General Reports

[QUOTE=Syzygies;2321260]I never go to Chaeng Wattana on a Monday or Friday (nor public holiday naturally), as these days abut a day off and can increase the numbers of people there. Tuesday is a better choice as example if not next to a day off.

The following suggest reporting can be done by Registered Mail:
[url]https://www.thaiembassy.com/thailand/90-day-reporting-immigration.php[/url]

Chaeng Wattana should be last choice maybe.[/QUOTE]This time it was getting a bit close to the day my previous visa would expire and I didn't want to skip a day after getting all my documentation together just in case I was missing something and had to return another day.

Yes, I have been doing the 90 Day Report by mail ever since I moved here several years ago. Even during the political protests when they closed down the main Immigration Office at Chaeng Wattana and opened some satellite offices. Some guys were saying we had to submit the report in person at those satellite offices since the main one was closed. But I didn't have a problem at all doing it by mail during those times. I was fully prepared to do it by mail this time and it wasn't due for another 3 weeks. That is why it was so annoying that they wanted me to spend 4 more hours waiting just to do something it takes me 20 minutes to do by mail including the walk to my nearest Post Office. But I understand that when you renew your retirement visa the 90 day cycle starts anew.

I see someone else is griping about the new required TM30 form on last Sunday's Stickman Weekly site. I suspect that is something they will allow to be done by mail someday soon. I mean, they're asking for the place to be packed with more people, delaying everyone else, standing in line and getting a gueue ticket just to report that they returned from a pleasant vacation yesterday. LOL. Ridiculous.

BTW, if expats think we are the ones suffering from the new rules, the Thai people working in that Immigration Office have never looked so frazzled and exhausted from all the extra and unnecessary work, hustling as fast as they can from 8:30 am until whenever they finish the last one after dark. There will be a breaking point where it will just make everyone happier if they move most of these procedures to the Internet.

[QUOTE=EihTooms;2321289]
I see someone else is griping about the new required TM30 form on last Sunday's Stickman Weekly site. I suspect that is something they will allow to be done by mail someday soon. I mean, they're asking for the place to be packed with more people, delaying everyone else, standing in line and getting a gueue ticket just to report that they returned from a pleasant vacation yesterday. LOL. Ridiculous.
[/QUOTE]I did the 30 day extension recently. Actual delay to get it from taking a queue number was just 45 minutes. I got there about 11 am on a Tuesday (a few days before the deadline and still got 30 days extra). Far more time was taken waiting for a taxi on leaving and getting back to Sukhumvit. So in total one wastes a lot of time. Think arriving very early is not beneficial I have heard of very long queues.

There was a period of official holidays coming up so did not want to get too close to that, so did it before May Day. Actually was 30 Apr so 1 day before May day. Did not even know at the time if 1 may as a holiday or not. I am told it maybe possible to do regionally far quicker than in Bangkok.

They basically just want their 1900 Baht, so I think they could make it easier and have some alternate locations, as they do make good money from it, or allow a mail service, however perhaps they want to interview and ask questions sometimes. Many fail to fill in the forms correctly. Perhaps by website would be possible, and if any questions needed to be resolved then ask the person to go to the office.

Usually they don't ask me any questions.

All these bureaucrats need something to do.

Here is a map showing supposedly where all the Immigration Offices are.
Next time I might try a provincial one, but will ring them to check 30 day extension is possible. Someone told me it should be faster than in Bangkok.

[url]https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1r81uyBYdMeM7A7W_-5L1pFWfsFQ&ie=UTF8&t=h&oe=UTF8&msa=0&ll=15.319727756539919%2C105.36472559928711&z=5[/url]

Last December, I went to the Thai consulate in my US city and requested a 60 day visa, which was immediately provided. In and out in 30 minutes. I think it was $40 so cheaper than getting a 30 day extension in Thailand. Of course, you can only get a 60 day visa in the US and live close enough to a consulate or embassy to make it worthwhile. For a period of time over the last few years, there was a requirement that 60 day visa had to be applied for in LA or DC and you had to mail your passport along with the application but for whatever reason this requirement was changed and they now allow consulates to provide the 60 day visa.

I have done the drill in Bangkok and it's a PIA. For one thing, it's tough to find a taxi that will take you out there. However, GRAB might be the way to go. On both times, I ended up on a motorcycle taxi, which I absolutely hated. The drivers act like it's a suicide mission. Then you get dropped off at entrance to site and then you need to take another motorcycle ride to the building.

[QUOTE=Syzygies;2321332]I did the 30 day extension recently. Actual delay to get it from taking a queue number was just 45 minutes. I got there about 11 am on a Tuesday (a few days before the deadline and still got 30 days extra). Far more time was taken waiting for a taxi on leaving and getting back to Sukhumvit. So in total one wastes a lot of time. Think arriving very early is not beneficial I have heard of very long queues.

There was a period of official holidays coming up so did not want to get too close to that, so did it before May Day. Actually was 30 Apr so 1 day before May day. Did not even know at the time if 1 may as a holiday or not. I am told it maybe possible to do regionally far quicker than in Bangkok.

They basically just want their 1900 Baht, so I think they could make it easier and have some alternate locations, as they do make good money from it, or allow a mail service, however perhaps they want to interview and ask questions sometimes. Many fail to fill in the forms correctly. Perhaps by website would be possible, and if any questions needed to be resolved then ask the person to go to the office.

Usually they don't ask me any questions.

All these bureaucrats need something to do.

Here is a map showing supposedly where all the Immigration Offices are.
Next time I might try a provincial one, but will ring them to check 30 day extension is possible. Someone told me it should be faster than in Bangkok.

[url]https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1r81uyBYdMeM7A7W_-5L1pFWfsFQ&ie=UTF8&t=h&oe=UTF8&msa=0&ll=15.319727756539919%2C105.36472559928711&z=5[/url][/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=Tomasb;2321562]Last December, I went to the Thai consulate in my US city and requested a 60 day visa, which was immediately provided. In and out in 30 minutes. I think it was $40 so cheaper than getting a 30 day extension in Thailand. Of course, you can only get a 60 day visa in the US and live close enough to a consulate or embassy to make it worthwhile. For a period of time over the last few years, there was a requirement that 60 day visa had to be applied for in LA or DC and you had to mail your passport along with the application but for whatever reason this requirement was changed and they now allow consulates to provide the 60 day visa.

I have done the drill in Bangkok and it's a PIA. For one thing, it's tough to find a taxi that will take you out there. However, GRAB might be the way to go. On both times, I ended up on a motorcycle taxi, which I absolutely hated. The drivers act like it's a suicide mission. Then you get dropped off at entrance to site and then you need to take another motorcycle ride to the building.[/QUOTE]What consulate? Atlanta is the same as DC, 15 days. LA is the only consulate that gives same day.

For newbies: don't fear the trip to Chang Wattana. BTS or mrt to mo chit / chatuchak, walk 50 meters up the road and flag a cab. 100 baht.

[QUOTE=Tomasb;2321562]...

I have done the drill in Bangkok and it's a PIA. For one thing, it's tough to find a taxi that will take you out there. However, GRAB might be the way to go. On both times, I ended up on a motorcycle taxi, which I absolutely hated. The drivers act like it's a suicide mission. Then you get dropped off at entrance to site and then you need to take another motorcycle ride to the building.[/QUOTE]To get to the Chaeng Wattana Immigration Building from the lower Sukhumvit area, I ride the BTS train to the Mo Chit station, walk down the steps on the Chatuchak Park side and take a motorcycle taxi at the posted rate of 200 baht right to the front door of the correct building and nearest to the office I need right inside that front door. I don't haggle or negotiate that posted price. It is a once a year trip (prior to this new TM30 report form nonsense, that is) and maybe that is why I have always been taken directly to the right spot.

From BTS Nana to my ultimate destination takes about 45 minutes going that way, for about 250 baht. Same on the return.

But I don't mind riding motorcycle taxis and, as we weave in, out and around the 2-3 dead stopped auto traffic jams between BTS Mo Chit and the Immigration Building, I know I would be a lot less comfortable sitting in a car or bus for an additional 30 minutes or whatever, fretting over how many dozen more people are lining up at the door or getting queue tickets ahead of me during the delay. LOL.

Last year I was in Hua Hin and it was time to extend by 30 days rather than leave. For example, a 60 day tourist visa will actually get you 90 days if you go to the trouble to extend it. In Hua Hin I was amazed at the process. They have an assistant, like a student, who does some pre-screening and gets some details from you. Specifically your address in Thailand. After a few minutes of wait, seeing the IO is almost exactly like when you first stamp into the country. They take your photo, the form has been filled out on their pc with your details and printed for you to sign. Pay your 1900 baht and get that extension. Done, 10 minutes at most including the wait time. This is supposed to become the standard throughout the country. That would be great but I have never, not ever, in my 14 years here seen any 2 immigration offices have a truly standard procedure.

[QUOTE]HEALTH insurance has been made mandatory for foreigners aged 50 years and above seeking long-term stay in Thailand.

The insurance policy must offer up to Bt40,000 coverage for outpatient treatment and up to Bt400,000 for inpatient treatment.

This is one of the measures the government has introduced to ease the financial burden placed on state hospitals by foreigners, many of whom have not paid for treatment.

The Cabinet has already approved the new rule, Health Service Support Department director-general Nattawuth Prasert-siripong revealed yesterday.

According to Nattawuth, the new rule applies to both new applicants for the non-immigrant visa (O-A), which offers a stay of up to one year, and those wishing to renew their visa. Each renewal is valid for one year.

Overseas policies okay too

Such health insurance is good for foreigners too, Nattawuth said.

Foreigners can buy valid health insurance from longstay.tgia.org or if they wish to use health insurance that they bought overseas, they must ensure that the coverage amount is no less than what is required by the rule. We are going to discuss with relevant authorities on to how to check the validity of health insurance bought from overseas, Nattawuth said.

Asked about foreigners who cannot buy health insurance because their health risks are considered too high, Nattawuth said relevant authorities might consider requiring them to have higher deposits in bank accounts so as to make sure that they have enough to live in Thailand.[/QUOTE]FYI for those over 50 who want to stay in Thailand on an O-A Retirement Visa. Likely a good thing to have for anyone over 50 anyways.

I guess I'm in the minority as someone who enjoys having to make a Visa run every 60 days. Breaks up the monotony and allows me to go to Jakarta, Japan, Korea, PP, Vietnam, Singapore, etc. Every 60 days. I enjoy my extra little side trips especially during months when Thailand heat is unbearable.

[QUOTE=EihTooms;2321585]To get to the Chaeng Wattana Immigration Building from the lower Sukhumvit area, I ride the BTS train to the Mo Chit station, walk down the steps on the Chatuchak Park side and take a motorcycle taxi at the posted rate of 200 baht right to the front door of the correct building and nearest to the office I need right inside that front door. I don't haggle or negotiate that posted price. It is a once a year trip (prior to this new TM30 report form nonsense, that is) and maybe that is why I have always been taken directly to the right spot.

From BTS Nana to my ultimate destination takes about 45 minutes going that way, for about 250 baht. Same on the return.

But I don't mind riding motorcycle taxis and, as we weave in, out and around the 2-3 dead stopped auto traffic jams between BTS Mo Chit and the Immigration Building, I know I would be a lot less comfortable sitting in a car or bus for an additional 30 minutes or whatever, fretting over how many dozen more people are lining up at the door or getting queue tickets ahead of me during the delay. LOL.[/QUOTE]I took taxi straight onto freeway from Nana region of Sukhumvit, Vipavadee Rangsit (Don Meuang tollway), at about 9. 30 am or so, maybe 10 on a Tuesday. Freeway was okay Get off for Chaeng Wattana, it is usually heavy. Can turn off left into Soi 5 immediately after crossing the Khlong (canal) to stay out of traffic jam and go to government building the back way. It is far to hot to take motorcycle. Taxis will go no problem because they can easily get a customer leaving there to go somewhere else.

I got my queue ticket at about 11. I had to go downstairs to Photostat my documents first. Several photostat and passport photo places exist. Would be nice to get queue ticket first but they check your stuff is in order. My wait till got the 30 day extend was 45 minutes. Not bad by picking not so busy day and not too earlier when huge numbers are queued.

Then I had to wait in queue to get a taxi leaving. He took me to Phaholyotin MRT station, since traffic back to Sukhumvit was getting heavy. Had to turn left at Vipavadee Rangsit (the wrong direction) and then do a you turn back to head south.

The key to doing Chaeng Wattana is which day you go and what time of day to avoid traffic jams. There are far to many people waiting at opening time, so somewhat later is better.

Next time I will try one of the regional immigration offices instead. They are generally reported to be much faster.

Here is a Map of Immigration Offices:

[URL]https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?id=1r81uyBYdMeM7A7W_-5L1pFWfsFQ&ie=UTF8&t=h&oe=UTF8&msa=0&ll=15.319727756539919%2C105.36472559928711&z=5[/URL]

I will probably ring them first to make sure they can do the 30 day extension but should be okay.

Nong. One of the owners of Snow White, Cupid and a few other PSE massage shops just opened a restaurant right next to Cupid massage near Thonglor BTS station between Sukhumvit 38 and 40.

There are a few ex SW and Cupid girls working there so there might be a good chance to get a different kind of dessert.

I had never seen a report on this in the forum. Something to think about if you are the type that waits until the last day to renew or just doesn't care about Thai immigration rules.

[URL]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KsP9GaCi26g[/URL]

RL.

[QUOTE=RobertLong;2322460]I had never seen a report on this in the forum. Something to think about if you are the type that waits until the last day to renew or just doesn't care about Thai immigration rules.

[URL]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KsP9GaCi26g[/URL]

RL.[/QUOTE]Pretty misleading video IMO.

At the start, the guy is pretty much saying you will be banned if you're a day over at the airport.

If you present yourself at Immigration you will only be blacklisted for 1 year if you have overstayed.

By 90 days or more. The periods then increase due to how long you have overstayed.

It then changes if you are arrested.

Then you can be banned from between 1 to 5 years for any overstay.

So for the person who messes up their dates and is a few days over, it's no big deal.

Having said that, it's obviously wise not to go into overstay.

[QUOTE=Tugga27;2322480]
Having said that, it's obviously wise not to go into overstay.[/QUOTE]The period of overstay matters a lot. I have been over my automatic 30 days in the past by just 1 to 3 days and paid the fine at the airport. No big deal.

The fine amount is not trivial, so is probably cheaper to extend your stay at Immigation, but wastes your time.

Those that develop a habit of overstay or overstay very long time are looking for trouble. A small number of days is a misdemeanor I guess.

Overstaying extensions may be considered worse than initial overstays.

I think an extension will not be granted if have already reached overstay. Could happen if some guy goes to Immigration only to find they are closed for a public holiday or two. Probably happens a lot. I believe it is a good idea to go for the extension several days before your stay expires, to have a safety margin if something goes wrong. I went a week before last time.

[QUOTE=Tugga27;2322480]Pretty misleading video IMO.

At the start, the guy is pretty much saying you will be banned if you're a day over at the airport.

If you present yourself at Immigration you will only be blacklisted for 1 year if you have overstayed.

By 90 days or more. The periods then increase due to how long you have overstayed.

It then changes if you are arrested.

Then you can be banned from between 1 to 5 years for any overstay.

So for the person who messes up their dates and is a few days over, it's no big deal.

Having said that, it's obviously wise not to go into overstay.[/QUOTE]As a Brazilian, I can stay 6 months a year in Thailand, maximum 3 months for every trip. It's better for me to use my Brazilian passport than my American passport. I only use my American passport when I go to the USA and Canada, I used my Brazilian passport when I travelled to Mongolia, China, North Korea. As an American citizen, I can't travel to North Korea, I travelled to North Korea with a Brazilian passport this year. Trump won't know it.

[QUOTE=MongerForSex;2322727]As a Brazilian, I can stay 6 months a year in Thailand, maximum 3 months for every trip. It's better for me to use my Brazilian passport than my American passport. I only use my American passport when I go to the USA and Canada, I used my Brazilian passport when I travelled to Mongolia, China, North Korea. As an American citizen, I can't travel to North Korea, I travelled to North Korea with a Brazilian passport this year. Trump won't know it.[/QUOTE]Be interested to know about the opportunities for mongering in and Korea.