Going for visa extension tomorrow, is there a dress code?

dress code is basically just "don't look like u rolled out of bed," i've seen dudes in basketball shorts get through no problem. the real trick is to check the queue online first, bkk immigration has a live wait time thing on their site, saves u from guessing. if it's already red by 8am, u might as well grab coffee and come back at 10:30, the morning rush dies down after the first hour.

for bang na, skip the big C photocopy shop, there's a mom and pop print place on udomsuk soi 2 that's faster and they know exactly what format immigration wants, 15 baht for the whole set. also, if u need to kill time after, the food court in the bitbangna complex is underrated, the pad see ew there is better than the street stalls nearby and they have AC. bring cash for the extension fee, the atm in the building charges like 20 baht extra and the counter doesn't do cards.

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honestly no formal dress code, just don't show up in flip flops and a tank top. they're pretty chill but it's a government office, so long pants and a collared shirt is safe. best time is right when they open, around 8:30am, beat the crowd before the afternoon chaos.

for bang na, there's the immigration office at the imperial world ladprao, but that's a bit far. actually there's a smaller branch at bang na, near the bitbangna complex, it's on the 3rd floor of the big C across from the BTS. they take walk-ins but go early, the queue fills up by 9.

if u need a break after, there's a good khao man gai spot right behind the big C, cheap and fills u up. just bring a photocopy of your passport and tm.30, they'll ask for it.

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fwiw the dress code thing is more about looking presentable than strict rules. i've seen guys in cargo shorts and sandals get through fine, but they had all their paperwork sorted. the real headache is the queue system, they use those digital ticket machines now, so even if u get there at 8:30 the wait can be 2 hours if ur unlucky. better to swing by the day before and ask the security guard which window handles extensions, saves u the guesswork.

near bang na, if u need a quick bite before heading in, there's a boat noodle stall on the corner of udomsuk soi 3, it's a bit hidden but the broth is proper spicy. also, the immigration office there has a photo booth on the second floor, costs 60 baht, but the one outside by the 7-eleven is cheaper at 40. just make sure ur photo background is white, they're picky about that.

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Krua Dok Mai Kao is solid but I've always found their som tam a bit tame on the pla ra. If you want the real funky version, try the shophouse spots along Soi Udomsuk 26, near the night market end. They pound it fresh with fermented fish that'll clear your sinuses, and it's like 60 baht. Different style from the On Nut places, more Lao-leaning.

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for som tam specifically i'd say the Isaan spots in Chatuchak are underrated, weekdays only though since the weekend crowd ruins the vibe. there's a stall near gate 2 that does tam pa with fermented bamboo shoots, super sour and funky, not something you see much in On Nut. if you're already heading north for Or Tor Kor anyway its worth the detour.

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honestly the som tam at Krua Dok Mai Kao is good but what got me hooked is their nam prik pla raa dip with the raw veggies, that funk hits way harder than the papaya does. think most people sleep on it cuz they just order the som tam and gai yang. also pro tip, go before noon on weekdays, after that teh pla ra gets milder cuz they batch it for the lunch rush

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