tookwan cottage

Just now, MrPatrickThai said:

Good advice for sure, but not for free surely.

Oh well, I am not experiencing a cost, so if something has been mined or exploited without my knowledge, I can live with that.

1 minute ago, Jingthing said:

Yes, with all the bickering and games here, people often overlook the real service that is provided here in helping so many people with real information and good advice.

Not only in the visa forum and not only from Ubonjoe, but yes, he's a top star for sure.

The site is obviously a commercial for profit enterprise but in that context it still provides help of real value to many for no cost but to have to look at adverts. 

That is my understanding too!

So great to be able to access your knowledge on TV,@ubonjoe! #muchgratitude

On 1/4/2018 at 12:35 PM, ubonjoe said:

They would not deny you leaving the country in any case if you have the 20k baht to pay the fine unless you had an arrest warrant for something you had done here. 

People have left with years of of overstay without a problem.

But now with more than 90 days you would be banned form entering the country for a year or if more than a year it would be 5 years.

 

Apologies for the seemingly nonsensical followup query, @ubonjoe, but I am trying to get all the information I need without any gaps whatsoever. Immigration at the international airport for a matter such as this operates on Sundays, right?

On 1/9/2018 at 3:17 PM, pearciderman said:

 

Therein lies the problem, you asked an "embassy officer", (who works for MFA), about an immigration matter, maybe you should have asked an immigration officer ?

This is a fair point. Will do this tomorrow.

WOW, i thought the topic was done.

Gratitude to the additional posters, as your advice are all necessary reaffirmations. Not even a hint of sanctimony or belittling, just support. You folk have clearly been in The Kingdom for long enough with that level of compassion!

My gratitude is as always, very great. Thank you again, Ubonjoe (and lopburi3!).

Hi @ubonjoe: I am directing this query to you, as I find you the most trustworthy.

I am just wondering in the case of an overstay, in what case would Immigration refuse to simply accept the 20K baht fine and let you fly out at the international airport in BKK? I ask because an embassy officer just informed me that in "rare cases," they will refuse the fine, choose to arrest you instead, thereby leading to the court case/detainment/deportation process. But he could not give me an example of one of those cases!

I understand that many queries have been made on this matter, and I have looked throughout the forums, but I could not find a personal anecdote of this particular situation, which is one that would actually be helpful to me.

Thanks in advance!

By earning 5-15 times the average salary you are able to outbid locals on property and business rentals. own motorbikes and cars far beyond the dreams of Thais and this creates jealousy and discontent. Not talking about 'tourists' living in resorts renting cheap scooters etc, but those in high end houses and condos throwing money around with no respect for locals. No obligations - well, that sums it up.

I see lots of people driving around my area in cars I could never dream of affording. They're all Thai. Not all the locals are dirt poor.

I agree, but the Thais who can afford these cars are for the most successful businessmen in their own country, where one would hope the playing field was level (small hope as this is all-corrupt Thailand, but still), whereas the twenty something digital nomad is showing the middle class Thai exactly how meaningless his existence is.

The wage and wealth gap is huge in Thailand - foreigners earning foreign currency just make it all the more obvious to the "middle class".

Again, I understand that it feels easier to just contribute based on a "feeling," but it would be far more valuable if you could even provide anecdotal verification of your claims. I am sure the Thai middle and lower classes will feel truly blessed by a person who wants to return the meaning to their lives, so if you can document the resentment that is harbored by them due to the DNs, this thread would greatly benefit. Video footage would be the best option, if you are willing to make the effort, as to hear this resentment from the downtrodden would be incredibly valuable.

Staying long long term on tourist visa, living in the same long term rental at a steep discount is not what the Tourist folks generally have in mind. How any of these arguments will fare when bounced against the simple argument "hey, I am here and spending money in Thailand", only time will tell

HA HA HA! "Steep discount"...since when farangs have gotten that kind of deals in Thailand?! More like the exact opposite.

Some people just do not like remote workers no matter what. They absolutely hate the fact the world has changed and where you work from does not matter that much anymore.

For Thailand it is a win-win situation. Money coming in, 5-15 times of average Thai salary per month. No obligations to pay anything back, like social security or even hospital bills.

Let's say 53 year old remote worker and 53 year old early retiree, both receiving the same amount of money per month...are you honestly going to say that 53 year old retiree is somehow more valuable to Thailand or his home country than that still working other guy?!

"Some people just do not like remote workers no matter what. They absolutely hate the fact the world has changed and where you work from does not matter that much anymore."

In fact it does matter - if you spend more than 180 days in this country you are liable for tax on the moneys you earn pursuing your career, worldwide. USA, amongst many countries has always taxed citizens on worldwide earnings - so little has "changed", other than it is easier to conceal your illegal earnings from your own (and your host) govts.

For Thailand it is a win-win situation. Money coming in, 5-15 times of average Thai salary per month. No obligations to pay anything back, like social security or even hospital bills.

By earning 5-15 times the average salary you are able to outbid locals on property and business rentals. own motorbikes and cars far beyond the dreams of Thais and this creates jealousy and discontent. Not talking about 'tourists' living in resorts renting cheap scooters etc, but those in high end houses and condos throwing money around with no respect for locals. No obligations - well, that sums it up.

Let's say 53 year old remote worker and 53 year old early retiree, both receiving the same amount of money per month...are you honestly going to say that 53 year old retiree is somehow more valuable to Thailand or his home country than that still working other guy?!

The retiree has, until now had to endure far more stringent checks to get the OA visa - compared to the tourist visa holder abusing the system, who had no checks at all. So yes, I could say the retirees money is probably 'cleaner' and therefor more acceptable than the 'working guy's'.

"so little has "changed", other than it is easier to conceal your illegal earnings from your own (and your host) govts."

I suggest you spend at least a day actually looking at the way that "work" has and is changing. I understand it is easier to respond off the top of your head, based on a "feeling," but if you really want to make a worthwhile contribution, then substantial research is recommended.

I am unsure how he got a Thai bank account, but do you think this worked in his favor, jspill?

Many digital nomads have moved to Cambodia where the Internet is faster and the visa issues are fewer. If you are coder, you may enjoy spending time in Saigon. Seems to be the best place for coding in Asia. Good luck with Thailand.

Not! It's slower and more expensive. Don't know about Saigon but I hear the pho is pretty good. I hear Lopburi has a lot of monkeys...maybe you code monkeys will like it up there.

You are wrong but even IF you were right, you still get left in peace to just work. If you are serious about getting work done, you should be an a place that allows for that. You can still enjoy all the scholarly pursuits and culture Thailand as to offer on long weekends. Most are like you only arguing over the speed of the Internet. But you added monkeys and that was a nice attempt at humor.

"and that was a nice attempt at humor."

Let's not get carried away, yellowboat. Just look at his username—like the rest of us, you know very well what you are dealing with here.

I've been following this blog for a little over 2 years now and frankly most (not all) of the people on here really should find a hobby other than rejoicing in the demise of other's. It seems as if the more difficult the constant rule changes (for less than obvious reasons) in immigration policy makes it for the majority of people (at least the people I run into at immigration, be it here in BKK or Cambodia) living here, the more certain people here rejoice in other people's misery. Just like everywhere I've traveled in the world there are good people and bad; however mostly good, and what we all have in common,(foreigners and native's alike whether your abroad or in your home country), most just want to enjoy life have a few laughs and provide for family and friends.

What I've seen going on here over the last two years (by some) is honestly, either immature old men or old men whose cup of misery run-ith over and they just can't wait to share a drink or two of it with some unsuspecting soul who mistakenly post a question on here, asking how they might resolve some mess they find themselves in (sometimes due to no one's fault but their own) only to be needlessly attack and or defamed. Is that really necessary, do we need to add to their suffering with insults and "Oh I'm better than you" B.S. Really is this best you have to offer someone in need is attempting to humiliate them in a public forum. That includes the racist Thai's that comment here as well, believe me I've called out my own friends at home for insulting your country men and woman living in our country for the same small minded racist crap that I hear from some Thai's here.

At the end of the day this isn't their country, your country, or our country (whether your at home, or living abroad) it belongs to the universal power, some call it God or whatever and in 100 years or two hundred years who knows who it's going to "belong" to. I do know this, when I'm at home and I see a foreigner having difficulties I try to stop and help, to be kind and patient when I'm having difficulties understanding his or her broken English. I do this not because I'm an especially kind person, no I do it because I want them to feel welcomed in "Our" home. We are all ambassador's of "Our" country; again whether your at home or abroad, if your visiting you should conduct yourself as a guest. If your at home you should conduct yourself as any gracious host would with kind words, patients and understanding.

I realize I've gone on a little bit of a rant here; however I just wanted to say I don't get all the meanness and hatefulness that goes on in this blog, when it should be a place that Farang's in particular should be able to find some level of compassion and support.

Maybe I'm wrong?

Have an Inspired Day!!

Great post.

No, you are not wrong at all. We should all help each other and not be spiteful or rejoice in other's misery as you say. We should offer solutions or at the very least, offer some solidarity.

Anyway, who are these Thais you speak of on this forum? How do you even know they are Thais? There are plenty of losers on here who have nothing better to do than troll and try and impersonate Thais. It's quite easy to tell from their writing style they are not Thais.

I usually do not use the term, but Tomtomtom69 is accurate: these people are "losers" and they have "nothing better to do." Well put!

This topic always brings out the self-righteous and the teacher's pets. I find them infinitely more objectionable than even the most blatant overstayer.

Good on the OP's friend for getting right with Immigration (or intending to).

A pox on the usual suspects, and you know who you are...

Thank you for this. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I am so far beyond the sanctimonious that it is almost an alien feeling when I encounter it again.

Asking for embassy to fund the overstay, and flight is almost certainly a no go,. Forget any help from them for the rent owing.

Having said that you have to try, that involves persistence requests to the consular staff ( not embassy ) but do not hold your breath.

Immediate action. Find a friend to live with, be honest with them regarding your situation, and be prepared to move around even if it is one night at a time. A roof over your head is needed.

After that be honest with the landlord, explain your personal situation, and that whilst you cannot pay at the moment you have intention to get your life back on track, and ask for patience and time to pay. If he/she will not you are going to have to disappear quick as he/she could easily invoke the police to assist.

Get on Facebook, check every single contact you have ever made ( including clients, if necessary forward sell your work - keep those promises), old school friends, distant family, ex-colleagues and send a polite but begging letter, asking them if they are able to help, after you have explained your personal situation, and your intention that you will repay.

Writing to the Belgium press is a good idea, your national regional AND local papers there.

Sorry to say you need to get back home, without a doubt and regroup. Thailand is always there, and you can return when you are sorted, at least you will have minimal support, even if it means throwing yourself on the governments mercy, ( you are not going to get very much in Swampy)

You need at this most difficult time to make a huge effort and I know that cannot be easy.

There are lots of people on TV who will try and put you down. Stand up, Several years ago I was one of nah sayers whilst in Indonesia and a fellow Brit was incarcerated. I was very dismissive. I did however see the error of my ways, got to know him via email, supplied him with food, reading and eventually a plane ticket out of there ( would have remained in immigration until someone paid for it) I never met him, but spoke to him whilst in UK. Good things can happen. Do I regret spending the money on him, hell NO, I do regret not listening earlier and was happy to help

failing all of this. Crazy as it sounds, I also had a German friend in similar dire straights as yourself, but with zero qualifications. He bit the bullet, and became a male escort in Thailand ( must get that book written one day )

Good luck

Regardless of what happens, I just want to thank the OP for generating some truly compelling discussion, like this account/advice! Great reading, but also heartening to see empathy/compassion shown.

I can only recommend tenacity and gratitude as the two essentials for life: tenacity to get you through the ongoing challenges, and gratitude to keep you from getting too upset about the challenges.

My time in The Kingdom has only been possible with both the kindness of others and my own diligence. Actually, I think the main reason people have been kind to me is because they can see that I am diligent—it is symbiotic.

The system does flag you on your 6th entry within one year now causing them to have a supervisor look over your history and question you. I come and go in Thailand, like you always stay just under 30 days, and usually spend between 1 and 3 months in America before returning. On a weekend trip to Cambodia, coming back in was my sixth entry and I was pulled aside by a supervisor who had to go through all my details. I had all the right answers and everything was in order so it ultimately was not a problem, but she said the flagging on the sixth entry was new that month (April). Hopefully a moot point with the new Visa soon.

Really appreciate when people cite experience/s to back up claims, rather than just throwing any old rumor up on TV. Thank you kindly, Jeff BKK!

SERIOUSLY, AS I HAVE SAID ON ANOTHER THREAD, WOODY AT IT HOUSE ON THE 3RD FLOOR OF PANTIP PLAZA IS THE ONLY PERSON YOU NEED TO SEE: 085 100 0811 OR 087 246 6660.

He studied electronics at university and then worked in Taiwan. The guy knows Macs.

I am writing this from IT House in Pantip Plaza, based on the recommendation of another TV user, and Woody is indeed the best Apple guy in The Kingdom. 3rd floor, 085 100 0811 or 087 246 6660.

Seriously, I am not a happy man because I have been wasting time and money with other jokers.

Went across yesterday, 2 Aug 2015, no problems, no questions, no documentation requested. Both sides were friendly and quick. However, as acetraveler says, posted sign on the Thai passport control booth says "no more visa runs" with a warning about the illegality of using tourist visas for non-visa purposes. The sign also advises all foreigners entering the kingdom must have proof of on going travel reservations, hotel reservations, 10,000 THB in cash per person.

We were a large family on US passports, not being guided by an tourism company, with two of our children having been born in Thailand and with a valid residence permit for a nearby country, and we only make occasional short trips to Thailand--all of that they could see in our passports, so we looked like what we are, which is pure tourists. Small, cute, friendly kids may help too.

On the Myanmar side I was expecting them to keep our passports and give us a receipt to reclaim them upon exit as I had heard about, but they took our 10 USD per person (they asked for 500 THB, but I had read that they will accept 10 USD) and stamped us both in and out of the country at the same time. Upon exiting we simply had to show the passports to an official and walk back across the bridge. We received another 30 day visa waiver.

So I would guess that as others have reported, they will stop people who appear to be doing this alot, but if one does happen to be near Mae Sai anyway, hasn't done this before and wants a bit more time in Thailand, this may be a cheaper option than the 1900 THB extension. (We have seven passports, so worth it for us.)

Wow, they did not even keep your passports, and stamped you both in and out! Now that is progress, as it will make it much quicker, I think!

Another great post comprised purely of helpful information. Thank you Spambot!