What updates can you share about the situation at Chiang Mai Immigration and visa processing during the current uncertainty?

Jul 15, 2020
4 years ago
Mike ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hey everyone...greetings from Chiang Mai Immigration. I just want to pass along some observances from here...

1) Don’t panic. We’ve already had three crying fits and one nervous breakdown on the steps. It doesn’t help and, as there is nothing but pure speculation out right now, anything can happen.

2) Visiting immigration won’t get your news quicker. I like to visit and talk, but I can’t tell you anything you probably don’t already know ATT.

3) The volunteers here are not IO’s. We don’t make the law, but are here to sort documents and tell you what potential options there are. If we don’t know, we’ll direct you inside where the officials will tell you the same thing.

4) Don’t panic. Stop reading all the speculation. Plan, but stop freaking out. I can’t stress this enough.

We get morning updates and briefings from immigration each morning before we head into the fray. I’m not keeping information to myself. I promise.

Be well, and let’s see what happens. As SOON AS I GET RELIABLE INFO, I’ll pass along. Promise.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
Mike from Chiang Mai Immigration shares observations emphasizing the importance of staying calm amidst the uncertainty regarding immigration updates. He reassures expats that he will relay any reliable information as soon as it's available. He encourages individuals not to panic, advises against visiting immigration for faster updates, and addresses concerns regarding visa processing, particularly for those seeking non-immigrant education visas.
Carlo **********
Best post I've read in this group so far
Tod *********
easy there ....
Michael ********
@Tod ********
Best Post.... from Mike...of course Tod....555
Carlo **********
@Tod ********
lol sorry Tod, I mean its just a good solid reassuring post to people to stop panicking. Edit : ONE of the best posts I've read in this group so far
Mike ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Carlo *********
I second this opinion!! LOL!!
Sid ****
John ********
“...three crying fits and one nervous breakdown...” 😂

I’m a trained crisis counselor. Can I help? 😉
Michael ********
@John *************
People always panic when they want to know something now and they can't, because it hasn't been announced yet....LOL
Mike ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Believe it or not, yeah. If you want to ever come and talk some people down, feel free!
John ********
@Mike *******
Building my Lucy Box as we speak. Everybody OK with the 5¢? Gotta cover air fare, accommodations and food. 😉
Tommy *********
Thanks Mike. Appreciate your help :)
Wannikea *********
Common Sense.
Billy ************
Well balanced and informative. Thank you
Charlie **********
I'm freaking out!
Michael ********
Great comments. As what happened prior to the amnesty, there is a swarm of gossip going on regarding July 31st. It helps no one, people just need to wait until official announcements.
Emz *******
@Michael *******
no choice mr. Michael
Michel *********
Thanks👍
Tokyo *******************
I truly doubt that people will be kicked out.
Michael ********
@Tokyo ******************
I truly doubt that the Thai government will go out of its way to help anyone after amnesty finishes. Not their problem..
Michel *********
TIT
Chalakorn ************
Thanks for the info 🙂
Andy ******
Thanks Mike.

You do a great service at immigration.

Much appreciated.
Emz *******
How about I have ticket and my flights cancel month of August
Mike ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Emz ******
Irrelevant right now, unfortunately. Give it a few days.
Emz *******
@Mike *******
it's sad I want to go home in Philippines no flight
Mike ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Emz ******
I know, man. You’re not alone. Hang in there.
Emz *******
@Mike *******
that time I alone
John **********
😊Well written 👏It is a time of patience and I appreciate your well balanced comments an observations! 👏🌈👏
Mark **********
Thanks for the chat earlier today.
Ethel ********
Bravo Mike. I've seen you down there helping everyone make sense of things.
Benjamin ***************
Thank. It seems as if us second year ED visa seekers might be out of luck at the moment
Benjamin ***************
@Benjamin *****
unfortunately, not at a university but at a private language school
Greg ********
Gold
Phoebe *********
Thanks for telling me not to panic! I'm trying 🤞
Loretta *******
Terry **********
well done you are doing a great job
Florian ********
Thank you Mike
Nick *******
@Benjamin ********
- well written post for you!
Alex ***********
You’re a champion Mike 👏
Gina ********
I was at immigration this morning and was told they simply don't know what's going to happen next. My Ed visa has been cancelled (as I've completed my degree) and they cannot change it to a tourist visa - not yet anyway. The only advice they could give: listen to the government announcements everyday, something must be decided before the 31st.
Jo ****
Don't panic is the key.
Jürgen ******
great page,thank you
Alandre *********
Thank you for all you do for us. I have only received kindness and help from all the volunteers. Please be safe as we need you.
Larry ******
Thanks for the info, Mike. I called CM immigration yesterday to ask about the possibility of getting a non immigrant b visa for a teacher, and the IO I spoke to told me to come in with all my paperwork and a representative of my school to see what could be done. Are you aware if CM immigration has issued any visas for teachers at this time?
Asha **********
Hey
@Kruu ******
, how did you go?
Mike ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Kruu ******
I am not 100% on that. I’ve reviewed several B visa packets, but not sure of the outcome.
Larry ******
@Mike *******
thanks. I'll just have to take my chances tomorrow and pray for the best. 🙏🏻
Mike ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Rubina *******
Thank you for this update

I have my ticket booked for August 6th.

Do you know if I could get the 7 day stamp to leave the country?

Also my last stamp was the Corona one and I needed to get back to close it. Can there be an extension on this Corona stamp?
Wannikea *********
There's always the denied extension stamp usually good for 7 days.
Rubina *******
Thank you 🙏
Mike ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Rubina ******
You should definitely come back and close that stamp out, if you have a chance. Not sure about any other extensions in-country after the COVID extension. Let’s see what the next announcement says.
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