BritTim

The emails that are a concern come from mass mailing software. Such software can validly be used when sending automated acknowledgements, but never when asking for extra financial information. Even partially automated requests for further information ought to identify you by name and identify the sender It would request a reply using a correct reply to address, and have a subject line that has a reference code. It will never tell you to send sensitive information to a different email address (which is easily mistyped) and bounce messages if you reply. [Using a generic bounce address as the reply to is helpful, though, for getting scam emails through spam filters.] Over and above that, and assuming horrendous administrative practices, the e-visa system has a specific email address that is supposed to be used. The email address they are asking you to use was legitimate years ago, and can still be used for visa enquiries of a general nature. It is not part of the e-visa system.

I get the feeling that the nearest English translation of the whole phrase is "elderly" or "senior citizen". In Thai it has more respectful connotations than it does in English (except in limited contexts like "elder statesman" or "tribal elder"). I do not think it helps when trying to decide if such a person is allowed a work permit.

That, plus it was asking for the information to go to an email address distinct from that used by the e-visa system. It is bad enough that the message contained no indication that they knew who they were communicating with, or identifying who was sending the message. That is highly unprofessional. Doing the same while asking for the information to a separate email address to that normally used would not make sense.

At most embassies, Sheryl, you are correct. The Paris embassy has historically been very tough on those applying for tourist visas.

I think I would describe your decision to get the Non O-X as pessimistic rather than ridiculous. You are aware that there are better short term options, but have a bleak view on the prospects of those options being available in the future. Settling for the Non O-X is your way of guaranteeing that you have a longer term solution. Many who take the same pessimistic view, and who have plenty of money, might be more inclined to go for the 20-year Thailand Elite membership which provides certainty for a longer period. Right now, many consider that option to be cheap, but prices are going to be greatly increased shortly.

I will need to look back at my records. I have done SWIFT transfers to Kasikorn in the distant past, but not recently. My recollection is that NatWest in the UK could send direct to either Bangkok Bank or Kasikorn. When you send to Kasikorn, is the transfer subject to delays? My recollection is that the transfer through a correspondent bank tended to take about a week as opposed to the normal three days when transfer was direct.

Most Thai government systems are not as trustworthy as, say, UK government systems. A few years ago (when the evisa system worked differently) I think it was legitimate. That is one of the problems. It seems to be an email address that was previously what you were supposed to use, but which now seems to have been hijacked.

Your experiences may be relevant, but I would be less worried when told to send replies to [email protected] (the expected mailbox). I do wonder if the IT staff configuring Taximail (that might legitimately be used in some circumstances) might be involved.

I am not an expert on this particular issue. It is my sense that the Por Kor 14 confirms sole custody, and is necessary in cases like applying for passports for the child. I do not think it guarantees that the father could not petition a court to change the custody arrangement later.

That is an excellent question. I keep hoping someone will try and give recent feedback. There is a visa run company on Samui who has contacts at the Kota Bharu consulate. He uses the contact to verify that visas will be issued before taking them on his visa runs to Kota Bharu.

That is a good point. However, there are other indications that all is not well. For at least the last two months, it has been impossible to reach the consular section at the London embassy by phone. Not a single call is taken for the whole day. Emails to [email protected] notifying them of the problem do not receive a response that suggests the email is received by the consular officials in the form it was sent. If it was the result of a keylogger, that implies some very curious coincidences. The phishing emails are apparently being sent from Thailand (though a server on Amazon in Singapore) using the mass marketing software Taximail developed in Thailand.

At Suvarnabhumi, it is 100% certain that both the overstay desk and the re-entry permit desk are staffed 24 hours. Should no one be on the desk when you arrive (highly unlikely) just behind the desk on the left is the room where the re-entry permits are actually done. Between that room and the desk there are usually about three officials on duty. The only issue that has ever arisen with re-entry permits at the airport is that the camera machine they use has been known to break. Should that happen, it is important that you have a suitable photo with you (of the kind usually needed when you apply for the re-entry permit at an immigration office). Also, of course, make sure you have the 1,200 baht (1,000 baht if you already have a completed TM8 form with photo)

This is correct. When using a Non B visa to enter Thailand, your permission to stay is not tied to your work permit. Until the expiry date of the visa, you can continue to enter Thailand with it, receiving 90 days each time you enter. That is distinct from the situation of an extension of stay based on working where your permission to stay ends with your job.

Certainly some Americans have a sense of humour. However, they are usually totally incapable of recognising irony and sarcasm. On the other hand, as a Brit, I often assume Americans are being humorous when they are actually deadly serious.

That is my opinion of the most likely explanation also. It is worth this relatively small price for peace of mind. I am really sorry you have been subjected to this. At least the problem was identified before the scammers could cause you personally serious financial harm. The concern is the dozens or hundreds of others who have no idea they have become victims.

If you have a history as a long stay tourist, do not try for a tourist visa in Savannakhet. Until a few months ago, it was a good place to apply. They are now very strict on those applying for tourist visas, with many denials. It is still an excellent choice for most other kinds of visas. If you can make an appointment, I strongly advise you to try for the visa at the Thai embassy in Vientiane. As long as you meet their requirements, denied tourist visas there are rare.

In many, many situations, the controlling law states that the prevailing rules should be covered in Ministerial Announcements that become effective when published in the Government Gazette. The Police Orders largely reflect how the law, as qualified by the Ministerial Announcements, are implemented. The above states how things are supposed to work. In practice, the officials often ignore the Ministerial Announcements, and sometimes even the clear language of the laws themselves.

Yes, that is another point that leads me to believe that it may be allowed to have a work permit on a retirement extension (though not on a Non O-A visa that specifically has EMPLOYMENT PROHIBITED). Unfortunately, there are no English translations of the Government Gazette Without that, my Thai is simply not good enough for me to efficiently search for the current rules as set out by the Ministry.

The current distinction between visa and "temporary permission to remain in Thailand" make this a real can of worms. Vast swathes of the legislation would need to be reworded. On the other hand, they have somehow managed to finesse that with the way the LTR visas have been set up. I agree with you that the whole re-entry permit system is needlessly bureaucratic.

Interesting. I thought that often happened because Bangkok Bank is used as a correspondent bank for transfers to your Kasikorn account (a choice by your overseas bank), However, most large overseas banks are able to transfer direct to Kasikorn through SWIFT. In that situation, I thought only Kasikorn would impose that charge.

1. No. You receive 90 days starting on the date the application is approved. 2. Your marriage certificate and KR2 from the amphoe. 3. Yes.

My understanding (I am not completely sure) is that she can work as soon as she has been informed that the work permit is approved and will be issued, but she is then supposed to receive it within seven days. It all depends on the latest wording of the Ministerial Announcements.

The emails are generated using a mass marketing tool called Taximail (https://www.taximail.com/th/home). Since their objective is almost certainly identity theft, they will gratefully accept any sensitive private information (especially with respect to your finances) that you choose to give them. Commonly, in these situations, they want enough information to (with the help of a little doctoring of the documents) apply for credit cards in the victim's name. Genuine bank statements (PDF format) in the victim's name with an address that can easily be edited are absolutely ideal.

Also, an immigration official's verbal assurance does not preclude them changing their mind later. When it comes to Thai Immigration, I keep everything, whether I think I will need it or not.

The banks are giving you good advice. I suggest you educate yourself about Identity Theft, the techniques scammers use to achieve it, and the consequences it can pose for you. A particular worry is that they might get credit cards using the information you have given them, and end up ruining your credit rating. This is almost impossible to recover from. CIFAS has decades of experience in these matters, and can hopefully prevent serious consequences (though it may well mean more stringent scrutiny when you want to carry out financial transactions). Please keep us informed about the actions taken by the police.