Immigration at AEK shutting down again and we are back to Nong Khai?

This was posted in Thaivisa today !



Udon Immigration Office Closed, Nong Khai Immigration Udon Office Closes Doors


For those who were used to going to Udon Aek Hospitial to the Immigration Office Forgetaboutit! One day it was business as usual and the next they completly moved out lock, stock, and barrel.

Insiders say its the new Immigration Chiefs idea to close the office which was open one or two times per week. Speculation is there is no reason to be helpful or easy to deal with when your holding two or three extra decks of cards and all the aces in a double dealing poker game. Buyer Beware, Living in Thailand without being a liar is getting more and more complecated. Sorry for the bad news but I hope it saves a couple folks a wasted trip to Udon, This is now a confirmed fact they are closed as I was there when they moved out.

At this time there is no plan to reopen the office but the hospital has asked them to consider it to deal with immigration issues related to health care of foriegn nationals in Udon.
Go to the top of the page

Look we are at the government mercy here, surely we all understand that.

Why do yuo think they keep referring to us as guests and not paying customers.

Me I really dont care I didn't like going to AEK anyway, went Nong Khai anyway.

But this additional measure of having to go to Bangkok for another income verification, I do care about.

Me I think they are going to make it tougher and tougher. Seems to be the flow of thing. remember they can change anyway they want, your choice is to adapt or move on.

Be grateful it's only once a year so far.

Anyone notice there are a lot of farrangs in Thailand these days?

I'm not so sure thats they want, there was a time when our money helped here although they would never have admitted it. At the moment they have hundreds of millions pooring into thier stock market in just days, with no bodies attached. Now folks that is what they really want, heck it's even better then tourist.

My guess is it would be wise to get ready, I think we got some rocky days ahead.

ray23 wrote:Me I really dont care I didn't like going to AEK anyway, went Nong Khai anyway.




Anyone notice there are a lot of farrangs in Thailand these days?


My guess is it would be wise to get ready, I think we got some rocky days ahead.

YES,YES AND YES.

So the almighty one in immigration is going to feel even more powerful now,shame will have to see his bloody face every time now.

Depending how this next election goes, it may very well determine how our lives are going to be in the future. I seriously doubt that the immigration Chief inacted these things with out the current governments blessing. That would be political suicide these days.

I've changed the title of this thread so members can see what the topic actually is, and to avoid duplicate threads.

Been down to AEK Udon today to have a look and they were clearing out the remainder of the office - they even took down the clocks on the wall which had the time in half a dozen cities.

I have mixed feelings about losing this service. It was convenient after all. Now we will have to go elsewhere

No more at AEK, checked today,so only Nong Khai which overall is quicker as more immigration staff on hand. Also do not forget Monday 30th July is some sort of government holiday and therefore immigration office will be closed,maybe also 31st.

Ray23 said: "But this additional measure of having to go to Bangkok for another income verification, I do care about."

If you have to go to Bangkok for the income verification (letter), why not complete the entire visa extension process while you are down there?

As for 90 day reporting, let's remember that we can do this by mail.

As norm your correct however many times you can get the letter on the embassy visit to the local area as I did this year. Sounds like I might as well have waited.

rickfarang wrote:
As for 90 day reporting, let's remember that we can do this by mail.

Please expand on this.

If this can be done by mail, do we have to send our passports too, or just the slip with a new form.

Thanks

Have a look at this on the Immigration web site.

Report 90 Day


Attention: Simplified Procedure for 90-Day Registration by Mail
You may now renew your 90-day registration by mail

Procedure:
Send registered mail to:

90 Day Registration
Room 311, Immigration Bureau
Soi Suan Pluu
South Sathorn Road
Bangkok 10210

Enclose:
- 1 photocopy of the photo page of your passport.
- 1 photocopy of the page containing your most recent entry visa.
- The original of your most recent 90-day registration receipt.
- The original of your new 90-day; registration receipt. Don't forget to sign it!
- A stamped, self-addressed envelope to receive your new receipt.
: Please allows at least 1 week for delivery of registered mail.
Your new form will be stamped as of the expiration date of your old form.

Important:
- If you have passed the 90-day limit, you must come to Room 311, Immigration Bureau in person.
- To receive a blank registration form, send a stamped, self-addressed envelop to the address above. Request form "TM 47."


Source:

http://www.immigration.go.th/forum/index.php?topic=122.0

It seemed that it used to be a little easier to go to AEK and do the report and than to make the copes and send the packet by registered mail, but now that it would mean a drive to Nongkhai, I think mail-in may be in order.

Next part of the question if you have been doing the 90 day in Nong Khai, would you need to continue reporting to that office?

The immigration website says:

"Offices accepting notification:

1. Counter 3, Immigration Bureau Office, Soi Suanphlu, Bangkok
2. Visa extension units, Ratchada Centre (BOI)
3. Immigration offices throughout the country"

Source: http://www.immigration.go.th/nov2004/en/base.php?page=90days

This implies that any of these places will accept our 90 notice.

I have extended my visa in Bangkok each time it came due, and last November, I did my 90 day registration at AEK. I believe this was the first time I did the notification at AEK. The officer looked through my passport, then asked (slightly suspiciuosly) what I was doing in Udon. I toldl him I live here, and that was enough. He went ahead and accepted the notification. I suspect that they don't really care as long as we do it.



Having said this, its Thailand, after all. I worry a little bit that once one avoids the power center in Nong Khai, one will have to proceed cautiously ever after with that office. One example might be verification of residence. They might give us a hard time if we avoid their office for all other matters, then come to them for a verification of residence. Can we get a verification of residence in Bangkok? I don't know. Maybe its best to get that Yellow Book now and avoid the rush.


.

rickfarang have you ever been to the immigration office in bkk I have it a night mare if I have to go to bkk us embassy to get a letter of finance I will go and make a holiday out of it by going to pattaya or some place like pattaya and enjoy my self for a few days