Absolutely CRAZY Monday at Chiang Mai Immigration. Enlightening, though. Here's some things I've learned. Long Post. Sorry.
1) Unlike the commo SNAFU this morning (Sorry about that), I have VERIFIED that the Promenada location of CM Immigration will close WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25th. All immigration business fr Chiang Mai will transition to the airport location. They have set up tents and seating for people. Go there tomorrow, but prep for Wednesday business to be at the airport location.
2) In regards to the memo I sent out with paragraph 3 authority to grant TOURIST VISA extensions by the immigration officer.... It comes with conditions. The applicant, if on their SECOND TOURIST EXTENSION, and UNABLE TO GET THE CONSULATE LETTER, must FIRST apply for the 7-day emergency extension (1900 THB) by submitting a TM-7, 2 COPIES of their visa, Passport page, and TM-6, AND a written statement as to why they need the extension (some people use the bottom of the TM-7, but I've heard of written statements being required as well) and then, with the ORIGINAL COPY of their consulate letter, can apply for 30-day extension at the tent area next to the Laos/Myanmar visa service center. Bring cash and patience. If you bring a COPY, you may get rejected.
3) If you have a Consulate letter, first, thank your lucky stars, then bring 2 copies of your passport, visa stamp, ORIGINAL consulate/embassy letter, and TM-6 departure card and fill out the TM-7 form and two acknowledgement forms (STM-2 Acknowledgement of overstay Penalties and Acknowledgement of Visa Extension Reason) to the airport location. Proceed straight to the brown tent area by the Laos/Myanmar visa service center. Bring 1900 THB, a blue pen, and something cold to drink.
4) Long-stay visas....you poor guys. Lemme see...If you are used to leaving the country and coming back to renew a 90-day visa stamp, I have terrible news for you all: You must bring all your requisite paperwork to support the visa in which you are living under to the office in order to extend the visa IN-COUNTRY. This means education, Retirement, Medical, Marriage, etc...as if you were applying the first time...bring all that paperwork. If you don't have the 800THB or the affadavit supporting your yearly income but on a retirement visa, you will probably not get an extension. You can always try, though. As fluid as rules are, they may let some things slide. Case-by-case basis, though.
5) People transitioning visas...if you have a cancellation letter, proceed directly to counter three, cancel your visa, them IMMEDIATELY apply for the 7-day extension outside to qualify for the tourist visa 30-day extension no matter what country you are from. You will be provided an opportunity to apply for the extension even if your country doesn't issue extension letters.
6) If you recently quit your job and DO NOT YET have a cancellation letter from your company/school, GET THAT FIRST before you come to immigration! They cannot / will not cancel your visa to get you on the tourist visa until they get that letter from your old employer. Had that today from a guy... Cancel with as many days that you can spare to get your consul letter.
7) Speaking to American citizens now....if you have not yet enrolled in the STEP program (step.state.gov), do it. Now. Register for email updates. Then, email acsbkk@state.gov and tell them to send you a consulate letter via email, then to MAIL YOU A HARD COPY to your Thai address. You need that hard copy, as of today, to extend 30-days at a time after you get the emergency 7-day extension.
😎 Other countries like UK, Australia, Canada, Germany that have embassies shut down....before you come to immigration, write a statement as to why you need an extension, but INCLUDE THE FACT THAT YOUR EMBASSY IS SHUT DOWN IN THAILAND!
Look, I'm there to answer questions, help with paperwork, facilitate communication with the immigration officers, and make sure you have all the requisite forms, pictures, etc. As I get info, I try and pass it on. Please, if you come in, don't take out frustrations f the process n the officers. I can tell you that each and every one of them would let you stay in the country for free if they could. Be reasonable, calm, and respectful when you come in.
Know that I am praying and hoping the best for you all. Be patient as the rules change, the processes change, and locations become cramped. If you need to vent, find me. Let me have it. Please don't take it out on the officer at the desk, no matter how much you think they need to hear it.
Hit me up with questions. I will clarify what I can. I hope this helps unravel a bit of the mystery.
