In Praise of CNX Immigration

[Just1Voice]

I've moved to Chiang Mai almost 7 years ago. I had to go through the usual "hoops" to get my Non-O status, then Marriage Visa, which I changed to Retirement a year later, and only once did I have what I would term an "unpleasant" experience with anyone in CNX Immigration. I have almost always found the staff there to be polite, courteous, and be of whatever help they could be.

In January, for my last yearly renewal, I was not in the best of shape. Still recovering from a stroke, could barely walk, and generally feeling like crap. When my number was called, they took one look at me and asked my wife what was wrong, and did I need to go to the hospital. She told them I didn't, but just didn't feel good. One of the staff actually came out and helped my wife take me outside to sit, then returned to her desk to get the necessary paperwork I needed to sign and brought it out to me. She even offered to stay with my so my wife could go get bottled water for me. When we were done, and they had issued me a new yearly extension, the woman had one of the young men there help me to our car to go home.

On my last 90 day, I was late. I explained that I had been sick and forgot about it. My wife happened to have some photos showing me in the hospital. The man looked at them, smiled and said "no problem".

About a year or so ago, when I did my 90 day, the man never even bothered to look at my paperwork, but merely issued me a new one. When I questioned him as to why, he smiled and told me that if everyone would go online, fill out the papers, and bring everything, including copies, the way I do, their job would be much easier.

In the 7 years I've been here I've seen a serious increase in the number of "falang" using this facility, and it is steadily growing as more and more people are moving here. Yet, through no fault of their own, the Immigration staff have not increased, nor has the size of their building. Yet, I constantly watch the staff continue to smile, be polite and courteous, even to some jerks they would love to tell off. Unfortunately, I can't speak so kindly of the "falang". I see them come in dressed in every conceivable manner, being rude, demanding that things be done to their way of thinking, and forgetting they are guests in this country, and should act accordingly.

Does CNX need a bigger office? Yes! Do they need more staff? Yes! Is it their fault they don't have it? No! Blame that on the centralized government of BKK. Recently I was told by one staff member that they were finally approved for a bigger office, with more staff and better parking, and that it was due to be operational by the end of the year. Hopefully that will happen.

If someone wants to bitch and complain about the long lines now, and the long delays, then perhaps they should look at the root of the problem - themselves. No one twisted their arms or held a gun to their heads to force them to move here. And the more of them that do only adds to the lines and time spent waiting. My advice to them, if you don't like the line and the waiting, go someplace else, or go home if it's that bad for you.

[Beetlejuice]

A truly inspiring report.

Although you are not in the best of health, you still make the effort to follow all the correct procedures as imposed by the Immigration Department without complaint or fuss, and you appear to be someone who actually loves living in Thailand and appreciates those who are courteous and show good will towards you.

You are the type of ex-pat that I admire here, always looking at the situations on the positive side and making the best of it.

Good luck to you Sir, and hope you have many long and enjoyable years here in Chiang Mai.

[Just1Voice]

A truly inspiring report.

Although you are not in the best of health, you still make the effort to follow all the correct procedures as imposed by the Immigration Department without complaint or fuss, and you appear to be someone who actually loves living in Thailand and appreciates those who are courteous and show good will towards you.

You are the type of ex-pat that I admire here, always looking at the situations on the positive side and making the best of it.

Good luck to you Sir, and hope you have many long and enjoyable years here in Chiang Mai.

I'm not so sure about "inspiring", but more like truthful. lol. Following the rules isn't a problem for anyone with a modicum of common sense. This is NOT the country you come from, you are a guest, unless you have Permanent Residence status, so it only makes sense to follow the rules and "go with the flow" so to speak.

In my younger days I had been to LOS quite a few times, and always told myself that when I retired, this is where it would be. So, when the time came, I did my research and made my plans. The one regret I have is that my beautiful wife of 28 years, died before she could join me. However, I did meet, and marry, another wonderful woman and have a good life, for the most part.

Yes, I love Thailand, especially the North. The weather is great and I love the people up here. Prior to my stroke I would take 3,4,5 day trips on my CBR, and always met the nicest, and most friendly people you would ever want to know, despite my poor Thai speaking abilities, which I do try to improve. Hopefully my health will improve to the point where I can start doing that again.

Thailand is not for everyone. It's only "paradise" if you want it to be, and accept it for what it is, both the good and bad, but I can't think of anywhere I'd rather live. My personal opinion is that too many only read the travel brochures, and never come spend some actual time here to see what it is REALLY like, taking the time to talk to those who have been here for a few years and can tell them what to expect. Then they move here and find out it's not all it was supposed to be.

You have to make sacrifices. You're not always going to be able to find all your "favorite" products here, the way you could in Walmart back home. I sometimes tease my wife that I had faster, and better, internet service 20 years ago back home. Attitudes here are much different. Back home if a repair man or service rep said they would be there at 2:00, they usually were. Here 2:00 could mean anywhere from noon to 5:30. Deal with it.

If you're going to live here, you have to accept that it is not "home", as is the same as the place you are from. Attitudes and outlooks are different. Enjoy those things that are good, deal with the things that aren't. Happiness isn't something you can buy at Big C or Tesco. It has to come from within, and if you can't find it there, then you're in the wrong place.

Thanks for your well wishes, much appreciated, and, yes, I also hope to enjoy many more years here as well.

[DLock]

Refreshingly good post.

Thanks for taking the time to share.

Good luck to you and I hope you get better and get back on that bike and enjoy what you like.

Take care.

[Just1Voice]

Refreshingly good post.

Thanks for taking the time to share.

Good luck to you and I hope you get better and get back on that bike and enjoy what you like.

Take care.

Thanks. Me and the wife just came home from looking at the new 300cc burnt orange Ninja. Not ready yet, but maybe in a month or so.

[DtemJai]

If follow IO rules, no proppplem, they will help you so far they get, in UTIO, I never went out of my car, cos a nuclear shihnnnnnnnnnnnng beer hangover, okay they said, stay there, I saw you face OK, sent a wife & a couple of friends & as a further play +, okay, I got 1 year extension within 45 min.

[MESmith]

It's been a few years since I 've had to visit CM immigration, just read reports here on TV. Not sure I've heard complaints about the staff, just the facilities & the system.

[northernjohn]

Thank you for your honest appraisals. I concur I do not make an appointment for the extensions yet I have the paper work ready. No problem. It is not like I had a job and had to be some place or the other. I am retired. I have never had a problem with them. They do the best they can with what they have. Immigration said they could have 15 more staff but Bangkok would do the hiring. Not sure where they could have put them any how. Good to here they are going to get a new building.

I guess for the people with business and education visa's it is more difficult than for the retirees with the 90 day and 1 year extensions. Have heard the odd complaint about the marriage one.

Silly things like one had to have a picture of them sitting on their bed.

[Just1Voice]

Thank you for your honest appraisals. I concur I do not make an appointment for the extensions yet I have the paper work ready. No problem. It is not like I had a job and had to be some place or the other. I am retired. I have never had a problem with them. They do the best they can with what they have. Immigration said they could have 15 more staff but Bangkok would do the hiring. Not sure where they could have put them any how. Good to here they are going to get a new building.

I guess for the people with business and education visa's it is more difficult than for the retirees with the 90 day and 1 year extensions. Have heard the odd complaint about the marriage one.

Silly things like one had to have a picture of them sitting on their bed.

I concur with you on those with Business and Education visas. 10 times the paperwork for them. Surprisingly, it was one of the Imm Officials who told me to change from Marriage to Retirement. Said I had all the qualifications, was less paperwork, and faster to process. So I did that on my next yearly. The request for a picture of the man and woman sitting on the bed seems a bit strange, but maybe their way of "verifying" the couple were actually living together. Who knows?

[mesquite]

Thank you for your honest appraisals. I concur I do not make an appointment for the extensions yet I have the paper work ready. No problem. It is not like I had a job and had to be some place or the other. I am retired. I have never had a problem with them. They do the best they can with what they have. Immigration said they could have 15 more staff but Bangkok would do the hiring. Not sure where they could have put them any how. Good to here they are going to get a new building.

I guess for the people with business and education visa's it is more difficult than for the retirees with the 90 day and 1 year extensions. Have heard the odd complaint about the marriage one.

Silly things like one had to have a picture of them sitting on their bed.

Actually, I'm not surprised about this. It's a slight hint at what they really think of farangs.

[worgeordie]

One of the best aids to successful and trouble free extensions and 90 day

reporting is a good calender,fill in when 90 day report is due,calculate the

100 days before so you can book a place on the Immigrations website,it

will save you a lot of hassle,time and money,I have mine near breakfast

table so i see it everyday.

regards Worgeordie

[Just1Voice]

Thank you for your honest appraisals. I concur I do not make an appointment for the extensions yet I have the paper work ready. No problem. It is not like I had a job and had to be some place or the other. I am retired. I have never had a problem with them. They do the best they can with what they have. Immigration said they could have 15 more staff but Bangkok would do the hiring. Not sure where they could have put them any how. Good to here they are going to get a new building.

I guess for the people with business and education visa's it is more difficult than for the retirees with the 90 day and 1 year extensions. Have heard the odd complaint about the marriage one.

Silly things like one had to have a picture of them sitting on their bed.

Actually, I'm not surprised about this. It's a slight hint at what they really think of farangs.

True, but when I just mentioned that to my wife, who really does have a Western sense of "sarcastic humor" about her at times, she said: "I would have asked if they wanted one of us having sex.Then they could all see why I have a smile on my face." Evil woman. lol

[Just1Voice]

One of the best aids to successful and trouble free extensions and 90 day

reporting is a good calender,fill in when 90 day report is due,calculate the

100 days before so you can book a place on the Immigrations website,it

will save you a lot of hassle,time and money,I have mine near breakfast

table so i see it everyday.

regards Worgeordie

I have a large calendar hanging by my desk, and one on my desktop that is always visible. I fill in my 90 day in red, so I can't forget it. Please explain your comment about booking a place on their website. I'm not sure I comprehend about that.

[northernjohn]

One of the best aids to successful and trouble free extensions and 90 day

reporting is a good calender,fill in when 90 day report is due,calculate the

100 days before so you can book a place on the Immigrations website,it

will save you a lot of hassle,time and money,I have mine near breakfast

table so i see it everyday.

regards WorgeordieThey see about 60 a day and have room for only 10 appointments.If all 60 are planning ahead it is still going to mean 50 won't have an appointment.

They see about 60 a day and have room for only 10 appointments.If all 60 are planning ahead it is still going to mean 50 won't have an appointment. so it would seem that your scheme is doomed to failure for 50 of them.

[fredge45]

Years ago I asked the Chief of CM Immigration if the folks there would do training for other groups on how to be friendly and polite to the public.

When asked what group I might have in mind I answered that the US Consulate staff needed the training most of all (and still do).

All I got back was a very nice smile and a chuckle...

[uptheos]

One of the best aids to successful and trouble free extensions and 90 day

reporting is a good calender,fill in when 90 day report is due,calculate the

100 days before so you can book a place on the Immigrations website,it

will save you a lot of hassle,time and money,I have mine near breakfast

table so i see it everyday.

regards Worgeordie

I have a large calendar hanging by my desk, and one on my desktop that is always visible. I fill in my 90 day in red, so I can't forget it. Please explain your comment about booking a place on their website. I'm not sure I comprehend about that.

I think he must be referring to annual renewal for online reservations 100 days before.

The online booking is not for 90 day reports.

[malt25]

A truly inspiring report.

Although you are not in the best of health, you still make the effort to follow all the correct procedures as imposed by the Immigration Department without complaint or fuss, and you appear to be someone who actually loves living in Thailand and appreciates those who are courteous and show good will towards you.

You are the type of ex-pat that I admire here, always looking at the situations on the positive side and making the best of it.

Good luck to you Sir, and hope you have many long and enjoyable years here in Chiang Mai.

To the OP & BJ...... Oh what a refreshing post & comment, thank you.

To all you Negative Neville Nobodies......how about for once just bite your tongue & keep it to yourself. Try PMA... positive mental attitude.

Hope you all have a fantastic day... I will.

Mal.

[jaideecm]

Usually for the 90 day reporting I go around 3 PM and out in 10 minutes. I went last Tuesday and it was after a long holiday weekend so packed with 50 persons ahead of me. Got my number at 3PM and out of there by 4:30. Great Job!!!

I have been using CM Immigrations for 25 years first as a teacher at Payap University and now for retirement visas and always greeted with a smile. Very friendly helpful staff despite the lack of space and overcrowding.

[ggt]

Could you send those folks down to Jomtien...?

[rbmcn]

I concur with Just1voice entirely- never have had a hassle with staff- invariably pleasant and patient. This is amazing, considering the waves of humanity that wash up on the office counters sometimes being impatient, impolite and downright repulsive in their approach to office staff. Well done to the Chiang Mai immigration office. With some of the cr-p up with which they have to put they deserve a medal, daily.

[mesquite]

I concur with Just1voice entirely- never have had a hassle with staff- invariably pleasant and patient. This is amazing, considering the waves of humanity that wash up on the office counters sometimes being impatient, impolite and downright repulsive in their approach to office staff. Well done to the Chiang Mai immigration office. With some of the cr-p up with which they have to put they deserve a medal, daily.

There's a history there. They've been doing well for the last 1-2 years. Before that it was hit or miss.

[henksteeghsth]

Jomtien was never a problem, but many farangs go there, prepair nothing and have a attitude

that the staff is there only for them because i have 15 condo`s 9 cars and a lot off many but no brains

see also people come inside no properly clothes, smell of alcohol wen the come inside,

we can not do this we are guest in this country.

[Fore Man]

Totally concur with OP as well as the supporting consensus of following posts. I might add three thoughts:

1. If you book an online appointment and cannot keep it, please cancel it online or visit Immigration to ask them to delete it from the record. These appointments are scarce and if you don't need yours I can promise you that someone else will. Make a note of your booking confirmation number as well as the exact date and time. When canceling your online booking, you must have the confirmation number. If you forget to record it, and cannot perform the cancellation online, at least you can give your appointment details to the staff.

2. It helps tremendously to form and nurture relationships with the staff. A cheerful, respectful well-groomed Thai wife, assuming you are married to one, goes miles in easing things that you need done.

3. Please dress respectfully, take the time to bathe and shave. Thais value neatness and personal grooming highly, and many foreigners living here have unfortunately not ingrained these habits.

[RedQualia]

They DO need new facilities. The building across the street is much larger and appears to be empty. It would do nicely, but of course, just an observation. Their online appointment system could also use a few tweaks, last time I checked.

Otherwise, yes -- the people working there do a fantastic job under much less than ideal circumstances, and I am greatly impressed. I don't think I could work there. I'm sure I would lose my cool and blow it before my first morning on the job had ended. And yet I see mostly the same people there, year after year, smiling and getting on with the job. Kudos.

[gamini]

I have always had nice teatment at CNX immigration except one time quite a long time ago. The femaile Captain started chatting to me when she handed over my passport with my retirement visa and suggested we meet for a drink after work. She was very pretty, about mid. thirties. I was tempted, but knowlng my lack of ability to stick with one woman. I politely refused telling her that I already had a date. She got pretty angry. Later on when I went to get a re-entry permit she kept me waiting over two hours. It really was a no win situation for me. Had I ebtered into a relationship with her and then ditched her, I am sure the result

would have been disaterous.

[northernjohn]

I concur with Just1voice entirely- never have had a hassle with staff- invariably pleasant and patient. This is amazing, considering the waves of humanity that wash up on the office counters sometimes being impatient, impolite and downright repulsive in their approach to office staff. Well done to the Chiang Mai immigration office. With some of the cr-p up with which they have to put they deserve a medal, daily.

There's a history there. They've been doing well for the last 1-2 years. Before that it was hit or miss.

Beg to differ the staff was still friendly and helpful. The problem was they were overloaded with Burmese. The longest I ever waited at that time for my 90 day was an hour and a half. Yes one day for my extension I got in to see them in the morning but did not get my passport back until 1:45. I just read so more of a good book after we had crossed the street for a so so meal.

[northernjohn]

Totally concur with OP as well as the supporting consensus of following posts. I might add three thoughts:

1. If you book an online appointment and cannot keep it, please cancel it online or visit Immigration to ask them to delete it from the record. These appointments are scarce and if you don't need yours I can promise you that someone else will. Make a note of your booking confirmation number as well as the exact date and time. When canceling your online booking, you must have the confirmation number. If you forget to record it, and cannot perform the cancellation online, at least you can give your appointment details to the staff.

2. It helps tremendously to form and nurture relationships with the staff. A cheerful, respectful well-groomed Thai wife, assuming you are married to one, goes miles in easing things that you need done.

3. Please dress respectfully, take the time to bathe and shave. Thais value neatness and personal grooming highly, and many foreigners living here have unfortunately not ingrained these habits.

I totally agree with having the wife there. She does not dress up for the occasion she dresses like a Thai wife. Clean and neat clothes. For myself I shower and shave and then dress the same as I do no matter where I am going. I have a lot of tourist shirts and some really outlandish one. Makes no difference to them I am clean, shaved and have on clean clothes. Also no smell of alcohol never a problem.

One other thing I do is when I go for my extensions I have all the proof of income in a manila envelope. I offered to show it to them once and they said no need. All they needed was my proof of income from the U S consulate. I just think it looks better if you are prepared even if the manila envelop is empty.

[sawadee1947]

yes, I can confirm and agree. Staff was always friendly in CM immigration...and helpful when I did a mistake with the forms...

Good luck to you

[Benmart]

A truly inspiring report.

Although you are not in the best of health, you still make the effort to follow all the correct procedures as imposed by the Immigration Department without complaint or fuss, and you appear to be someone who actually loves living in Thailand and appreciates those who are courteous and show good will towards you.

You are the type of ex-pat that I admire here, always looking at the situations on the positive side and making the best of it.

Good luck to you Sir, and hope you have many long and enjoyable years here in Chiang Mai.

A wonderful report.

Yes, I observe many "farangs" being frustrated and perhaps not on their best conduct. It is unfortunate that they are unable or unwilling to live life on life's terms.

The softer approach has always payed dividends for me and I enjoy my long stay here much better as a result.

Good health to you and your wife.

[Frank James]

I agree with the OP about the friendliness and efficiency of the staff at Chiang Mai Immigration. They do an amazing job with the limited space and staff that they have. I see that place as a great free entertainment venue. All these different varieties of "farang" on display, in various costumes, from the well-scrubbed super-white missionary/NGO families, to the couple of suburban white kids from who knows where, all decked out in native fishing pants, dirty dreadlocks, tattoos and piercings. Then you've got the rickety old guys (I should talk!), being ably assisted by their Thai wives/nurses/escorts. There's always a few lost-looking threadbare older cats that look like they've been staying up too late with the wrong sort of people. Sometimes they talk..."And then ya know what that b----h did to me??!!"

Everybody's jammed in so tight, it's a fertile ground for hearing fragments of stories, along with the occasional dramatic scene at the counter. "Whaddaya mean I can't...!" You know the ones.

What I wonder is what happens to the incredible pile of paper documents that get generated at that place every day? Everybody that passes through there accounts for at least four sheets of paper. What an interesting wall you could make there if there was one extra passport photo that could get pasted up. And the copy and photo concession out back is making someone very wealthy.

The only thing missing is some food stalls out on the road. The nearest place to eat around there is the Central Mall, six hot blocks away.