Where & How To Get Re-Entry Permit

[davejones]

Do I need to go to Lad Prao to get a re-entry permit? If so, do I just turn up or book in advance? Is Suan Phlu open for this by any chance? I got my last one there on a Saturday about a year or so ago.

If I leave by plane can I definitely get one in Swampy? Probably leaving by train though.

[ubonjoe]

There are 2 temporary offices because CW is closed. Info here: Bangkok immigration opens additional offices during demonstrations

Suan Phlu is no longer open for anything.

There are re-entry permits desks at both airports in Bangkok that are open 24/7.

[dddave]

Should mention that the Re-entry permit desks at the airports are accessible only to those who are ticketed to travel from that airport and have boarding passes in hand.

[davejones]

Thanks both. So I just turn up and don't need to book in advance? I think at CW you could book in advance.

[ubonjoe]

No need for an appointment.

CW has (probably not now) a on line application for re-entry permits. But it didn't work most of the time.

[IMA_FARANG]

I just returned about 1 hour ago from getting a re-entry permit (they will call it a exit permit at immigration) that I received at the temporary office at Imperial World mall (Big C store) on Lad Prao road in Bangkok.

The immigration office is on the 5th floor. there are English signs by the elevators /lifts telling you this.

From the time I entered until I left with my exit permit it took about 30 minutes.

The place was very crowded, all the chairs full and no where to sit.

I finally found a chair after about 15 minutes standing.

Make sure you have your photos and all the info you will need for the form before you go.

There was a copy and photo store outside the entrance, but when I arrived that store was closed.

Get your forms and go to the tables near by to fill them out.

You probably will have to wait for an opening to find space at the tables to fill out your forms.

When you have your forms ready go back to that same desk where you were given the forms.

If your form is filled our completely and signed you will get a queue number.

There are 3 exit permit windows all the way to the rear and to the left in an enclosed area where they are doing the actual passport stamping.

First you go to a window marked "submit applications". There you turn in your passport, your completed paperwork (with Photo attached), and your fee.

You will get a receipt and be told to sit and wait until you queue number is called.

In practice this actually means they will call your queue number in Thai or maybe English and wave your passport at one of the windows when your passport is ready for pickup at that window..

So pay attention.

This took roughly 30 minutes for me.

Pickup your passport, check to see you do have the exit permit in your passport ... and you're done.

Considering how crowded that place is, they are doing quite well to get everything done in only 30 minutes with the limited staff they have processing visas.

So at least thank them as you leave.

[davejones]

I already got my retirement extension there so know the layout and everything. They were also doing a great job when I was there. They didn't even take a lunch break but had food delivered to their desks so that they could keep working. So you're right, they deserve a big thanks.