What has happened in Chiang Mai with the increased number of tourists and expats?

I have lived in CM since 2006 and have never had a problem getting a queue number for my annual retirement visa renewal at 0700 (Immigration Office hours begin 0830).

For two days I have traveled from Sankamphaeng to arrive at CM Immigration before 0705 ONLY to be told that the QUEUE IS ALREADY FULL FOR THE DAY!

And forget about the ON-Line CM Immigration Queue....it has not shown a open appointment for 11 months that I have been checking.

Are other EXPATS having the same stress & frustration regarding this problem at Immigration

in CM?

What has happened in Chiang Mai with the increased number of tourists and expats?

People constantly harping on about CM being the number 1 retirement destination and how you can live well on $1k.

As you've missed the boat this time, may I suggest paying a lawyer to do all that crap for you?

And forget about the ON-Line CM Immigration Queue....it has not shown a open appointment for 11 months that I have been checking.

What has happened in Chiang Mai with the increased number of tourists and expats?

People constantly harping on about CM being the number 1 retirement destination and how you can live well on $1k.

As you've missed the boat this time, may I suggest paying a lawyer to do all that crap for you?

Thank you for your suggestion regarding legal counsel. Today, I called several attorneys plus two Visa Service Company's in CM.

They will prepare paper work and send someone with me to Immigration for the average Fee of 5,250. baht.

I am not mentally challenged so my paperwork is ALWAYS correct.

But I now understand WHY there are NO Queue numbers available at 0700 for renewing a Retirement Visa the same day......is because they said "they could guarantee a prior appointment anytime". How $. Duhhhhh.....

Isn't Chiang Mai one of the immigration offices that tell you they don't accept notifications of staying longer than 90 days by mail. The inability to get a queue number at opening time is one more reason to mail it just the same.

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Move

The inability to get a queue number at opening time is one more reason to mail it just the same.

However, it puts members in jeopardy of being fined 2000 Baht if it is just put in a pile and ignored due to non-acceptance of mail ins. An earlier report even mentioned that the post offices have been requested by immigration not to except them. Would be good to know what the current situation is but have not heard any reports recently of successful mail ins.

Isn't Chiang Mai one of the immigration offices that tell you they don't accept notifications of staying longer than 90 days by mail. The inability to get a queue number at opening time is one more reason to mail it just the same.

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As a moderator you are supposed to be helpful not unhelpful. You have also been noticed to be the same on other threads. Why? Do you get some thrill from being a unhelpful person or you just don't care or know how to help other people?

When you cannot get a queue ticket although you start queuing 90 minutes before opening time and no online slot can be booked for the next 11 months, what are your alternatives? Let's hear more suggestions, in addition to the one about paying a messenger service 5000 Baht or more per report.

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A common underhand practice around the globe is professional Qer's!

They turn up first, take the tickets and get paid by whomever for a quick queue jump.

Not saying this happens in Thailand and CM

Leaving renewers with no other option.

Next time your in immigration find a Thai with a ticket and offer them 500 baht cash-see what happens.

CCC

When you cannot get a queue ticket although you start queuing 90 minutes before opening time and no online slot can be booked for the next 11 months, what are your alternatives? Let's hear more suggestions, in addition to the one about paying a messenger service 5000 Baht or more per report. Sent from my Nexus 7 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

You're confusing early morning queues for annual extensions to 90 day reports. 90 day reports have not been a big issue and members have reported less than 5 minutes to an hour+ waits maximum to do it. Also one's options are greater with 90 day reporting.

1. Members have been using wife/gf/office staff to do it for them

2. Pick an appropriate time such as mid afternoon Tue-Thur and not weekend/holiday shoulder days and you can get in and out quickly.

3. Use a service. The service I use cost 1000 Baht for 1 year (4 reports) which is 250 Baht/report. The 5000+ Baht was for members using a service for their extensions.

I can only suggest two things:

- complain to your embassy, so they can take it up with the Thai government that people cannot get an extension of stay because of the lines at immigration.

- complain to immigration: http://www.immigration.go.th/

Go to the webiste, choose "contact" on top of the page and chose "post comment".

Isn't Chiang Mai one of the immigration offices that tell you they don't accept notifications of staying longer than 90 days by mail. The inability to get a queue number at opening time is one more reason to mail it just the same.

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Evidently, you are not too familiar with CM Immigration policy.

They DO NOT accept mail-in of ANY documents for processing.

Also, Immigration in Thailand does not process by mail RENEWAL of annual Retirement Visa's.

However, thank you for your initial input.

One seemingly obvious problem here are the commecial operations locking up all the appointment slots. I've used the computer appointment system for nearly two years and never had a problem getting a good (for me) time slot. Now, as the OP has pointed out, there are no appointments available right up to the 100 day limit. Management at CM Immiration needs to look in on this since, in the end, it is the public face of immigration.

I can only suggest two things:

- complain to your embassy, so they can take it up with the Thai government that people cannot get an extension of stay because of the lines at immigration.

- complain to immigration: http://www.immigration.go.th/

Go to the webiste, choose "contact" on top of the page and chose "post comment".

Thank you for your suggestions.

>The U.S. Consulate in CM has stated: "we receive several complaints regarding this issue each week.

They have been informed of the problem numerous times over the last several months".

>I have used the "website contact" you speak of before but never receive any reply back!

One seemingly obvious problem here are the commecial operations locking up all the appointment slots. I've used the computer appointment system for nearly two years and never had a problem getting a good (for me) time slot. Now, as the OP has pointed out, there are no appointments available right up to the 100 day limit. Management at CM Immiration needs to look in on this since, in the end, it is the public face of immigration.

Thank you for your reply to my dilemma.

A common underhand practice around the globe is professional Qer's!

They turn up first, take the tickets and get paid by whomever for a quick queue jump.

Not saying this happens in Thailand and CM

Leaving renewers with no other option.

Next time your in immigration find a Thai with a ticket and offer them 500 baht cash-see what happens.

CCC

Your suggestion to find a Thai with a ticket and pay them 500.thb is unusual.

Chiang Mai Immigration has a different sequential number for each SERVICE needed (90 day, tourist, marriage, retirement, entry, etc.)

Usually, Thai Nationals have NO need to have a queue number for a non-immigrant annual RETIREMENT VISA or the Visa itself.

Do you know someone in CM that would stand in line at Immigration at 0530 and get a RETIREMENT VISA Renewal queue number for me? I would gladly pay 1000. baht.

However, I appreciate your suggestions.

I can only suggest two things:

- complain to your embassy, so they can take it up with the Thai government that people cannot get an extension of stay because of the lines at immigration.

- complain to immigration: http://www.immigration.go.th/

Go to the webiste, choose "contact" on top of the page and chose "post comment".

I am told by the U.S. Consulate in CM that they receive several complaints regarding this each week but they can not do anything about it. CM Immigration has been informed several months ago regarding the problem.

CM immigration will soon have ticket touts outside (scalpers for US citizens).

It will be just like the football back home....." who wants tickets for today's game?"

If the situation at CM is as bad as described then you people need to start filling your respective Embassy's in boxes with email demanding action. Local Hon. Consulates have very little persuasive power.

Embassies and consulates have regular meetings with eachother to discuss problems and also regular meetings with the Thai government.

Don't expect any miracles, but enough complaints means that it will be brought under the attention of the Thai government.

Embassies and consulates have regular meetings with eachother to discuss problems and also regular meetings with the Thai government.

Don't expect any miracles, but enough complaints means that it will be brought under the attention of the Thai government.

Too many apologist's in Chiang Mai, Mario, it'll never happen.

Ever since an article was written in Chiang Mai News, the apologist's have made the most of it......ad nauseam.

Article: http://www.chiangmainews.com/ecmn/viewfa.php?id=3724

Que'd from 6.40am til 2.55pm on Monday and that was only for a 2 month extension, needless to say I'm really looking forward to doing the 1 year extension!

If the situation at CM is as bad as described then you people need to start filling your respective Embassy's in boxes with email demanding action. Local Hon. Consulates have very little persuasive power.

In the case of the US it is not an honorary Consulate but an official Consulate of the US Embassy in Bangkok.

Move

duhhh....

Isn't Chiang Mai one of the immigration offices that tell you they don't accept notifications of staying longer than 90 days by mail. The inability to get a queue number at opening time is one more reason to mail it just the same.

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

As a moderator you are supposed to be helpful not unhelpful. You have also been noticed to be the same on other threads. Why? Do you get some thrill from being a unhelpful person or you just don't care or know how to help other people?

And do you get some thrill from being destructive rather than constructive, Eddy?

Please....if anyone knows someone that would go to Immigration & stand in line at 0530 to receive a queue number for a RETIREMENT VISA annual extension I would be very grateful.

I am NOT a lazy man and would do it myself but I am not able to drive safely unless it is daytime.......eye vision is a problem.

My travel is from outside CM.

I would gladly pay 1000. - 1500. baht for this service.

Thank you.

You earlier said this could not be done as tickets are specific to what is required but are now asking someone to do?

Perhaps be best to stay in hotel in Chiang Mai rather than drive in that day? Should not cost (although understand that does not seem a concern) any more and would avoid any issues.

You earlier said this could not be done as tickets are specific to what is required but are now asking someone to do?

Perhaps be best to stay in hotel in Chiang Mai rather than drive in that day? Should not cost (although understand that does not seem a concern) any more and would avoid any issues.

I will clarify my statement:

I am asking a foreigner over age 50 about this.

Thank you for your suggestion.