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Why is extending a visa during Songkran in Thailand such a hassle?

visa extension Songkran Thailand immigration expat advice queue management visa agents E-extension process Thailand visa types

Apr 10, 2024

7 months ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Lak Si today at 9:30. It’s much worse now. Note to self: don’t extend visa during songkran.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The conversation highlights the challenges of extending a visa during the Songkran festival in Thailand, particularly long queues and busy immigration offices. Several comments suggest strategies to avoid long waits, such as making appointments in advance or using visa agents. Users share experiences from various locations and discuss the pros and cons of the electronic visa extension process compared to in-person visits.

Brett **************

Wow. I went to the Immigration office at Hua Hin. No one in line. I was in, stamped and out within 20 minutes

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Nick *******

Thought that was obvious

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Jan **********

I checked for e-appointment online on March 31 and by chance there was an availability for the next day April 1, so I skipped the 200+ queue and was out in 30'.

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Sean ********

Note to self. Great idea to live in Thailand where few expats live. Phetchabun is quite, safe and queue free at immigration. Ok, maybe you get 4-5 ahead of you.😁

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Samuel ******

I walked by jontiem immigration today and it was crazy.

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Boom ******

Actually, they were supposed to do the E-extension rather than waiting in a long que like this.

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Jim **********

2050 maybe if it works 😅😅

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Boom ******

I dont know why they dont do the E-extension. It is by far better than in person.

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Brandon ************

you still have to go in person if you do the e-extension and you pay extra as well.

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Boom ******

@Brandon ***********

is it better or not ?

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Brandon ************

I think it's a waste of money. The only benefit is an appointment. But you can make a free appointment yourself for the regular extension.

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Boom ******

@Brandon ***********

I believe so

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Boom ******

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Skip ********

Note to self... Don't do ANYTHING during Songkran. (except have fun)

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Tom ***********

After seeing long lines, used a visa agent, all good.

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Soham *******

@Tom **********

any reliable visa agent for Thailand ? Would be helpful if you share.

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Soham *******

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Frank **********

Or immediately after as it will be very busy.

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Peter *********

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Pat ***********

Mak mak more peoples than the day I was here 3 weeks ago! 🤪

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Brandon ************

If you would've made an appointment you could have skipped right past everyone.

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Steve *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Brandon ***********

don’t rub it in lol. not many available actually you had to make it a month out was my guess.

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Robert *****

been there done that. You wait, then they shut down completely for lunch. 555

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Brandon ************

sometimes yes. But they used to have a 300 people per day rule at Laksi. Do you know if they still have that? It could really ruin some plans.

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Steve *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

oh wow no i didn’t know that. However I did see a ticket for the first checkpoint that’s at 335 already. Not sure if they started at 1 but I’m 189. If I had to guess I think they’re over 300 right now.

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Steve *******

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Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

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The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

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