Day at Songkhla Immigration in Hat Yai

[Michael Howells]

Hi everybody, I've been living in Thailand for about five years. I am married but as per Immigration they recommended that I live here on a retirement visa because it was easier for them to do. Anyway went to Immigration yesterday to renew my retirement visa. Its been really good at the immigration and they help you out if you have any problems. I thought yesterday would be quick and easy, but to my dismay I had to fill in three new forms. All the normal forms were great but I had to fill in forms " Consent of Disclosure of Information, Acknowledge of terms and conditions for permit to stay in the Kingdom of Thailand and the new information form for foreign National. I've never seen these forms before, has anyone else had to fill in these forms. To cap it all off, after I filled them all in, they said that the Boss lady was away until next Tuesday, and that she was the only person who could sign renewal. Times are changing and I think that they are trying to make it harder for all foreigners here in Thailand

[ubonjoe]

I have completed and signed a acknowledgement of the terms and conditions for all my extensions.

I have never heard of the Consent of Disclosure of Information form.

The information form for  foreigners has been discussed several time on the forum but I did not have to do one when I recently did my extension.

I did have to sign an acknowledgement of the overstay rules.

As far as the person not being there that can sign off on the extension it does seem odd that they don't have more than one person that can sign it.

[Michael Howells]

Hi , the Consent to Disclosure of information is in 2 parts, First they ask if I have any criminal or civil cases pending in a Thai court or a court or jurisdiction outside Thailand The second one is Have you been imprisoned by a Thai court, or a by a lawful injunction outside of Thailand, except when the penalty is for petty offence or negligence. Now they want to find out if foreigners have a criminal record in their own Country.

[stubuzz]

2 hours ago, Michael Howells said:

I am married but as per Immigration they recommended that I live here on a retirement visa because it was easier for them to do.

I am confused as why they said the above.

1. Are the financial requirements that same?

2. What is the big problem processing a marriage visa?

[lopburi3]

The financials are higher for retirement but the paperwork is less for both applicant and immigration (a local decision) and spouse does not have to appear.

[recom273]

Sounds like an ok day in HY immigration to me - a few new forms isn't the end for world. I don't see how you deduce your not welcome in Thailand from that.

 

HOWEVER - I have lost track of the times that rude woman isn't in the office. She's the tall, slim, some say attractive, lady. They tell me, there is a guy above her, but he never signs anything.

 

So no extensions, CertRes or anything will be signed in Monday? 

 

And like you say, rather on application, they could say, "to be honest sir, you are better to come back Wednesday - the boss is away until Tuesday .." I know, it's never going to happen .. But still.

 

The most unprofessional office in the country as far as I'm concerned. Some are helpers, some are government employees yet they never wear real uniforms - just sloppy polo shirts and jeans, they are forever wandering off round the corner to eat food and enter picking food out of their teeth or just stopping work and watching football or the news TV.

 

 

[edwardflory]

Keep a retirement "'visa""

1st... Faster processing, less paperwork, NO PROOF of living together,

DOWNSIDE..bank deposit IS more expensive

 

2nd... IF you get divorced, your retirement ""'visa"" is still good for staying in Thailand, NO change of "" visa "" required.

[worrab]

On ‎17‎/‎12‎/‎2016 at 8:01 AM, ubonjoe said:

I have completed and signed a acknowledgement of the terms and conditions for all my extensions.

I have never heard of the Consent of Disclosure of Information form.

The information form for  foreigners has been discussed several time on the forum but I did not have to do one when I recently did my extension.

I did have to sign an acknowledgement of the overstay rules.

When I did my renewal of extension to stay based on retirement in Hua Hin at the end of November there were none of these forms to be signed. We are very lucky here. 

[Eff1n2ret]

On ‎17‎/‎12‎/‎2016 at 2:47 PM, Michael Howells said:

To cap it all off, after I filled them all in, they said that the Boss lady was away until next Tuesday, and that she was the only person who could sign renewal.

It's not that unusual - happened to me last year at Rayong. They put a one month "under consideration" stamp in my passport, and said they'd phone when I could go back to get the extension signed off, which they did. Presumably Hat Yai have either done the same, or just told you to go back next Tuesday. I suppose that is an inconvenience if you have far to travel, but other than that, a little extra paperwork required by some offices is scant evidence that in general they're "trying to make it harder for all foreigners here in Thailand."

[4evermaat]

.....
As far as the person not being there that can sign off on the extension it does seem odd that they don't have more than one person that can sign it.

With an express fee paid, did someone with signature authority suddenly become available?