Answered2 years ago
What has been your experience with the Pattaya Immigration Office for visa extensions?
Monday, I went to Pattaya immigration to get an extension, I was done in 30 minutes. I showed up at/about 9:00AM, nobody was in line. I had almost all of my correct paperwork, I needed a photo copy of my TM30, which they allowed me to go make a copy and come back to the same counter (by that time a few more people came so there was a little line). I got my queue number and waited about 5-10 minutes, I gave the IO my paperwork and about 5-10 minutes later they return my passport.
I am not sure what happened but Pattaya Immigration has changed quite a bit over the pass couple of years. Not only have they done building renovations but "customer service" seems to have been renovated. The last time I did an extension myself, I went to immigration 3 times/days and finally was told I would have to come back on the last day of my visa, I finally paid an agent and got the extension same-day. 3 days + 4000 baht for extension two years ago vs 30 minutes + 1900 for an extension today...
Well Done Pattaya Immigration - THANK YOU
Also noteworthy, I have a long questionable visa history and a new passport, not sure if the new passport helped or not.
I am not sure what happened but Pattaya Immigration has changed quite a bit over the pass couple of years. Not only have they done building renovations but "customer service" seems to have been renovated. The last time I did an extension myself, I went to immigration 3 times/days and finally was told I would have to come back on the last day of my visa, I finally paid an agent and got the extension same-day. 3 days + 4000 baht for extension two years ago vs 30 minutes + 1900 for an extension today...
Well Done Pattaya Immigration - THANK YOU
Also noteworthy, I have a long questionable visa history and a new passport, not sure if the new passport helped or not.
Answer summary
The author shares a recent positive experience at Pattaya Immigration, noting significant improvements in efficiency and customer service compared to previous visits. The process took only 30 minutes due to fewer lines and better organization, with the author highlighting a need for just one additional document, which they were allowed to retrieve quickly. Comments from others confirm similar experiences and discuss the overall improvements in the immigration office, with discussions about the impact of new visa exemptions on visitor traffic and service speed. Humor is noted in some comments regarding the challenges faced by immigration officials.
23 repliesnewest first
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Nick *******
Been like that for a long time
Bob ********
Did one in Bangkok a few months ago, and when I was sitting there getting my photo taken, there was an agent next to me with 20 Chinese passports as the immi boss processed each one, the agent would hold an A4 photo of the passport holder in front of his face. Makes a farce of the system really
Terary **********
OP@Bob *******
That's one of the many things I love about Thailand.
Ling *****
I did one there in September, same, 30 minutes in and out all done. I got there at 8.30 am. I think the reason why it isn't as busy as it use to be is the visa exempt 60 day stamp. You don't have the old 30 day extension people queuing up to extend their short visits. The 60 day Visa exempt is pretty darn good for everybody including the immigration officers.
Jason ******
I actually feel sorry for the Pattaya immigration officials having to deal with pattaya farang 😂😂😂
Nick *******
@Jason *****
Especially the old fat moaning sweaty ones that are never happy.Jason ******
@Nick ******
isn't that nearly all the Pattaya gang 😂Terary **********
OP@Jason *****
I am not really fat.
Mark *********
Was this an extension for marriage or retirement?
ปีเตอร์ *******
Yes, i have the same experience
Stephen ********
Quick question, how long had you left on your entry stamp?
Ian ******
Have they added a toilet there at pattaya yet?
Stephen ********
@Ian *****
toilet inside main building to the leftTerary **********
OP@Ian *****
There are toilets everywhere here in Pattaya.. Some may argue Pattaya is one big toilet (I don't mind).
Sylvia ********
@Ian *****
toilets 5 baht at the side of the building
Andy **********
I did a 30 day extension a few months ago, they had me in there for hours and hours, it just seemed they were purposely making it a very difficult and time consuming process, I had all the documents nothing was missing, and they just kept sending me from one desk to another, giving me a little ticket with a number to wait your turn, supposedly checking documents, the place was packed out with people, it was just a very unpleasant experience, after that I just paid an agent, maybe you just dropped on a quiet period, but yes you can see they have recently made improvements, with new improved air conditioned buildings, and there appears to be more staff.
Terary **********
OP@Andy *********
The last time, when they gave me the run around, I had to come back several times, and it seems like they were given me the run-around. Because of my extensive tourist visas, work visa, volunteer visa, etc, I always assumed they were given me the run around because quite obviously I am willing to pay an agent.
Robert **********
I was there on Monday also. Pleasantly surprised. A lot better laid out now and more staff than customers. In and out in about 10 minutes.
Brandon ************
Just as an aside, your past history has nothing to do with an extension. That only causes issues when trying to enter Thailand.
Dumitrescu ******************
@Brandon ***********
if i come as a tourist with cash money (10k €), they will accept me to enter, then to extend my visa for extra 60 days?Thanks
Brandon ************
@Dumitrescu *****************
There is no 60 day extension available unless you have a Thai wife or Thai child. If you come as a tourist the only extension you can get is a one-time 30-day extension.Dumitrescu ******************
@Brandon ***********
the Thai girl they get married with foreigners ?How long is the marriage process and with what costs?
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