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Which immigration office is better for visa extensions in Thailand, Chiang Mai or Phuket?
visa extensionChiang MaiPhuketimmigration office efficiencyTM30 requirementsvisa typesexpat tipstravel considerations
Apr 10, 2023
3 years ago
Victoria *********
ORIGINAL POSTERHello everyone! I've done a visa extension in Phuket before, and now I will have the option to do so in Chiang Mai or in Phuket this time. Which has a better office? Phuket was very crowded and chaotic and took half a day, is Chiang Mai any better? I know it's a busy time of year, would be end of April. I have a toddler so that adds to the chaos when we have to sit in a crowded room and wait for a long time. Thank you!
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is considering where to extend their visa, having experienced long wait times in Phuket, and is comparing it to Chiang Mai. Comments suggest booking in advance to reduce wait times. Phuket has been crowded historically, particularly during peak seasons, while Chiang Mai tends to have stricter requirements like TM30. Some users recommend quieter locations for extensions, arguing that it may save time overall, despite longer travel distances.
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Paul *******
If it's a tourist visa extension then go somewhere quieter like Phang nga or Ranong. Depends on your travel movements.
Paul *******
@Stuart ********
Anyway, if someone is traveling through the country and isn't spending all their time in Phuket, I'd recommend making a tourist visa or exempt extension in a quieter province. I've taken people to get re entry permits in locations such as Mae Sai, Mae Hong Son, Nakorn Sawan and Mae Sot (Tak). I wouldn't recommend Mae Sai, as it can be quite busy but the others are quick and efficient. Of course, we were already traveling through the areas mentioned, so we didn't have to go out of our way to get there.
Paul *******
@Stuart ********
Phang nga isn't that far. Also, I'd rather drive an hour than spend 4 hours waiting in an immigration office. That said, I don't know whether long wait times are the norm in Phuket.Stuart *********
@Paul ******
I do know the wait times. Dec/Jan/Feb were manic. Now they’re more like an hour in town. Less in Patong or Blue TreeStuart *********
@Paul ******
from my house it’s 1.25 hours away. I’m in the middle of Phuket. Depends where you’re located it is indeed 1.5 hours away. Give or take a few minutes either side.Reply to
Stuart *********
Reply
Stuart *********
@Paul ******
ok. A four hour drive to Ranong. 8 hours return to do a tourist visa extension that could possibly take you 25 minutes up to around an hour depending on the office in Phuket you use. Seems a logical idea to me. Even Phang Nga is 1
***
hours drive away.Reply to
Stuart *********
Reply
Bob **********
It’s only an extension things are quieting down now you shouldn’t have to choose different cities just to save time at the immigration office
Steve *******
How long is a piece of string? Depends how many people are there on the day you go!
Stuart *********
Not sure when you did your previous extension, but if it was around Dec/Jan/Feb then it was manic in Phuket Town. It’s calmed down now so other than the days surrounding the Songkran shut down the wait time should be less than an hour.
Victoria *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Stuart ********
yes it was early Feb last time and pretty terrible in Phuket Town!Reply to
Victoria *********
Reply
Brazen *********
Come to BKK and you'll be grateful for only a half day. 😅
Rod **********
@Brazen ********
Hi to all Looking for some advice about applying for a 30 day Visa extension
I've got time to early May to do the extension.
Im looking for a Immigration office in the Bangkok area that people here who have dealt with a minimum of fuss and can speak and understand English.
Can i complete the blank Thai Embassy forms that I've got from the Royal Thai Embassy in Canberra ACT Australia at their office with some help from their staff ??
Question 17 asks for
Proposed address in Thailand..
Im staying with my Thai girlfriend can i use her address to answer this question..
Any help 🙏 would and be appreciated from readers..
Reply to
Rod **********
Reply
Brandon ************
Phuket doesn't require TM30, Chiang Mai always does. Both places have multiple offices and the office you choose will have a big effect on your wait time.
Victoria *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Brandon ***********
thanks, that's true i could try a different office in Phuket. I go to the one closest to us, but perhaps I should make the trip out and try one a bit further and see how that one goes. We go to the one in Phuket town but I forgot there is another oneBrandon ************
@Victoria ********
there's 2 other ones in Phuket. @Stuart ********
can advise if he sees thisStuart *********
@Brandon ***********
Yes Patong Beach office average wait perhaps 45 minutes, or Blue Tree average wait maybe 25 minutes. Can only do tourist or exempt extensions there. Long term must be the main office in Phuket Town.Victoria *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Stuart ********
thank you Stuart, that's very helpful! Yes, just an exempt extension until I finalize my longer term visa. I haven't been to Blue Tree yet, could be an excuse to visit! Thanks :)Reply to
Victoria *********
Reply
Roberto *********
Make a booking wherever you are and you won't have to wait. Remember also they may request TM30 to ensure you are at the immigration office which aligns with your registered address
Victoria *********
ORIGINAL POSTERThank you, good point! I didn't know you could do bookings for the office in Phuket. I will investigate. I have the TM30 but I'll make sure I have the corresponding one available on hand 🙂
Reply to
Victoria *********
Reply
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