Assist Thai Visa Services

[meechai]

Today folks that use this service are being told via email that they will now have to go to Thai assist

to pick up their "Original" 90 day slips.

[uptheos]

Today folks that use this service are being told via email that they will now have to go to Thai assist

to pick up their "Original" 90 day slips.

I'm glad I pass their office every day, no problem for me but not so good for people living further afield.

[FolkGuitar]

Today folks that use this service are being told via email that they will now have to go to Thai assist

to pick up their "Original" 90 day slips.

I take long walks every day. This just gives me a new direction of travel, new shops to look at as I pass by.

I pray this should be the biggest problem I ever have to deal with.

Edited October 3, 2013 by FolkGuitar

[hml367]

Now you go and pick up the original from the service doing the 90 day reports. What happens when the next report is due? Do you have to drop off the original to be filed with the form? Then what do you have in your passport?

[Tywais]

Now you go and pick up the original from the service doing the 90 day reports. What happens when the next report is due? Do you have to drop off the original to be filed with the form? Then what do you have in your passport?

Same questions I was wondering. Have to say, this pretty much eliminates any advantage it had for me as it will take me as long or longer to go there and arrange the receipt as it would be to go to immigration.

[chiang mai]

The benefits of Assist Thai Visa over a trip to Immigration include a certainty about how much time you will (or will not) need to spend there and parking, it still works for me.

[meechai]

Now you go and pick up the original from the service doing the 90 day reports. What happens when the next report is due? Do you have to drop off the original to be filed with the form? Then what do you have in your passport?

Same questions I was wondering. Have to say, this pretty much eliminates any advantage it had for me as it will take me as long or longer to go there and arrange the receipt as it would be to go to immigration.

+1

One would have to assume hml367 is correct.

as the only reason they would do this is Immigration wants to see the original.

Stands to reason you then need to give it to them to do your next 90 day check too.

Like you I think the benefits are now outweighed by the equal hassle of two trips per 90 day to Chiangmai Land

I am not far from Chiangmai land ( about equal distance to Imm ) but would not say Chiangmai Land has good parking & making two trips there per

90 day report one to drop original & one to pick up new one is not worth it for me.

Given also the recent easy trips to Immigration for my 1 year extension & 30 day pickup, my original reasons to use a service have diminished.

I do believe I was one of their first customers on this 90 day service & it was a good deal given the hassle at Imm at that time.

Today not so much ( For me anyway )

Edited October 3, 2013 by meechai

[chiang mai]

Obviously on eof the advantage here is that the Agent was able to email the notice, that worked well for all parties concerned. But since they can no longer do that perhaps they could EMS it, the cost is likely to be under 60 baht and it's secure delivery?

EDIT: sorry, I said EMS I meant registered mail.

Edited October 3, 2013 by chiang mai

[Thailand]

Today folks that use this service are being told via email that they will now have to go to Thai assist

to pick up their "Original" 90 day slips.

I guess they will be reducing the costs for the service now?

[kcore]

90 day report completed two days ago. Entered at 1:43 departed at 1:50. Off to airport plaza to shop and catch a movie. I fail to see the need for a 90 day report service unless you are physically handicapped or live way out. I am not a fan of the agencies as they come in with stacks of renewals and seem to trump the rest of the general public who have been diligently waiting their spot.

[FolkGuitar]

Now you go and pick up the original from the service doing the 90 day reports. What happens when the next report is due? Do you have to drop off the original to be filed with the form? Then what do you have in your passport?

I asked this question when I went in today. The answer was: 'we don't know what will be the case next week. The requirements often change from week to week, and you're not due for another two months, but we WILL keep you informed.'

That was more than satisfactory for me. It's less of an imposition for me to go to their office than to the Immigration Office, I don't have to make appointments, there is always parking right in front if I choose to drive, but about an hour's pleasant walk if I choose to do that.

[meechai]

Today folks that use this service are being told via email that they will now have to go to Thai assist

to pick up their "Original" 90 day slips.

I guess they will be reducing the costs for the service now?

[elektrified]

Obviously on eof the advantage here is that the Agent was able to email the notice, that worked well for all parties concerned. But since they can no longer do that perhaps they could EMS it, the cost is likely to be under 60 baht and it's secure delivery?

EDIT: sorry, I said EMS I meant registered mail.

About 22-27 Baht to send a small envelope registered.

[chiang mai]

Obviously on eof the advantage here is that the Agent was able to email the notice, that worked well for all parties concerned. But since they can no longer do that perhaps they could EMS it, the cost is likely to be under 60 baht and it's secure delivery?

EDIT: sorry, I said EMS I meant registered mail.

About 22-27 Baht to send a small envelope registered.

That sounds like an inexpensive no risk option.

[meechai]

Obviously on eof the advantage here is that the Agent was able to email the notice, that worked well for all parties concerned. But since they can no longer do that perhaps they could EMS it, the cost is likely to be under 60 baht and it's secure delivery?

EDIT: sorry, I said EMS I meant registered mail.

About 22-27 Baht to send a small envelope registered.

That sounds like an inexpensive no risk option.

Yes bit they have told me they will not mail it period.

But....The good news is it seems you can now mail in your 90 day reports yourself directly to Immigration again.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/671259-does-90-day-reporting-via-mail-still-works/#entry6888165

Edited October 4, 2013 by meechai

[Rama]

The lawyers at Sunbelt dropped the franchise name. They are now Lanna associates, located in the old city on Arak Rd. www.lanna-associates.com

[hellodolly]

Now you go and pick up the original from the service doing the 90 day reports. What happens when the next report is due? Do you have to drop off the original to be filed with the form? Then what do you have in your passport?

I asked this question when I went in today. The answer was: 'we don't know what will be the case next week. The requirements often change from week to week, and you're not due for another two months, but we WILL keep you informed.'

That was more than satisfactory for me. It's less of an imposition for me to go to their office than to the Immigration Office, I don't have to make appointments, there is always parking right in front if I choose to drive, but about an hour's pleasant walk if I choose to do that.

Let me get this rite.

They are selling a one year service to do some thing they say changes week to week.

A service that by all reports recently is tops of 1/2 hour

I was in yesterday to do my yearly extension expected to be told come back tomorrow as it was 9:00 in the morning. Was told come back at 3:00 got there at 2:30 and had a chance to watch the proceeding. At 4: 00 you could have gotten any kind of reentry or 30 day extension as there was no one there waiting for it just walk up to the counter. I didn't see any at the marriage desk either.

In the Two Hours I was there (yes I got my one year extension) the 90 day report was max 10 minutes only one lady doing it and she was idle a lot.

At 9:00 in the morning and 2:30 in the afternoon we got a parking spot in the parking lot.

[FolkGuitar]

Now you go and pick up the original from the service doing the 90 day reports. What happens when the next report is due? Do you have to drop off the original to be filed with the form? Then what do you have in your passport?

I asked this question when I went in today. The answer was: 'we don't know what will be the case next week. The requirements often change from week to week, and you're not due for another two months, but we WILL keep you informed.'

That was more than satisfactory for me. It's less of an imposition for me to go to their office than to the Immigration Office, I don't have to make appointments, there is always parking right in front if I choose to drive, but about an hour's pleasant walk if I choose to do that.

Let me get this rite.

They are selling a one year service to do some thing they say changes week to week.

A service that by all reports recently is tops of 1/2 hour

I was in yesterday to do my yearly extension expected to be told come back tomorrow as it was 9:00 in the morning. Was told come back at 3:00 got there at 2:30 and had a chance to watch the proceeding. At 4: 00 you could have gotten any kind of reentry or 30 day extension as there was no one there waiting for it just walk up to the counter. I didn't see any at the marriage desk either.

In the Two Hours I was there (yes I got my one year extension) the 90 day report was max 10 minutes only one lady doing it and she was idle a lot.

At 9:00 in the morning and 2:30 in the afternoon we got a parking spot in the parking lot.

Do I understand correctly? You had to go there TWICE in one day?

You got up early, drove to Immigration, was there by 9am but they told you to come back FIVE hours later?

So you left Immigration, found something to do for five hours, then drove BACK AGAIN to Immigration?

And yet you still spent two hours AT Immigration?

I wonder if the Tour Operators are going to start offering this as a Day Activity?

Yes... I'm being facetious, but all in good fun. If you are satisfied with what you did, that's all that really matters, right?

We all make choices based on what will satisfy ourselves. Often we can't understand the choices other people might prefer, but that's why there are eight other horses in the race. We all have our own favorite.

[Saan]

Let me get this rite.

They are selling a one year service to do some thing they say changes week to week.

A service that by all reports recently is tops of 1/2 hour

I was in yesterday to do my yearly extension expected to be told come back tomorrow as it was 9:00 in the morning. Was told come back at 3:00 got there at 2:30 and had a chance to watch the proceeding. At 4: 00 you could have gotten any kind of reentry or 30 day extension as there was no one there waiting for it just walk up to the counter. I didn't see any at the marriage desk either.

In the Two Hours I was there (yes I got my one year extension) the 90 day report was max 10 minutes only one lady doing it and she was idle a lot.

At 9:00 in the morning and 2:30 in the afternoon we got a parking spot in the parking lot.

Can you just go, when applying for a retirement extension, at 2.30 pm and skip going there in the morning and being told to return in the afternoon.

I have to go next week for my first application for retirement and would also like to know which are the less busy days? Plus is there paid for parking across the road?

[hellodolly]

Let me get this rite.

They are selling a one year service to do some thing they say changes week to week.

A service that by all reports recently is tops of 1/2 hour

I was in yesterday to do my yearly extension expected to be told come back tomorrow as it was 9:00 in the morning. Was told come back at 3:00 got there at 2:30 and had a chance to watch the proceeding. At 4: 00 you could have gotten any kind of reentry or 30 day extension as there was no one there waiting for it just walk up to the counter. I didn't see any at the marriage desk either.

In the Two Hours I was there (yes I got my one year extension) the 90 day report was max 10 minutes only one lady doing it and she was idle a lot.

At 9:00 in the morning and 2:30 in the afternoon we got a parking spot in the parking lot.

Can you just go, when applying for a retirement extension, at 2.30 pm and skip going there in the morning and being told to return in the afternoon.

I have to go next week for my first application for retirement and would also like to know which are the less busy days? Plus is there paid for parking across the road?

I wouldn't advise it.

I did it because I was up and about at 8:00 to get my guarantee of income from the U S council FolkGuitar was just being sarcastic he knows that is why I was up early. It just made sense to stop and see if it was possible that day as we were going to be going to Makro in Hong Dang any how. Not that far out of the way in a vehicle. As FolkGuitar knows I fully expected to be told to come back tomorrow which would have meant getting up early enough for an arrival there at 7:00 in the morning. Well that was what I was figuring on doing.

See my post wonder of wonders.

I explained a few things there. One was the fact that they had done a group of teachers all at once which allowed them more time to do others. They normally do 50 a day between the two desks and another desk handles the on line appointments.

I was number 60 and they had number 63 sitting there when I received my passport back and left. I made it plain in my wonder of wonders that I was lucky.

Interesting speculation. If every day on an average they handle 60 one year extensions figure 50 weeks of five days that would be 15,000 ex pats here. My figures are not accurate as I am sure there is more than ten holidays and some days they do more than 60 such as yesterday when they did 73.

Still can not see paying for a years service to do some thing that changes every week. To each their own.

edit

Sorry can not comment on the paid for parking as I said it was my lucky day in there twice and able to park in there both times. I know I should have bought a handful of lottery tickets.

Edited October 4, 2013 by hellodolly

[FolkGuitar]

Let me get this rite.

They are selling a one year service to do some thing they say changes week to week.

A service that by all reports recently is tops of 1/2 hour

I was in yesterday to do my yearly extension expected to be told come back tomorrow as it was 9:00 in the morning. Was told come back at 3:00 got there at 2:30 and had a chance to watch the proceeding. At 4: 00 you could have gotten any kind of reentry or 30 day extension as there was no one there waiting for it just walk up to the counter. I didn't see any at the marriage desk either.

In the Two Hours I was there (yes I got my one year extension) the 90 day report was max 10 minutes only one lady doing it and she was idle a lot.

At 9:00 in the morning and 2:30 in the afternoon we got a parking spot in the parking lot.

Can you just go, when applying for a retirement extension, at 2.30 pm and skip going there in the morning and being told to return in the afternoon.

I have to go next week for my first application for retirement and would also like to know which are the less busy days? Plus is there paid for parking across the road?

............ FolkGuitar was just being sarcastic he knows that is why I was up early. ........................................... As FolkGuitar knows I fully expected to be told to come back tomorrow

Actually, I don't know. I was only at the Immigration office once, about 15 years ago.

Ever since then there have been so many different requirements, changes of procedure, vacillating back and forth on what seems to be a weekly or bi-weekly schedule (which probably accounts for the incredible number of threads here asking what the latest procedure is,) that I simply didn't wish to deal with it if I didn't have to.

When I had my business here, my lawyer handled everything. Now back with a retirement visa, I'm happy to let the Thai Visa Assist people deal with it.

Maybe I'm just lazy.

[uptheos]

Now you go and pick up the original from the service doing the 90 day reports. What happens when the next report is due? Do you have to drop off the original to be filed with the form? Then what do you have in your passport?

I asked this question when I went in today. The answer was: 'we don't know what will be the case next week. The requirements often change from week to week, and you're not due for another two months, but we WILL keep you informed.'

That was more than satisfactory for me. It's less of an imposition for me to go to their office than to the Immigration Office, I don't have to make appointments, there is always parking right in front if I choose to drive, but about an hour's pleasant walk if I choose to do that.

Let me get this rite.

They are selling a one year service to do some thing they say changes week to week.

A service that by all reports recently is tops of 1/2 hour

I was in yesterday to do my yearly extension expected to be told come back tomorrow as it was 9:00 in the morning. Was told come back at 3:00 got there at 2:30 and had a chance to watch the proceeding. At 4: 00 you could have gotten any kind of reentry or 30 day extension as there was no one there waiting for it just walk up to the counter. I didn't see any at the marriage desk either.

In the Two Hours I was there (yes I got my one year extension) the 90 day report was max 10 minutes only one lady doing it and she was idle a lot.

At 9:00 in the morning and 2:30 in the afternoon we got a parking spot in the parking lot.

So, you've finished with Songtels?

[harrry]

In my view these visa agents just make the problem worse. they get preferential service for their clients...because the Visa People like them (wonder why that is). THis makes the service for everyone else worse.

[uptheos]

In my view these visa agents just make the problem worse. they get preferential service for their clients...because the Visa People like them (wonder why that is). THis makes the service for everyone else worse.

Really? Maybe these visa agents are the reason why people are now doing 90 day reports in 2.30 minutes.

[hellodolly]

Let me get this rite.

They are selling a one year service to do some thing they say changes week to week.

A service that by all reports recently is tops of 1/2 hour

I was in yesterday to do my yearly extension expected to be told come back tomorrow as it was 9:00 in the morning. Was told come back at 3:00 got there at 2:30 and had a chance to watch the proceeding. At 4: 00 you could have gotten any kind of reentry or 30 day extension as there was no one there waiting for it just walk up to the counter. I didn't see any at the marriage desk either.

In the Two Hours I was there (yes I got my one year extension) the 90 day report was max 10 minutes only one lady doing it and she was idle a lot.

At 9:00 in the morning and 2:30 in the afternoon we got a parking spot in the parking lot.

Can you just go, when applying for a retirement extension, at 2.30 pm and skip going there in the morning and being told to return in the afternoon.

I have to go next week for my first application for retirement and would also like to know which are the less busy days? Plus is there paid for parking across the road?

Actually, I don't know. I was only at the Immigration office once, about 15 years ago.

Ever since then there have been so many different requirements, changes of procedure, vacillating back and forth on what seems to be a weekly or bi-weekly schedule (which probably accounts for the incredible number of threads here asking what the latest procedure is,) that I simply didn't wish to deal with it if I didn't have to.

When I had my business here, my lawyer handled everything. Now back with a retirement visa, I'm happy to let the Thai Visa Assist people deal with it.

Maybe I'm just lazy.

You told us that Thai assist had told you they were changing them every week. No need to go in there when you can go to Thai Assist to get the information. LOL to be honest with you I always go in and do my own and I didn't know they cghanged that often. It was obvious that over a period of time they have stream lined the system.

In my view these visa agents just make the problem worse. they get preferential service for their clients...because the Visa People like them (wonder why that is). THis makes the service for everyone else worse.

That one can be a six of one half a dozen of another one.

When the services do them they do not have to check over the paper work which is a savings in time. Also when people do it them selves and don't have the form filled out right or the proper number of Photo copies it also takes up time. The way it is now it seems too come in the afternoon it is relatively quick. What if say there was another 30 people in line. I picked that figure out of the air could be any thing and it would definatly slow the process down. Be no different than mail in ones they have to check the work on them and they to take up time. the big difference with them is if they are wrong into the circular basket with them.

It would be best if they just sent those agents to the desk that is doing the on line reservations. They only do ten a day and the other two desks each do 25 a day. To be honest I have never been held up by an agent. But lots of times by some one having to go out back and get some thing photo copied. They come back and the clerk drops what ever they are doing looks it over and then processes it. A little bit of time lost on each occurrence plus the time it takes them to look over the paper work can add up.

On my previous post I speculated at 15,000 ex pats here in Chiang Mai. Defiantly a wrong figure I forgot about the Married ex pats. Have no idea on how many of therm there is. But I notice they only use one desk. I doubt if they all use that system for extending as it is easier if you qualify the same as a single. I have heard some pretty weird stories about the Marriage ones. I liked the one where they had to have a picture of them both sitting on the bed.

Edited October 4, 2013 by hellodolly

[hellodolly]

Now you go and pick up the original from the service doing the 90 day reports. What happens when the next report is due? Do you have to drop off the original to be filed with the form? Then what do you have in your passport?

I asked this question when I went in today. The answer was: 'we don't know what will be the case next week. The requirements often change from week to week, and you're not due for another two months, but we WILL keep you informed.'

That was more than satisfactory for me. It's less of an imposition for me to go to their office than to the Immigration Office, I don't have to make appointments, there is always parking right in front if I choose to drive, but about an hour's pleasant walk if I choose to do that.

Let me get this rite.

They are selling a one year service to do some thing they say changes week to week.

A service that by all reports recently is tops of 1/2 hour

I was in yesterday to do my yearly extension expected to be told come back tomorrow as it was 9:00 in the morning. Was told come back at 3:00 got there at 2:30 and had a chance to watch the proceeding. At 4: 00 you could have gotten any kind of reentry or 30 day extension as there was no one there waiting for it just walk up to the counter. I didn't see any at the marriage desk either.

In the Two Hours I was there (yes I got my one year extension) the 90 day report was max 10 minutes only one lady doing it and she was idle a lot.

At 9:00 in the morning and 2:30 in the afternoon we got a parking spot in the parking lot.

So, you've finished with Songtels?

No

look for future variations.

[Tywais]

In my view these visa agents just make the problem worse. they get preferential service for their clients...because the Visa People like them (wonder why that is). THis makes the service for everyone else worse.

Really? Maybe these visa agents are the reason why people are now doing 90 day reports in 2.30 minutes.

Something some don't take into account regarding agents is it can improve flow. Let's take an example of an agent handling reports for 10 people. That is 9 fewer people that are at the office taking up physical space and parking spaces. Then there is the latency part of the equation. First case, agent to be given a queue and to be called up so one queue number envolved.

Now with 10 people, there is the time between one being completed and the time for them getting around to calling the next queue number, and they are in no hurry to do that. Then add to that the time it takes for the individual to recognize they have been called and to mosey up to the window. This adds up. So it seems to me an agent actually speeds things up for everyone.

[triffid]

I'm coming to this late but my query - which maybe has an answer somewhere above, in which case, my apologies - is simply this. Does using Thai Visa Assist eliminate a visit to the immigration office altogether, even for the annual (retirement) visa extension (+ multiple re-entry)? Or is there a need to attend, in however perfunctory a fashion?

Edited October 4, 2013 by triffid

[sante]

I'm coming to this late but my query - which maybe has an answer somewhere above, in which case, my apologies - is simply this. Does using Thai Visa Assist eliminate a visit to the immigration office altogether, even for the annual (retirement) visa extension (+ multiple re-entry)? Or is there a need to attend, in however perfunctory a fashion?

I just renewed my retirement extension and multi entry permit a few weeks ago with Assist Thai Visa and had to appear at Immigration. I drove there with an Assist Thai employee, waited about 10 minutes with her until my name was called, picked up my passport, and then was driven back to their office.

[Mapguy]

Ok, but doing it yourself is actually easy and cheaper! And, to answer the penultimate post, yes, you have to show up personally for extensions of permission to stay and (probably; not sure) any re-entry visas. That's basically once a year, if you get a multiple-entry visa. Is that too much to do ?!

It is true that when the Chiang Mai Immigration Office started being overwhelmed (especially) by retired foreign newcomers, they were more than bewildered by the crush, so many not speaking Thai, demanding immediate service, and just generally getting huffy (which is very "UNThai"). People calling themselves "legal assistants" and services like Thai Visa Assist started milking the newcomers for some business. In some cases, this was based on former employment or continuing "associations" with the officials. That is, "special treatment" at the office. (And I am not suggesting lots of money under anyone's table!) Well, that assistance is actually practical in some respects because some many newcomers (not the ones who are genuinely ill) apparently can't do much more on their own than spell their names and sign on the dotted line that is pointed out to them.

There are some very reasonable practical advantages of all this for everyone, especially when talking about retired people of "advanced age" who may have some very genuine cognitive problems. It is hard to begrudge "special treatment" for people like that, and people like Thai Visa Assist can genuinely be of assistance. At the same time, Immigration officials have become sensitive to the accusation that agents have priority over individuals not really requiring special assistance. Regarding those who are basically capable, if an agent accompanies an individual who, for one reason or other, can't work things out on his or her own, and they wait their turn like everyone else , then what is there to complain about?

Edited October 4, 2013 by Mapguy