Far but awesome new Thai Immigration Office

The tomo (Thai term for immigration office) has moved to its new location at the Government Complex on Soi 7, Chaeng Wattana, Nonthaburi Province on September 28, 2009. It opens at 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM Mondays to Fridays and lunch break is 12:00-1:00 PM.

Many "farangs" (foreigners) have aired out their complaints about the distance and the travel cost involved in getting there from the capital, Bangkok where most expats and tourists stay. The worst thing is, there is no other mode of transportation except taxi as there are no buses that go there. From the main road, it is still a few kilometers away. So if you process your visa, re-entry or 90 days reporting there, you need to have your own ride or to hire a taxi to wait as there are just a few in there. I got there today (for over an hour with all the traffic jams) through KMUTT's pick-up for my re-entry permit. My negative feeling was replaced with excitement though when I saw the magnificent building with all its TIT's (This is Thailand) uniqueness.

I experienced sweating out before in the old immigration office in Bangkok located on Suan Phlu. It was sooooo crowded then that the transfer was really necessary.
Even if I was in a hurry to get back to my office, I could not stop myself from wandering, wondering and taking photos around. The place is really awesome. It's more than just a government complex. It's also a shopping mall and a great place to hang out. It has everything you need - clothes, food, coffee shops, souvenirs even organic products and fruits and all kinds of banks with extraordinary services. So while waiting for your queue, you can go to the basement to have a cup of coffee or cappuccino, to shop some goodies for yourself or even to pay your bills at any of the bank of your choice or at 7-11 counter.