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Today I went to Chonburi immigration office (Soi 5 Jomtien) to extend the second entry of my triple-entry tourist visa (issued from Liverpool, UK) for 30 days.

I have been doing this for a few years now: 1 year in Phuket, 1 year in Bangkok, and today was my third 30-day extension at the office in Jomtien. I have always thought I needed only 5 things to do this.

1.) Passport

2.) Copies of relevant pages (visa, entry stamp, arrival card, etc.)

3.) Completed TM7 form

4.) 1x passport-sized photograph (attached to form)

5.) THB 1,900

The usual system at Jomtien is to go to the information desk with all of the above > The assistant provides you with a queue slip > You go in to the waiting area, wait for your number to be called on the screen and hand your wad of papers to the officers behind the desk > At intermittent periods the officers hand out batches of passports back, calling out the numbers > Job done!

The last time I did this in mid-August the whole process took less than 10 minutes!

>>>

Today, for the first time I can recall, I was asked for a sixth item which had a significant impact on the sequence of actions and considerably lengthened the duration of the process. The girl behind the information counter who checked I had everything I needed before giving me my queue slip, handed me a small piece of paper with a list of 6 things that needed to be supplied. The sixth item was proof of address. The piece of paper stated that this proof of address could be provided in one of three ways. Unfortunately, I did not keep the slip and am not 100%-certain what was written on it but I think it was:

1.) A rental contract

2.) A Tabien Bahn / house certificate

3.) An accommodation provider’s declaration form filled out with your landlord’s/hotelier’s/accommodation provider’s ID/passport etc. With copies of these proofs of ID.

She also presented me with that declaration form, which I had never seen before. Luckily I had brought my rental agreement with me, so I elected to use that. Confusingly, she insisted I fill out the landlord’s declaration. I did that. She then instructed me to “go upstairs”. I had never been up there before at this office, and nothing was signposted, nor was it explained exactly where it was I was going.

When I got up there some Thai dude (he could have been anyone, nobody was wearing any uniform) told me to make a photocopy of my rental agreement as they would keep a copy. I did that and returned to the upstairs office after which time I waited around there and was then called to clarify some details regarding my accommodation (is it a house, condo, etc.) and give my telephone number.

Once this was complete, I was issued with a thin slip of paper, which I was then to give to the information desk. I went back to the information desk. They then told me that this slip of paper had to be photocopied. I went to the photocopying room and queued up to pay THB 3 for yet another piece of paper.

I went back to the information desk for the final time, the guy checked the paperwork, and finally I was given my queue slip!

The extension section was now operating in a slightly different way: instead of batching lots of passports to hand back in one go calling lots of names/queue slip numbers out, the whole process was done in one hit. So your number is called, you sit there, stare at the camera, pay the money and get your passport back within a couple of minutes. However – surprisingly – this was not the end of the process.

I was then motioned over into another room which I had been watching other applicants be sent over to. Once again, there was no explanation as to why I was there or what was to be done in there. I checked my passport which had been handed back to me and the 30-day extension was already stamped in there. A chap I had waited with in the previous “extensions” waiting room followed me into this room. We were both waiting to be spoken to. We both wondered aloud what we were doing in there. Both of us confirmed to the other that the stamps had been entered into our passports, so we joked that we could as well just leave there and then. I was eventually called by a single woman working alone in that room. She checked all of my paperwork, signed a few forms, and then – crucially – placed her initials onto the stamp in my passport. After that I was told I was a free man.

>>>>

Today I felt that the process was so substantially different to what I had experienced before at Jomtien (or, indeed, anywhere else) for my 30-day extension that I felt it warranted a post. I overheard one chap in the waiting room for the extensions saying that he had been home to Pattaya and back to get a Tabien Bahn or something like that, no doubt to prove his address.

As I said, my extension process in mid-August took less than 10 minutes. Today it took 90 minutes, and it wasn’t that much busier than a couple of months ago. I’m left thinking how much longer it would have taken if I had not brought my rental agreement with me. J

Edited November 12, 201510 yr by CharlieH
Post edited at OP's request, to correct info.

how you can have

METV because it will come out friday ?

how you can have

METV because it will come out friday ?

The OP fondly imagines that a 2-3 entry tourist visa is "multi-entry" !

It is always advisable to know and understand exactly what is in a passport.

Same here!

This Mon went to Jomtien Immigration for 30 day extension of stay, was handed the usual forms, and then something that had not seen before, a page to be filled out AND signed by owner of the property where I am staying. Curiously the 2 people at Infromation desk encouraged me to fill it up along with the usual application for extension.

So I filled the forms, inculding the statement by property owner, signed everything, and went back to Informtion desk for the que number. Surprise! Was told by Info desk people to go to 2nd floor, and then come back for the que number! Hmm..

First I couldn't find the stairs, there are no signs directing you to the 2nd floor, then I found the stairs, at the end of the waiting area, behind a small corner.

On the 2nd floor there are several offices, doors open, but nothing that looked like a service desk, no signs, no nothing. Then through half open door I saw 2 foreigners sitting in a small office room, I slowly and carefully stepped in, expecting to be kicked out by Immigration staff, since I was sure this is not where I am supposed to be.

Anyways, the 2 people in front of me had papers in their hands, Immigration officer examining one guys papers, it seemd all they cared for was the address form. Papers were handed back to him, and he walked out, not looking happy. Exactly the same thing happened to foreigner No2, this time I overheard what was said, 'proof of residency.. I can not see, go and get this and this..', he walked out as well with the sad face.

Then my turn, have a guess how it went

I was told to get a copy of my renatl agreemnet with the condo owner, and a copy of his ownership of the condo. I have met the owner one time in my life, when I rented the place for 6 month, and there is no written agreement, since I wasn't sure I'll stay for 6 month, maybe leave Thailand earlier cos I may get bored here, and Mark, the owner is happy with this arrangement, as long as I tell him month in advance. And I stay 4 month for sure, since there is no point to land in pile of snow in Feb in Europe.

I had 2 days left until 'must exit by' stamp, took a taxi to DM, first flight to KL, and was back Tue morning, another 30 day exempt in passport.

Edited November 11, 201510 yr by whitemouse

Same here. Rayong immigration. I had my papers ready and was told there's more. They gave me a couple of forms (one of them was TM30 I think) and asked me where i live. I said I rent a place owned by a company and they told me to give the papers to the company, which I did. They gave me my extension and I suppose the company sorted out the forms afterwards.

just wondering what paperwork a foreigner staying at a friend's/wife's rented home would need? sounds like more complications are on the way.

Edited November 11, 201510 yr by toolonginexile

I saw this posted on Facebook by a guy in Pattaya

Is this required for an annual extension of stay for someone working here with a work permit?

The OP had a fundamental error in terminology and has now been edited/ corrected.

The residence paperwork has actually always been a regulation but largely ignored by most offices. It is up to each individual immigration office how they implement and go about their daily business. Now there is a increased pressure from above to keep better track on foreigners, so regulations are more strictly followed.

Also I would imagine people who come here often for long stays are more scrutinized for running a business/working without WP or other shady activities. The idea is one should obtain the correct VISA for the activity one plans to perform in the Kingdom.

Do not forget that whoever is housing you must according the law inform immigration about your residence within I think 24 hours.

just wondering what paperwork a foreigner staying at a friend's/wife's rented home would need? sounds like more complications are on the way.

A copy of her ID card and Tabian Baan.

A TM30 and I suggest a note from the home owner stating you are staying as a guest and therefore no contract.

All signed with contact number.

Proof of address is nothing new, it's always been the norm in my experience.

Do you expect Immigration just to take your word for it!

These new experiences to some, are a result of some local Immigration offices not enforcing an existing requirement in the past.

First I couldn't find the stairs, there are no signs directing you to the 2nd floor, then I found the stairs, at the end of the waiting area, behind a small corner.

On the 2nd floor there are several offices, doors open, but nothing that looked like a service desk, no signs, no nothing. Then through half open door I saw 2 foreigners sitting in a small office room, I slowly and carefully stepped in, expecting to be kicked out by Immigration staff, since I was sure this is not where I am supposed to be.

When I read this it sounded so similar to my experience, I forgot I was reading someone else's post.

I also had to look hard for the stairs. When arriving at the top of the stairs, there were three apparent directions to go to. To the right there appeared to be people (farangs) sat out on some balcony (smoking?). Immediately ahead there was what appeared to be the entrance to a toilet. This meant that the only way to go was left.

The left room was the only one that looked like an office. But I thought it couldn't possibly be the right place. It had signs saying 'Major crime suppression division' and suchlike. "Well, that's not me", I thought. Then I remembered that I am a foreigner in Thailand, obviously to be dealt with like a major criminal, so I went inside. Lo and behold, it was the right place.

There is an initial 'greeting' room, and a further room behind some partitions where people are sat down at desks working. Nobody was in any kind of identifiable uniform. I actually went into the 'greeting' room and walked out again, because nobody had 'greeted' me. The second time I was addressed by a little chap dressed casually and wearing some Buddha amulet. Previously he had been laughing and joking with his other buddies, in no particular great haste to attend to people. Foreigners slowly started arriving in there. The loud conversations between the 'staff' continued. A scene no doubt many readers can imagine: foreigners with heads down looking sheepish and waiting to be attended to; and seriously relaxed Thai immigration staff bantering with each other with a highly inappropriate casualness and tone.

Anyway, if you find the stairs, once you reach the top it's left you want to go. Stand there, and eventually, when someone can be bothered, you will be attended to.

As said before, the noose slowly tightens.

They will get around to one-year extension holders by and by. Until then, keep gloating, kids. Your turn will come.

I can assure those of us here on annual extensions already have plenty of hoops to jump through and ridiculous red tape to comply with.

Had this Tuesday, was sat in the room upstairs thinking I had a problem for some reason. Fortunately I was also getting a residence certificate for driving licence, so I had the proof needed.

They don't make it easy!

The driving licence is another story, apparently you need a medical certificate now. Got that (no examination, just 100 Baht, so no value really) will try again.

Trying hard to smile at these folk when I REALLY want to scream at them - we all know how well THAT would go.

just wondering what paperwork a foreigner staying at a friend's/wife's rented home would need? sounds like more complications are on the way.

Proof of address is nothing new, it's always been the norm in my experience.

Do you expect Immigration just to take your word for it!

These new experiences to some, are a result of some local Immigration offices not enforcing an existing requirement in the past.

Given my reading of previous instances of "new" processes being reported, I would be surprised if people did not say this is just a case of the rules finally being applied.

However, I have been on the triple-entry tourist visa for three years now. I have made several trips to the immigration offices in Saphan Hin (Phuket Town), Chaeng Wattana (Bangkok), and now Jomtien/Chonburi –

and I have never been asked for this proof of address before.

I wonder if this is a surprise to other people?

Next week I need to renew my Retirement Visa. To make sure if the 'accommodation provider’s declaration form' is also required when applying for a Retirement Visa renewal I just called Jomtien Immigration. I was told by a very friendly lady that for application of this type of visa nothing has changed compared to last year. Same papers would be required.

The document the OP is referring to (accommodation providers declaration form) is probably only required for extension of tourist visa's.

Any more info will be welcome.

Next week I need to renew my Retirement Visa. To make sure if the 'accommodation provider’s declaration form' is also required when applying for a Retirement Visa renewal I just called Jomtien Immigration. I was told by a very friendly lady that for application of this type of visa nothing has changed compared to last year. Same papers would be required.

The document the OP is referring to (accommodation providers declaration form) is probably only required for extension of tourist visa's.

Any more info will be welcome.

Key word "probably". Don't bet on it.

I can assure those of us here on annual extensions already have plenty of hoops to jump through and ridiculous red tape to comply with.

I find my retirement extension to be very easy and to require little red tape or hoop-jumping.

Bank letter, photo, copies of passport, 1900B, electricity bill, application form and under one hour of my time spread over two days.

I can assure those of us here on annual extensions already have plenty of hoops to jump through and ridiculous red tape to comply with.

I find my retirement extension to be very easy and to require little red tape or hoop-jumping.

Bank letter, photo, copies of passport, 1900B, electricity bill, application form and under one hour of my time spread over two days.

I've been here 10 years on a work extension and the annual process at Chaengwattana never ceases to frustrate me! But at least it's only once a year.

As said before, the noose slowly tightens.

They will get around to one-year extension holders by and by. Until then, keep gloating, kids. Your turn will come.

I can assure those of us here on annual extensions already have plenty of hoops to jump through and ridiculous red tape to comply with.

What noose...enforcing regulations that have always been on the books?

just wondering what paperwork a foreigner staying at a friend's/wife's rented home would need? sounds like more complications are on the way.

Be carefull doing 90 day renewals accross borders as they might ask for proof of address, they asked me at tachilek /Masai border and I could not remember house number so I made one up, they did not ask for any more than that but I think I was lucky as I had no rental agreemnt or house rego with me.

Next time I will take a copy of rental agreement just in case.

Had this Tuesday, was sat in the room upstairs thinking I had a problem for some reason. Fortunately I was also getting a residence certificate for driving licence, so I had the proof needed.

They don't make it easy!

The driving licence is another story, apparently you need a medical certificate now. Got that (no examination, just 100 Baht, so no value really) will try again.

Trying hard to smile at these folk when I REALLY want to scream at them - we all know how well THAT would go.

Were you applying for a provisional or first 5 year or renewing a 5 year?

You have always needed a medical certificate other than renewing a 5 year so interested if that has now changed.

Short version - I was asked to complete the TM30 Address notification for a 7 day extension to a 30-day visa exempt entry

Long version - read on...

Went to Jomtien yesterday to request a 7-day extension to my current 30 day visa exempt entry. Thought I had everything but was also requested to complete the TM30 - Address Notification Form.

So docs i ended up needing required were (All copies signed):

1) Address Notification

1 x completed TM 30

1 x copy of passport info page

1 x copy of the valid 30-day visa exempt entry stamp

1 x copy of the TM 6 Departure Card

1 x copy of Rental Contract -(Alternative to rental contracts - House registration if you own the house/condo, House Registration and ID Card of the house owner if staying with someone else, Receipt from your hotel with address.)

No cost to submit

2) Temporary Stay (Extension)

1 x completed TM 7

1 x passport photo

1 x copy of passport info page

1 x copy of the valid 30-day visa exempt entry stamp

1 x copy of the TM 6 Departure Card

1 x copy of Rental Contract -(Alternative to rental contracts - House registration if you own the house/condo, House Registration and ID Card of the house owner if staying with someone else, Receipt from your hotel with its address.)

1 x copy of Receipt of address notification slip (you will receive this after completing part 1.)

1900 Baht

Ultimate workflow after some minor confusion and unnecessary queuing.....

Download and complete TM7 and TM30 from http://www.immigration.go.th/nov2004/en/base.php?page=download and fill before you go. (available form information desk but why queue twice....??)

Submit all copies and forms to information desk, they will arrange and staple appropriately and then send you upstairs. (you will not get a queue number just yet)

Head into the office upstairs, (2nd door on left i think from top of stairs - big office with lots of wide-eyed farangs inside...)

Not much order here... just keep walking forward with documents in front of you, as many people milling about here waiting for their docs back. Only takes 5-10 minutes to get processed, you will receive a "Receipt of Address Notification" slip. They will send you back to the information desk downstairs but my tip for you all here is to go and copy this slip first. If you queue at the information desk, they will only tell you to go copy it and then re-queue...

Once you have a copy of the slip, present everything to the information desk and if all in order, you will finally get your queue number for the stamp. When called, you'll receive your stamp, pay the 1900 Baht, then visit the office next door for final signature. Job done...

All in all, only took me just under 2 hours, but If i had the TM30 prefilled, copies of my rental contract and cut out some unnecessary queuing, would have been out of there in 30 minutes.

In all honesty, it seem that just about everyone that was queuing at the information desk in front of me, was being asked to fill the TM 30, but I don't know their circumstances.

All staff were very helpful. While waiting for receipt of payment, immigration officer was happy to discuss my options for non-immigration-O visa.

I hope this helps someone.

I gather the METV is a sort of Visa but for those of us not in the know, could somebody please spell it out for me.....Thanking you. (My Pa-Pa always told me... If you do not know something....just ask, that is how we increase our knowledge and be in a position to pass it on and possibly others others 555)

This happened to me last month on the 29th at Samut Prakan immigration. It took half a day to get sorted out.

I gather the METV is a sort of Visa but for those of us not in the know, could somebody please spell it out for me.....Thanking you.

METV is Multiple Entry Tourist Visa :

it's a new visa that allow you to enter as many times as you want in Thailand on a6 month period. It targets mainly some Asian countries. It's not a visa made for those who want to "live long time as a tourist" in Thailand.

This new visa will start to be available from tomorrow Nov 13.

It will give you 60 days per entry, that can be extended to 90 using the 30-days extension, object of this topic

Edited November 12, 201510 yr by Pattaya46

Yes I experienced the same three weeks ago. Make sure you photocopy the proof slip they

gave you on the second floor. You can use it over again (or so they told me) so you will

not have to go through the upstairs process. (As long as you do not change addresses

that is. That may include hotel room rentals.)

I saw this posted on Facebook by a guy in Pattaya

12208571_1021830871206797_8538795055982899924_n.jpg

Yes, I remember that.

They were also handing out this slip at the information counter. I just found it in my back pocket!

I gather the METV is a sort of Visa but for those of us not in the know, could somebody please spell it out for me.....Thanking you.

METV is Multiple Entry Tourist Visa :

it's a new visa that allow you to enter as many times as you want in Thailand on a6 month period. It targets mainly some Asian countries. It's not a visa made for those who want to "live long time as a tourist" in Thailand.

This new visa will start to be available from tomorrow Nov 13.

It will give you 60 days per entry, that can be extended to 90 using the 30-days extension, object of this topic

Thank you kindly Pattaya 46.

The residence paperwork has actually always been a regulation but largely ignored by most offices. It is up to each individual immigration office how they implement and go about their daily business. Now there is a increased pressure from above to keep better track on foreigners, so regulations are more strictly followed.

Also I would imagine people who come here often for long stays are more scrutinized for running a business/working without WP or other shady activities. The idea is one should obtain the correct VISA for the activity one plans to perform in the Kingdom.

Do not forget that whoever is housing you must according the law inform immigration about your residence within I think 24 hours.

Sounds about right, even at Jomtien. I had a similar problem at Jomtien about 10 years ago, the IO wanted to see confirmation from the hotel that I was staying there and how long I had booked. I had to get a motorbike back into Pattaya, get a letter which was like pulling teeth and return to immigration.

It wasn't very long after they moved from Soi 8 and the place was a right cattle market, ended up taking the whole day to do the extension.