Years ago I required this to apply for a work visa in a South American country. The main police station near Central World has an office for this purpose. Very professional and efficient. I a background check is ever required, I recommend this office

Maybe poor choice of words. Show kindness to others may be more appropriate.

I think the last time I did a VOA my change would have been 200 baht, so it was not too bad for me. I guess the officers (two of them) could have had a coffee and maybe a pastry or something like that. In my lifetime, I've spent money on much worse things than this.

It's a nice gesture to tell them to go have a coffee with what would normally be change. You will certainly get a smile in return and it never hurts to be on the good side of immigration.

If anyone is interested, The US Embassy did reply to my enquire and simply sent the link for the appointment page. So for a normal passport renewal, it seems like only the mail-in service is available. Or as Brett Munson mentioned, schedule the appointment under another category.

Thanks! I sent an enquiry to them using their contact form on the passport page. Hopefully they will reply. I'm old fashioned, prefer in person. Nothing against Isaan, but I don't prefer posting passports by mail.

@Brett *******

Looking at the US Embassy BKK website, it gives me the impression appointments for in person application are no longer allowed. Only their mail-in online system can be used. I've got about a year to go before I must apply. Do they still allow in-person applications?

I received a notice in their line account saying they have resumed international transfers as of today. Looks legit but may be better to visit in person.

I guess it would depend on which Immigration office he needs to use. Many of the Immigration offices located in rural provinces are very efficient, so additional trips are not necessarily a problem. If applying for Non-O in a country other than that of citizenship, for instance bordering countries to Thailand, it may be easier and less expensive to enter visa exempt and then change to Non-O within two to three weeks of exempt stamp expiration. It's completely up to the individual which is easier for them. They offer the visa change service inside Thailand, so it is an option. People should not be made to believe they must apply outside of Thailand.

@Graham *****

Maybe he is looking to maximize his time in Thailand. It would make sense to enter visa exempt for 60 days, apply for 30 day extension and then change to Non-O once on the 30 day extension.