Guest Astrrro Posted January 24, 2009 Posted January 24, 2009 Booked a 1:45 appointment online and took the 10:30 van for 150 baht from the Family Mart under the Wet and Wild sign on Pattaya Tai. Started out with an almost empty van but it picked up other Thais by pre-arrangement along the way. I was the only farang in the van. Driver drove too fast just like the last time. From the Victory Monument terminus I took the Skytrain to Ploen Chit (25 baht). The signs at Ploen Chit suggest you take Exit 2 but I think keeping to the left at Exit 5 is better. It's a short walk to the Embassy. Got there and deposited my mobile phone with the guards. The first room was packed and it looked like it wouldn't be easy for me to get to a window without taking a number. So I went to the next bigger room and went to Window C and handed over my passport and appointment number. Got fast service but they did not seem to care about the appointment number. A guy I was talking to also used that window without an appointment. So I suggest making an appointment but whether you have one or not go to Window C. The fee for notary service is 30 USD or 1000+ baht so if you have dollars it's a better deal. To return I took the Skytrain to Ekkamai (25 baht), and a bus (118 baht) to Pattaya, followed by a baht bus for 20 baht. So on Monday I'll find out for sure if they'll extend my visa even thought it has six months before expiration. I was told verbally, that I could do so but there may have been some miscomunication. Quote
Gaybutton Posted January 24, 2009 Posted January 24, 2009 The signs at Ploen Chit suggest you take Exit 2 but I think keeping to the left at Exit 5 is better. Which exit turned out to be better? On Monday I don't think you're going to have any problem at all. Quote
Guest GaySacGuy Posted January 24, 2009 Posted January 24, 2009 There is a small sign near the machine that pumps out a number for you, that says if you have an appointment go directly to Window C, which will handle appointments. I was ther a month ago, and found Window C very fast. Quote
Guest Astrrro Posted January 24, 2009 Posted January 24, 2009 Which exit turned out to be better? If you know where you're going it's the same distance. The upside of Exit 5 is that if you use 5 LEFT you're actually on Wireless Road heading in the proper direction. Also if it's raining you're undercover slightly longer. As long as you avoid taking 5 RIGHT, you'll be OK. My guess is that Exit 5 is not one of the original exits since it's near 1 and 2 instead of 3 and 4. Quote
PattayaMale Posted January 24, 2009 Posted January 24, 2009 Is immigration or the Embassy open Monday? I thought it was the Chinese New Year and things would be closed.........Am I wrong on this? Quote
Guest buckeroo2 Posted January 24, 2009 Posted January 24, 2009 I also need an income statement from the US Embassy but I read that they will do one of their community outreach programs in Pattaya this Thursday, Jan 29 at the Aisawan Resort in Pattaya off of Naklua Rd. I will try this approach and hopefully I can eliminate the need to make a trip to BKK. I will let you know how this works out. I still have 6 weeks before the expiration of my visa so I still have time to make the trip to the Embassy if need be. Quote
Guest Astrrro Posted January 24, 2009 Posted January 24, 2009 Buckeroo, The hours of the Pattaya outreach day are from 8AM till noon. I'm leaving Friday so that's cutting it too close for me. Nobody seems to know where the hotel is. Quote
Gaybutton Posted January 25, 2009 Posted January 25, 2009 Nobody seems to know where the hotel is. This may help: http://www.aisawan.com/location.html Quote
2lz2p Posted January 25, 2009 Posted January 25, 2009 Buckeroo, The hours of the Pattaya outreach day are from 8AM till noon. I'm leaving Friday so that's cutting it too close for me. Nobody seems to know where the hotel is. The following is from the Pattaya City Expat Club's Newsletter: Gary Hacker, US Embassy Warden for Pattaya, has provided the following directions: Aisawan Resort Compex on Wong Amat Beach Road is between Sois 18 and 16 off Naklua Highway. You need to go around the Dolphin Turnaround and head out Naklua Road, turning left on Soi 18. Proceed straight ahead all the way to the end and turn right (only way you can) onto Wong Amat Beach Road. You will pass the new Northpoint Condo being built on the left side and the Aisawan Resort is next door also on the left. The Consulate Group will be in the Lobby. Also, here is an Aisawan Resort and Spa location map: http://www.aisawan.com/location.html . Quote
Guest buckeroo2 Posted January 26, 2009 Posted January 26, 2009 I ventured out to the Aisawan Resort today. I got off the songtaow at the Dolphin Turnaround and walked the rest of the way. Make sure that you take Soi 18/1 off of Naklua Rd. You will come to Soi 18/2 first - continue on until you coime to the next soi - which is soi 18/01 - on the left. It is quite a hike to Aisawan. The Northpoint Condos being constructed go on forever - there are 5 - 6 huge highrighes being built - have to be thousands of condos there a virtual construction village has sprouted up there.. The walk from the Dolphin Turnaround to Aisawan is about 30 minutes at a leisurely pace. On the return I continued walking all the way back to the New Central Dept store in Pattaya Klang as traffic was horrible and I needed some exercize. BTW, one theater at the SFX movie complex at Central is designated a First Class theater - big seat, recline, put your feet up, snacks are served and then popcorn and a soft drink besides the snack and also a comfy blanket is furnished - all for 600 baht per seat. I just read the sign - did not experience the theater. Quote
