Joke

[connda]

Back to CM Thai immigration for the annual one year paper shuffle to extend my visa. I just detest that place. Arrived early because I know they'll be inadequate parking. Not disappointed. Screwed around for 10 minutes just to get a motorcycle parking place. My car would be out of the question. They were just driving around in cycles. The overflow parking lot for motorcycles has been roped off to limit the available space for parking by about 60%. There is parking everyhere, but everyone is funneled into a roped off limited area and packed in like peas in a can. They have one employee telling everyone where that can't park, but there is no place to park -- except for the additional 60% of the parking lot that is roped off and completely empty. Bad start only to get worse.

I arrived 1/2 hour before my appointment. I hear the appointment before me being called,

"Mr. ____ ____ from England for _____ o'clock appoint. Please come to counter."

Ok, I've got 1/2 hour wait and settle in. After 1/2 hour I notice one of the two visa extensions desks cleared, and I went to the counter an told them my name and I was here for my scheduled appointment. Got a "brusk" "You sit down we call you when ready." Five minutes after my scheduled appointment, they call a regular number, and some people head in and sit down at the desk. At that time my wife got involved and started asking why we just got passed up. The guy she was talking to turn his back on her. She came back, "They busy." About 25 minutes after my appointment time she tries again and basically gets blown off. 35 minutes after my appointment time, a guy came to the counter and mumbled something that was unitelligible even though I was watching his mouth, but my wife immediately pick it up, "He say person with xx o'clock appointment come up." I can only guess that he said it in Thai. Never once did any person call my name over the microphone. So we start the paper shuffle 40 minutes late only to be told that we can't finish and to come back after lunch. Back after lunch and stand like sardines in a building holding twice it's capacity of people it's built for. Listen to conversations about how confused folks are, sweat, swelter while standing in a corner for 40 minutes. Looked over the room a wondered how many people would die if a fire or other emergency started in the room considering that place is severely overcrowded with standing room only, the only exit is in the back leading to another overcrowded exterior room, one side door open but leading to a courtyard, and the other side door opening to the only clear exit on the street is locked. Again, nobody ever calls my name, but my wife shows up with my passport. Check the stamps and notice I need to come back in another month to "get my "real extension stamp". So I can't wait to go back to that bureaucratic nightmare and stand around in the sweltering heat for another couple of hours just to be treated like a piece of meat. Honestly, I treat my dogs with more attention and respect.

Anyway, be aware. Having an appointment really doesn't mean much. My experience is that they might call your name, or they might not. It's up to you to follow up because the impression I get is that the counter folk really don't care.

BTW, I understand that the director of CM Immigration has tried to address many problems like these himself, but he is also subjected to immense amount of senseless bureaucracy within the system itself. I've found him and the interview staff to be pretty professional, but there are others that seem to play the bureaucracy card and language barrier card and simply don't give a rip. It makes an already frustrating experience virtually intolerable. But there are some good staff there; it's the only thing that make it tolerable at all.

Edited April 2, 2013 by connda

[uptheos]

Oh dear, this must be playing havoc with his insistence that the 'Happy Smile Project' be followed by all staff.

[amexpat]

"Check the stamps and notice I need to come back in another month to "get my "real extension stamp".

What do you mean "real extension stamp". If your appointment wasn't for a "real extension stamp", what was if for?

[PoorSucker]

"Check the stamps and notice I need to come back in another month to "get my "real extension stamp".

What do you mean "real extension stamp". If your appointment wasn't for a "real extension stamp", what was if for?

Extensions based on marriage always gets 1 month "under consideration"

They final decision is made at regional head offices.

[CMNightRider]

I have experienced the same problems at immigration as you mentioned Connda. I have an appointment for my yearly retirement visa and show up early, only to watch as they call out numbers and process people during my scheduled time slot until someone finally acknowledges me. I have never been called at my scheduled appointment time. I have consistently had to ask when will I be called only to be told, "you sit down, we call you."

I don't have high blood pressure but the mere thought of visiting CM Immigration makes my blood boil, lol. I can deal with the one year visa renewal fiasco but then immigration requires the 90 day reporting for absolutely no logical reason what so ever.

[uptheos]

I have experienced the same problems at immigration as you mentioned Connda. I have an appointment for my yearly retirement visa and show up early, only to watch as they call out numbers and process people during my scheduled time slot until someone finally acknowledges me. I have never been called at my scheduled appointment time. I have consistently had to ask when will I be called only to be told, "you sit down, we call you."

I don't have high blood pressure but the mere thought of visiting CM Immigration makes my blood boil, lol. I can deal with the one year visa renewal fiasco but then immigration requires the 90 day reporting for absolutely no logical reason what so ever.

Keeping track of possible communists still.

[connda]

"Check the stamps and notice I need to come back in another month to "get my "real extension stamp".

What do you mean "real extension stamp". If your appointment wasn't for a "real extension stamp", what was if for?

Extensions based on marriage always gets 1 month "under consideration"

They final decision is made at regional head offices.

Married for five years and have the wedding band worn into the skin on my ring finger.

"Yes Mr. Thailand Immigration. We're just gaming the system. We're just faking it to get around your stupid, control-freak type of immigration laws. Yeah, the house, cars, motorcycles, family dogs, and financial support -- and the half a dozen villager who I support -- smoke and mirrors Mr. Thailand Immigration. You better send five or six investigation units to check into us. You know us rich farangs, I probably have Thailand littered with gigs and mia nois -- this is just my 'immigration wife'. "

Idiots. Trust me, I'm being kind.

[uptheos]

"Check the stamps and notice I need to come back in another month to "get my "real extension stamp".

What do you mean "real extension stamp". If your appointment wasn't for a "real extension stamp", what was if for?

Extensions based on marriage always gets 1 month "under consideration"

They final decision is made at regional head offices.

Married for five years and have the wedding band worn into the skin on my ring finger.

"Yes Mr. Thailand Immigration. We're just gaming the system. We're just faking it to get around your stupid, control-freak type of immigration laws. Yeah, the house, cars, motorcycles, family dogs, and financial support -- and the half a dozen villager who I support -- smoke and mirrors Mr. Thailand Immigration. You better send five or six investigation units to check into us. You know us rich farangs, I probably have Thailand littered with gigs and mia nois -- this is just my 'immigration wife'. "

Idiots. Trust me, I'm being kind.

Exactly, you're trying to take over!!

[connda]

I have experienced the same problems at immigration as you mentioned Connda. I have an appointment for my yearly retirement visa and show up early, only to watch as they call out numbers and process people during my scheduled time slot until someone finally acknowledges me. I have never been called at my scheduled appointment time. I have consistently had to ask when will I be called only to be told, "you sit down, we call you."

I don't have high blood pressure but the mere thought of visiting CM Immigration makes my blood boil, lol. I can deal with the one year visa renewal fiasco but then immigration requires the 90 day reporting for absolutely no logical reason what so ever.

I feel for ya and I know how you feel. Going down there makes me feel dirty in a way that is difficult to describe. These people dislike us, and none-to-subtly show us that we are little more than crap on the bottom of their shoes, and for those few hours that we are there they can use and abuse us to their liking. Average Thais tolerate us at best and openly despise us when the veneer of face is cracked through. The only thing that keeps me here is my commitment to my wife, family, and friends who I have developed and it happens to be the hub of the religion I've practiced for the last 40 years. . And I've sunk too much money and effort into establishing a home and a place to retire. But that once a year trip down to immigration reminds me of just how unwelcome we really are in this country.

Now I'm going to get ready to teach my Thai Native step son an English lesson. Maybe they can catch me "Teaching Without A Work Permit". Then they'll have grounds to toss me out of the country.

The high and mighty Thais are going to wake up one day to find that they have lost their business base and tourism to other ASEAN emerging countries who can actually welcome the influx of foreigners and foreign money.

[connda]

"Check the stamps and notice I need to come back in another month to "get my "real extension stamp".

What do you mean "real extension stamp". If your appointment wasn't for a "real extension stamp", what was if for?

Extensions based on marriage always gets 1 month "under consideration"

They final decision is made at regional head offices.

Married for five years and have the wedding band worn into the skin on my ring finger.

"Yes Mr. Thailand Immigration. We're just gaming the system. We're just faking it to get around your stupid, control-freak type of immigration laws. Yeah, the house, cars, motorcycles, family dogs, and financial support -- and the half a dozen villager who I support -- smoke and mirrors Mr. Thailand Immigration. You better send five or six investigation units to check into us. You know us rich farangs, I probably have Thailand littered with gigs and mia nois -- this is just my 'immigration wife'. "

Idiots. Trust me, I'm being kind.

Exactly, you're trying to take over!!

Yeah, maybe they'll catch me cavorting in the orchard behind our home with all the gigs I have in the village while my poor elderly wife works her fingers to the bone to support me.....whoa whoa whoa...wait a minute. That was her previous two Thai husbands.

[Ulysses G.]

I hate going to Immigration, but have always been treated with respect. They are WAY overworked and it is not their fault. Give them a break.

[zippydedodah]

i used the online queue system twice (for yearly spousal extension) and both times i have been called at exactly my appointment time... dealt with professionally and quickly... finished at the desk in under 20 minutes or so, then wait while docs are processed in back room, then given an appt to come back in a month to pick up the "real" visa as you call it.

anyways... i have nothing but respect and compassion for the workers there.... everyone has had their share of good and bad moments... for me, all the bad ones fade as i go about my hassle free, well enjoyed retirement.

[hellodolly]

"Check the stamps and notice I need to come back in another month to "get my "real extension stamp".

What do you mean "real extension stamp". If your appointment wasn't for a "real extension stamp", what was if for?

Extensions based on marriage always gets 1 month "under consideration"

They final decision is made at regional head offices.

Married for five years and have the wedding band worn into the skin on my ring finger.

"Yes Mr. Thailand Immigration. We're just gaming the system. We're just faking it to get around your stupid, control-freak type of immigration laws. Yeah, the house, cars, motorcycles, family dogs, and financial support -- and the half a dozen villager who I support -- smoke and mirrors Mr. Thailand Immigration. You better send five or six investigation units to check into us. You know us rich farangs, I probably have Thailand littered with gigs and mia nois -- this is just my 'immigration wife'. "

Idiots. Trust me, I'm being kind.

Sounds to me like you think the whole world is like you. And there is no need to check in any way to see if some one is not like you. They service about 40 people a day there for the yearly renewal and they only have 10 reserved spots set aside. Imagine the other 30 if they all had your attitude the place would be unbearable.

I once sat in there and saw a man called on time. I was talking with another fellow who was called a half hour late. He managed to sit calmly there and explain his Kindle to myself and another person who were waiting with out appointments.He did not get upset and rant about the system. I am quite sure he did not rush home to tell every one how badly he had been abused at immigration.

Now I am sure that the officials all have there off days as do all people but really 40 minutes I have waited longer than that for a 90 day and it is a regularly fast one.

[anselpixel]

My last visit will be my last unescorted visit to CM IMM.

Totally out of hand, and very unpleasant.

I've bailed out and hired people to represent me. They just did my first 90 day for me, and I couldn't be happier. They even did it gratis because I contracted with them to usher me through my next one year visa extension in October.

For three years, I did everything on my own, and in spite of the overcrowding, and overworked staff, it was okay. It's not okay any longer, and for me there's no point pretending it is.

Just for the record, the two things that finished me off: 1) cognitive dissonance regarding the early arrival sign-in sheet no longer being used to assign queue positions; 2) pervasive rudeness and hostility among people coming to do business.

I've yet to have a bad experience with the staff. They don't have to love me as long as they do their jobs, and they always have.

BTW. I did use the online queue last year, and was seen within ten minutes of the appointed time. In and out before lunch.

Edited April 2, 2013 by anselpixel

[hellodolly]

I hate going to Immigration, but have always been treated with respect. They are WAY overworked and it is not their fault. Give them a break.

But you are not as special as connda

[daoyai]

I have experienced the same problems at immigration as you mentioned Connda. I have an appointment for my yearly retirement visa and show up early, only to watch as they call out numbers and process people during my scheduled time slot until someone finally acknowledges me. I have never been called at my scheduled appointment time. I have consistently had to ask when will I be called only to be told, "you sit down, we call you."

I don't have high blood pressure but the mere thought of visiting CM Immigration makes my blood boil, lol. I can deal with the one year visa renewal fiasco but then immigration requires the 90 day reporting for absolutely no logical reason what so ever.

I feel for ya and I know how you feel. Going down there makes me feel dirty in a way that is difficult to describe. These people dislike us, and none-to-subtly show us that we are little more than crap on the bottom of their shoes, and for those few hours that we are there they can use and abuse us to their liking. Average Thais tolerate us at best and openly despise us when the veneer of face is cracked through. The only thing that keeps me here is my commitment to my wife, family, and friends who I have developed and it happens to be the hub of the religion I've practiced for the last 40 years. . And I've sunk too much money and effort into establishing a home and a place to retire. But that once a year trip down to immigration reminds me of just how unwelcome we really are in this country.

Now I'm going to get ready to teach my Thai Native step son an English lesson. Maybe they can catch me "Teaching Without A Work Permit". Then they'll have grounds to toss me out of the country.

The high and mighty Thais are going to wake up one day to find that they have lost their business base and tourism to other ASEAN emerging countries who can actually welcome the influx of foreigners and foreign money.

This is pretty funny, hub of what religion? I assume Buddhist, practiced for 40 years?, would never have guessed it from your attitude.

Edited April 2, 2013 by daoyai

[Rasseru]

<wonders if all this is a clue of some kind to the answer to the mystery, elsewhere explored, as to why there are not more Russians in Chiangmai>

[Rasseru]

. . . These people dislike us, and none-to-subtly show us that we are little more than crap on the bottom of their shoes, and for those few hours that we are there they can use and abuse us to their liking. Average Thais tolerate us at best and openly despise us when the veneer of face is cracked through. . . .

Hmmmm . . . well, when you put it that way, I confess that I for one cannot say as I can much blame 'em.

[hellodolly]

My last visit will be my last unescorted visit to CM IMM.

Totally out of hand, and very unpleasant.

I've bailed out and hired people to represent me. They just did my first 90 day for me, and I couldn't be happier. They even did it gratis because I contracted with them to usher me through my next one year visa extension in October.

For three years, I did everything on my own, and in spite of the overcrowding, and overworked staff, it was okay. It's not okay any longer, and for me there's no point pretending it is.

Just for the record, the two things that finished me off: 1) cognitive dissonance regarding the early arrival sign-in sheet no longer being used to assign queue positions; 2) pervasive rudeness and hostility among people coming to do business.

I've yet to have a bad experience with the staff. They don't have to love me as long as they do their jobs, and they always have.

BTW. I did use the online queue last year, and was seen within ten minutes of the appointed time. In and out before lunch.

I hear you on the yearly report I generally meet some interesting people there and also have a book with me. I found it took about 7 hours last tine I did it. I didn't particularly mind the time. The part I did not like was the wait to pick up my pass port after the interview, I have talked to a service to do the transfer of my retirement visa into my new pass port as it is all new to me and the paper work simple as it may be is not my forte. I asked about doing the yearly and he said yes they could do that but some times they still want to see you. It is a rare occurrence but it does happen.

I have been lucky maybe unusually lucky in that I have always met interesting people to talk with. All though it is visually apparent many of the people are not in a good mood.

To bad they are not Burmese.

[true blue]

if it gets more and more popular,using a third party we will find out that its going to be the only way to go,as people,(immigration)will get used to the back handers,horrible thought,hope something or someone,will sort out the proplems at chiang mai immigration.

[uptheos]

if it gets more and more popular,using a third party we will find out that its going to be the only way to go,as people,(immigration)will get used to the back handers,horrible thought,hope something or someone,will sort out the proplems at chiang mai immigration.

You're probably right.

This year is the first time since I've been here, that I've used an agency for my 90 days and I like it a lot.

I'm very happy with the on-line appointment system, meaning I go to immigration once a year and don't have to fight for a place. Interview takes 15 minutes, return of passport anything from 30 mins to a couple of hours....that's plenty for a year.

Of course they must be getting something out of the agencies or it wouldn't work smoothly and personally, I think it would be a good idea if all 90 day reporting had to be done through an agent, it would free up their time for other things.

[naboo]

Lesson 1, stay cool, don't tell them how to do their jobs, wait to be called.

Failure to adhere to this may result in a rant like the OP.

Immigration is no fun, but immigration for people wanting to come to my home country is worse.

[connda]

I hate going to Immigration, but have always been treated with respect. They are WAY overworked and it is not their fault. Give them a break.

I detest going to CM immigration, some employees treat me with respect, others have blown me off (I know the difference), yes, they are under-sfaffed, but that is not an excuse for incompetence and disrespect. The entire immigration setup in Chiang Mai essentially screams: Foreigners not welcome here. Like I said, Pol Col Prachak is doing the best he can with what he's got, but the Immigration puyai in BKK and the government have set Chiang Mai up to be the poster child of how to make foreigners seeking normal visa services as uncomfortable as possible. Really. Give them a break? We are treated like cattle from the top - down, and the building is a safety hazard when it is crammed with that many people. You don't think the Puyai in the upper -echelon of immigration in BKK don't realize that CM immigration is more like a cattle yard then a public business office? Yes, they could do something about, but the chose not too. But the safety issue probably irks me more than anything. Cramming people into that amount of space screams disrespect for the highest level. Give them a break? No!

[connda]

I have experienced the same problems at immigration as you mentioned Connda. I have an appointment for my yearly retirement visa and show up early, only to watch as they call out numbers and process people during my scheduled time slot until someone finally acknowledges me. I have never been called at my scheduled appointment time. I have consistently had to ask when will I be called only to be told, "you sit down, we call you."

I don't have high blood pressure but the mere thought of visiting CM Immigration makes my blood boil, lol. I can deal with the one year visa renewal fiasco but then immigration requires the 90 day reporting for absolutely no logical reason what so ever.

I feel for ya and I know how you feel. Going down there makes me feel dirty in a way that is difficult to describe. These people dislike us, and none-to-subtly show us that we are little more than crap on the bottom of their shoes, and for those few hours that we are there they can use and abuse us to their liking. Average Thais tolerate us at best and openly despise us when the veneer of face is cracked through. The only thing that keeps me here is my commitment to my wife, family, and friends who I have developed and it happens to be the hub of the religion I've practiced for the last 40 years. . And I've sunk too much money and effort into establishing a home and a place to retire. But that once a year trip down to immigration reminds me of just how unwelcome we really are in this country.

Now I'm going to get ready to teach my Thai Native step son an English lesson. Maybe they can catch me "Teaching Without A Work Permit". Then they'll have grounds to toss me out of the country.

The high and mighty Thais are going to wake up one day to find that they have lost their business base and tourism to other ASEAN emerging countries who can actually welcome the influx of foreigners and foreign money.

This is pretty funny, hub of what religion? I assume Buddhist, practiced for 40 years?, would never have guessed it from your attitude.

If you think Buddhists don't get irate, try again. I'm just aware that I'm irate. I'm not a monk. I live in the real world. When I see something that isn't right, I speak up. I'm quite aware I'm pissed off. But I look at the situation down there and I'm surprised that more people are not angry. Sheep and cattle obviously don't care? Enough of this. I'm done. Enjoy your next visit.

Edited April 2, 2013 by connda

[connda]

Lesson 1, stay cool, don't tell them how to do their jobs, wait to be called.

Failure to adhere to this may result in a rant like the OP.

Immigration is no fun, but immigration for people wanting to come to my home country is worse.

If immigration in my country was housed in that sized facility and handling as many people as it does, that facility would be closed down, probably by the local Fire Marshall, because it is a major safety risk. Earthquake or fire (or both) when that facility is packed -- There's a major problem! We are in a active earthquake fault region, next to an active airfield (planes never miss the runway, right?) Actually, from a safety perspective, it's probably worth writing a letter to my Ambassador in Thailand.

Edited April 2, 2013 by connda

[uptheos]

I have experienced the same problems at immigration as you mentioned Connda. I have an appointment for my yearly retirement visa and show up early, only to watch as they call out numbers and process people during my scheduled time slot until someone finally acknowledges me. I have never been called at my scheduled appointment time. I have consistently had to ask when will I be called only to be told, "you sit down, we call you."

I don't have high blood pressure but the mere thought of visiting CM Immigration makes my blood boil, lol. I can deal with the one year visa renewal fiasco but then immigration requires the 90 day reporting for absolutely no logical reason what so ever.

I feel for ya and I know how you feel. Going down there makes me feel dirty in a way that is difficult to describe. These people dislike us, and none-to-subtly show us that we are little more than crap on the bottom of their shoes, and for those few hours that we are there they can use and abuse us to their liking. Average Thais tolerate us at best and openly despise us when the veneer of face is cracked through. The only thing that keeps me here is my commitment to my wife, family, and friends who I have developed and it happens to be the hub of the religion I've practiced for the last 40 years. . And I've sunk too much money and effort into establishing a home and a place to retire. But that once a year trip down to immigration reminds me of just how unwelcome we really are in this country.

Now I'm going to get ready to teach my Thai Native step son an English lesson. Maybe they can catch me "Teaching Without A Work Permit". Then they'll have grounds to toss me out of the country.

The high and mighty Thais are going to wake up one day to find that they have lost their business base and tourism to other ASEAN emerging countries who can actually welcome the influx of foreigners and foreign money.

This is pretty funny, hub of what religion? I assume Buddhist, practiced for 40 years?, would never have guessed it from your attitude.

If you think Buddhists don't get irate, try again. I'm just aware that I'm irate. I'm not a monk. I live in the real world. When I see something that isn't right, I speak up. I'm quite aware I'm pissed off. But I look at the situation down there and I'm surprised that more people are not angry. Sheep and cattle obviously don't care? Enough of this. I'm done. Enjoy your next visit.

It fosters a sort of warm camaraderie feeling after a while.

[hellodolly]

Lesson 1, stay cool, don't tell them how to do their jobs, wait to be called.

Failure to adhere to this may result in a rant like the OP.

Immigration is no fun, but immigration for people wanting to come to my home country is worse.

If immigration in my country was housed in that sized facility and handling as many people as it does, that facility would be closed down, probably by the local Fire Marshall, because it is a major safety risk. Earthquake or fire (or both) when that facility is packed -- There's a major problem! We are in a active earthquake fault region, next to an active airfield (planes never miss the runway, right?) Actually, from a safety perspective, it's probably worth writing a letter to my Ambassador in Thailand.

I am confused. You have been here for at least four years and all of a sudden you decide immigration dosen't treat you like you deserve to be treated. From the tone of your post I think they treated you better than you deserve.

Then you go on about how your country has different standards. To wrap it all up you come up with some paranoia items. Like Chiang Mai is on an earth quake fault and what if a fire started there. The place may be packed but any fire big enough to do any harm would have to be big to start with plenty of time to empty the place. Or are you worrying about some religious folks armed with bombs from the south? Do you also worry about falling meteors?

[jackr]

Immigration is no fun, but immigration for people wanting to come to my home country is worse.

Going by your av, I assume you're from the UK? It might be tougher to get in, but that's not the thing here; this is about staying on legitimately. Can you tell me how many Thais (aliens) married to UK nationals must apply for an extension every year and are herded into a box to report to UK immigration every 90 days?

[cnx355]

I used the queue system twice.

First time 2 years ago, I was called on time and it took 20 minutes to renew but 1h30 to get the receipt and passport.

Second time last month.......I went to the middle desk to let them know I was there.. I was told to have a seat.

Then I noticed that the lady officer making retirement took someone else at 10h30 instead of calling my name.

When to middle desk again and told them that they did not call my name and the officer took another customer. I put

my queue notice in her hand and told her to give it to the officer and she put my notice on the lady officer desk.

Eventually, the lady officer gave the notice to the male officer at the next desk and he had me called 30 minutes late.

Again he told me I was called at 10h30 but I told him no...no body called my name, as I was sitting in the front row and looking at them and the middle desk staff. He did not comment. I guest he know something is wrong.

By the way , the male officer doing retirement extension was very efficient in his work.

After the extension was done, that I had to wait another hour to get passport and receipt back. So I barely made it before

the shut down for lunch.

I guess that since they use the middle desk for giving regular queue number and passport and receipt and the staff is over worked as they have to deal with everybody coming at Immigration . They do no seem to have a formal list of the daily booking queue and wait for an officer to bring in he name.

[uptheos]

I used the queue system twice.

First time 2 years ago, I was called on time and it took 20 minutes to renew but 1h30 to get the receipt and passport.

Second time last month.......I went to the middle desk to let them know I was there.. I was told to have a seat.

Then I noticed that the lady officer making retirement took someone else at 10h30 instead of calling my name.

When to middle desk again and told them that they did not call my name and the officer took another customer. I put

my queue notice in her hand and told her to give it to the officer and she put my notice on the lady officer desk.

Eventually, the lady officer gave the notice to the male officer at the next desk and he had me called 30 minutes late.

Again he told me I was called at 10h30 but I told him no...no body called my name, as I was sitting in the front row and looking at them and the middle desk staff. He did not comment. I guest he know something is wrong.

By the way , the male officer doing retirement extension was very efficient in his work.

After the extension was done, that I had to wait another hour to get passport and receipt back. So I barely made it before

the shut down for lunch.

I guess that since they use the middle desk for giving regular queue number and passport and receipt and the staff is over worked as they have to deal with everybody coming at Immigration . They do no seem to have a formal list of the daily booking queue and wait for an officer to bring in he name.

There are many people overworked in Thailand,

Most don't have job security, power, a good salary, office hours, health and life insurance, air con conditions, pension, gov holidays, free housing, claim kids tuition fees, some get cars etc............picking pineapples is always an option, if the job gets unbearable.

Edited April 3, 2013 by uptheos