M.F.A update as of 14th October 2013

[dogeatdog]

Just some updated and general info for all regarding max 30 per day limit for express service.

Yes it is true as I posted in another thread that as of july 2013 only the first 30 applicant's can receive same day service.

So how has this changed things???

Not much really, i was there today, first time since this came into effect.

So here is my experience.

There's still the 3 entry and exit points at the ground level, they are, the front door, the side door and the carpark door at the rear.

So for the timing..

I arrived at 07.15 am on a monday (can be a busy day normally).

At the front door there maybe about 50 people, at the side door only about 8 people and at the carpark door around 25 people.

(Side door is the longest root through the building.)

Doors to the building open at 07.30am only to the second floor.

Most people are there for passport collection and application so dont panic and run... unless you need a thai passport.

The queue to the 3rd floor for legalization etc. Was around 40 people deep by 08.00 am.

National tune played as norm and then after you can proceed upstairs.

Hand your forms over for a quick check and collect your ticket. Very much the same as it used to be.

But the important thing I observed today was regarding the 30 applications for same day service.

I assumed....... (stupid thing to do in thailand I know) that it was a straight 30 applicants and thats your lot. But no this is not the case.

It would appear that its 30 applicants per category.

Today I had a "C" ticket for her thai birth cert and a thai to english translation to be done so an "E" ticket as well.

So I have 2 tickets and request express service on both. Because its 30 for each category, first 30 for "C" I was number 004 and first 30 for "E" I was also number 004.

Was quite worried at the time that while I was dealing with "c" ticket they call "e" that would have been a disaster as I would loose my "e" ticket.

Knowing translations take longer than the other stuff I felt ok and it worked out fine. Few...

So its 30 applicants for "A" "B" "C" "D" "E" so that's quite a lot really.

Waiting time for express is still 3 to 4 hours and collection is still at counter 7/8. Collection by name when called that is.

My tickets were stamped at 08.32 for "c" and 08.43 for "e" ticket.

Both were ready at 11.20am

Point of notice was the ticket numbers on the board were all in their late 50's by then (say 11.30 am) so no more express for the day in all categories.

To summarise I guess if you want/need same day life and death situation then get there before 07.30. 07.00 to 07.15 seemed ok today.

But would suggest if your happy go lucky type and not bothered then arrival after 8am could work on the day too.

As ppl say before agent can do still the service for a fee but not express or you can still have it posted to you if you like.

Good luck with MFA......

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[David48]

WOW ...

Just .. WOW ...

I don't have other words ... and for me ... that's unusual !

[dogeatdog]

Ok fresh update as of the 15th October.

Had to return again this morning.

(I had a problem with a thai doc yesturday, 100% my fault.)

So how did a Tuesday differ from Monday? ?

Well not much really, same procedure as yesturday. The 3 doors etc, front door having less people than the others. Less people today at 07.30 as well but thats normal.

Monday always busy.

Around 25 people there about 08.00am for legalization, national song etc.. and up the stairs to the 3rd floor.

Got ticket C002 today :-) getting better.

All "E" tickets from the quota of 30 gone by 08.30 today so if you really want that same day stuff be there for doors opening at 07.30 and you should be fine.

Only difference today was the cashier never turned up for work untill 09.00am so no receipts issued and no applications processed till then.

Incredible they have no back up person for this.

However despite their inability to operate with out the cashier for 1 hour the first return of documents started at 11am so not bad, thats a 2 hour turn around.

But normally it will be the standard 3 to 4 hour wait depending in the complexity. Normal for translation services.

1 top trick if you want to be first in the queue for upstairs is.....

When the doors open at 07.30 all people have to have their bags hit with security's black electronic stick.

Not sure what the stick proves, I don't think they know either but anyway thats the proceedure.

This bag hitting causes a little pause in the proceedings and a small backlog of the people. However if you have no bag you can just walk straight in and by pass the bag hitting security.

Saw today a guy give a girl his bag to her at 07.28 am. At 07.30am doors open he ran up the stairs and first inline. She waited to get both bags hit and then she joined him again up stairs after about 5 mins.

Quite cool I thought think they are pros at this office.

Agian good luck to all

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