NK Immigration,new personel?

[BKKSTAN]

I had a pleasant experience at the NK Immigration this morning!I was expecting a negative experience since I messed up on my 90 day reporting date and was 5 days late!

I know their office hours are 0830-1200 and 1300-1630,but since I drop my daughter off at school,I got there at 0800.Nobody was in the office and there were no other expats ,so I took card #1 and had a seat outside while reading the rules posted to see if there was any leeway on the report dates or if there was a fine and how much!

A new Immigration officer, to me,came in and asked me what I was doing,I said 90 day report and he told me to come in.Spoke excellent English.He looked at my passport,started filling out the bottom of the form,then started looking for stamps and whatever else he needed w/o any success,left and came back with another ''new'' young officer that took over and completed the paperwork,stamping everything OK!

2 woman officers came in during this time,one I recognized that said with a smile''good morning Mister'' and another younger newr one ,to me,that sawadeed me with a smile and laid out all the stamps for the fella that was completing my process!

Nothing was mentioned about my being 5 days late,no fine and pleasant interaction!I was back home at 0830!

Although he wasn't there,I did note that Mr. Happys name plate was sill at the desk next to the window.

[WBU ALUM]

Think maybe the leniency has something to do with the economy?

[papaguido]

Stan are you sure this wasn't a dream, better recheck your passport

[laphanphon]

you have a 7 day grace, before and after actual stamped date, well, used to, guess still the same. but if late like i was one time, very late, minimum fine, advised by BKK, is 2000 and up. did my lateness in NK, obvious notice of extreme late, as i showed them card, descreetly slid back, a loud 90 day check in annouced, stamp stamp, thank you VERY much.

hope the new staff, and seems like they are, as fast and effecient as same or old staff, the extra smiles would be a plus, but customer service, really sucks if you're not cut out for it. on my way today for 90 day, then next time, renew.

with that, Happy Thanksgiving all

[BKKSTAN]

I had heard there was a grace period and I was searching the posted rules and didn't see anything about it.Did see that there was a minimum 2000 baht fine though!

Hard to tell what the reasons are about leniency!I reported 90 days late 4 years ago and Mr.Happy(the one that many complain about)told me not to worry,informing me that ''they wouldn't charge me the 2000 baht,just come in 90 days after you return from leaving the country''!

I know that Bangkok Immigration was taking notice and making comments about ''another one from NK''!So maybe there has been some ''feedback'' from Bangkok or maybe it is just a matter of their mood,your attitude and how many ''aholes'' they have dealt with that day!

The one different document that NK Immigration asks for when extending the retirement visa,that BKK does not ask for,is ''proof of residence''!This can be disconcerting to those not expecting it,but it is very easy to attain if you know about it ahead of time!

[nola-udon]

Just returned from Nong Khai from extending my annual Retirement Visa...Arrived at 09:14 and on my way back to Udon at 09:47...I had the new young officer, I believe her name is Orachorn. The whole experience was pleasant and very helpful...She knows the meaning of "and/or" when it comes to the money issue...She said if you have a letter proving 65,000 baht per month from your embassy or 800,000 baht in a Thai bank you meet the requirement...She also said that I had to show monthly transfer, but didn't say how much, so I assume it is 65,000 baht which I always transfer every month.The following documentation was asked for:
1) Copy of every page in my passport.
2) Copy of form TM6.
3) Originals of forms TM7 and TM47.
4) Copy of proof of income letter from American Embassy.
5) Letter from Thai bank.
6) Copy of every page of Thai bank book for one year.
7) Copy of my Family (Yellow) book.
Medical Certificate from Hospital.
9) Copy of my marriage license.
10) Copy of wife's Family (Blue) book and ID card.
11) One passport photo.

She was also very nice in congratulating me for having all this crap with me. I didn't ask why the data on the wife was necessary for a retirement VISA. I guess only because we are married. I'm sure this part doesn't apply to single guys.

Good luck when you go,
Nola-Udon =D>

[laphanphon]

same as you, today was fast and pleasant, compliments of Khun Sanuk. even had a short pleasant chat with him. plenty of staff, more than i usually see, they are doing security/police checks for renewals. didn't last feb, but did in 2007, so patience. arrived, about 8 people sitting, me # 21, and i heare 22 -23, yo.....21, ok. apparent the rest were waiting for paperwork or police checks of passport, which i guess is time consuming.

[mortiboy]

Is the fat woman still there? ( always trying to sell soap to farangs partner).Nasty piece of work. She kept banging the table saying about bank transfer.(Which I had but would not listen to me).Next day went to Korak .In and out 40 minutes.Hope she got the sack! Pig!

[38nholding]

ok i know this has all been flogged before,but where does it state that one has to have a letter from ones embassy stateing required funds ,ie;pension and 40 or 65 000 bhat amonth AND transfer of funds.And mortiboy did you mean to say Korat in and out 40 min.

[laphanphon]

Non-Immigrant Visa “O-A” (Long Stay)

This type of visa may be issued to applicants aged 50 years and over who wish to stay in Thailand for a period of not exceeding 1 year without the intention of working.

Holder of this type of visa is allowed to stay in Thailand for 1 year. Employment of any kind is strictly prohibited.

1. Eligibility
1.1 Applicant must be aged 50 years and over (on the day of submitting application).
1.2 Applicant not prohibited from entering the Kingdom as provided by the Immigration Act B.E. 2522 1979).
1.3 Having no criminal record in Thailand and the country of the applicant’s nationality or residence.
1.4 Having the nationality of or residence in the country where applicant’s application is submitted.
1.5 Not having prohibitive diseases ( Leprosy, Tuberculosis, drug addiction, Elephantiasis, third phase of Syphilis) as indicated in the Ministerial Regulation No. 14 B.E. 2535.

2. Required Documents
- Passport with validity of not less than 18 months.
- 3 copies of completed visa application forms.
- 3 passport-sized photos (4 x 6 cm) of the applicant taken within the past six months.
- A personal data form.
- A copy of bank statement showing a deposit of the amount equal to and not less than 800,000 Baht or an income certificate (an original copy) with a monthly income of not less than 65,000 Baht, or a deposit account plus a monthly income totalling not less than 800,000 Baht.
- In the case of submitting a bank statement, a letter of guarantee from the bank (an original copy) is required.
- A letter of verification issued from the country of his or her nationality or residence stating that the applicant has no criminal record (verification shall be valid for not more than three months and should be notarised by notary organs or the applicant’s diplomatic or consular mission).
- A medical certificate issued from the country where the application is submitted, showing no prohibitive diseases as indicated in the Ministerial Regulation No.14 (B.E. 2535) (certificate shall be valid for not more than three months and should be notarised by notary organs or the applicant’s diplomatic or consular mission).
- In the case where the accompanying spouse is not eligible to apply for the Category ‘O-A’ (Long Stay) visa, he or she will be considered for temporary stay under Category ‘O’ visa. A marriage certificate must be provided as evidence and should be notarised by notary organs or by the applicant’s diplomatic or consular mission.

3. Channels to submit application
Applicant may submit their application at the Royal Thai embassy or Royal Thai Consulate-General in their home/residence country or at the Office of the Immigration Bureau in Thailand located on Soi Suan Plu, South Sathorn Road, Sathorn District, Bangkok 10120. Tel 0-2287-4948 (direct) or 0-2287-3101 - 10
4. Visa fee
2,000 Baht for single entry
5,000 Baht for multiple entries
5. Recommendations for foreigners with Non-Immigrant Visa “O-A” (Long Stay) while staying in the Kingdom
5.1 Upon arrival, holder of this type of visa will be permitted to stay in Thailand for 1 year from the date of first entry. During the one-year period, if he or she wishes to leave and re-enter the country, he or she is required to apply at the Immigration office for re-entry permit (single or multiple) before departure. In the case of leaving the country without a re-entry permit, the permit to stay for 1 year shall be considered void.

5.2 At the end of the 90-day stay , the foreigner must report to the immigration officer in his or her residence area and report again every 90 days during his or her stay in Thailand. The foreigner may report to the police station if there is no immigration office in his or her residence area.

5.3 Foreigner may report to the competent authority by post and should provide the following:
- A report form (Tor Mor 47).
- A copy of passport pages showing the foreigner’s photo, personal details, and the latest arrival visa stamp.
- A copy of the previous receipt of acknowledgement.
- A self-addressed envelope with postage affixed.

Such documents must be sent to the Office of the Immigration Bureau, Soi Suan Plu, South Sathorn Road, Sathorn District, Bangkok 10120, and must be submitted 7 days before the end of every 90-day period. A receipt of acknowledgement will be given and should be used for future correspondence.

5.4 Foreigner who wishes to extend his or her stay shall submit a request for extension of stay at the Office of the Immigration Bureau with documented evidence of money transfer or a deposit account in Thailand or an income certificate showing an amount of not less than 800,000 Baht or an income certificate plus a deposit account showing a total amount of not less than 800,000 Baht. A one-year extension of stay shall be granted at the discretion of the immigration officer to the foreigner as long as he or she meets the above requirements.

http://www.mfa.go.th/web/2482.php?id=2493

[mortiboy]

After leaving Nonkhai, I called my friend living in Korak.He told me the people at immigration are friendly and helpful.
So, the next day I took the bus to korak.I had all required documents.I double checked all.These people indeed friendy and helpfull.Completly opposite the ignoramous lot Nong khai.
Yes indeed....40 minutes in and out.
I think now they have moved from the old place now.But apparently, there is new staff at Nonkhai.I will see when I "report" next time.

[BangkokButcher]

So, the next day I took the bus to korak.

Handy info mortiboy, but one hell of a journey for a run.

[rickfarang]

People, people, people, its not a good idea to denigrate immigration officers (IMHO). These people can cause us a lot of grief, including jail time if disrespected.

With respect to the one referred to as "Mr. Happy", haven't you ever been in a job you disliked but could not (for financial reasons or otherwise) escapet? Give the guy a break. After all, he is there to do his job. Even though he once presented me with what appeared to a wild goose run, in the end, it was he only way the could think of working around the problem.

It could have been a pretty cool reunion at NK immigration today, but apparently Stan and La went at different times, and I decided to mail my 90 report to Bangkok. Additionally, a neighbor went to Nong Khai to extend his retired guy's visa today.

Maybe we can plan to get together for lunch in Nong Khai in 90 days. That would be most agreeable. Comments?

..

[ezrider]

Noticed Mr. O's attitude has really changed for the better over the past few months- right around the time they increased the staff and brought in the new guy sitting on the far left facing the desks in front. Pay raise, new meds, new woman? Whatever the reason, it's welcome. Now, if a guy could only get a cold beer out back while he waits for his number to be called...

[mortiboy]

[quote][/quote] Handy info mortiboy, but one hell of a journey for a run.
It is worth the trip once a year,The 3 month "report" can be done at Nonkhai.That part is easy!

[BKKSTAN]

Noticed Mr. O's attitude has really changed for the better over the past few months- right around the time they increased the staff and brought in the new guy sitting on the far left facing the desks in front. Pay raise, new meds, new woman? Whatever the reason, it's welcome. Now, if a guy could only get a cold beer out back while he waits for his number to be called...

I did see a new sign there yesterday!''Lunch for sale''

[nola-udon]

Rick,
My next 90 day check-in is on 25 Feb....A lunch get together
sounds like a great idea to me...I'd like to meet some of the
other guys.
Frank

[BKKSTAN]

Mine is also Feb.25th!Be glad to meet.Since we can report on another day other than the 25th,we could get a mutual date amongst others for a get together if others are interested!

[laphanphon]

i'm the 23rd, though that will be for renewal, so i usually go a week ahead, give me time to rectify anything if a problem occurs. timing will depend on bank statement being ready, so last minute notice for me to meet. but hey, bbq chicken, som tam, khao neow, tiger beers and a group hug on riverwalk, i'm getting warm all over............ ............. or is someone pissing down my back

i think Rito is also in our cycle............

[papaguido]

No my 90 day is next month on the 30th, but I'll be happy to join you all for sh'its & giggles.

For anyone interested I'll be heading up to Immigration on 30 Dec if anyone needs a lift or drop off. I'll post it again in a couple of weeks as a reminder.