Udon Thani Immigration Office

[Ba Bob]

Im only a tourist but i went to the Udon office for a 7 day extension on my visa. Some information you might need to know is that they close between 12-1 for lunch. Everyone at the office was really friendly and when i walked in their was a guy in a unforn who i later worked out to be the 2IC wandering about and he asked what i wanted and directed me to the appropriate forms, he then informed me about the lunch break. It was 12 when i arrived and i filled out the form and sat back to wait for them to come back from lunch. The one woman working on the desks was processing a visa and completed that at 12:15 and to my suprise said to me i can do yours now if you like it wont take long . took about 10 mins and i happily gave her a tip to buy her lunch so we where both happy. BUT
Then a guy walked in, by now its 12:30, and she tells him everyones gone to lunch and she is going now he looks at his TWG and at the top of his voice says told you they would be usueless we'll go to nongkhai!!
just makes me wonder how long the smiles at this office will last??

[Khun Paul]

I picked up on te comment, papers sent to Bangkok, as faras I understand it, marriage extensions do have to be sent to bangkok, however in times past when i went to Bangkok to renew my visa,the first time I did it, I said you must know that I am udon as the apapres get sent to you, they take enough copies. NO I was told quite quickly they get no paperwork at all from the provinces only the marriage visas but then they only get a notification for authorisation, no other paperwork at all.
So I always wondered what the hell do they do with all the paperwork generated by approximately 6-9 thousand foreigners every year in Udon, beggars belief really doesn't it.

[rickfarang]

In response to Ba Bob, (why are you so Ba?): When I visited the office at the airport for my annual extension, somebody of European descent came in to the office in a huff, and as he sat at the desk of one of the officers, he pulled out his telephone, dialed a number and said to the officer something like "Talk to him. He can explain everything. I don't have time for this!". The office smiled and took the telephone. The officer I was with looked to his side at what was happening. He shrugged and then gave me a smile as if to say "Poor guy, hope he will be ok." I really have the sense that the immigration officers working in Udon understand that many of the people coming into their office have problems and issues that they project onto Immigration, but are above it all. I find this refreshing, and don't worry too much about the smiles disappearing.

In response to Mr. Paul: Somewhere, in an office or warehouse somewhere in Thailand,there are a lot of document storage boxes, filled with a lot of documents nobody will ever see. The last time I was at Immigraion in Bangkok, they brought out my portfolio. In it was every document I had ever filed with the office. I was able to flip through my applications going back several years. How young I look then (compared to now), what a huge collection of papers, all bound together in one folder. It is my guess that the same folder is now somewhere in Udon, but I have not seen it here yet.

[mortiboy]

In that case I will give them same photo's I did this year for marriage Visa.
Yes I cant see then going through thousands of applications already processed.
But who knows!

[trubrit]

In that case I will give them same photo's I did this year for marriage Visa.
Yes I cant see then going through thousands of applications already processed.
But who knows!

Which brings me to a question my neighbour asked me which I couldn't answer as I am on a retirement visa, although it looks as though it may apply to this as well .When you first get a marriage visa I know you have to have maps to prove where you live. Photos to show you live in the house with your woman and a neighbour to confirm you really are a couple .
Now having done all this the first year do you have to go through this same rigmarole every year? I am particularly interested in the witness bit as I verified him last year and he has asked me to do it again. Logic tells me that it shouldn't be necessary. I know , there is nothing logical about immigration, but surely its not necessary to keep proving the same old things on an annual basis .

[papaguido]

In that case I will give them same photo's I did this year for marriage Visa.
Yes I cant see then going through thousands of applications already processed.
But who knows!

Which brings me to a question my neighbour asked me which I couldn't answer as I am on a retirement visa, although it looks as though it may apply to this as well .When you first get a marriage visa I know you have to have maps to prove where you live. Photos to show you live in the house with your woman and a neighbour to confirm you really are a couple .
Now having done all this the first year do you have to go through this same rigmarole every year? I am particularly interested in the witness bit as I verified him last year and he has asked me to do it again. Logic tells me that it shouldn't be necessary. I know , there is nothing logical about immigration, but surely its not necessary to keep proving the same old things on an annual basis .

Yes. Going on my 4th extension I asked the same question. I opted for an ext based on retirement.

Logic? I'm named as father on birth certificates for my children, which I also have to provide copies. I would have thought that was enough evidence.

[rickfarang]

Never rely on being able to apply logic to law.

It can help make life easier, but as we have all seen, the letter of the law often deviates from the intuitive.

[Mosquito]

Making my first retiree visa run tomorrow, been to the airport office previously. Any chance I can get specific directions to the newly opened office. Yes, from previous posts it moved to the Main Police Office/Compound in Udon....exactly where is the office located (any signs posted) within the compound???

Appreciate any help, and I'll file a report on how the visit went......positive or negative results!!!!

[Tafia]

If you are going thro the Police Station Main Entrance Driveway continue until you get to the Detectives Division which is on your right, turn right just after and its on the right hand side, Big sign outside.

[Mosquito]

Follow-up report:

General Info:
New Immigration Office in Main Udon Police Compound, new blue building at the back of the main entrance...right hand side. Lots of parking early, but parking area was full by 11am.
Very friendly, though not that efficient.
Mostly the same staff, but looks like they did hire a few extra workers.
They did try to sell me tickets to some dinner for 1K baht a ticket.

Had a guest in tow, and he got his 30 day extension very fast.........under 30 minutes. This guy has been staying with me for the past week, and looks like he's sticking around for a few more days. More of my GF's...friends husband!!!!
Been driving them around, including a trip to Nong Khai to see the Mekong and Loei to visit a temple.

Did my first retirement visa, got 15 months for an extra 1k baht. Wasn't thinking, as I should of just taken the 12 months.
* Two copies of everything (passport, passport photo, house book, bank-income letter, baby birth certificate in Thai and English, map to home (stick drawing), GF's ID card.
* They indicated I was good after 30 minutes, but it took another 90 minutes to get all the paperwork together and pass it thru the guy in the back.
* Still have to check-in every 90 days to confirm my address.
* Can depart Thailand, just have to let them know in advance.

Didn't see a sign for removing my shoes, guess it was only a short term requirement while they were finishing up the place. Did notice rooms and a house within the Immigration area, they must provide room and board for some of the workers.............and the head guy gets a free house close to work.

While I was there, didn't see anyone having any problems getting what they wanted.

Thumbs up to Udon's Immigration Office!!!!!

[Tafia]

Can depart Thailand, just have to let them know in advance.

If you do wish to leave you will need a re-entry permit from them 1000 Baht for Single 3800 Baht For Multi.
Dont leave without one as doing so will put an end to your extension and you will have to start all over from scratch.

[Mosquito]

Thanks, only planning on leaving Thailand 2-3 times over the 15 months........so single entry will be the ticket.

Now I'm stuck taking my guests to Khon Kaen tomorrow for an overnite stay, something about sightseeing and shopping as he's never been there before!!!

[semperfiguy]

Does anyone know how current the income letter (notarized by the US Embassy) has to be to present for a retirement visa renewal. My current visa expires on May 20th and I plan to execute the income letter when the US Embassy personnel come to Udon on March 11th. That makes the letter 70 days old, but I understand that I need to go for the renewal about 30 days before the actual expiration of my visa, which will make it only 40 days old by that time. Also, if I go one month early and the renewal is granted on the spot, will the effective date be on that particular date or will it pick up for one year beginning May 21?

Thanks in advance for your kind responses. God Bless!

[lepidoptra]

Semper

I obtained a UK Embassy letter when I renewed my visa extension. It was about 1 month old when I applied. I don't even think they looked at the date? It's no good trying to palm them off with a photo copy. They keep the original letter. The letter is only good for one time. In other words a new one has to be obtained each year (every 3 years until they changed the rules)
Good luck

[Tafia]

Also, if I go one month early and the renewal is granted on the spot, will the effective date be on that particular date or will it pick up for one year beginning May 21?

Semper
It will run from your original date in May.

[papaguido]

Does anyone know how current the income letter (notarized by the US Embassy) has to be to present for a retirement visa renewal. My current visa expires on May 20th and I plan to execute the income letter when the US Embassy personnel come to Udon on March 11th. That makes the letter 70 days old, but I understand that I need to go for the renewal about 30 days before the actual expiration of my visa, which will make it only 40 days old by that time. Also, if I go one month early and the renewal is granted on the spot, will the effective date be on that particular date or will it pick up for one year beginning May 21?

Thanks in advance for your kind responses. God Bless!

You're safe SF, mine was 6mos old when I used it. Make sure you make a copy and keep for your records, they keep the original.

[Allen A Hale]

This week I went to the Udon Thani Immigration Office with a personal issue regarding renewing my O-A Visa. I first explained with the help of my Thai wife my personal situation, and asked if it was possible to do what I was suggesting (early extension - out of policy). The Officials were very sympathetic and compassionate. I was requested to write a letter explaining my situation and what I was requesting. The outcome was even better than I was hoping for. My point is - show these officials respect, explain what your situation is, and you may find that they can be flexible as well as considerate. It was a great experience.

[trubrit]

Anyone going to the 1,000bht a ticket party tonight ?

[sgt]

Does anybody have the phone number for the new office. I have to do a 90 day on the 12th and that is a Sat. I don't know if they are open on Saturdays. Otherwise I will just Friday, got a little lecture once for being a couple of days late.

Thanks

[kopkei]

they are never open on saturday, you can go 7day before or after your report date..., ,