Immigration Online Queue (Appointment) System Is A Joke

[THAIPHUKET]

My one time experience this years was totally ok .

I feel pity for the front girls being bombarded by bad mood.

[mania]

It is a tough nut for sure

On the one hand you have the over worked workers

& the sub-standard facility. They have to go there everyday

of their lives & that must be rough.

On the other hand you have a large amount of foreigners who need

services because they need to comply with rules. Rules that

most foreigners agree may be a bit dated & useless & only add

to the work load with no logical benefit to Thailand.

I bet some of the workers feel the exact same way

about 90 day reports & reentry permits.

I think it will probably get worse before it gets better.

CM is a popular spot now for foreigners to retire. With that comes a building boom

that needs laborers & that can also add to immigration woes as many seem to come from

Burma/Myanmar

Edited April 3, 2013 by mania

[hellodolly]

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.

I was wondering about that. what with only having 10 reservations a day out of up to 40 people renewing. I was wondering if it is only one officer handling the reserved and occasionally slipping in one from the line. Hence delays.

[DowntownAl]

I've used the online queue twice for ED extensions - smooth as glass each time. Called on the button, 10 minutes at the desk, hour and a half later off to the mall. 90 day reports, 20 minutes in and out (worst one - 25 minutes, best one under 5 minutes) I go in with an attitude that it's a task that needs to be done, and just get it done. Easy peasy. If you're pissed off before you even shut the door on the way out of your house, you're going to have a very long day, even if it's not a long day. It's like getting on a non-stop flight from Toronto to Hong Kong and complaining that it took too long and that it was crowded. It is what it is.

[Thailand]

I've used the online queue twice for ED extensions - smooth as glass each time. Called on the button, 10 minutes at the desk, hour and a half later off to the mall. 90 day reports, 20 minutes in and out (worst one - 25 minutes, best one under 5 minutes) I go in with an attitude that it's a task that needs to be done, and just get it done. Easy peasy. If you're pissed off before you even shut the door on the way out of your house, you're going to have a very long day, even if it's not a long day. It's like getting on a non-stop flight from Toronto to Hong Kong and complaining that it took too long and that it was crowded. It is what it is.

This is too sensible a post for this forum! Tasks to be done and getting them done,far too logical.

[Joop50]

I can understand connda. I was there today for transfer my visa to my new passport. The new system is, they give out about 200 numbers, than from 8.00 on you can get your original desk number.
At the same time there come also new people in and many were refused so they have to come back next day again. Coming after 8 o'clock is to late. There is after 8.30 only one girl at the middle desk and she inform anyone with one word sentences. Maybe she is instructed this way but it is not polite. I also wanted a cetrificate of residence, gave here the papers and I asked, when can I pick it up, she said eleven. So I came back at 11.00 but then she said 11 april. Wait 8 days for the certificate? Couldn't she be claer right away? Anyway, I notice the other staff don't interfere with the front desk at all which is very wise.

[OneZero]

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/630515-retirement-today-at-jomtien/?p=6266655?utm_source=newsletter-20130405-1005&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=featured

To Chiang Mai Immigration / Bangkok Immigration HQ policy makers and budgeteers:

Ignoring the miserable experience that you present for foreigners at Chiang Mai is absolutely disgraceful. What are you waiting for to formulate corrective procedures, personnel and facilities?

[OneZero]

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/630515-retirement-today-at-jomtien/?p=6266655?utm_source=newsletter-20130405-1005&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=featured

I didn't see the "Edit" button, so am commenting on my own prior post. The link above takes you to the favorable customer comments toward the way things are organized at the Jomtien Immigration office. Heaven forbid everybody from Chiang Mai has to holiday in Jomtien in order to do their visa renewal in an efficient manner.

To Chiang Mai Immigration / Bangkok Immigration HQ policy makers and budgeteers:

If you cannot change your reduiculous immigration policies, then at least do something to efficiently implement / administer them. Ignoring the miserable experience that you present for foreigners at Chiang Mai Immigration is absolutely disgraceful. What are you waiting for to formulate corrective procedures, personnel and facilities?

[uptheos]

I can understand connda. I was there today for transfer my visa to my new passport. The new system is, they give out about 200 numbers, than from 8.00 on you can get your original desk number.

At the same time there come also new people in and many were refused so they have to come back next day again. Coming after 8 o'clock is to late. There is after 8.30 only one girl at the middle desk and she inform anyone with one word sentences. Maybe she is instructed this way but it is not polite. I also wanted a cetrificate of residence, gave here the papers and I asked, when can I pick it up, she said eleven. So I came back at 11.00 but then she said 11 april. Wait 8 days for the certificate? Couldn't she be claer right away? Anyway, I notice the other staff don't interfere with the front desk at all which is very wise.

Maybe she is the Happy Smile Project representative?

[anto]

Took me 3 days going there very recently to get a simple letter of address to buy a motorcycle .Its a shit hole .

[uptheos]

Took me 3 days going there very recently to get a simple letter of address to buy a motorcycle .Its a shit hole .

They've made improvements then?

Edited April 5, 2013 by uptheos

[connda]

Ahh, another wonderful day at CM immigration. A simple 90 day reporting today. The trip started out great -- I found a parking place right up front, and downhill from there. I got there about 1:30. I don't even think they use the "ticketing queue" anymore (it sat very silently in the corner) so I headed for the middle counter with another dozen or so people. I just want a ticket for 90 day reporting -- but -- nobody was working the middle counter. I waited for about 5 minutes while eying the 90 day reporting desk with only one person standing there. I figured, "What the heck, time to act Thai.", and walked to the desk, stood next to the guy submitting his whole family's passports (I think he had about 6). I figured that would be another 15 minute wait (it was), but I figured that someone would show up to work the middle counter (they didn't) and I get a ticket. Just playing the odds. I figured that standing at the 90 day reporting counter was as good of a place to stand and wait than any other place in the room, and the counter was as good of a place for my paperwork and passport to be as any other place in the room. About 20 minutes after I arrived, with a line of folks standing out that back door, someone finally started working the middle counter. About that time, the young lady processing 90 day reports looks at my paperwork, looks at me, and says, "90 day?". Me -- big smile, "Chai, kap pom!!!", although by now there was at least 10 other forlorn looking foreigners hanging around the counter paperwork in hand. A minute and a half later I get my passport, I give her my politest, "Kawp kun maak naa krap!" and a big smile, I got a big smile in return, and I headed out the door. I still sort of wonder if she called the next number or just started processing whatever alpha male (or female) that bellied up to the counter first holding the correct forms. Not my worry -- water under the bridge for another 90 days (Thank God)

But once more -- what a mess. If they could just get the queuing sorted out the place would run significantly better. Maybe I'm hoping for too much.

Edited May 31, 2013 by connda

[uptheos]

Ahh, another wonderful day at CM immigration. A simple 90 day reporting today. The trip started out great -- I found a parking place right up front, and downhill from there. I got there about 1:30. I don't even think they use the "ticketing queue" anymore (it sat very silently in the corner) so I headed for the middle counter with another dozen or so people. I just want a ticket for 90 day reporting -- but -- nobody was working the middle counter. I waited for about 5 minutes while eying the 90 day reporting desk with only one person standing there. I figured, "What the heck, time to act Thai.", and walked to the desk, stood next to the guy submitting his whole family's passports (I think he had about 6). I figured that would be another 15 minute wait (it was), but I figured that someone would show up to work the middle counter (they didn't) and I get a ticket. Just playing the odds. I figured that standing at the 90 day reporting counter was as good of a place to stand and wait than any other place in the room, and the counter was as good of a place for my paperwork and passport to be as any other place in the room. About 20 minutes after I arrived, with a line of folks standing out that back door, someone finally started working the middle counter. About that time, the young lady processing 90 day reports looks at my paperwork, looks at me, and says, "90 day?". Me -- big smile, "Chai, kap pom!!!", although by now there was at least 10 other forlorn looking foreigners hanging around the counter paperwork in hand. A minute and a half later I get my passport, I give her my politest, "Kawp kun maak naa krap!" and a big smile, I got a big smile in return, and I headed out the door. I still sort of wonder if she called the next number or just started processing whatever alpha male (or female) that bellied up to the counter first holding the correct forms. Not my worry -- water under the bridge for another 90 days (Thank God)

But once more -- what a mess. If they could just get the queuing sorted out the place would run significantly better. Maybe I'm hoping for too much.

I guess some things a Yellow House book doesn't solve.

Posted in Cert of Residency thread

"Just get your Yellow House Book and avoid the headache completely. "

Still, hearty congratulations on having a yellow book, bet you've been wanting to say that on here for ages.

Edited May 31, 2013 by uptheos

[Sparkles]

There's plenty of places that are difficult to park in CM, after all it is a city. You can park opposite Immigration or at the Airport parking lot or Airport Plaza and take a whole 5 minutes to walk to Immigration...why all the drama about lack of parking.If people insist at going at peak times ie 9am or 1.30 pm of course its going to be busy.

[connda]

Ahh, another wonderful day at CM immigration. A simple 90 day reporting today. The trip started out great -- I found a parking place right up front, and downhill from there. I got there about 1:30. I don't even think they use the "ticketing queue" anymore (it sat very silently in the corner) so I headed for the middle counter with another dozen or so people. I just want a ticket for 90 day reporting -- but -- nobody was working the middle counter. I waited for about 5 minutes while eying the 90 day reporting desk with only one person standing there. I figured, "What the heck, time to act Thai.", and walked to the desk, stood next to the guy submitting his whole family's passports (I think he had about 6). I figured that would be another 15 minute wait (it was), but I figured that someone would show up to work the middle counter (they didn't) and I get a ticket. Just playing the odds. I figured that standing at the 90 day reporting counter was as good of a place to stand and wait than any other place in the room, and the counter was as good of a place for my paperwork and passport to be as any other place in the room. About 20 minutes after I arrived, with a line of folks standing out that back door, someone finally started working the middle counter. About that time, the young lady processing 90 day reports looks at my paperwork, looks at me, and says, "90 day?". Me -- big smile, "Chai, kap pom!!!", although by now there was at least 10 other forlorn looking foreigners hanging around the counter paperwork in hand. A minute and a half later I get my passport, I give her my politest, "Kawp kun maak naa krap!" and a big smile, I got a big smile in return, and I headed out the door. I still sort of wonder if she called the next number or just started processing whatever alpha male (or female) that bellied up to the counter first holding the correct forms. Not my worry -- water under the bridge for another 90 days (Thank God)

But once more -- what a mess. If they could just get the queuing sorted out the place would run significantly better. Maybe I'm hoping for too much.

I guess some things a Yellow House book doesn't solve.

Posted in Cert of Residency thread

"Just get your Yellow House Book and avoid the headache completely. "

Still, hearty congratulations on having a yellow book, bet you've been wanting to say that on here for ages.

It significantly smooths and limits the number of interactions I need to have with Thai bureaucracies. And it was a breeze to get considering the government offices in the Amphur I live in (not in Chiang Mai province) actually are pretty efficient organizations -- unlike CM immigration.

And a "tip of the hat" for the "hearty congratulations". I've been waiting patiently for someone to pat me on the back. Thank you oh so very much! 555

Edited May 31, 2013 by connda

[connda]

There's plenty of places that are difficult to park in CM, after all it is a city. You can park opposite Immigration or at the Airport parking lot or Airport Plaza and take a whole 5 minutes to walk to Immigration...why all the drama about lack of parking.If people insist at going at peak times ie 9am or 1.30 pm of course its going to be busy.

Ohhh, Sparkles -- reread the post. How are you reading "drama" into my joy of getting a front row parking spot (the highlight of my visit!!!). If I hadn't, I would have drove next door and walked the 30 second walk to the Immigration Building. The post is about the queuing system inside the building -- not the parking outside. New glasses maybe? Puut len!

Edited May 31, 2013 by connda

[CMNightRider]

Ahh, another wonderful day at CM immigration. A simple 90 day reporting today. The trip started out great -- I found a parking place right up front, and downhill from there. I got there about 1:30. I don't even think they use the "ticketing queue" anymore (it sat very silently in the corner) so I headed for the middle counter with another dozen or so people. I just want a ticket for 90 day reporting -- but -- nobody was working the middle counter. I waited for about 5 minutes while eying the 90 day reporting desk with only one person standing there. I figured, "What the heck, time to act Thai.", and walked to the desk, stood next to the guy submitting his whole family's passports (I think he had about 6). I figured that would be another 15 minute wait (it was), but I figured that someone would show up to work the middle counter (they didn't) and I get a ticket. Just playing the odds. I figured that standing at the 90 day reporting counter was as good of a place to stand and wait than any other place in the room, and the counter was as good of a place for my paperwork and passport to be as any other place in the room. About 20 minutes after I arrived, with a line of folks standing out that back door, someone finally started working the middle counter. About that time, the young lady processing 90 day reports looks at my paperwork, looks at me, and says, "90 day?". Me -- big smile, "Chai, kap pom!!!", although by now there was at least 10 other forlorn looking foreigners hanging around the counter paperwork in hand. A minute and a half later I get my passport, I give her my politest, "Kawp kun maak naa krap!" and a big smile, I got a big smile in return, and I headed out the door. I still sort of wonder if she called the next number or just started processing whatever alpha male (or female) that bellied up to the counter first holding the correct forms. Not my worry -- water under the bridge for another 90 days (Thank God)

But once more -- what a mess. If they could just get the queuing sorted out the place would run significantly better. Maybe I'm hoping for too much.

My blood pressure goes up every time I read one of these posts about the 90 day reporting, and yearly visa renewal nonsense. I keep hoping one of the more intelligent immigration staff will promote up through the ranks of immigration, and professionalize immigration.

[hellodolly]

Bangkok has OK ed the hiring of 14 more staff but they will not let the Chiang Mai office hire them. They must be hired in Bangkok.

A lot of geniuses here willing to complain. Why not try to come up with a solution to the lack of staff and super small building that Bangkok will allow Chiang Mai to do?

Thais do not hate all farongs just ones who think they are better than them. How would you like to take their place for a day dealing with foreigners who can't speak Thai all day and they show up with only part of their paper work and an attitude.

Yes there is no reason for the 90 day that will stand up to logic. But if you need logic to do some thing might want to consider moving to another country. The facts are you aint going to get it here.

[Rasseru]

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.

Ditto.

[PoodMaiDai]

... and it is not their fault. Give them a break.

Sorry, I don't buy that one bit. Everyone has a choice in life to be an assh*le or not. They choose to be assh*les, simply because they can get away with it.

[PoodMaiDai]

How would you like to take their place for a day dealing with foreigners who can't speak Thai all day and they show up with only part of their paper work and an attitude.

Then perhaps a job at immigration where they have to deal with exactly that, isn't for them.

Example: Porn gets stressed out when he has to work around foreigners who can't speak his language, and he doesn't speak their language, so it is probably best that porn doesn't work that position.

Starbucks on the other hand, never has a shortage of very nice people there taking your orders, chatting up a storm with you in English, smiling, and often remembering what you order, day in, day out, all day long. I'd recon Starbucks in CM sees more traffic than CM immigration. It's called putting in a little effort and trying to do a good job.

[Ulysses G.]

I'd recon Starbucks in CM sees more traffic than CM immigration.

You've got to be kidding, right?

[Thailand]

I'd recon Starbucks in CM sees more traffic than CM immigration.

You've got to be kidding, right?

I would think Starbucks would love to do as much business as the immigration coffee shop alone!

[CMNightRider]

Bangkok has OK ed the hiring of 14 more staff but they will not let the Chiang Mai office hire them. They must be hired in Bangkok.

A lot of geniuses here willing to complain. Why not try to come up with a solution to the lack of staff and super small building that Bangkok will allow Chiang Mai to do?

Thais do not hate all farongs just ones who think they are better than them. How would you like to take their place for a day dealing with foreigners who can't speak Thai all day and they show up with only part of their paper work and an attitude.

Yes there is no reason for the 90 day that will stand up to logic. But if you need logic to do some thing might want to consider moving to another country. The facts are you aint going to get it here.

I don't ever remember anyone ever saying they think Thais hate farongs (foreigners). Thais are generally very friendly towards foreigners. The problem is CM Immigration needs to be professionalized. They have nonsensical rules for foreigners living in Thailand, and don't have adequate facilities. The staff at Starbucks are more professional than immigration staff and they are only serving coffee.

Edited June 1, 2013 by CMNightRider

[Tywais]

The staff at Starbucks are more professional than immigration staff and they are only serving coffee.

If immigration was legally allowed to get tips they may be more professional and friendlier also. Financial incentives can do wonders to ones demeanor.

[hellodolly]

I'd recon Starbucks in CM sees more traffic than CM immigration.

You've got to be kidding, right?

I think they are figuring on the Starbucks customers in all the Starbucks in Chiang Mai. Of course they are not taking into concern that there is a bad attitude taken towards them by some of the customers who they have to serve. Also most Starbucks patrons know what they want.

Possibly it bothers the Starbucks attendant when they give the price and then and only then do the customer drag out there wallet and start looking for the correct change. I know it bothers me when I am standing behind them. I try to have my wallet ready and never take the time to count out say 55 baht in change If I do I will have it in my hand ready to count out rather than wait until I am told the price and then dig in to my purse to locate my change.

This is of course a rare occurrence as there is not really big lines in Starbucks such as immigration. Also the customer orders in English as that is what is on the menu and it is a requirement to understand that for the server. Try going into a Starbucks and ordering in Finnish.

Not to many customers in line at Starbucks with the attitude this is stupid there is no logic to it.

I did say only speak Thai but most of them speak English but there are other languages they have to deal with.

Also unlike Starbucks they don't get tips.

[hellodolly]

Bangkok has OK ed the hiring of 14 more staff but they will not let the Chiang Mai office hire them. They must be hired in Bangkok.

A lot of geniuses here willing to complain. Why not try to come up with a solution to the lack of staff and super small building that Bangkok will allow Chiang Mai to do?

Thais do not hate all farongs just ones who think they are better than them. How would you like to take their place for a day dealing with foreigners who can't speak Thai all day and they show up with only part of their paper work and an attitude.

Yes there is no reason for the 90 day that will stand up to logic. But if you need logic to do some thing might want to consider moving to another country. The facts are you aint going to get it here.

I don't ever remember anyone ever saying they think Thais hate farongs (foreigners). Thais are generally very friendly towards foreigners. The problem is CM Immigration needs to be professionalized. They have nonsensical rules for foreigners living in Thailand, and don't have adequate facilities. The staff at Starbucks are more professional than immigration staff and they are only serving coffee.

Maybe in fact I did I use the word hate instead of don't want us. I apologize for that. It was a statement I deeply regret. The word hate is a word I deeply dislike and believe to be used often in statements like I made where it does not belong. My apologies for that.

I see you have no answer to how they can solve the problem with what Bangkok allows them you just say they are not professional. That out to solve the problem. not

[THAIPHUKET]

Has anyone who is so easily bashing Thai Immigration actually witnessed in person the same process for Farangs in your own country? I did and I can assure you the process in Germany may be more structured but certainly not less if not more painful.

[jackr]

A lot of geniuses here willing to complain. Why not try to come up with a solution to the lack of staff and super small building that Bangkok will allow Chiang Mai to do?

Send half the oldies home or no visa for folks over 60?

[mania]

The staff at Starbucks are more professional than immigration staff and they are only serving coffee.

If immigration was legally allowed to get tips they may be more professional and friendlier also. Financial incentives can do wonders to ones demeanor.

I would have to say I have seen that working & yes it does work

Whether or not legal who knows?

Another thing they could try is, since the head guy there seems like a forward thinker having read his article awhile back.

They say they are down on manpower yet cannot hire as only BK can &... many here seem very sympathetic ......maybe a few falang volunteers?

heheheh I can see it now.......

One hall monitor stationed outside to keep the rabble in line & hand out numbers

A couple more inside before the counter calling numbers & pre-checking paper work is in order. Before allowing them to approach the counter

Another couple running back & forth between the back & front desks toting papers & making sure the falangs got their 90 days, visa ext stamps,

etc. all back ASAP

hmmmm?

Edited June 1, 2013 by mania