Do I Really Need to Queue at 5am for an ED Visa Extension at Chiang Mai Immigration?

Dec 3, 2019
5 years ago
Tyler ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Is it really true that I need to queue at 5am at the Chiang Mai immigration office to extend/renew an ED visa?

I have heard there was once an online appointment system, but it no longer works.

I can't find any reliable information outside of dubious, sarcastic, 3-year-old comments in the thaivisa.com forum

Has anyone here done this recently? Does anyone have real information that isn't hearsay?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
It seems there is mixed feedback about the necessity of queuing at 5am for extending an ED visa at the Chiang Mai immigration office. While some individuals report successfully receiving their extensions by arriving later in the morning, others emphasize the unpredictability of wait times and recommend early arrival, especially on busy days such as Mondays or Fridays, or before holidays. Current information suggests that arriving early can be beneficial, but experiences vary widely.
James ********
Just posted today

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Tod *********
Well, there you go
@Tyler *****
, now we see that it takes as long as it takes.

Good Luck,
Rebecca *********
It's hit or miss depending on how many people are extending that type of visa that day. Last week, I extended ED visa in Chiang Mai, arrived 6:45am and I was #44, done by 1:30pm. #7 sitting next to me had arrived at 4:30am.
Pam *******
@Rebecca ********
just recently did this for Ed visa, perhaps she can elucidate? It appears Ed is the problematic one. I've done a Retirement in & out in about an hour at Chiang Mai. Good luck Tyler!
Tod *********
okay, I just had a friend get his yearly extension based on being over 50 in Chiang Mai and he showed up at 9:30 in the morning and was out by 11.

Granted it is up to how many people are doing what you're doing that day BUT he had no problem getting his extension done showing up when he did.
Robert *******
There are several holidays this month. how busy can it be, depends on how many people walk in, or stand in line on the same day. There is now way somebody can predict what and when and how long it will take. If you have time, wait till 25 Dec, most foreigners think that Immigration Office is closed and staff sit at home around the Christmas tree.
James ********
I replied...

Tyler...Thursday Dec 5 and Tuesday December 10 are National Holidays...

Best you cue early ...

Chiang Mai Immigration will be busy due to being CLOSED ON DEC 5 and DEC 10
James ********
I have reopened for comments...

Hi James! I completely understand why you closed commenting on that post, but I am still seeking an answer to my question.

To be clear:

I'm aware of the Chiang Mai immigration hours, but I've been told that for a Non-O visa extension, I need to queue up outside of the building at 5am or earlier (well before their opening hours), so that I can receive a number by the time they do open.

I am wondering whether or not this is true. Should I make another post and be more clear? Should I tag Tod Daniels?

Thank you so much for your time, and for the hard work you do to administrate such an important public service <3
James ********
Here is recent post about Chiang Mai

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And Chiang Mai Immigration hours...

As posted on Chiang Mai Imm website

Tuesday 7:30AM–4:30PM

Wednesday 7:30AM–4:30PM

Thursday

(Father's Day)

7:30AM–4:30PM

Hours might differ

Friday 7:30AM–4:30PM

Saturday Closed

Sunday Closed

Monday 7:30AM–4:30PM

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REMEMBER THURSDAY DECEMBER 5 AND TUESDAY DECEMBER 10 ARE THAI NATIONAL HOLIDAYS...
John ******************
I think that is unnecessary but depending on what day of the week you choose to go...Mondays and Fridays I experienced are busier and after holidays also...sometimes I go in the middle of the week and few are there and other days amazingly busy so if it is really busy I turn around and go home and return the next day.
Tyler ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
for what service? A Non-O Visa extension?
Serge ***************
I always go there in the afternoon , before 3.30 and got served before 6.00 pm
Tyler ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
for what service?
James ********
We do not have hear say.
@Tod ********
will reply...Oops just reread your post you are at Chiang Mai...not in Bangkok CW....but I am sure you will get helpful replies.
Tyler ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Yes, I'm seeking information specific to the Chiang Mai office, for which (according to hearsay and random people on forums) this 5am queue for 3pm service seems to be a particular problem
Benjamin ******
CW and Chang Mai immigration are different, right? The queue length in CW would be different than Chang Mai (or Kanchanburi, where I live), correct?
Tyler ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
that's why I came to you guys <3
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