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What is the best time to get a queue number for visa extension at Chiang Mai immigration office?

Chiang Mai Visa Extension Immigration Thailand Visa Rules Queuing Advice Retirement Visa Tourist Visa Opening Hours

Oct 25, 2017

7 years ago

Markus *********************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi! Did someone recently do a visa extension at Chiang Mai immigration office? I need to know when it is the best time for getting a queue number ... one day before (10pm) or early morning (6, 7am or whatever)? THANKS

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The best time to get a queue number for visa extensions at the Chiang Mai immigration office seems to vary based on experience. Some users recommend arriving early in the morning (around 8:30am when they open) or even as early as 5 or 6 AM for better chances, while others suggest that arriving between 2-3 PM can also be effective. It is advised to avoid going the night before for most visa types, particularly tourist visas, as that is not necessary and the office will be closed. Overall, getting there early, but not excessively so, tends to yield the best results.

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Stan ********

For the past 2 years I've gotten to the Chiang Mai Thai Immigration office for a retirement visa extension between 8:30 (when open) and 9 and received a queue number for early that afternoon and got the visa by 3.

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Stan ********

I used to go to the old Immigration office near the Airport at 5 and 6 am to get my Retirement Visa extension and be finished by 10. If, as they post now, each interview is 15 minutes and they begin at 9 and finish at 12 for lunch till 1 that's 12 interviews in the morning and another 14 in the afternoon till closing at 4:30. At around 8:45 am six weeks ago I was in a short line and given a queue number, as mentioned, for just after lunch. I was not interviewed till 2 because of the carry-over from the morning and was finished an hour later. The previous year was the same. Is it luck?

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Mark ********

When I did my extension last year, I turned up at 6am, and finished mid-afternoon. The people turning up after 8am when they started handing out tickets (I think about 18) were being told to come back the next day, as they were no longer issuing tickets for that day, so maybe you've been lucky so far

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Mark ********

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Andrew *******

Are you just extending a tourist visa/exemption? If so, you don't need to (and can't (well, you can, but it'll be shut and you won't get a queue number or anything)) go to Promenada the night before. As far as I know it's only the marriage/retirement visas etc. that has people going at crazy times (Tod - I know these aren't the correct terms, but can't be bothered checking what the correct terms are :P).

I haven't done it myself in a while, but I would personally always go about 2-3pm. 3pm was maybe on the late side and there was a chance of getting turned away if they were busy. Going at this time generally meant getting out again in 1.5-2 hrs. I don't think it's any faster to go in the morning, and I was definitely never interested in going there 5 hrs before it opened to be the first in the queue and "save" a couple of hours of waiting in the afternoon.

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Mark ********

I was there last week at 4am for Retirement visa, and was 4th in line, and there was 1 person in the line for Volunteer (which is the next line across from the Retirement line) at that time. Obviously, it will vary day by day

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Andrew *******

Oh okay. That might be one of the ones where you need to take your tent then. Good luck! :D (you should search the CM groups though as Tod said - I haven't paid attention to the current situation but the topic does come up a lot)

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Markus *********************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Non-Imm O - volunteer visa

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Markus *********************

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Tod *********

I'd say post in the Chiang Mai related groups too. Someone will weigh in.

I know people who have shown up there at 5 or 6 AM, or pay someone to wait for them because they only do so many extensions a day.

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Markus *********************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thanks ... that is what I expected, but not hoped! :D

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Markus *********************

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Kevin ******

or get there around 1 pm right after their lunch break, that's what i did a week ago, was out at 3 pm.

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Jordan ********

Just get there early and you will be fine.

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Markus *********************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Yes ... these are the opening hours, but isn´t it too late for showing up at that time? The number of visas issued per day are limited. I heard about a list where you can put your name on.

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Tod *********

, A LONG time ago they had a online booking for the queue numbers up there, but that's been discontinued for over a year or more

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Markus *********************

ORIGINAL POSTER

They had lists, they had appointment systems ... but I am curious about the current situation. Anyway, thanks for your advice.

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Steve *******

I dont think you can get a queue number out of opening hours unless they have an appointment system.

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Steve *******

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Steve *******

Early-mid morning, I think opening hours are 8.30am to 4.30pm.

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Steve *******

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