Answered8 years ago

What time should I arrive at Chaengwattana Immigration to extend my retirement visa for optimal efficiency?

Chaengwattana Immigration Retirement Visa Extension Visa Procedure Timing Thailand Immigration NON-O Visa

Jennifer *********

asked Oct 10, 2018

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I'm heading to Chaengwattana Immigration on Friday to extend my 1-year retirement visa. Just wondering if anyone who's done this recently can comment on whether arriving at 04:00, 04:30 or 5:00 am makes a quantitative difference in the rapidity of the overall procedure. Thanks.

Answer summary

The consensus among recent visitors to Chaengwattana Immigration for retirement visa extensions suggests that arriving before 6 AM is advisable, as queues do not show significant variation among early arrivals. One individual noted arriving at 4:50 AM and receiving ticket number 1 while another arrived at 6:10 AM receiving number 71. Therefore, as long as you arrive before 6 AM, you should expect a relatively quick processing time once the office opens.

12 repliesnewest first

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Jennifer *********

Too bad the ME folks haven't figured out a smoother work flow. Still, a few hours once a year isn't so bad in the grand scheme of things

8 years ago

John *****

Three weeks ago I went to Chiang Wattana on a Friday to get the same O extension for being over 50. I arrived at CW at 06.10 and was queue number 71. At 08.30 when allowed in I got ticket L 6. I got called at 08.40, having used Tod's list of what to take I put all my papers on the table and paid for my stamp at 08.50, Tod's list being on the nail I had nothing extra to sign or say (used embassy affidavit for financials) and at 09.00 my passport was handed back to me, mission accomplished. Well nearly, then a 2 hour wait for ME.

8 years ago

Tod *********

There is no measurable difference in the queue number you'll get once you get into the immigration office at 8:30 as long as you get there before the doors open to building B at 6AM.

I saw someone who got there at 5:55 and was back in line get number 8 while I got there at 4:50 got number 1 for section L that does retirement, marriage and raising children extensions.

Get there before 6 or just after and you'll be fine.

8 years ago

Mary ********

Not interested in 30,000 US in a thai bank. Too volatile a currency.

8 years ago

Jennifer *********

@Mary *******

I keep the requisite find in my account so it's never an issue

8 years ago

Mary ********

@Jennifer ********

try explaining investment income for a fun time.

8 years ago

Jennifer *********

@Mary *******

It's not crafty. It's just that it's possible to live and pay rent in two different provinces even though the bureaucrats can't seem to wrap their heads around that possibility.

8 years ago

Mary ********

@Tod ********

always knew she was a crafty one! I missed the Bangkok part in her original post. Nevermind

Tod *********

, Just so you know

uses her Bangkok address to get her extensions so she doesn't have to deal with the insanity that is the Chiang Mai immigration office :O ;) :P

8 years ago

Mary ********

@Jennifer ********

middle of the week is better than Monday or Friday. As is middle of the month. The offices give out limited numbers each day. People arrive early to ensure they get a number. Without a number you will probably not be able to do an extension. You should be fine.

8 years ago

Jennifer *********

Thanks so much Tod.

8 years ago

Jennifer *********

8 years ago