Ask question
This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.

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

Jul 15, 2020
6 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.
15,677
views
461
all likes
52
replies
33
users
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
Like
Reply
Tod *********
easy there ....
Like
Reply
Michael ********
@Tod ********
Best Post.... from Mike...of course Tod....555
Like
Reply
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
Like
Reply
Mike ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Carlo *********
I second this opinion!! LOL!!
Like
Reply
Reply to
Mike ********
Reply
Sid ****
Like
Reply
John ********
“...three crying fits and one nervous breakdown...” 😂

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

You do a great service at immigration.

Much appreciated.
Like
Reply
Emz *******
How about I have ticket and my flights cancel month of August
Like
Reply
Mike ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Emz ******
Irrelevant right now, unfortunately. Give it a few days.
Like
Reply
Emz *******
@Mike *******
it's sad I want to go home in Philippines no flight
Like
Reply
Mike ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Emz ******
I know, man. You’re not alone. Hang in there.
Like
Reply
Emz *******
@Mike *******
that time I alone
Like
Reply
Reply to
Emz *******
Reply
John **********
😊Well written 👏It is a time of patience and I appreciate your well balanced comments an observations! 👏🌈👏
Like
Reply
Mark **********
Thanks for the chat earlier today.
Like
Reply
Ethel ********
Bravo Mike. I've seen you down there helping everyone make sense of things.
Like
Reply
Benjamin ***************
Thank. It seems as if us second year ED visa seekers might be out of luck at the moment
Like
Reply
Benjamin ***************
@Benjamin *****
unfortunately, not at a university but at a private language school
Like
Reply
Reply to
Benjamin ***************
Reply
Greg ********
Gold
Like
Reply
Phoebe *********
Thanks for telling me not to panic! I'm trying 🤞
Like
Reply
Loretta *******
Like
Reply
Terry **********
well done you are doing a great job
Like
Reply
Florian ********
Thank you Mike
Like
Reply
Nick *******
@Benjamin ********
- well written post for you!
Like
Reply
Alex ***********
You’re a champion Mike 👏
Like
Reply
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.
Like
Reply
Jo ****
Don't panic is the key.
Like
Reply
Jürgen ******
great page,thank you
Like
Reply
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.
Like
Reply
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?
Like
Reply
Asha **********
Hey
@Kruu ******
, how did you go?
Like
Reply
Mike ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Kruu ******
I am not 100% on that. I’ve reviewed several B visa packets, but not sure of the outcome.
Like
Reply
Larry ******
@Mike *******
thanks. I'll just have to take my chances tomorrow and pray for the best. 🙏🏻
Like
Reply
Mike ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Like
Reply
Reply to
Mike ********
Reply
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?
Like
Reply
Wannikea *********
There's always the denied extension stamp usually good for 7 days.
Like
Reply
Rubina *******
Thank you 🙏
Like
Reply
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.
Like
Reply
Reply to
Mike ********
Reply
Thai Visa Advice
... members · 40% approval rate
The Thai Visa Advice group is a specialized Q&A forum for visa-related topics in Thailand, ensuring detailed responses.
Join the Group
Thai Visa Advice
View the Conversation
Thai Visa Advice
The ask:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.