Popular Post kilt Posted January 26, 2015 Popular Post Share Posted January 26, 2015 It seems that as of today... one can no longer apply for retirement extension AND multiple entry permit on the same day at Chiang Mai immigration. I used a visa service (thank God.. in and out in 30 minutes as opposed the the rest of the herd) but even the visa service could not dodge this NEW rule. Yes I know I can get a re-entry permit at the airport when I leave the country but I thought I'd get it all done at the same time at immigration. I have to go in again tomorrow for the re-entry permit. Just thought I'd let others know of this new rule... 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ricardo Posted January 27, 2015 Share Posted January 27, 2015 Thanks to the OP for the heads-up ! It wasn't just that it was too late, by the time you had completed your retirement-extension, to join the queue for a multiple-re-entry permit ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
visarunner Posted January 27, 2015 Share Posted January 27, 2015 The agent should be able to apply on your behalf. Commonly done in other places. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kilt Posted January 27, 2015 Author Share Posted January 27, 2015 No, I wasn't too late and the agent IS applying on my behalf... Chiang Mai just stopped doing the extension AND re-entry on the same day. I asked the immigration officer and she confirmed the "new rule". 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maestro Posted January 27, 2015 Share Posted January 27, 2015 I wonder what the immigration officers hope to gain from this new chicanery. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Diplomatico Posted January 27, 2015 Share Posted January 27, 2015 I wonder what the immigration officers hope to gain from this new chicanery. If it was in my home country, I'd say the goal is to show an increase in the number of visitors serviced each day...if your customer base has to visit twice instead of once, your organization appears to be experiencing an increase in customer traffic which can then be used as justification to increase the number of staff. However, we're in Thailand so....who knows? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NancyL Posted January 27, 2015 Share Posted January 27, 2015 (edited) I wonder what the immigration officers hope to gain from this new chicanery. If it was in my home country, I'd say the goal is to show an increase in the number of visitors serviced each day...if your customer base has to visit twice instead of once, your organization appears to be experiencing an increase in customer traffic which can then be used as justification to increase the number of staff. However, we're in Thailand so....who knows? That can't be the reason, because you have to get a second queue number to get a re-entry permit, so it counts as two customers served. In theory, if you have an appointment to get an extension for, say, 8:30, you'll be done-and-dusted by 11:30 am and should be able to return at 1 pm and ask for a queue ticket to get your re-entry permit. I'll have a chance to test this on Feb 6. I have a 9 am appointment for my retirement extension. I'd been trying to decide if I wanted to apply for a re-entry permit on the same day or just wait until I knew I'd need one. Edited January 27, 2015 by NancyL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
briley Posted January 27, 2015 Share Posted January 27, 2015 Not a new rule. I have just done a renewal of retirement and got a re-entry permit. Both on the same day (one in the morning and one at 1pm) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
circusman Posted January 27, 2015 Share Posted January 27, 2015 Not a new rule. I have just done a renewal of retirement and got a re-entry permit. Both on the same day (one in the morning and one at 1pm) All the above posts negated by the one before mine. Again on tv who to believe ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
uptheos Posted January 27, 2015 Share Posted January 27, 2015 Not a new rule. I have just done a renewal of retirement and got a re-entry permit. Both on the same day (one in the morning and one at 1pm) As you were folks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
expat_4_life Posted January 27, 2015 Share Posted January 27, 2015 Perhaps the OP got done by his "agent" .... nothing like an extra fee to return on another day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
briley Posted January 27, 2015 Share Posted January 27, 2015 (edited) The wonderful thing about forums - you get what you paid for. I carefully did not say the OP was wrong, I suspect there were no slots for a re-entry permit after they had done their extension. And it is not possible to do a re-entry until after your extension since you do not yet have the stamp in your passport. I also suspect that the OP was given the information by their agent and not directly by the immigration staff. Of course I could be wrong in all these suspicions - it wouldn't be the first time! Edited January 27, 2015 by briley Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mesquite Posted January 27, 2015 Share Posted January 27, 2015 Not a new rule.I have just done a renewal of retirement and got a re-entry permit. Both on the same day (one in the morning and one at 1pm)Today?I was also told about this new rule today. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robert24 Posted January 27, 2015 Share Posted January 27, 2015 how do they enforce that rule? Cannot get a queue number for re-entry permit once you completed your extension of stay? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tigermonkey Posted January 27, 2015 Share Posted January 27, 2015 I wonder what the immigration officers hope to gain from this new chicanery. If it was in my home country, I'd say the goal is to show an increase in the number of visitors serviced each day...if your customer base has to visit twice instead of once, your organization appears to be experiencing an increase in customer traffic which can then be used as justification to increase the number of staff. However, we're in Thailand so....who knows? That can't be the reason, because you have to get a second queue number to get a re-entry permit, so it counts as two customers served. In theory, if you have an appointment to get an extension for, say, 8:30, you'll be done-and-dusted by 11:30 am and should be able to return at 1 pm and ask for a queue ticket to get your re-entry permit. I'll have a chance to test this on Feb 6. I have a 9 am appointment for my retirement extension. I'd been trying to decide if I wanted to apply for a re-entry permit on the same day or just wait until I knew I'd need one. Something new? ... or have I been kept in the dark all these years ? I have never heard of an appointment system for retirement extensions at Chiang Mai. I heard a rumour of one being started about 3 years ago but nothing ever came of it. Please tell us all more -- how do you arrange an appointment ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
a99az Posted January 27, 2015 Share Posted January 27, 2015 <script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script> I wonder what the immigration officers hope to gain from this new chicanery. The pleasure of seeing the disappointment and frustration on all you faces for the next few months until the can think up a new twist to liven there day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mario2008 Posted January 27, 2015 Share Posted January 27, 2015 There is a topic here: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/561776-online-immigration-queue-system/ about the CM-online queue system. The queue system is booked out very far in advance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kilt Posted January 27, 2015 Author Share Posted January 27, 2015 Well... who knows... it didn't cost me a penny more to come back the next day (except another 20 minutes) and the immigration officer confirmed what the visa company told me. Guess I'll find out a year from now if it's still the case. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ggt Posted January 27, 2015 Share Posted January 27, 2015 Got to love Thai immigration...their top priority is to make tourists and retires happy with their immigration experience...Welcome to Thailand. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
horstthaivisa Posted January 27, 2015 Share Posted January 27, 2015 I dont think there is a new rule because I personally got both (first retirement visa and afterwards re-entry permit) in one short visit only. May be the visa company want to collect fees twice from you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blazes Posted January 27, 2015 Share Posted January 27, 2015 I discovered a new rule at CM this week (at least, new to me since this time last year; I use an agent, and, before, she did all the legwork.) This year, for my retirement extension, I had to appear with the agent at Immigration. Apparently there is a new boss since last summer and it was he who instituted this perfectly useless command. Even so, it was still better to have the services of an agent so that one did not have to queue for hours on end. CM Immigration is a United Nations zoo. (But at least the staff smile frequently!) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LawrenceN Posted January 27, 2015 Share Posted January 27, 2015 No, I wasn't too late and the agent IS applying on my behalf... Chiang Mai just stopped doing the extension AND re-entry on the same day. I asked the immigration officer and she confirmed the "new rule". I was there last week for annual retirement extension and had a different experience. I was there in the morning. When I got my queue number, I was told to come back at 3pm. Yes, I was "one of the herd." I went back as requested. 4pm passed and I wondered if I would get my extension that day. After seeing the officer to hand in my forms after 4:30, I asked the nice gentleman at counter 1 (info) if it would be possible to get my re-entry permit yet today. I was told that it depends on how soon I get my passport back from the extension desk. True, this time it took an unusually long time to return my passport and I didn't get my re-entry, but by this time it was after 5pm. The kind gentleman at counter 1 was clear that it was just a matter of closing time, said nothing about any "new rule." He also pointed out that the re-entry was no big deal, that I could stop by any time and be in & out in a short while. I plan to stop by in the next week or so to pick it up after a round of golf. I didn't say you're incorrect, OP, just that my experience was different. Do you speak Thai well enough to understand what was said to your agent? I wonder if maybe the agent manipulated the situation to get another trip, another fee out of you. No? Then never mind. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Broeno Posted January 28, 2015 Share Posted January 28, 2015 Does Thai gouvernement or immigration really hate farang so much that they make complication after complication. Sometime i ask myself if i should stay i a country that seems to be so unfriendly to people that bring in so much money. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kilt Posted January 28, 2015 Author Share Posted January 28, 2015 No, I wasn't too late and the agent IS applying on my behalf... Chiang Mai just stopped doing the extension AND re-entry on the same day. I asked the immigration officer and she confirmed the "new rule". I was there last week for annual retirement extension and had a different experience. I was there in the morning. When I got my queue number, I was told to come back at 3pm. Yes, I was "one of the herd." I went back as requested. 4pm passed and I wondered if I would get my extension that day. After seeing the officer to hand in my forms after 4:30, I asked the nice gentleman at counter 1 (info) if it would be possible to get my re-entry permit yet today. I was told that it depends on how soon I get my passport back from the extension desk. True, this time it took an unusually long time to return my passport and I didn't get my re-entry, but by this time it was after 5pm. The kind gentleman at counter 1 was clear that it was just a matter of closing time, said nothing about any "new rule." He also pointed out that the re-entry was no big deal, that I could stop by any time and be in & out in a short while. I plan to stop by in the next week or so to pick it up after a round of golf. I didn't say you're incorrect, OP, just that my experience was different. Do you speak Thai well enough to understand what was said to your agent? I wonder if maybe the agent manipulated the situation to get another trip, another fee out of you. No? Then never mind. Hi guys, The agent was very apologetic and has not charged me a dime more for the second visit. I'm dumb but I'm not an idiot My extension stamp was ready at 3:30pm. I was told there was a new officer who implemented this new requirement that went into effect Monday 26th January... but If people are since getting their re-entry permits on the same day then I was misled for some odd reason. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LivinLOS Posted January 28, 2015 Share Posted January 28, 2015 Even so, it was still better to have the services of an agent so that one did not have to queue for hours on end. CM Immigration is a United Nations zoo. (But at least the staff smile frequently!) I just dont get this.. Given we can book queue slot times, how is calling up your agent, booking the process, any harder then going online and reserving a time ?? I know some folks like to have some hand holding and guidance, but given the retirement extension has to be the simplest of the annual extensions.. Unless your using an agent to bribe around not having an income or money in the bank, I dont see what value they add ?? Book your own appointment and theres no "queuing for hours on end".. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Diplomatico Posted January 28, 2015 Share Posted January 28, 2015 Even so, it was still better to have the services of an agent so that one did not have to queue for hours on end. CM Immigration is a United Nations zoo. (But at least the staff smile frequently!) I just dont get this.. Given we can book queue slot times, how is calling up your agent, booking the process, any harder then going online and reserving a time ?? I know some folks like to have some hand holding and guidance, but given the retirement extension has to be the simplest of the annual extensions.. Unless your using an agent to bribe around not having an income or money in the bank, I dont see what value they add ?? Book your own appointment and theres no "queuing for hours on end".. There are many, many reports from TVF members that getting an online appointment is difficult, at best.....impossible for some. Given that there are only 10 slots allotted per day and that (apparently) one must begin trying at 12:01 a.m. on the morning of the 130th day previous to your desired date, I can see where it would be challenging for some. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NancyL Posted January 28, 2015 Share Posted January 28, 2015 I discovered a new rule at CM this week (at least, new to me since this time last year; I use an agent, and, before, she did all the legwork.) This year, for my retirement extension, I had to appear with the agent at Immigration. Apparently there is a new boss since last summer and it was he who instituted this perfectly useless command. Even so, it was still better to have the services of an agent so that one did not have to queue for hours on end. CM Immigration is a United Nations zoo. (But at least the staff smile frequently!) It has ALWAYS been the rule that you need to appear in person to obtain an extension. Says so right on the TM 7 form. Problem is that in the past some agents had "arrangements" with certain Immigration officials in Chiang Mai. The new boss put a stop to that. If it were me, I'd want to go see that the agent was really getting a valid stamp from a real immigration officer -- that a fake stamp wasn't being put into my passport. It happens, you know. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LivinLOS Posted January 28, 2015 Share Posted January 28, 2015 Even so, it was still better to have the services of an agent so that one did not have to queue for hours on end. CM Immigration is a United Nations zoo. (But at least the staff smile frequently!) I just dont get this.. Given we can book queue slot times, how is calling up your agent, booking the process, any harder then going online and reserving a time ?? I know some folks like to have some hand holding and guidance, but given the retirement extension has to be the simplest of the annual extensions.. Unless your using an agent to bribe around not having an income or money in the bank, I dont see what value they add ?? Book your own appointment and theres no "queuing for hours on end".. There are many, many reports from TVF members that getting an online appointment is difficult, at best.....impossible for some. Given that there are only 10 slots allotted per day and that (apparently) one must begin trying at 12:01 a.m. on the morning of the 130th day previous to your desired date, I can see where it would be challenging for some. You have 30 days to try to get one.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kilt Posted January 28, 2015 Author Share Posted January 28, 2015 Hey all, I grilled the agent today and most of you were right. Passport came out of the extension process too late to get in queue for re-entry permit. The immigration office is extremely busy these days so one has to get a queue number for morning service to be able to get them both done on the same day. My first time posting information I thought would be important and I'm wrong. I suck. Will go back to lurking 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NancyL Posted February 12, 2015 Share Posted February 12, 2015 (edited) Even so, it was still better to have the services of an agent so that one did not have to queue for hours on end. CM Immigration is a United Nations zoo. (But at least the staff smile frequently!) I just dont get this.. Given we can book queue slot times, how is calling up your agent, booking the process, any harder then going online and reserving a time ?? I know some folks like to have some hand holding and guidance, but given the retirement extension has to be the simplest of the annual extensions.. Unless your using an agent to bribe around not having an income or money in the bank, I dont see what value they add ?? Book your own appointment and theres no "queuing for hours on end".. In order to use the on-line queue you have to be organized enough to book your appointment well in advance since it often is totally booked solid. The new queue slots open at 12 midnight, so you have to be on-line then waiting for the new appointments to open. Not everyone is organized, stays up until midnight or has computer skills. Also, agents add value in that they make the copies, fill out the paperwork and advise you about the process. They're especially valuable for the elderly, infirm, those with other physical handicaps and people who simply have busy lives. We're very fortunate to have several hard-working, professional and kind visa agents in Chiang Mai. Since there are several, their rates are very low compared with the rest of Thailand. Don't assume that everyone who uses a visa agent hires one to bribe the immigration officer. That simply isn't true and is a libelous comment. Edited February 12, 2015 by NancyL 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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