[Bushido]

I entered on a 30 day visa exemption last week (been in Thailand for about 8 months now) and was promptly questioned at the airport for 2-3 minutes. Gave them my trusty "girlfriend in Thailand" line which seemed to convince them and they stamped me in.

Nothing was said specifically, but I've been in Asia long enough to read between the lines.

The general aura of the officials was pretty clear: "Don't do this again."

I just saw the following article posted on Facebook and it all made sense. Looks like time is up for people doing visa runs on exemptions.

Quote:

The end of the world is nigh
Across Thailand, Facts on Thailand

1 Comment on The end of the world is nigh
13th August 2016; may be seen as the end of the world for many who use Thailand’s easy border run policy to stay in the country for an extended period of time.



The end of the world is nigh End of Border runs in Thailand



Because from this date hence forth, anyone wishing to stay longer must now leave the country in order to apply for a visa at consulates and embassies in other countries.

The one day visa runs to the Kingdoms borders to gain an additional 15 – 30 days has always been a very popular and cheap way for many long term residents in Thailand to extend their stay here without the need of long stay visas, but this is about to change.

The end of the world is nigh

The Immigration Bureau have already told the officials to refuse entry to foreigners on visa runs as a measure to stop the exploitation of tourist visas and visa exemptions to live or work here.

Tourists wishing to extend their stay in Thailand must now need to exit the country and apply for a proper tourist visa or they will need to fly out of the country every thirty days to obtain a new stamp. However, the ‘fly in – fly out’ option will not last for very long as visa runs by air will be prohibited from August 13th.

The end of the world is nigh the death of the border run

Immigration Bureau website says: “Leniency will be granted until August 12, but only for passengers arriving by air. Foreigners who come to Thailand must seek a proper visa in line with the purpose of their intended stay here.”

The issuing of visas from nearby countries is down to the discretion of the consulate used and the rules regarding the issue of tourist visas change on a monthly basis. Those who have already had several tourist visas may find their application is refused or they may receive a single rather than a double entry visa.

The end of the world is nigh cambodia-border-crossing

Pol Colonel Thirachai Dedkhad said: “We have made it clear that if they want to work in Thailand, they must seek a work permit and get the right type of visa.”

For those that feel aggrieved by Thailand enforcing the letter of the law (‘border runs” and their ensuing visa’s were only there to enable true holiday makers to stay on in the Kingdom a little longer), they only have to look towards the West and especially Europe, to see the folly in an open borders policy.

For those of us that are here, doing what-ever we do but legally, then nothing has changed, for others who abuse this country, its systems and its people, (many of these people are at the same time its most vocal of critics) then your days are numbered. Its simple get the right Visa and the Kingdom will still welcome you

http://asia-backpackers.com/the-end-of-t...d-is-nigh/

[Suits]

This is actually going to be a good thing motivated individuals. While there are some losers who do maintain a legal existence here in China, from what I hear, the quality of your typical expat dips much lower in Thailand.

The type of people worth meeting will still find a way, but it'll deter those who you'd be best staying away from.

Nevertheless, I hope this doesn't cause too much trouble for forum members who are enjoying all that Thailand has to offer.

[Bushido]

Update: My above article seems to be a troll job. It's apparently a copy of a two year old article.

[Sandstorm]

So I have to do this end of the month - go get another SETV 60 day, with 30 day extension possible.

Boring but so be it.

Last time I was here a few years ago I went to Vientiane in Laos - that place really, really sucked. I'd like to avoid if I can.

On Thaivisa someone mentioned Penang in Malaysia - I've never been to Malaysia - anyone know anything about this Penang place?

[RagnarLothbrok]

(09-10-2016 03:27 AM)Sandstorm Wrote:  

So I have to do this end of the month - go get another SETV 60 day, with 30 day extension possible.

Boring but so be it.

Last time I was here a few years ago I went to Vientiane in Laos - that place really, really sucked. I'd like to avoid if I can.

On Thaivisa someone mentioned Penang in Malaysia - I've never been to Malaysia - anyone know anything about this Penang place?

Why not Phnom Penh? I got my visa there and I saw tons of foreigners applying for a tourist visa. Should be cheap to fly there too.

Penang seems a bit odd. Wouldn't it be cheaper to fly to Kuala Lumpur and get it there? You can take a train from Bangkok to Butterworth for about 800 Baht and then a ferry to Penang, but that's 24 hours of traveling and isn't worth it in my opinion.

[Stay]

I'm a bit confused on the extension issue? If I have got the single entry for 60 days does that mean I need to go further than the border for a stamp for 30 day extension?

[Sandstorm]

(09-10-2016 08:57 AM)Stay Wrote:  

I'm a bit confused on the extension issue? If I have got the single entry for 60 days does that mean I need to go further than the border for a stamp for 30 day extension?

No, you go to immigration at Chaeng Wattana (on the way to don muang airport) fill in the form, do a few photocopies, wait for an hour or so, pay them 1900 baht I think, and they stamp you for another 30 days.

No border of any kind needed! Only when those 30 days are over do you need to leave Thailand.

[Sandstorm]

(09-10-2016 04:15 AM)RagnarLothbrok Wrote:  

(09-10-2016 03:27 AM)Sandstorm Wrote:  

So I have to do this end of the month - go get another SETV 60 day, with 30 day extension possible.

Boring but so be it.

Last time I was here a few years ago I went to Vientiane in Laos - that place really, really sucked. I'd like to avoid if I can.

On Thaivisa someone mentioned Penang in Malaysia - I've never been to Malaysia - anyone know anything about this Penang place?

Why not Phnom Penh? I got my visa there and I saw tons of foreigners applying for a tourist visa. Should be cheap to fly there too.

Penang seems a bit odd. Wouldn't it be cheaper to fly to Kuala Lumpur and get it there? You can take a train from Bangkok to Butterworth for about 800 Baht and then a ferry to Penang, but that's 24 hours of traveling and isn't worth it in my opinion.

Hey man, yeah it was just what was suggested on Thaivisa for "hassle free" visas, ie, no supporting docs needed and no rejections... Hopefully. I haven't been to Phnom Penh, wouldn't mind checking it out.

[Kamaki4]

(09-10-2016 04:15 AM)RagnarLothbrok Wrote:  

(09-10-2016 03:27 AM)Sandstorm Wrote:  

So I have to do this end of the month - go get another SETV 60 day, with 30 day extension possible.

Boring but so be it.

Last time I was here a few years ago I went to Vientiane in Laos - that place really, really sucked. I'd like to avoid if I can.

On Thaivisa someone mentioned Penang in Malaysia - I've never been to Malaysia - anyone know anything about this Penang place?

Why not Phnom Penh? I got my visa there and I saw tons of foreigners applying for a tourist visa. Should be cheap to fly there too.

Penang seems a bit odd. Wouldn't it be cheaper to fly to Kuala Lumpur and get it there? You can take a train from Bangkok to Butterworth for about 800 Baht and then a ferry to Penang, but that's 24 hours of traveling and isn't worth it in my opinion.

Do not go to Kuala Lumpur to get a tourist visa, or any other visa unless you are a resident of Malaysia.

They will make you run through hoops to get the visa. That's why a lot of those old timers on Thai Visa suggest Penang. It's also a bit like Phnom Penh in that you can just walk into an agency (many there) and they will take care of everything with minimal cost.

Sandstorm, some of the Thai Visa experts would know more than I do, but if you are using a UK passport. consulates other than the two in Laos that I woud recommend in order of ease are:

1) Penang (Malaysia)

2) Hong Kong (China)

3) Yangon (Myanmar) tie - need visa to enter Burma

3)Phnom Penh (Cambodia) tie - need visa to enter Cambo

3) HCM (Vietnam) tie - UK citizens don't need visa - need to show tickets of entry/exit, to/from Thailand.

[yellowfever]

Thanks for the tip regarding Penang. I've got to somewhere to renew the visa at the end of September and was originally looking at Kuala Lumpur. Hong Kong wasn't really high on the list because I've been there a few times already.

Do you know how many nights it will be necessary to stay there, assuming going straight from the airport to visa office on arrival?

[nomadbrah]

Penang is also boring. Vientiane is fine if you just accept the premise, bring a girl if you can, otherwise just get the early flight 6.45, get to the embassy same day, pick up next day, be back in Bangkok around 19, drink some Lao beer, eat some french bakery, wander around a bit, get a massage.

[NovaVirtu]

Hey fam. Perhaps this is an amatuer question here, but this is my first time applying for a visa and first time going to Thailand (or anywhere in Asia for that matter) so bear with me.

Travisa.com says if you are applying for the 60 day single entry visa you need to show a hotel confirmation (I don't however see anything on the thai consualte's website about this, so maybe it's just their requirement). I only have reservations booked for the first 11 days and I'm planning to just play it by ear from there.

They don't need proof of accomodations for the duration of your stay, do they? I've never heard of anyone being asked for such information but I don't want to make a mistake.

[Freebird Flying]

The last time I was in BKK, the immigration officer told me I would need a Visa the next time.

I have a U.S. Passport, and I have been to Thailand a total of 5 times lifetime. Apparently, after the 5th time, it may be a flag in their system.

My plan was to go back again without a visa, showing a return ticket. I was pretty sure they will let me continue to go without a visa, since I am definitely not living there, and a tourist.

Has anyone else been having this problem?

I want to continue taking trips every few months in Thailand for 2 to 4 weeks at a time.

Since I am going on a mediation retreat, I won't be able to show proof of accommodation, because you are not allowed to make reservations. But I can have some cash on me for sure, and a return ticket. My flight goes through BKK, and connects to a different City.

Edit: I am living in Manila. There is an embassy there, but I would prefer to avoid the hassle of getting a Visa unless it's necessary.

[jspill]

I did all of 2016 on visa exemptions, extending each one to 60 days, 2-3 weeks out between each trip, I took pics of my stamps and posted on Thaivisa forum, Google jspill 9 back to back visa exemptions if you wanna see (new here but been over there years). Even with a 2 year overstay stamp in my passport and in total 7 years in Thailand.

Maybe I just got lucky as I know some friends who got denied entry after 1 year stay and had to buy a flight ticket home there and then in the airport.

If you search bkk airport fast track immigration there's a service where for $30 you can use the fast lane at passport control, same one Thai Elite card holders use, and a rep meets you as you get off the plane and takes you through 'to assist with the speed of passing immigration'.

One mate who got deported used that and it worked, he got back into Thailand. It makes you look more 'wealthy' or whatever. I'll use that next time I fly in, at the moment I'm 'cooling off' in Philippines a couple months, I think as long as you take trips outside Thailand to a range of destinations you have no worries with visas. It's only an issue if you try to spend as close to 365 days a year in Thailand as you can, always go to Cambodia for 1 night then fly back, etc.

Also always have 20k baht in cash on you when passing through airports, sounds ridiculous but that's the criteria they use for 'proof of funds' to support your stay. A rented onward flight ticket from flyonward or bestonwardflights can help too (latter is faster and cheaper, $8).

Airports are pretty risky lately though if you have a long visa history so another hack is to fly to Laos and come in via land border, there's a private car lane which based on reports just waves you through, rent a cab from Vientiane to Udon, have your tourist visa from there (easiest consulate to get one) quickly checked as you drive through. Even if denied entry at a land border they often don't put the denied entry stamp in your passport, so you can simply try again, try a different border, or fly in as a last resort. Can't do more than 2 land border entries a year though, recent change.

Here is one friend's denied entry stamp (personal info cropped out)



In thai it says 'career, and lack of funds' these are always the reasons - to avoid the latter you show 20k baht in cash (sometimes other currencies that can be converted to baht are accepted, or travellers cheques, but to be safe have baht). For the former you need a good story as to how you are not illegally working in thailand (as a bartender, tour guide etc.).

Can help to have a Thai girlfriend or landlord on speeddial to call and back up your story too in the event you get pulled aside and questioned, which is happening more and more lately.

[Mr. Scumbag]

^ I'm a newbie to Thailand that's contemplating relocating to BKK for a while (6 months or a year possibly). First time there.

Do you think they'd give me any shit, or are they only targeting people who have been abusing border runs by land? I'd be looking to get any type of long term visa.

[jspill]

(05-22-2017 08:01 PM)Mr. Scumbag Wrote:  

^ I'm a newbie to Thailand that's contemplating relocating to BKK for a while (6 months or a year possibly). First time there.

Do you think they'd give me any shit, or are they only targeting people who have been abusing border runs by land? I'd be looking to get any type of long term visa.

No worries until you've been there at least a year on back to back visas. Yeah only targetting people they see as abusing it, by air or land.

I'd go for an Ed visa, Pro Language Asoke has an under the table rate of 20k baht if you don't attend classes (better to self-teach yourself Thai imo), or a bit more if you do attend. So you'd fly in on exemption / tourist visa, extend to 60/ 90 days and apply for the Ed visa, first border run would be to Laos to get the visa then once you're back you're good for a year's stay.

[lookslikeit]

Anyone have experience with the Thai Elite program. I'm interested in buying it.

[GlobalMan]

(09-15-2016 06:24 AM)Kamaki4 Wrote:  

consulates other than the two in Laos that I woud recommend in order of ease are:

1) Penang (Malaysia)

2) Hong Kong (China)

3) Yangon (Myanmar) tie - need visa to enter Burma

3)Phnom Penh (Cambodia) tie - need visa to enter Cambo

3) HCM (Vietnam) tie - UK citizens don't need visa - need to show tickets of entry/exit, to/from Thailand.

If anyone is seeking another option, and you have some time to travel, there is Kota Bharu, Malaysia. Right over the border. Was always a quick and easy experience at the Thai embassy there for me. You can take the train all the way down to the border. After crossing it is then a short taxi ride into town. It's also a nice change of pace and culture for a day. I always felt like a star in the McDonald's there ordering my Quarter Pounder. Definitely the less traveled border run option.