I heard an explanation from Harry (Bar) the other day about the closure of immigration at AEK Udon.

Immigration is a part of the police department and the Udon police wanted the immigration officers at AEK Udon to come under their supervision since they were operating in Udon. Consequently, they were withdrawn.

I went to AEK Udon last month to get a one year extension. I was not successful.

The officer wanted me to arrange for regular transfers of income from the US to my Thai bank. I objected because of the transfer fee. I can use an ATM to access my US account and pay no fees. He insisted. I said I wouldn't do it, and would go somewhere else to get the extension, if necessary.

He backed off and said he wanted to see 2 months of deposits to my account. I asked why the 3 months of deposits already was not sufficient. No response. He also wanted a bank letter, even though I am not asking to qualify by bank deposit, only income. He wouldn't simply accept the income letter from the US Embassy.

I opted to take the 60 day extension and will go again at the end of this month to try again. I wanted to take a trip to BKK, but my wife did a cost comparison. An additional 1,900 baht fee or the cost and inconvenience of a trip to BKK.

I had asked for a marriage extension. The officer wanted me to apply for a retired extension because he said my income was enough. I said I wanted a marriage extension.

Later I learned that local immigration offices do not have the authority to approve initial marriage extensions. Those must be done in BKK. They do have the authority to approve initial retired extensions. So, it may be that I cut my own throat by insisting on the marriage extension and he just gave me some additional things to do until BKK gives an approval and I come back later.

Sometimes lack of information is dangerous. Then again he could have been up front with me about why he wanted me to apply for a retired extension. Or perhaps my information about their authority is wrong.

Anyway, I hope I do better this next time around.