What is the process for updating a TM30 and obtaining a ME Permit in Chiang Mai for a NON-OA visa?

Jun 1, 2018
6 years ago
Richard *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
After getting another year stamp (correct date) on our ME non-OA at MaeSai border, we went to Chiang Mai Promenada for the TM30 update. 2pm arrival upstairs. We thought the place was closed as it was so quiet. We were the only punters there! 2 minutes later we were done.

As it is our second year on this visa we went downstairs to get a ME Permit...at least 30 mins to the outside desk for a number then who knows how long inside! We left and will try the airport instead later.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user detailed their experience renewing a ME non-OA visa stamp at the Mae Sai border and updating the TM30 in Chiang Mai at Promenada, noting it was quiet during their visit. They also expressed frustration about the extended wait time for a ME Permit and mentioned considering the airport as an alternative due to shorter lines reported by others.
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David ********
Hmmm. Iโ€™m going there today ๐Ÿ˜ฌ๐Ÿ˜‚๐Ÿคž๐Ÿผ
David ********
@Ric****
, seriously?! ๐Ÿ™๐Ÿผ I was about two minutes away from ordering a grab taxi.
Richard *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
With a/c. ๐Ÿ˜ฌ
Richard *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
So are we. Want to tag along? We have the car!
Mary ********
Airport is easy. No line at 10 am Thursday. You have to go through security both at the door and again in international departure.
Tod *********
@Richard ****
thanx for that (y)
Richard *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
Just been to the airport IM building 3 which was reported on another group to be the place. Building 3 is investigation dept. only. The only place to get entry permits are Promenada or air-side at the airport.
Nat ******
@Mary *******
you used to be able to do it at the immigration police just before the airport. They stopped now though. Used to be in and out in 5 minutes
Mary ********
@Tod ********
there are three immigration sites in Chiang Mai. One at promenade mall which does pretty much everything, one at a set of offices about
***
a mile from the airport. This is predominantly immigration police although you can do 90 day reports there (allegedly) and the airport which only issues re-entry permits.
Richard *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
I think this building is outside security. Iโ€™ll find out later and let you know.
Tod *********
@Ric****
down here in Bangkok at the two international airports you CANNOT get a re-entry permit unless you are flying out internationally that day. They'll just send you away.

I dunno how Chiang Mai is but I would guess seeing as you have to go thru security to International Departures that if you're NOT departing internationally they aren't gonna let you in.
Mary ********
@Richard ****
if they issue one earlier than departure date please let me know.
Richard *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
Apparently Building #3, old Immigration will do it too. Iโ€™ll find out later ๐Ÿ™‚
Tod *********
Congratulations (y) You're good to go for the second year on that visa :)
Richard *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
worth that day then. Thanks for all your help.
Tod *********
@Ric****
I had someone who just lost their entire second year at by 50 minutes :O They got here on the last day BUT because of the lines couldn't get stamped in until 12:50AM :/

All they got stamped in for was a 30 day visa exempt entry :(
Richard *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thatโ€™s the USA NYC Consulate for you! Oh well, one day lost but better safe than sorry. ๐Ÿ™‚
Tod *********
@Richard ****
, yep you have until 11:59PM on that date to enter and get stamped in for another year. I don't know why they have it marked as 'enter before'..
Richard *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
I asked the Officer about the โ€˜enter BEFORE dateโ€™. She stated that it could have entered ON the date.
Richard *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
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