My experience at the old immigration office

[Tywais]

Yes, another immigration topic. However, there has been very few reports of current experiences at the old office which handles extensions based on work/business/teacher/marriage and decided to dedicate one to that.

I had an appointment for Monday at 9:30AM, probably one of the last that could get online appointment before shutdown. Arrived at 9:10AM, showed my queue card and was ushered directly to the IO's desk in the far back. Waited for 5 minutes for her to come to the desk, then 10 minutes checking all my documents and work permit details and making all the stamps. Then waited 1 hour 10 minutes for the photo and my passport returned to me. The IO is the lady with the short cropped, military style hair and very pleasant person to work with. She was a bit amazed that I haven't been out of Thailand in 21 years and laughed when she saw my arrival/departure card. The waiting area was about 3/4 full so not very crowded.

I met a colleague who was there for a reentry permit and we had a chat. BTW, this is the only case you can get a reentry permit at the old location and that is at the same time you get your annual extension there. He went Friday morning at 4:30AM and wasn't called until 4:00PM! That is why he came in Monday for the reentry as the officer allowed it due to the late processing of his extension.

Another odd thing. I've always gotten my annual extension based on work then get my work permit renewal. He says he has had to do it the other way around due to change of rules a few years ago. That is, he gets his WP renewed then to immigration. Really strange as we work in the same facility. Immigration always requires a copy of my WP and scan through the original and were satisfied.

[Tywais]

I saw this building directly across the street from immigration, the location where the large Thai restaurant was. Anyone know what it is for? I had this fantasy that it was the new immigration office ... then I came to my senses.

[hanuman2543]

My Gf who works at the hotel near the airport told me it will become a Spa

[TheAppletons]

My Gf who works at the hotel near the airport told me it will become a Spa

Finally! This place really needs a spa.

(Thanks for the report, Tywais.)

[habfan]

I live out in the sticks in Lampang province and for the past 3 years have been using the online queue to make an appointment reservation for my marriage extension.

Since this service has been terminated for the most ridiculous reason I might add (too many farang complaining they couldn't get a reservation) or so I read on this forum. I'm wondering about this year. I'll suck it up leave the house at 3am with the wife drive in to Chianger to arrive at imm by 4:30 but the thought of being told after all this that marriage extensions are full for the day and to come back tomorrow has me on slow boil.

I'd like to hear any members experiences with marriage extensions (arrivals at immigration and finishing times) now that the online queue system has been terminated.

[CNXBKKMAN]

I did my marriage extension last month. Info here... http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/848988-visit-to-the-old-immigration-office/

[connda]

I live out in the sticks in Lampang province and for the past 3 years have been using the online queue to make an appointment reservation for my marriage extension.

Since this service has been terminated for the most ridiculous reason I might add (too many farang complaining they couldn't get a reservation) or so I read on this forum. I'm wondering about this year. I'll suck it up leave the house at 3am with the wife drive in to Chianger to arrive at imm by 4:30 but the thought of being told after all this that marriage extensions are full for the day and to come back tomorrow has me on slow boil.

I'd like to hear any members experiences with marriage extensions (arrivals at immigration and finishing times) now that the online queue system has been terminated.

I'm not as far out as you are, although my house borders the Lamphun/Lampang border. Personally, with the drive and all, I'm just going to bite the bullet and hire an agent next year. I've already been in contact with a couple and have received quotes. It's a little pricey, but when I weight that against the amount of frustration I generally deal with each time I visit that outhouse they call an office, the agent will be worth the price of just staying cool, calm, and collected, and letting someone else do the legwork and paperwork. I'm just completely tired of the BS. I give up: "Uncle!"

And ditto on "Thank for the report Tywais."

Edited September 8, 2015 by connda

[Tywais]

I did my marriage extension last month. Info here... http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/848988-visit-to-the-old-immigration-office/

Thanks for that. Somehow I missed it or would have just added mine to it.

[naboo]

I have an appointment for late October. Still quite a few in the system!

[habfan]

I live out in the sticks in Lampang province and for the past 3 years have been using the online queue to make an appointment reservation for my marriage extension.

Since this service has been terminated for the most ridiculous reason I might add (too many farang complaining they couldn't get a reservation) or so I read on this forum. I'm wondering about this year. I'll suck it up leave the house at 3am with the wife drive in to Chianger to arrive at imm by 4:30 but the thought of being told after all this that marriage extensions are full for the day and to come back tomorrow has me on slow boil.

I'd like to hear any members experiences with marriage extensions (arrivals at immigration and finishing times) now that the online queue system has been terminated.

I'm not as far out as you are, although my house borders the Lamphun/Lampang border. Personally, with the drive and all, I'm just going to bite the bullet and hire an agent next year. I've already been in contact with a couple and have received quotes. It's a little pricey, but when I weight that against the amount of frustration I generally deal with each time I visit that outhouse they call an office, the agent will be worth the price of just staying cool, calm, and collected, and letting someone else do the legwork and paperwork. I'm just completely tired of the BS. I give up: "Uncle!"

And ditto on "Thank for the report Tywais."

My thoughts are running in the same direction connda, I just thought I'd give one go on the just show up method this year and see how painful it was.

It's not so much the money for the agent although it is a little pricey as you say, I just hate being forced to go that route.

[off road pat]

My Gf who works at the hotel near the airport told me it will become a Spa

Finally! This place really needs a spa.

(Thanks for the report, Tywais.)

Yeah,...That's what Chiang Mai needs,..Another Spa.!?!?!?!

[THAIJAMES]

"BTW, this is the only case you can get a reentry permit at the old location and that is at the same time you get your annual extension there. "

What about permanent residents, does any one know if the endorsement and reentry are done at the old office?

[elgordo38]

I live out in the sticks in Lampang province and for the past 3 years have been using the online queue to make an appointment reservation for my marriage extension.

Since this service has been terminated for the most ridiculous reason I might add (too many farang complaining they couldn't get a reservation) or so I read on this forum. I'm wondering about this year. I'll suck it up leave the house at 3am with the wife drive in to Chianger to arrive at imm by 4:30 but the thought of being told after all this that marriage extensions are full for the day and to come back tomorrow has me on slow boil.

I'd like to hear any members experiences with marriage extensions (arrivals at immigration and finishing times) now that the online queue system has been terminated.

I'm not as far out as you are, although my house borders the Lamphun/Lampang border. Personally, with the drive and all, I'm just going to bite the bullet and hire an agent next year. I've already been in contact with a couple and have received quotes. It's a little pricey, but when I weight that against the amount of frustration I generally deal with each time I visit that outhouse they call an office, the agent will be worth the price of just staying cool, calm, and collected, and letting someone else do the legwork and paperwork. I'm just completely tired of the BS. I give up: "Uncle!"

And ditto on "Thank for the report Tywais."

I really think we are all being herded in that direction. I wonder why? why? why? must be an echo in here.

[connda]

I live out in the sticks in Lampang province and for the past 3 years have been using the online queue to make an appointment reservation for my marriage extension.

Since this service has been terminated for the most ridiculous reason I might add (too many farang complaining they couldn't get a reservation) or so I read on this forum. I'm wondering about this year. I'll suck it up leave the house at 3am with the wife drive in to Chianger to arrive at imm by 4:30 but the thought of being told after all this that marriage extensions are full for the day and to come back tomorrow has me on slow boil.

I'd like to hear any members experiences with marriage extensions (arrivals at immigration and finishing times) now that the online queue system has been terminated.

I'm not as far out as you are, although my house borders the Lamphun/Lampang border. Personally, with the drive and all, I'm just going to bite the bullet and hire an agent next year. I've already been in contact with a couple and have received quotes. It's a little pricey, but when I weight that against the amount of frustration I generally deal with each time I visit that outhouse they call an office, the agent will be worth the price of just staying cool, calm, and collected, and letting someone else do the legwork and paperwork. I'm just completely tired of the BS. I give up: "Uncle!"

And ditto on "Thank for the report Tywais."

My thoughts are running in the same direction connda, I just thought I'd give one go on the just show up method this year and see how painful it was.

It's not so much the money for the agent although it is a little pricey as you say, I just hate being forced to go that route.

Agreed. And I too feel as though I'm being 'forced' to go that route to. There are pretty much only two options for those applying for yearly extensions now: Option 1: show up at Zero-Dark-Thirty, hope you get a queue ticket after your 1 or 2 or 3 hour drive in from the boondocks, and then expect a full days wait to get processed (or possibly be asked to return the next day); or, Option 2: hire an agent.

Best of luck if you opt for Option 1. Let us know how it goes.

Edited September 9, 2015 by connda

[mamborobert]

Drive a friend visiting to the old office today office as he was converting to Non Immigrant O.

Arrived around 2,00pm and there were only 5 cars in the front car park and 1 motorcycle, no one waiting outside, and less than a handful of people in the open air coffee shop annex out the front.

Went into the office proper and heaps of uni students who must be on work placements or something as all they seemed to do is take selfies (apparently the university course does not cover the part about signage indicating no photos) and them escort people to the immigration officers desk and then stand there either learning or blocking fans, I am not sure.

Anyhow, filled in the paperwork, looked like there were maybe 6 real clients there, no problems with seating, lodged paperwork, escorted by student, fan blocked, photo taken and we were out within 40 minutes....and that was a drop in with no appointment. Quickest and easiest I have ever seen it in there, saw only one uniformed immigration staff, just a few with identifiable polo. Did not see Dragon Lady (who I always look out for and in the past has always been good to me).

Quite a pleasant experience all in all.

[habfan]

I live out in the sticks in Lampang province and for the past 3 years have been using the online queue to make an appointment reservation for my marriage extension.

Since this service has been terminated for the most ridiculous reason I might add (too many farang complaining they couldn't get a reservation) or so I read on this forum. I'm wondering about this year. I'll suck it up leave the house at 3am with the wife drive in to Chianger to arrive at imm by 4:30 but the thought of being told after all this that marriage extensions are full for the day and to come back tomorrow has me on slow boil.

I'd like to hear any members experiences with marriage extensions (arrivals at immigration and finishing times) now that the online queue system has been terminated.

I'm not as far out as you are, although my house borders the Lamphun/Lampang border. Personally, with the drive and all, I'm just going to bite the bullet and hire an agent next year. I've already been in contact with a couple and have received quotes. It's a little pricey, but when I weight that against the amount of frustration I generally deal with each time I visit that outhouse they call an office, the agent will be worth the price of just staying cool, calm, and collected, and letting someone else do the legwork and paperwork. I'm just completely tired of the BS. I give up: "Uncle!"

And ditto on "Thank for the report Tywais."

My thoughts are running in the same direction connda, I just thought I'd give one go on the just show up method this year and see how painful it was.

It's not so much the money for the agent although it is a little pricey as you say, I just hate being forced to go that route.

Agreed. And I too feel as though I'm being 'forced' to go that route to. There are pretty much only two options for those applying for yearly extensions now: Option 1: show up at Zero-Dark-Thirty, hope you get a queue ticket after your 1 or 2 or 3 hour drive in from the boondocks, and then expect a full days wait to get processed (or possibly be asked to return the next day); or, Option 2: hire an agent.

Best of luck if you opt for Option 1. Let us know how it goes.

Well summed up connda!

I've got till January 16th 2016 to do my extension but I'll be sure to share the blood, sweat and tears.

[tancred]

Is it worth it?

[JaseTheBass]

I was also there yesterday (and today due to my accountant not seemingly be able to count). My wife queued up from stupid o'clock and we were #3 to see the officer.

Overriding thoughts were that it's nicer now that the old folks home has moved to Promenada; the Uni helpers while pleasant are basically clueless and the officers are pretty unprofessional and the whole place is pretty inefficient compared with some of the other offices in the country.

Can't wait for next year!

[davidstipek]

Anyone care to comment where to do 90 day Notification. (show up and say yes... I am still here! Still breathing...) then where do I need to go in December to do renewal of Retirement Visa...?

[habfan]

Is it worth it?

Well with the 5000.00 baht I save I can treat myself to 2 rounds of golf on one of the fancy courses.

That will take some of the sting away.

[Tywais]

Anyone care to comment where to do 90 day Notification. (show up and say yes... I am still here! Still breathing...) then where do I need to go in December to do renewal of Retirement Visa...?

Both are done at the new location at Promenada. For 90 day, you might try the online reporting first to see if that works for you. Guideline here. NancyL was informed by the head of immigration that mail in 90 day reporting is still allowed. See top of page of link I posted for mail in option.

[jimmym40]

^{Ref above (Tywais). Was called to immigration at arpt today, 10 Aug. Had to report to immigratin office. I mailed in my 90 day paperwork by EMS a day earlier. Went in, had to show my real passport, eventhough all paperwork mailed in was correct. Was told, no more mail ins. Had to accomplish at new office at Promanada. This was told to me by the elder I/o, nice man, Mr Amnant. However, they did do my 90 day report.}

[Tywais]

^{Ref above (Tywais). Was called to immigration at arpt today, 10 Aug. Had to report to immigratin office. I mailed in my 90 day paperwork by EMS a day earlier. Went in, had to show my real passport, eventhough all paperwork mailed in was correct. Was told, no more mail ins. Had to accomplish at new office at Promanada. This was told to me by the elder I/o, nice man, Mr Amnant. However, they did do my 90 day report.}

Seems to be a case of the left hand not knowing what the right hand is doing. The head of immigration says you can, a minion says you can't. Somebody needs to get this straightened out.

[hougourou]

My experience yesterday, 9 September;

After hearing all the horror stories, I arrived at 6:40 am. Three seperate lines outside, clearly signed as one for students, teachers, missionaries, mass media, a second for BOI and some others (can't remember), and a third line for marriage, dependents, and "others". The first line had maybe fifty people waiting in it. I fit into category three, which was nice since it was a short four person line. Got my number, asked and was told I'd be called at 9:30. I called the wife, went for a walk, and when I returned at 7:10, the lines were gone, as was the staff that were organizing them earlier. I get the feeling that some of the people in line one went away without a number,

Anyway, around 10 am they called us, usual paper shuffle, take a photo, get your passport back and told to return in a month's time, like every year for the past twenty. Generally less crowded than before, staff nice enough as always.

In summary, at least from my experience, the teachers and students are the ones who might be forced into the loving 5,000 Baht embrace of the agents. Yes, I think it's possible that someone on the inside likes dealing with agents, although I wouldn't care to speculate why.

Edited September 10, 2015 by hougourou

[Nowisee]

Yet another issue with CM immigration... allegedly.
REALLY need to get out of here... how many more reasons does one need?

I wonder if their game plan is to make this so difficult for foreigners that they'll just stop coming or move out... they're doing a bang up job of it.

Edited September 10, 2015 by Nowisee

[habfan]

My experience yesterday, 9 September;

After hearing all the horror stories, I arrived at 6:40 am. Three seperate lines outside, clearly signed as one for students, teachers, missionaries, mass media, a second for BOI and some others (can't remember), and a third line for marriage, dependents, and "others". The first line had maybe fifty people waiting in it. I fit into category three, which was nice since it was a short four person line. Got my number, asked and was told I'd be called at 9:30. I called the wife, went for a walk, and when I returned at 7:10, the lines were gone, as was the staff that were organizing them earlier. I get the feeling that some of the people in line one went away without a number,

Anyway, around 10 am they called us, usual paper shuffle, take a photo, get your passport back and told to return in a month's time, like every year for the past twenty. Generally less crowded than before, staff nice enough as always.

In summary, at least from my experience, the teachers and students are the ones who might be forced into the loving 5,000 Baht embrace of the agents. Yes, I think it's possible that someone on the inside likes dealing with agents, although I wouldn't care to speculate why.

Well from an extension based on marriage point of view this sounds encouraging.

[JaseTheBass]

Anyone care to comment where to do 90 day Notification. (show up and say yes... I am still here! Still breathing...) then where do I need to go in December to do renewal of Retirement Visa...?

Promenada for both

[connda]

Is it worth it?

Well with the 5000.00 baht I save I can treat myself to 2 rounds of golf on one of the fancy courses.

That will take some of the sting away.

Come out to my neck of the woods. Gassan Khun Tan has a special. For 100 baht membership fee, your green fees are 500 baht, or 900 is you want the cart. So with option 1, you save 5000 baht, you could golf here 5 or 10 times! Offers only good to Oct 31. Low season special. Nice course. Lol

[connda]

Anyone care to comment where to do 90 day Notification. (show up and say yes... I am still here! Still breathing...) then where do I need to go in December to do renewal of Retirement Visa...?

Both are done at the new location at Promenada. For 90 day, you might try the online reporting first to see if that works for you. Guideline here. NancyL was informed by the head of immigration that mail in 90 day reporting is still allowed. See top of page of link I posted for mail in option.

Good news about the 90 day mail in (Kudos NancyL) and thanks again Tywais.

Although I haven't tried the online system, I've been 'in-country' for the last 8 years, and obtained a new passport before my last yearly extension last April. I'm not expecting to get anything from the online system but the message: "Sorry, come to the immigration office so we can tell you in person that the 90 online system will not work for you, and there is nothing we can do to fix it for you". Lol It's much easier to drive up to Maeta, Lamphun and mail-in the 90 day report paperwork, buy some snacks, bread, buy a BBQ'ed chicken from the red and yellow 5-Star Chicken franchise cart, go to the local market, and get things we can't get in the village, then head back to the mountain valley rice fields of south-east Lamphun.

So 90 day mail-in is still alive and well. That's makes me a happy camper!