Immigration Promenada One Stop Service v2

[SCARLETIBIS1]

I have two questions. I have heard conflicting stories. Where do I need to go for my Visa extension of stay for one year (O visa retirement) and second, I was told that I need to bring as certificate of residency.. In ten years no one has ever asked me for that. Thanks.

[naboo]

Turned up at around 3pm today for a 90 day report (I know, I can post, but my extension was last week and airport immigration refused to process the 90 day report as well).

Queue full. I explained that I was due on the 4th and it would not be possible to attend again before next Thursday, at which point I would be overdue. I was escorted by the pleasant young lady at the "90 day full" counter to the agency next door to the copiers, where I was told I could be processed today. I explained that if the agency can process me today, so can immigration, they clearly have enough time. The pleasant young lady manning the "90 day full" desk, on hearing my desperation, said I could be seen, at 4:30pm when everyone else was done.

I was sat down at 3:45pm and processed. At the same time, an agent turned up with multiple passports and ticket numbers (ticket numbers ranging from double digits to 150ish) to process multiple 90 day reports. So it seems the time from 3:45pm onwards is now reserved for agents as they won't hand out more than 180 tickets a day. In the 45 minutes I was sat there, the two members of staff served 11 people, averaging 8 minutes per 90 day report, though one did head off to do some shopping for 15 minutes.

Service was pleasant, staff were friendly, but ultimately the system is set up to force people to wait or use the services of the agency. Next visit, I'm going with a GoPro attached to my head to record the gentle extortion.

[naboo]

I have two questions. I have heard conflicting stories. Where do I need to go for my Visa extension of stay for one year (O visa retirement) and second, I was told that I need to bring as certificate of residency.. In ten years no one has ever asked me for that. Thanks.

Genius. The certificate of residence, supposed to be free but very difficult to obtain without a donation, is now possibly a requirement of Chiang Mai immigration for an extension.

The one thing you can never fault Thais on is their ability to extort.

[fang37]

My wife was at Promenada just yesterday.

I wished to know the EXACT requirements for extension.

There was NO mention of certificate of residency.

Tomorrow?

[NancyL]

No there is no need for a cert. of residency for a visa extension -- although you may be asked for proof of where you live.

[daoyai]

Turned up at around 3pm today for a 90 day report (I know, I can post, but my extension was last week and airport immigration refused to process the 90 day report as well).

Queue full. I explained that I was due on the 4th and it would not be possible to attend again before next Thursday, at which point I would be overdue. I was escorted by the pleasant young lady at the "90 day full" counter to the agency next door to the copiers, where I was told I could be processed today. I explained that if the agency can process me today, so can immigration, they clearly have enough time. The pleasant young lady manning the "90 day full" desk, on hearing my desperation, said I could be seen, at 4:30pm when everyone else was done.

I was sat down at 3:45pm and processed. At the same time, an agent turned up with multiple passports and ticket numbers (ticket numbers ranging from double digits to 150ish) to process multiple 90 day reports. So it seems the time from 3:45pm onwards is now reserved for agents as they won't hand out more than 180 tickets a day. In the 45 minutes I was sat there, the two members of staff served 11 people, averaging 8 minutes per 90 day report, though one did head off to do some shopping for 15 minutes.

Service was pleasant, staff were friendly, but ultimately the system is set up to force people to wait or use the services of the agency. Next visit, I'm going with a GoPro attached to my head to record the gentle extortion.

Yes, the reality of the situation is now obvious. After my experience on Wed. ,being told at 13:00 no more 90day que numbers come back tomorrow at 7am. ... I knew something was fishy, a full investigation of the dept., and their relationship to visa agencies, as well as why it takes so long to actually process a virtually meaningless report is over due. In this era of "reform". .... 8 minutes per report. it should take 1 minute, (remember the "curly haired lady" at the old imm. took about 45 seconds per.) .... unfortunatly to suggest any of this probably open one up to a defamation charge.

Many of us that have had careers in the private busines sector could probably design an efficient workable and fast system for them, i would do it for free.

[fang37]

No there is no need for a cert. of residency for a visa extension -- although you may be asked for proof of where you live.

How do you prove where you live?

No driving licence.

Services not in my name.

I do have a bank a/c.

Other assets in my name - nil.

[NancyL]

Proof of where you live -- lease, rental contract, letter from the owner of your condo, guest house. Receipt for rent, etc, etc. Someone had to file a TM30 report for you. Our condo juristic person mgr is now giving renters a copy of what the condo staff input into Imm.'s computer system when they filed the TM30 form -- if the renter asks. Condo and guest house managers in Chiang Mai are being visited by Imm. and being asked to show that they have filed TM 30s on their residents.

[fang37]

True Nancy

But when you live in the wife's home - rent free?

[MESmith]

True Nancy

But when you live in the wife's home - rent free?

Copy of wife's blue book.

Receipt of TM30 submitted by wife to notify immigration of alien residing in house.

[ThaiPauly]

True Nancy

But when you live in the wife's home - rent free?

Copy of wife's blue book.

Receipt of TM30 submitted by wife to notify immigration of alien residing in house.

How easy was it for her to file the TM30?

Did she go to the re-entry permit counter?

Was a fine payable or are they being lenient as this is a new TM?

This TM 30 business is something I am just finding out about

[MESmith]

True Nancy

But when you live in the wife's home - rent free?

Copy of wife's blue book.

Receipt of TM30 submitted by wife to notify immigration of alien residing in house.

How easy was it for her to file the TM30?

Did she go to the re-entry permit counter?

Was a fine payable or are they being lenient as this is a new TM?

This TM 30 business is something I am just finding out about

Wife went to immigration near airport. It was several months late. 1600 baht fine

[fang37]

TM 30 lodgement

Is it a regular event or only when one changes address?

[maderaroja]

True Nancy

But when you live in the wife's home - rent free?

Copy of wife's blue book.

Receipt of TM30 submitted by wife to notify immigration of alien residing in house.

Don't forget the receipt from the TM29 filed by the alien with Immigration.

[eaglesflight]

Thanks for the info. Last time it took around four hours and I'm actually not very well at the moment, that's why I was thinking of using an agent. I guess it's nearly the same amount of work for them but I was thinking it might be a little cheaper because they don't have to use one of their tickets, however they procure them.

Thanks again

The last 3 people I know of getting tourist visa extensions were in and out in under 30 mins. They all went mid week after 2pm.

I didn't take the chance of getting stuck there for 3-4 hours again. For the record, it is possible to use the services of that agency for tourist visa extensions and it was a fraction of the cost of a yearly extension. I can see why some people might think it is a waste of money but if you're taking strong antibiotics that make being away from a comfortable bathroom for more than 15 minutes something of a challenge, your opinion might change!

There is an excellent bathroom just one minute ( slow walk ) from Prom. Immigration. Lots of stalls to choose from too.

I didn't want to go into details as I was trying to be discreet but I guess there had to be at least one poster who felt it was his right to tell me what I should have done (and NancyL to endorse you I see).

To be clear, I had very bad diarrhoea caused by the medication I was taking, which necessitated frequent and lengthy trips to the bathroom at the time of my visa extension. Personally, I prefer the comfort of my own bathroom on such occasions and the use of a 'bum gun', which the toilets close to immigration do not have (I checked before deciding to use the agency). Sure, they are nice and clean but please mind your own business and refrain from telling others what they should and shouldn't do when they are ill.

[hml367]

Our experience 2 days ago was almost the same as MESmith's. The way I understood it is 15 years late and my wife's fine was 1600 THB and a receipt issued.

[maderaroja]

TM 30 lodgement

Is it a regular event or only when one changes address?

Must be filed if you stay some where for 24 hours.

[ThaiPauly]

Our experience 2 days ago was almost the same as MESmith's. The way I understood it is 15 years late and my wife's fine was 1600 THB and a receipt issued.

If it was 15 years late why bother filing it at all?I have been at the same address for 11 years and my wife has never filed one, she owns the property, in fact I never even heard of a TM30 until a few days ago and suddenly everyone is talking about it.

Can anyone shed some real light on exactly what this requirement is and if we really need to bother about it? I know it's going to affect many of this forums membership

Cheers

TP

[MESmith]

Our experience 2 days ago was almost the same as MESmith's. The way I understood it is 15 years late and my wife's fine was 1600 THB and a receipt issued.

Well it was several months since my last arrival from a UK visit, but nearly 10 years in wife's house. Don't know what the wife told them.

[hml367]

Our experience 2 days ago was almost the same as MESmith's. The way I understood it is 15 years late and my wife's fine was 1600 THB and a receipt issued.

Well it was several months since my last arrival from a UK visit, but nearly 10 years in wife's house. Don't know what the wife told them.

My last entry was January, 2015. I, also, don't know exactly what my wife told them. However, my tabian baan is 11 years old and I gave them copies of that also.

I did file my form when I initially came to Thailand in the house I paid for before this current one. I doubt if the owner's form was ever filed on that one. I doubt Immigration cared that long ago, as long as they got lists from hotels and guesthouses. Maybe Gonzo knows how it was that long ago.

The staff was nice and did things relatively quickly I thought.

Someone asked why I filed at all after 15 years.... I do everything I can according to the laws and rules here.

[daoyai]

Our experience 2 days ago was almost the same as MESmith's. The way I understood it is 15 years late and my wife's fine was 1600 THB and a receipt issued.

If it was 15 years late why bother filing it at all?I have been at the same address for 11 years and my wife has never filed one, she owns the property, in fact I never even heard of a TM30 until a few days ago and suddenly everyone is talking about it.

Can anyone shed some real light on exactly what this requirement is and if we really need to bother about it? I know it's going to affect many of this forums membership

Cheers

TP

Basicly, they just want to know where you lay your head every 24hrs....it is the LAW.

[maanoi]

Thanks for the info. Last time it took around four hours and I'm actually not very well at the moment, that's why I was thinking of using an agent. I guess it's nearly the same amount of work for them but I was thinking it might be a little cheaper because they don't have to use one of their tickets, however they procure them.

Thanks again

The last 3 people I know of getting tourist visa extensions were in and out in under 30 mins. They all went mid week after 2pm.

I didn't take the chance of getting stuck there for 3-4 hours again. For the record, it is possible to use the services of that agency for tourist visa extensions and it was a fraction of the cost of a yearly extension. I can see why some people might think it is a waste of money but if you're taking strong antibiotics that make being away from a comfortable bathroom for more than 15 minutes something of a challenge, your opinion might change!

There is an excellent bathroom just one minute ( slow walk ) from Prom. Immigration. Lots of stalls to choose from too.

I didn't want to go into details as I was trying to be discreet but I guess there had to be at least one poster who felt it was his right to tell me what I should have done (and NancyL to endorse you I see).

To be clear, I had very bad diarrhoea caused by the medication I was taking, which necessitated frequent and lengthy trips to the bathroom at the time of my visa extension. Personally, I prefer the comfort of my own bathroom on such occasions and the use of a 'bum gun', which the toilets close to immigration do not have (I checked before deciding to use the agency). Sure, they are nice and clean but please mind your own business and refrain from telling others what they should and shouldn't do when they are ill.

Not sure who you have a problem with or if you just got up on the wrong side of the bed today. But myself, NancyL and Thaibeachlovers were trying to help you by giving (what I thought) good advice.

Nobody asked you for details of your illness and nobody is telling you what you should of done.

I for one appreciated your report regarding using the agency for a tourist visa extension as I don't believe there had been any reports here about that.

[ThaiPauly]

Our experience 2 days ago was almost the same as MESmith's. The way I understood it is 15 years late and my wife's fine was 1600 THB and a receipt issued.

If it was 15 years late why bother filing it at all?I have been at the same address for 11 years and my wife has never filed one, she owns the property, in fact I never even heard of a TM30 until a few days ago and suddenly everyone is talking about it.

Can anyone shed some real light on exactly what this requirement is and if we really need to bother about it? I know it's going to affect many of this forums membership

Cheers

TP

Basicly, they just want to know where you lay your head every 24hrs....it is the LAW.

May well be, but it's news to me...isn't that what 90 day reporting is for?

[naboo]

Are they really going to know whether your wife reported 11 years ago? Do it next time you have been away and stayed in a hotel, then you are returning and so your wife needs to file again within 24hrs.

[eaglesflight]

Not sure who you have a problem with or if you just got up on the wrong side of the bed today. But myself, NancyL and Thaibeachlovers were trying to help you by giving (what I thought) good advice.

Nobody asked you for details of your illness and nobody is telling you what you should of done.

I for one appreciated your report regarding using the agency for a tourist visa extension as I don't believe there had been any reports here about that.

Thaibeachlovers wasn't trying to help me as I had already stated that I'd completed my extension so I'm unlikely to be visiting again with the same health complaint in the near future. I know they have toilets, the subject didn't need to be brought up again really. Maybe I did get out of bed on the wrong side this morning because those posts to me look like they are telling me I didn't need to use an agent because there are perfectly good toilets near the immigration office. They don't make sense in any other context to me.

[NancyL]

Eaglesflight -- to be clear, I wasn't "endorsing" anyone who was finding fault with you, I was merely trying to give out specific information about the location of the toilets at CM Immigration to be of assistance to others in the future.

I can fully understand why someone would want to hire a visa agent when one isn't feeling well and doesn't want to be away from the hong naam for more than a few minutes. While the conditions are quite good now at CM Immigration for toilets, it may be a longer drive for you and you'd prefer to have a visa agent driving you, rather than relying on a tuk-tuk or song thaew. One advantage of using a visa agent like O.S. Thai Visa is that they'll provide free transport from their office, which could be quite convenient for someone in your situation if your lived in the Nimman area and thought you may need to ask them to make a pit stop on the way to Prom. Much easier than trying to ask a tuk-tuk driver to make a pit stop.

[thaibeachlovers]

My wife was at Promenada just yesterday.

I wished to know the EXACT requirements for extension.

There was NO mention of certificate of residency.

Tomorrow?

Correct, there is no mention of certificate of residency as it isn't required. What is required is PROOF of residency, though a cert of residency may or may not satisfy them depending on how they feel at the time.

As to proof, I used my yellow book, though other methods may suffice. such other methods have been discussed before on this thread or it's predecessor.

I'm still waiting for an answer to my questions as to whether proof of residency is needed when using an agent.

[Tywais]

[fang37]

It does not include queuing time!

WHY?

[naboo]

2 staff work on the 90 day counter.

Let's say they work 9-12 and 1-4 doing the 90 day reports, they have an hour for lunch, nobody should be forced to work before 9am, that is inhumane, and they maybe need 30mins to get everything finished off at end of day.

So 6hrs work each, 12hrs total, 720 minutes total, 240 reports a day. So why do they only hand out 180 tickets?