Had to go to the Khon Kaen Thai Immigration Office today to get my one-year extension and for my 90-day check-in. This would mark the second time that I have worn shoes since I retired in Khon Kaen almost one year ago.
Khon Kaen Thai Immigration
The first time I wore shoes was at a wedding reception for my wife’s cousin. But, I figured I would try to look presentable today since I was basically asking permission to stay in Khon Kaen Thailand for one more year. Plus, it was cold.
Anyhow, up and at ‘em bright and early, feed the dogs, shower, get breakfast and coffee, and out the door at 0810. My dogs are going crazy as they rarely see me in blue jeans and when they do, it is usually because I going on a plane somewhere. So, they think that “Daddy” is going somewhere are both throwing fits. I try to console them, but they are not having it. But, I have to go.
Get to Khon Kaen Kasikorn Bank at 0825 and about 2 minutes later they open the door and I am the first customer.
I tell the cute Hello Girl that I want to update my bank book and then get a letter verifying the amount of Thai baht in my account so that I can apply for my visa extension at Thai Immigration in Khon Kaen. She understands perfectly.
I get the bank book updated and go to one of the service desks and see the same lady that opened my account 3 years ago. She does up the form letter and I ask her for copies of my bank book. She makes the copies and I am charged a grand total of 100 Thai baht for the letter and the copies were free.
Off to Khon Kaen Thai Immigration. Arrive at 0900 and am immediately seen by one of the workers. I notice that no one is in uniform like I saw at previous 90-day check-ins. This staff is dressed casually, wearing blue jeans and listening to music on Ipods.
I have my passport, photo, letter from bank, bank book, both forms, single copy of all (including passport, visa, arrival card), and present my packet to the clerk. He looks it all over and wants verification of the address and since the house is in my wife’s name, wants a copy of her ID card.
I head out to the car where my wife is waiting and get her ID card. I already had the House Book (Blue Book) with me. One of the little girls made copies of all of this along with one of the passport pages where my arrival stamp was obscured by the 90-day paper. Four sheets and 8 Thai baht later, all is in order.
The clerk looks everything over, signs and initials a couple of spots, staples my photo, and has me sign each and every piece of paper. I pay the 1,900 Thai baht and am given a receipt. He then tells me to take a seat and I will be called when finished.
About two minutes later, the clerk at the next desk calls my name, shows me my visa has been extended one year to 25 March 2012, and shows me when I have to return for my 90-day check-in.
Back in the car 18 minutes later and show it all to my wife and explain I need to return in June for the 90-day check. She doesn’t understand the logic of me having permission to stay for one year but have to check in every 90 days. I tell her it is Thai law and all of us retirees have to do it.
So, kudos to Kasikorn bank for opening early, understanding my needs, getting things done quickly, and not charging me for the copies of my bank book.
And, also kudos to the Khon Kaen Thai Immigration for taking care of my paperwork, allowing me to stay in the Kingdom one more year, and doing it all in 18 minutes.
2 Comments
Hey, do you know if the extend Tourist Visa’s there. I find myself traveling in Isaan and I need my tourist visa extended. Normally I’ve done this in Bangkok or Phuket. I’m “guessing” it can be done at any immigration office but then again probably not so many “tourists” up in Isaan.
Bruce,
Yes, you can get tourist visa in Khon Kaen