My experience with retirement extension yesterday

[Sam8521]

Hey guys,

I went for my first retirement extension yesterday at CW. Here is my experience.I was planning to be there at 08:30 when they open but I got a little late and arrived at 09:00. At that time there were already 80 people waiting in the same queue before me. My application was checked 5 hours later at about 2:00 PM and all finished at about 3:00 PM, so there was a very long wait. Too many people and the pace was really slow. About the money requirements I was asked for the bank letter and  a bank book updated the same day, which I already had done at the bank on the lower floor. My bank letter was 6 days old, no problem with that. No detailed statement or same day transaction was required. About my address, I had to fill my address details on the application and was given a blank piece of paper to draw a map of my location. Nothing else was required about my address.Also they asked for photocopies of my passport and bank book. I paid 1900 baht total. I asked about multiple entry and was told to go to C2 counter for that There I applied for a 1 year multiple entry permit and that took another 2 hours and 3800 baht. I finished everything about  5:00 pm.

My advice for anyone who has not done it yet :

1) go to CW as early as possible. I would suggest to be there at 8:00, before they open and wait near the door.

2) allow enough time to get there as the traffic is very heavy in the morning. I took the BTS to Mochit (30 minutes from Thonglor) and a taxi to CW (45 minutes in my case)

3) get the application from the info desk in the first area (if you want a re-entry permit ask also for a re-entry application) after the entrance and go straight to the next room to get your queue number quickly. Do not spend time filling the application before you do that. You can fill it up while waiting for your number to be announced. In my case the turnover was 15 applications per hour.

4) in the first area where is the info desk there is a jar with glue to attach your photo to the application. Only 1 photo is required for the retirement extension ( and one for the re-entry permit)

5) your correct queue number should be L-something, and the desks that do the work are on the left side as you enter the big main area, Take a seat, probably you will have to wait for long

6) after getting a queue number go downstairs and get your bank book updated . All major banks have branches there.That will take you about 10-15 minutes. After you get your bankbook updated go to one of the copy shops, same level a little bit further down to the left, and make a copy of your updated bankbook and your passport if you have not done that already ( the page with your name and picture, visa page, entry stamp page and departure card slip)

7) draw a map with your location in a A4 piece of paper beforehand, if you don't want to spend time looking up Google Maps at immigration. I also gave them a Google Maps printout

8. for a multiple entry permit you will need another photo and 3800 baht. When your L number is getting close to be called up go to the info desk and get an application for multiple entry(if you have not done that before) then go to the queue counter and ask for a C2 number, so you can save some time waiting in the C2 queue. Fill up the application while you are waiting

9) between 12:00-13:00 everything will close for lunch break. There is a food plaza downstairs with cheap local food, many cafes and multiple shops of all kinds including a 7-11

10) the toilets are next to the exit door of the main area and are reasonably clean with toilet paper readily available.

Edited December 13, 2018 by Sam8521

[DrJack54]

Thanks for the report. I did mine at CW few weeks ago. I might add couple of tips to your op.

Download the TM7 days before. Fill it all in before arriving. Walk straight past the hoards picking up filling in forms. Go straight to counter for L ticket.

My "address map" was just a condo flyer with printed map on back.

As for the reentry permit. I never even bother with it. Not worth the wait. I obtain same at airport when flying out. Again download tm8 have it already to go and process most times takes 5 mins. Oh BTW there is bus #52 from mo chit to CW. 8baht. Then short walk or free shuttle to imm building. Going back best to use taxi

Edited December 13, 2018 by DrJack54
Error

[billd766]

Just as a thought.

 

Looking at these waiting times perhaps bringing a book or two, perhaps play a game or 5 on your phone etc may help to pass the time a little better.

Edited December 13, 2018 by billd766
edited for bad spelling after I had posted it.

[jacko45k]

2 minutes ago, billd766 said:

Just as a thought.

 

Looking at these waiting times perhaps bringing a book or two, perhaps play a game or 5 on your phone etc may help to pass the time a little better.

Or heaven forbid have a conversation!

[billd766]

15 minutes ago, jacko45k said:

Or heaven forbid have a conversation!

But with who?

 

Apart from my first extension back in 2009 I have always done them on my own. My wife isn't interested in sitting in an Immigration office for a few hours. 

 

I take my Ebook reader with me and I can have up to 100 books (or more) giving me something to do while I wait.

[jacko45k]

19 minutes ago, billd766 said:

But with who?

 

Apart from my first extension back in 2009 I have always done them on my own. My wife isn't interested in sitting in an Immigration office for a few hours. 

 

I take my Ebook reader with me and I can have up to 100 books (or more) giving me something to do while I wait.

Lots of English speakers at immigration in Jomtiem yesterday, nice to have a good belly ache together! ????

[billd766]

4 hours ago, jacko45k said:

Lots of English speakers at immigration in Jomtiem yesterday, nice to have a good belly ache together! ????

I use Khampaeng Phet Immigration office and it is a 50/50 chance of seeing another farang in there at the same time and I don't think I have ever seen more than 3 at the same time, mostly doing 90 day reports.