DanRW

englishinsiam, on 2011-03-28 01:09:12, said:

My wife's visa arrived in Chiang Mai 7 days after the application was submitted so it does indeed seem quick at the moment

Best of luck.

Chiang Mai ................... Happening again as I write!!

Hi all, thanks for the replies. I'm encouraged about the 7 days turnaround.

We decided to drive down to Bangkok to wait in line. If you get there around 0730 you'll be close to the front of the queue. You can book an appointment online if you have time on your hands but if not just turn up.

The process seems to be as follows:

First you wait to get a number. Then you wait in another room for your number to be called so your documents can be checked. Then you queue again to get another number in the line to submit the application. After you give in the application you can do the finger prints. Took a good 3 hours and it didn't even seem very busy.  

There's an office downstairs which seem to be connected in some way but my wife thinks not. They will check your documents (200b) and do any photocoping for you. They can also give you a 'bankers draft' (even though they're not a bank!) - they buy them up front and will sell them on to you for 200b. There is a bank on the premises and they'll issue the BD for 20b but they don't open until 0830. My wife was told by a lady in this office that if she waited for the bank to open she wouldn't get a place in the queue. I noticed a few Thai guys in shirt and tie waiting around in the lobbies who are more than happy to direct you to the downstairs office, but it only just occurred to me that they might be touts.

Apart from that my wife said the process was fairly painless. Received an SMS a couple of hours later to say the application had been sent to the embassy.

I'll let you know when we get the visa.

Thanks again.

Dan

DekDoi, on 2010-10-23 15:25:24, said:

Yup, Kiddybear are still around but I think they might have moved recently - I have been as far as the gates to their new place but it was a while ago and can't remember where it was. North side of town.

JimShortz, on 2010-10-11 16:13:10, said:

Thanks Jim! This is great - We must pay them a visit. I'm from the UK and am glad there's a British based system on offer (if only because I undersand it more than the American!). Interesting that you're a teacher there too.

We've got a free community event coming up next month with food, music, activities for children etc. Would be good to talk to you more. Please come!

Dan