Gaybutton wrote: ↑Tue Nov 19, 2019 10:56 am
Dodger wrote: ↑Tue Nov 19, 2019 10:17 am
one can not assume with 100% certainty, that applying for their extension renewal 30 days early would necessarily work.
Yes, things can still go wrong even then. But if you have a better suggestion, I'm all ears . . .
Beats the hell out of me...
Just kidding.
Seriously, I would suggest visiting immigration 60 days early and ask to speak directly to the Superintendent to make sure you comply with Chonburi's interpretations of the requirements.
I would not ask these questions to any of the officers (clerks). Whatever the Superintendent told me I needed to do - I would do. If I was told I needed to make adjustments in order to comply, I would have 60 days to accomplish this.
I mentioned earlier in this thread that I did exactly that back in August, and based on the information I received from the Superintendent (Chonburi) I was able to have my ducks neatly in a row when I returned in October to renew my extension.
The Superintendent showed no reluctance in speaking with me, and he couldn't have been friendlier or more forthcoming, I had the impression that there haven't been too many farang who have requested to speak to him directly before. I could be wrong, but that was my impression. In all of the reports that are published on the various forums, I have never once heard of a situation where someone actually asked policy questions to a member of the immigration offices top management. They are always dealing solely the officers (clerks).
Maybe there's a certain element of fear attached to this for some people. I don't know. But what I do know, is that I pulled up all roots in American and transplanted myself here on Thai soil, and have made considerable investments in doing so. I fully intend to follow all the laws, but someone has to tell me what the laws are first. If the officers who work in the immigration offices lack concrete knowledge of these legal requirements, which they obviously do, then I need to speak to the person who's responsible for the officers. It's just as simple as that.
As a side not: If anyone does intend on ever speaking to a Superintendent of any of the Immigration Divisions, I would suggest being sober, dress appropriately, keep your questions short and direct. He already knows why you're there so don't waste his time with emotional ramblings about things he already knows. Just cut to the chase. I started by thanking him for taking the time from his busy schedule to talk to me, which he seemed to appreciate.