Had a head smacker today at Chang Wattana.

Went to apply for an affidavit of residence so I can get back my Thailand 5-year driver's licence cards, which I lost when I left my wallet in a taxi.

I was refused at J2 desk because I hadn't filed a 90-day report yet.

Background:

Moved to Bangkok district from Chonburi in July.

In early August, I renewed my extension based on retirement and bought the requisite multi re-entry permit.

Left Thailand twice in July and August and returned, my last entry stamp being Aug. 24

So there was no need to do a 90-day report.

Without a 90-day report in the books, my first at Bangkok district, I was refused a certificate of residence. I was told I would have to wait till Nov. 21 or thereabouts to apply for said affidavit after filing my first 90-day report.

Anyway, despite residential proof in the extension process, and two arrival cards all with my new BKK address, I simply did not exist.

Thing is, I will probably never do a 90-day report since I leave once every two or three months. So I will never be able to obtain a residence certificate from CW.

Amazing Thailand!

The officer said I could go to my embassy if I needed to get such a thing. Well, my embassy is a lot closer to my Bangkok home than CW, except it costs 7 times more for the statement at the embassy. Looks like that's my lot.

Many offices don't issue unless you make a 90 day report so they can confirm your income.

Some people take instead a letter from their local amphur or police station instead of an immigration letter. But not familiar with success about that in BKK.

You could file a report to immigration that you have moved from Chonburi to BKK, simple notification of address form (not 90 day reporting). They might accept that instead of a 90 day report.

form here: tm28 form

You can also use a Yellow Book or Work Permit as proof of address for getting a DL.

You could come down to Pattaya to get it if it's worth the trouble to make the trip. No 90 day report required for a residence certificate.

Many offices don't issue unless you make a 90 day report so they can confirm your income.

Some people take instead a letter from their local amphur or police station instead of an immigration letter. But not familiar with success about that in BKK.

You could file a report to immigration that you have moved from Chonburi to BKK, simple notification of address form (not 90 day reporting). They might accept that instead of a 90 day report.

form here: tm28 form

Ah, very good. But too late, I think. I asked for this back when I moved but applications desk seemed confused by my request. That's when I suggested I notify change of address on my first 90-day report. This seemed to settle things for the immigration clerks. Now I see that was a mistake.

Smokin Joe:

I wouldn't think they'd process me since I now live in BKK district.

TerryLH:

I don't have a "wife and home" so no Yellow Book for me nor work permit since I'm retired.

Thanks everyone. Am going to my embassy today.

Edited September 11, 201312 yr by Kaoboi Bebobp

You don't have to have a wife for a Yellow Book. You just need a place to live.

Went straight from the embassy late morning to DLT at Bang Chak (1,500 baht lighter). Got both licences by 14:00. Never even asked for the proof of residence, which I had in my hands, although I did have photocopies of my Bangkok lease and True mobile bill attached. I let it go because the speedy processing had a kind of momentum I didn't want to upset with "details." Consequently, my licences still have my old Banglamung address. Sigh!

So it appears they will process out of district replacement licence requests. But don't bet on it tomorrow.

Edited September 11, 201312 yr by Kaoboi Bebobp