Not a question, just some info incase it helps anyone in Koh Samui.
Arrive early. If you get there at or after 8:30am when the office opens, you simply are too late and will have to return the following day.
I arrived at 6:20am and received number 92 out of 200 (maximum per day) in the queue. The numbers ran out around 7:30am.
The office opened at 8:30am and they started calling numbers in numerical order. They announced that if your number was 1-100, you would be helped before 1pm. If your number was 101-200, you were to leave and come back at 1pm to be helped then.
Around 11am my number, 92, was called. Once called, you wait in line to have your documents reviewed. This is to ensure that you filled everything out completely and correctly. Then you get a new number, go upstairs and wait inside the immigration office until your new number is called. I got upstairs around 11:30am and I left with everything complete at 12:45pm.
I’m an American with a visa exempt stamp, so this was my first time applying for a 30 day visa. The documents I needed:
1 copy of TM7 with headshot glued to it
1 copy of my passport info page
1 copy of visa exempt stamp/immigration card
1900 bhat
The workers & officials were friendly and helpful every time I interacted with them. If you got there early enough to get a number, the process was fairly simply (just a lot of waiting around).
Wish everyone luck & stay safe!
TLDR : Answer Summary
Arriving early is crucial when visiting the immigration office in Koh Samui, as numbers for assistance run out quickly. An example provided highlights arriving at 6:20 am to receive a number, with the office starting to call numbers at 8:30 am. Only those with numbers 1-100 would be seen before 1 pm, while others had to return later. Essential documents for Americans applying for a 30-day visa include a TM7 form, passport info page, visa exempt stamp, and a fee of 1900 baht. The overall experience was positive, with friendly staff assisting through the process.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
- Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
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