Popular Post audaciousnomad Posted September 23, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted September 23, 2020 Just wanted to share my experience getting my extension today at Muang Thong Thani. VITALS: Visa Exempt Tourist(U.S.A.) Already Extended one-time before covid outbreak began Embassy Letter Forms submitted: TM7, STM2, Overstay Penalties Acknowledgement. Some others report being asked for TM30. I was not asked for this. Reason for Extension Request: Covid-19 TIME IN: 1130AM Time OUT: 100PM *Note: I was in the 1300-1630 booking group, but thought I would queue early to make sure I would be one of the first served. It turned out for me today, that they continued working through lunch hour(though half-staffed), which meant I was out before the full on rush of 1PM'er folks. The early bird gets the worm as they say! ???? Stamped: Under Consideration (Return on 21-Oct) Came in through the back gate(RED ARROW), which is across from the northern end of Impact Exhibition Center. Walked northward about 100m to the area(RED ASTERISK) on the right-hand side between the very tall building and the car park just behind it. Here's how it should look on the ground. Notice the taxis. They drop off and wait for customers here. When you round the corner, you'll see a 'Reception Tent'. Here there's a guy who asks to see your Appt. Booking(phone image was enough) and also does some "pre-check" of your documents to make sure all is in order. If it's all good, you'll be asked to take a seat. I waited a few minutes, and then was instructed to go upstairs to the 2nd floor of the car park. There's a official doc check desk there, where your application will be checked for completeness. If you have nothing to "repair" (missing photo, missing document, etc.) you'll be given two queue numbers and instructed to take a seat again. Something of note: My doc checker asked me if my letter was a copy or original. I confidently answered original, which she did not press further. Mine was in color...best that yours is also, to prevent problems! They will call your row up when it's time to go inside the office. It is downstairs on the first floor. The reason for all the moving around staging areas is because the office inside is not that big, and they are controlling capacity to ensure proper social distancing in the relatively small room. When you get inside they will check temp, and ask you to have a seat again. Once you're in this room, it's more comfortable (air conditioning...yay!) There's a person directing each person to a desk to turn in their application and passport. Here you will also pay your 1900baht, and have your photo taken with the familiar computer camera. They will keep one of your queue numbers and hand you back the other one. The passport return area is to the right of these desks. They will call your queue number when your passport is ready. THE END! You come back to this same place on your return date listed on the stamp to get your "permitted to stay until" stamped on for 26-Oct. 4 7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jackcwba Posted September 23, 2020 Share Posted September 23, 2020 Thanks for sharing your experience, just curious how does one go by using the photocopy machine or get someone to print something there before sitting down and getting a queue number? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
audaciousnomad Posted September 23, 2020 Author Share Posted September 23, 2020 1 minute ago, Jackcwba said: Thanks for sharing your experience, just curious how does one go by using the photocopy machine or get someone to print something there before sitting down and getting a queue number? I am not sure as I did not have need for it. Unfortunately, I also did not ask. I wonder if it might be in the building next door...but I'm not too sure. I read a report earlier this week of someone that did use a service right nearby...something about 10baht per copy though...when it should really be 1-2 baht at a normal service center. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tabbycat Posted September 24, 2020 Share Posted September 24, 2020 5 hours ago, audaciousnomad said: I am not sure as I did not have need for it. Unfortunately, I also did not ask. I wonder if it might be in the building next door...but I'm not too sure. I read a report earlier this week of someone that did use a service right nearby...something about 10baht per copy though...when it should really be 1-2 baht at a normal service center. I had to go to Counter J for my TR60 (building next door to K) and the copy shop was at the ground floor as soon as you walk in. Didn’t use it either but did see a sign with their LINE id, so I’m assuming you can send over any missing docs/screenshots from your phone & they’ll print it out for you too 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mtls2005 Posted September 24, 2020 Share Posted September 24, 2020 (edited) 7 hours ago, audaciousnomad said: You come back to this same place on your return date listed on the stamp to get your "permitted to stay until" stamped on for 26-Oct. And your return date is? Or did you get the 26 Oct stamp date? Great report, this will help people this week, and at the end of Oct, Nov, Dec... Edited September 24, 2020 by mtls2005 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
audaciousnomad Posted September 24, 2020 Author Share Posted September 24, 2020 3 minutes ago, mtls2005 said: And your return date is? Or did you get the 26 Oct stamp date? Great report, this will help people this week, and at the end of Nov, Dec... Stamped: Under Consideration (Return on 21-Oct) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mtls2005 Posted September 24, 2020 Share Posted September 24, 2020 48 minutes ago, audaciousnomad said: Stamped: Under Consideration (Return on 21-Oct) So in theory you should be able to get another letter, and on 21 Oct get the 26 Oct stamp, and then apply for another extension on that same day? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tabbycat Posted September 24, 2020 Share Posted September 24, 2020 44 minutes ago, mtls2005 said: So in theory you should be able to get another letter, and on 21 Oct get the 26 Oct stamp, and then apply for another extension on that same day? Nobody has tried this yet but I’m sure we’ll know more later this month. Also worth a shot - someone on a FB group mentioned they used their embassy extension BEFORE their regular 30 day extension, and were told by the IO that the regular 30 days should be able to used anyway, and that the embassy extension doesn’t replace that in any way. It’s certainly anecdotal so would take it with a pinch of salt but that might be worth trying too whenever you go back. worst case - Don Muang isn’t far, get stamped and head straight to the airport to catch a flight to a ‘friendly’ IO like CM and get your second extension there. All the issues with unfriendly I/Os and staff giving half-baked or completely false information is only coming from Bangkok at the moment.. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
audaciousnomad Posted September 24, 2020 Author Share Posted September 24, 2020 (edited) 1 hour ago, mtls2005 said: So in theory you should be able to get another letter, and on 21 Oct get the 26 Oct stamp, and then apply for another extension on that same day? In theory, yes. But it depends if rules haven't changed by then (e.g. no more embassy letters accepted, etc.). I asked the lady who returned my passport, and she said of course it can be done the same day, assuming no revision to the rules of allowed extensions. Edited September 24, 2020 by audaciousnomad Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ratchetcrank Posted September 24, 2020 Share Posted September 24, 2020 24 minutes ago, audaciousnomad said: In theory, yes. But it depends if rules haven't changed by then (e.g. no more embassy letters accepted, etc.). I asked the lady who returned my passport, and she said of course it can be done the same day, assuming no revision to the rules of allowed extensions. Right, but what would that procedure look like? Maybe just ignore your 21st 'under consideration' stamp. Make the appointment and show up with all same paperwork. Step through the checks as normal and apply for the new extension. I guess if they're going to approve you until the 26th anyway, they won't mind also stamping for another 3 week (embassy backed) extension. I just wonder if it will be that smooth (assuming nothing changes before then). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
audaciousnomad Posted September 24, 2020 Author Share Posted September 24, 2020 5 minutes ago, ratchetcrank said: Right, but what would that procedure look like? Maybe just ignore your 21st 'under consideration' stamp. Make the appointment and show up with all same paperwork. Step through the checks as normal and apply for the new extension. I guess if they're going to approve you until the 26th anyway, they won't mind also stamping for another 3 week (embassy backed) extension. I just wonder if it will be that smooth (assuming nothing changes before then). Or...bring all extension docs, and get 2 new stamps: 1st stamp is 26-Oct(to close the loop of the 21-Oct Under Consideration). 2nd stamp is a NEW Under Consideration for 20-Nov ??? I think this would be the most expedient, aside from simply giving the 30-day straight away(eliminating the whole under consideration step). ???? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dart12 Posted September 24, 2020 Share Posted September 24, 2020 4 hours ago, tabbycat said: Nobody has tried this yet but I’m sure we’ll know more later this month. Also worth a shot - someone on a FB group mentioned they used their embassy extension BEFORE their regular 30 day extension, and were told by the IO that the regular 30 days should be able to used anyway, and that the embassy extension doesn’t replace that in any way. It’s certainly anecdotal so would take it with a pinch of salt but that might be worth trying too whenever you go back. worst case - Don Muang isn’t far, get stamped and head straight to the airport to catch a flight to a ‘friendly’ IO like CM and get your second extension there. All the issues with unfriendly I/Os and staff giving half-baked or completely false information is only coming from Bangkok at the moment.. with all those gambles and time spent...why not just move to a long term ext? I am doing that for my girl next round....IF we can get what we thought was a simple stamp this time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
audaciousnomad Posted September 24, 2020 Author Share Posted September 24, 2020 23 minutes ago, Dart12 said: with all those gambles and time spent...why not just move to a long term ext? I am doing that for my girl next round....IF we can get what we thought was a simple stamp this time. Some here would prefer to go "month-by-month" until some new options(neighboring countries?) open up. Getting a long-stay for them is like signing a one-year lease when you are not sure if you will be needing to move sooner. Yes, that flexibility cuts both ways(they could deny future 30-day extensions)....but it is what it is. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fondue zoo Posted September 24, 2020 Share Posted September 24, 2020 Are they accepting the embassy letter printed in B/W ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bender Rodriguez Posted September 24, 2020 Share Posted September 24, 2020 again with so many businesses closing, how come they could not use a big place IN THE CITY for all this Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jacko45k Posted September 24, 2020 Share Posted September 24, 2020 Just now, Bender Rodriguez said: again with so many businesses closing, how come they could not use a big place IN THE CITY for all this In April or May they used the school near the Tai/Second Rd junction but the kids are in it now. The Malls were suggested at that time too, but are of course are open now. Can you think of other suitable venues that are available. City Hall perhaps, kick out the waste of space in there now? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tabbycat Posted September 24, 2020 Share Posted September 24, 2020 19 minutes ago, fondue zoo said: Are they accepting the embassy letter printed in B/W ? It must be in color, if not you can print it in color at the copy shop at MTT 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jackcwba Posted September 24, 2020 Share Posted September 24, 2020 43 minutes ago, fondue zoo said: Are they accepting the embassy letter printed in B/W ? My uk embassy letter is all black and white anyway apart from the uk embassy stamp its blue. I don’t think it makes a difference - and if they call you out on it you can just show them it in your phone that it’s legit Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
audaciousnomad Posted September 24, 2020 Author Share Posted September 24, 2020 47 minutes ago, fondue zoo said: Are they accepting the embassy letter printed in B/W ? If you can print it in color, I highly recommend it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davemos Posted September 24, 2020 Share Posted September 24, 2020 Thanks for the info Now i can find it ! Do you need a appointment to go there ? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tabbycat Posted September 24, 2020 Share Posted September 24, 2020 (edited) 6 minutes ago, Jackcwba said: My uk embassy letter is all black and white anyway apart from the uk embassy stamp its blue. I don’t think it makes a difference - and if they call you out on it you can just show them it in your phone that it’s legit I'd argue the stamp is the most important part. Anyway, I saw others being told to come back with colour copies at Counter J, so just relaying my personal experience. They also require the email from the embassy which contained the letter attachment, and showing it to them on your phone was not sufficient then, either. The email printout is also with Immigration, I'm assuming checking for authenticity, as I didn't get it back from the officer who stamped me. Edited September 24, 2020 by tabbycat Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deserted Posted September 24, 2020 Share Posted September 24, 2020 You did well. I went at 10.30am and left just before 2pm, I was number 369. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fondue zoo Posted September 24, 2020 Share Posted September 24, 2020 If you can get the blank forms can you take them in pre-filled? or are they using variants? TM7, STM2, Overstay Penalties Acknowledgement Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dart12 Posted September 24, 2020 Share Posted September 24, 2020 50 minutes ago, tabbycat said: I'd argue the stamp is the most important part. Anyway, I saw others being told to come back with colour copies at Counter J, so just relaying my personal experience. They also require the email from the embassy which contained the letter attachment, and showing it to them on your phone was not sufficient then, either. The email printout is also with Immigration, I'm assuming checking for authenticity, as I didn't get it back from the officer who stamped me. they move the goal line every day it seems. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dart12 Posted September 24, 2020 Share Posted September 24, 2020 49 minutes ago, Deserted said: You did well. I went at 10.30am and left just before 2pm, I was number 369. at least they served you and gave you one. We did pattaya, getting there before 8am. by 9am they sent everyone home. Said they will only process 100 daily. We slinked around till after 11 hoping they'd let a few more slide in with no luck. Too much to ask for them to work a full day I guess? Going to have to camp out tonight, or travel and lose a day of work to go to bangkok, or spend 18k tomorrow... No pleasant answer. Although if anyone knows a person that would like paid to campout and hold a place in line for a night...I have a job opening ???? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
audaciousnomad Posted September 24, 2020 Author Share Posted September 24, 2020 20 minutes ago, fondue zoo said: If you can get the blank forms can you take them in pre-filled? or are they using variants? TM7, STM2, Overstay Penalties Acknowledgement Mine were prefilled. That made it quicker. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
audaciousnomad Posted September 24, 2020 Author Share Posted September 24, 2020 1 hour ago, tabbycat said: I'd argue the stamp is the most important part. Anyway, I saw others being told to come back with colour copies at Counter J, so just relaying my personal experience. They also require the email from the embassy which contained the letter attachment, and showing it to them on your phone was not sufficient then, either. The email printout is also with Immigration, I'm assuming checking for authenticity, as I didn't get it back from the officer who stamped me. I had the email also. But they didn't keep it. They thumbed through everything, and removed the email(which they did not even read) and any other extra stuff and gave it back to me. So I don't know if that requirement is consistently being applied. *shrug* Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
audaciousnomad Posted September 24, 2020 Author Share Posted September 24, 2020 (edited) For anyone coming from out of town into Bangkok to do their extension, there is a hotel right across the street from the immigration building. It sits at the roundabout about 100m east of the back gate that is in my map picture in the original post. Here is the direct link. https://g.page/ibisBangkokImpact?share Even if you are elsewhere (e.g. Pattaya, Huahin, etc.), when you check-in to the hotel they will update a TM30 for you online, so I don't believe it will be a problem to come here and to an extension(my opinion). Just make sure to make a booking appointment (They DO NOT take walk-ins, and they WILL check that you have a booking). http://203.151.166.132/immigrant_queue/booking/ Edited September 24, 2020 by audaciousnomad Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
recom273 Posted September 24, 2020 Share Posted September 24, 2020 (edited) Just curious - I haven’t lived in BKK for a long while, thankfully I’m on a Marriage extension. 1. How far is it to get to MTT, approx cost and time. I remember the office was in Suan Plu or somewhere then moved to CW which was far enough. Now MTT .. 2. When they stamp the consideration + extension you are talking about using 1 page every month? Sounds like a nightmare. Edited September 24, 2020 by recom273 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
audaciousnomad Posted September 24, 2020 Author Share Posted September 24, 2020 3 minutes ago, recom273 said: Just curious - I haven’t lived in BKK for a long while. 1. How far is it to get to MTT, approx cost and time. I remember the office was in Suan Plu or somewhere then moved to CW which was far enough. Now MTT .. 2. When they stamp the consideration + extension you are talking about using 1 page every month? Sounds like a nightmare. 1. It's up north yes...farther than CW. It's just north of the IMPACT Arena & Exhibition Center. If you use Grab/Taxi, tell them that. 2. I believe the answer is YES. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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