90 Reporting in Chiang Mai

[SteveH]

I have just been speaking to a friend in Chiang Mai who is concerned that when he went to immigration for 90 reporting he was told that it is not necessary.

He has a Non Immigrant O Visa extended as a retirement visa. When he last arrived in the country the stamp in his (U.K.) passport is until 14 November 2014

as is the stamp on his arrival/departure card.

He was not happy that what he was told was correct so he went to the airport (CNX) and spoke to an immigration officer there and was told the same that there was no problem.

The way both he and I understood it that you must report every 90 days that you do not leave the country. Has anyone else had a similar experience ? Is the immigration officer right ?

Assuming that you should still report every 90 days I had read on TV about postal reporting. Can someone clarify that option as far as Chiang Mai Immigration is concerned.

Thanks in advance.

[uptheos]

The 90 days starts again from the date you re-enter the country, regardless of any other reporting dates.

When did he last enter the country?

[ubonjoe]

The officer is not correct. It does not matter what type of visa entry or extension you have you must make a report of staying more than 90 days.

Perhaps the officer confused a non-o visa and a OA visa.

As far as I know CM immigration does not accept 90 day reports by mail.

[SteveH]

As far as I know he last entered the country in November 2013, but I will have to check with him to be sure, if it was last November he must have done a 90 report since then.

Still both of your answers, for which I thank you both, confirm that he should report.

[thepool]

"He has a Non Immigrant O Visa extended as a retirement visa. When he last arrived in the country the stamp in his (U.K.) passport is until 14 November 2014"

Given the obvious confusion which is clearly demonstrated by the use of "retirement visa" which your friend does not have (he mostly likely has an extension of stay based on retirement), I wonder exactly what question is being asked of the immigration officers.

[ubonjoe]

If has an extension of stay the November date would be from his re-entry permit. He may not be due a report yet because that does not indicate what date he entered the country, If he arrived after December 16th his report would not be until today or later.

[moe666]

You can report 90 days are have someone do it. On the way to the airport you passed CM Immigration off ice why didn't you stop there and get real the straight answer. Always remember the people who work at Immigration offices, and airport immigration are dealing with different situations. The regulars offices are dealing with people who want to stay in Thailand for many different reasons and these officers will know the rules associated with staying long term including 90 day reports. Officers working at the airport deal with people arriving usually for short term stays and also for returning folks on extensions of stay and multiple entry vises, not a 90 day report on there agenda. They also deal with the people leaving which only concerns them if they overstayed.