Retirement Exstension Report from Chiang Mai...17 December..

[bangmai]

It was my first one, so I was kind of anxious. Originally, I was going to go Christmas Day, but I just wanted it to be over. I got there at 4:20, and was barely in the first 10. About half the people in line were on their second or even third attempt. Apparently Wednesday had been one of the worst days ever. I got my paperwork checked at 8:30, they only looked at passport, passbooks, and bank letter, and a glance at TM7. I was called at 10:15, and done in 13 minutes. No proof of residency, even though I brought my Yellow Book, and copy of Chinot, in case the TM28/30 questions came up. I paid the 1900 and was told to pick up at 14:30 which became 15:15 and I missed the free shuttle to the Old City, but avoided the cluster of Songtaew Goons out front of the Mall, walked across the street and the first one to pass gave me a ride to Worrorat Market for 50 THB.

They shut down the 90 day reports at about 13:00, and the word was only about 32 numbers for extensions handed out. It looked like 50 were in line at 8:30....there seems to be a snowballing effect going on that may have been a result of the double holiday last week.

To the guy with the man bun and the circus pants...you should try taking a shower.

Having the TM7 on both sides was a good move (thanks, Joe), and when it was way to late, I realized they put that I had been a bank customer since the first of January, but my books indicated first deposit made in late January....it never came up.

I will attempt to answer any questions. Nobody needs to comment of how ridiculous it is to have to be there by 5:00, you would only be preaching to the choir.

23 months and 10 days out of my O-A from DC. I would rate this renewal as about 38% as hard as doing a IAD to CNX flight with one stop in PEK. but four times worse than doing 1040 long with a property sale, rental income, and 100 stock trades.

Edited December 18, 2015 by bangmai

[NancyL]

Bangmai, this is one of your best posts on Thai Visa.

[bangmai]

Next year, I will spell extension correctly.

[OMGImInPattaya]

Glad I live in Pattaya.

[NancyL]

Bangmai, why didn't you post this in the Chiang Mai subforum's "Immigration Promenada" thread? Admittedly, it's become a whine-fest, but it was set up with the intention to keep people informed with first hand accounts like yours:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/861438-immigration-promenada-one-stop-service-v2/page-40

[NoshowJones]

Bangmai, this is one of your best posts on Thai Visa.

Yes, and he was what some posters call a "guest" in this country. Some treatment for a "guest".

[NoshowJones]

Glad I live in Pattaya.

Yes and you will have about 300 people in the queue in front of you at immigration like I had last Friday, and no, I did not wait.

[OMGImInPattaya]

Glad I live in Pattaya.

Yes and you will have about 300 people in the queue in front of you at immigration like I had last Friday, and no, I did not wait.

Anyone with any sense knows not to go to immigration on a monday or friday if it can all be avoided...and that goes double for holiday weeks, which last week was. even with the crowds, i doubt more than 10% of those people were there for retirement extensions and they most likely would have been in and out in an hour or two at most. the long lines and back-up are for tourists and "digital nomads" getting visa and 30-day entry stamps extended.

[TheFishman1]

Two Chiang Mai immagration is very easy

[connda]

To the guy with the man bun and the circus pants...you should try taking a shower.

That's classic!

Thanks for the detailed report.

[connda]

Next year, I will spell extension correctly.

Don't feel bad. I haven't been able to proof my own writing since I retired. I always seem to find spelling/punctuation mistakes once I'm unable to edit the post. C'est la vie.

[connda]

Bangmai, why didn't you post this in the Chiang Mai subforum's "Immigration Promenada" thread? Admittedly, it's become a whine-fest, but it was set up with the intention to keep people informed with first hand accounts like yours:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/861438-immigration-promenada-one-stop-service-v2/page-40

Agreed. This may be one time that cross-posting would be Ok. The Immigration Promenada One Stop Service v2 Chiang Mai sub-forum would be a good place to post this.

[bazza40]

Next year, I will spell extension correctly.

Yes, but you'll probably get "correctly" wrong

Look on the bright side - you provide entertainment for spelling nazis.

Edited December 19, 2015 by bazza40

[bangmai]

Next year, I will spell extension correctly.

Yes, but you'll probably get "correctly" wrong

Look on the bright side - you provide entertainment for spelling nazis.

Which reminds me of the farang girls wearing purple skirts and white blouses to get their 30 day extensions.....work illegally much?