be prepared to be able to travel to one of the 7 offices that do fast track appointments. If you know when you are going back to the UK I would book on line for your appointment now. The strike finishes on the 8th May but counter appointments are still available. Go on Gov.uk to make your appointment.
Pattaya insisted on blue pen for my tourist extension last year. Two weeks ago in Patong, anything goes. They laughed at me when I brought my own blue pen and I told them about my previous experience. Blue or black pen in Patong is ok.
I had a not so good experience at Pattaya last year. The staff there made everything so difficult and were neither friendly or helpful. A TM30 was necessary before even considering my extension. The clothing I wore was also a big issue to them and they also insisted that i use a blue pen. This year I extended in Patong, and what a complete difference. I went prepared, took a copy of the TM30 from the hotel, took a blue pen with me and looked reasonable. Absolutely zero issues. The TM 30 was not needed, when I asked if the blue pen was ok they laughed and said no problem. Staff were really friendly and when I told them of how Pattaya do their business, they appeared amazed. Anyway, the office opens at 10am and you are given a number and the TM7 to complete when you arrive. You need 1 passport sized photo, copy of your bio page, copy of the page showing your entry stamp and 1900 bahts. If you don’t have a photo, they will take for you for a small fee. Took 10 minutes to submit everything. Was then told to return in an hour or i could sit in the air con waiting area. I chose to wait and I got my passport back within 20 minutes. Total time 30 minutes and this year was a very good, friendly and helpful experience.
