I have the stamp for underconsideration being for 1 year extension of stay based on marriage. Been doing this for 10 years now. Today recieved a phone call from immigration wanting an update on bankbook. The required funds have always been in the bank and on appplication for extension letters from the bank were produced as required along with all the other documents required. This year was the first time the immigration police did not come to our home as they normally do after application. So it seems like they are now checking on funds whilst under consideration. I went to the bank to update the bankbook at the ATM and supplied copies to immigration of which they wanted the same day Immigration in my province. did say that Immigration in BKK is making it harder. All documents are sent to BKK for approval. So lets see what happens now.

Anyone know if Chaeng Wattana is still opening on a Saturday? Also, when you renew for a Non O Extension of Stay (EoS) thru marriage, I heard if all your docs are up to date, and there's no hiccups, they give you the 1-year EoS stamp on the day. Can anyone confirm this? TIA

BANGKOK ONLY TM.30 UPDATE..

Okay, I was out at Chaengwattana on Thursday morning (like I am almost every thursday) AND they have a completely new section devoted ONLY to people filing TM.30 forms.

Previously they were done in section J, but now they have a new area section B with two desks pounding out TM.30 receipts.

The fine for failure to report within 24 hours of taking up residence is 800baht. In order to self file a TM.30 you need the blue house book listing of the owner, the thai i/d card of the owner, your lease and a filled out TM.30 form.

I would imagine (although I have no proof) that seeing as they just created a new section ONLY for TM.30 reporting that bangkok IS going to be getting on the band wagon as far as starting to enforce this policy.

I would suggest anyone who is on yearly extensions to just suck it up pay the 800baht fine and go self file a TM.30. There is no telling if/when it's gonna be mandatory to have the receipt to do anything out there (like it is at other immigration offices).

I am not posting this to scare anyone, I am posting this to share information only.. You can file a TM.30 in person, you can mail it in and you can do it online (if you can read thai and join the online program).

Slowly on, more and more computer systems are used by Immigration.

In the news today:

ONLINE VISA APPLICATIONS

The Board of Investment has partnered with the Immigration Bureau and the Employment Department to allow foreign investors in BoI-promoted businesses to apply online for their visa and work permit at the same time. The single window for such services will be piloted next month in Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket before going nationwide next year.