Passport Stamps transfer in Chiang Mai
I got a new 10 year passport as my old one was full even though there was 5 years left on it..... ridiculous amount of time, effort and money to replace it and in my case, being Canadian, they change passport numbers so all institutions having my passport number or copies of it on file, I will have to notify and update..... in my case, numerous.
My agent wanted 1,000 baht so I decided to do it myself at the new building of Chiang Mai Immigration near the airport. I could have saved myself some time, so perhaps this will serve others well in the future.
First, the IO wanted a copy of my new passport, main page and signature page plus a copy of EVERY page of my old passport.... another IO said only needed the pages with any Thai related stamps. The only place to photocopy is across the busy, hazardous, main road at Tian Visa Services, a big white building set back off the road with a big parking lot. I had to queue and wait as the photocopier is slow but staff efficient enough. So do yourself a favor and take the copies you need with you.
They also require a form to be filled out, so if you can ask for it straight away and fill it out, you will save time. I took a photo as attached.
Then get a queue number unless directed to the appropriate desk as I was. The IO filled TWO full pages of my new passport, logically my retirement extension and multiple entry stamps but also stamps in which they write pertinent history of your visas from your old passport.
A tip...... I had been happily doing my 90 day reports online but was aware that the first one after issuance of a new passport had to be done at immigration. Mine was not yet due but I was going to be traveling on motorbike so really wanted to get my passport number updated in the 90 day system. It took a good deal of explaining and time, but I did get it done.
Overall, immigration was very organized and efficient. The IOs are patient and hard working, putting up with a lot of deadbeat foreigners that go in totally unprepared.
For the sake of safety, I hope they will get a photocopier on site soon so as to save all the pedestrian traffic across the racetrack of a road.
TLDR : Answer Summary
This post details the personal experience of a Canadian expat transferring passport stamps at the Chiang Mai Immigration office. The author shares the necessary steps including the required documents like copies of the new and old passport, and advice on where to get photocopies. They emphasize the importance of being prepared beforehand by filling out forms and having all necessary documents ready. The author also provides a helpful tip about the requirement for 90-day reporting after receiving a new passport, noting that this particular report should be done in person at the immigration office.
