Soneva

On 11/14/2015 at 9:07 AM, bubba said:

I see the Thai Consulate in Washington has now posted their METV requirements for Americans. Yes, the bank balance and employment requirements are there. Regarding the funds, it is interesting that they state "bank balance or evidence of adequate finance", so presumably that could mean monetary assets other than bank accounts, such as accounts at investment firms.

Purpose of Visit: This type of visa is issued to applicants who wish to enter the Kingdom for tourism purposes.
Documents Required:

1. Your actual Passport or Travel Document. (Passport or Travel Document must not expire within 6 months and contain at least ONE completely empty visa page).
2. One visa application form completely filled out (Download)
3. Two passport-size photographs (2″x2″) (photocopy or photo taken from Photostat will not be accepted). Photographs must have a light color background with a full- face view of the person without wearing a hat or dark glasses and covering up shoulders Photos must be taken within 6 months.
4. Flight confirmation/reservation (The name of the applicant must clearly appear on it)
5. Hotel reservation confirmation (The name of the applicant must clearly appear on it)
6. A copy of bank statement or evidence of adequate finance for the last 6 months with a minimum balance of $7,000 (every months) (The name of the applicant must clearly appear on it)
7. For non-US citizen, a copy of permanent resident alien card or a copy of valid US visa
8. An employment verification
9. For students, full-time student status proof
10.For self-employed, business license or business registration indicating the applicant’s name.
11.For minor under 20 years old, copy of a birth certificate, copies of mother and father’s passports/ID and copy of Marriage Certificate if any, letter of consent from mother and father for the minor to travel abroad in case not accommany with the child (have to be notarized) . in case of sole custody, a copy of court order must be provided

http://thaiembdc.org/tourist-visa-category-tr-multiple-metv/

For 8,9, and 10; this assumes that everyone is either employed or a student.   What about someone who is neither employed, nor a student, but does have adequate financial means?

On 10/6/2019 at 12:51 PM, SteveK said:

"if we give you 60 days you go to Cambodia, not come back to Thailand?"

 

Why are they so scared of people spending lots of time (and money) in Thailand?

 

In my case, Thailand has definitely "lost" many tens of thousands of USD, literally, that I would have been even more happy to spend traveling within Thailand.  It's not my loss, as I equally enjoy my travels around the region to other beautiful countries.  But the fact remains that even more of my foreign sourced income would be contributed to the Thai economy if circumstances did not force me to go on visa runs.

 

Re the original post, the simple fact is that the OP chose the absolute worst airport to fly into as a person with a history of tourist visas.  Even BKK would have probably been easier, and some other airports or land borders would have been highly unlikely to even bat an eyelid at a METV...

On 10/1/2019 at 4:40 AM, Tayaout said:

Yes it is calendar year. Before I got my long term visa I did one entry for 3 consecutives months: November, December and January. 

 

To clarify what was said in this thread there is no 180 days limit. This was scraped years ago.

 

There is no limit of entry per year via any airport but the computer system gives an alert after 6 to warn the immigration officer to use more scrutiny. It seems if you do a lot of short stays then there is no issues. If you have a long history of stay, use the max duration of each entry stamp, do extension, had ED or many consecutive tourist visa, and/or do border run then you probably won't reach 6 consecutives entry before being denied. 

 

There is plenty of updated information on this page: https://www.thaivisaservice.com/

Thank you very much for this information.

 

So, in my case the situation is that I still have my two visa exemptions available for 2019.  I have a relatively clean passport with only two SETVs in it, and never have had an overstay or other problematic incidents.

 

Could I possibly get two months (2*30 days) out of these visa extensions by doing two border hops during the remainder of this calendar year?

 

I live within easy day trip driving distance of Aranyaprathet.  I know this has a reputation for being a potentially problematic land boarder, but if I did this properly - I would be using one of the "agents" working at the border to facilitate expedited service on both the Thai and Cambodian sides, for a fee - would it make sense to try to use up my two visa exempt entries?

 

Otherwise, would the same potentially work at another land boarder?

 

As long as the count re-sets at the beginning of 2020, I am perfectly okay with using my visa exempts in the remainder of 2019.  The reason I typically do not use these is to preserve them for a fallback option in the case of a botched visa run.  That is not a concern if I get two more in January anyway.

8 hours ago, Tayaout said:

You can only get 2 visas free entry via land border per calendar year. Get a visa or try via the airport. 

 

Is this indeed per calendar year, as opposed to a rolling twelve month period?

 

If that is the case, I might as well be using my entries toward the end of each calendar year.  Ordinarily I refrain from using them, to preserve that option as a plan B if I ever failed to get a visa as planned.

3 hours ago, Boycie said:

'On an METV you do not need an outbound flight-ticket.'

I thought the rules of a METV when applying is to show a valid return flight ticket?

Just my 2 bobs worth.

 

 

I always have a departure ticket when I enter Thailand, even if I intend to cancel it.  With all of the unwritten 'rules' in place, immigration is never an exact science.  I think the more supporting documentation one can reasonably have is a good idea.  Then there is one fewer reason the IO could use to potentially deny entry.

 

Sometimes I purchase my actual departure ticket for my next visa trip in advance, and print out that itinerary receipt for immigration/visa purposes.

 

I am a believer in flying into Laos, Cambodia, or any other regional country first, and then working my way to friendly land borders.  It just so happens that there are lots of nice places to visit on both sides of these borders, so it works out very nicely if one can work border/visa runs into nice getaway trips in the region.

 

As an added benefit, sometimes international flights into other cities in the region can be less expensive than purchasing a direct flight to BKK, which can further offset the cost of an additiontal stopover stay.

I think it's very unlikely BKK would deny entry based on all the information you have provided.  

 

I agree with the advice above to use land borders for subsequent entries on the METV, and many such boarders are convenient and can be combined with nice getaways in the region.  Also, some land borders align conveniently with domestic airports within Thailand, if you are traveling from/to bkk or other airports like cnx.

 

If you do prefer to fly into Thailand for subsequent entries, CNX airport has quite a few direct flights within Asia.

Unless I am missing something, why are utility bills/services being paid in landlord’s name and subsequently reimbursed by you?  

 

Rent should be paid to landlord and, this of course can be an automatic recurring transfer.   If cash is required, you should be getting a proper receipt for the transaction. 

 

Utilities and services can also be separately paid on a direct debit basis via your bank account. 

 

If for whatever reason you prefer your current arrangement, you could negotiate a fixed monthly payment to your landlord that would be based on the sum of all known bills, plus an anticipated average monthly amount for the variable utility bills (perhaps based on historical data from last year).  You could have an agreement that the final bill would be balanced periodically, every so often, and that you would settle any excess payment separately, or any overpayment you may make would be applied as a credit toward future months bills/rent.

 

There is no way that I know of that a variable payment between two individuals could be easily automated as such.

On 8/12/2019 at 5:22 AM, leeneeds said:

I fly Thai mostly myself, although the seats have somewhat lost their comfort by years of use, the direct flights offered is my main reason for choosing this Airline,  I found the meals good on my flights, 

The option to upgrade is something the airline should look at once the cabin doors are sealed, so many times I see the business section with only a few people, they could offer the upgrade for available seats after take off, and  after economy meal time, selling those seats for an extra 2 -300 dollars for the rest of a flight it would be something I would take up for the extra comfort.

 

No airline would ever allow in flight “upgrades.”  Not only is movement between cabins in flight against FAA regulations throughout the world, but it’s a stupid idea that would irritate high paying passengers. 

 

There ARE standby upgrades available subject to availability, on qualifying tickets, available for sale at the airport at the time of check in.  This is not widely advertised so as not to undercut demand for premium tickets, but it is an option available to anyone who knows about it. I often do this to upgrade from business to first class at a discounted price compared to purchasing an F ticket. 

 

As a government subsidized airline, and for the reasons mentioned in this article, looking at financials for Thai Airways does not always tell the whole truth.  Just because they are reporting losses, it does not mean things are necessarily that bad at the airline, it just isn’t a transparently operated airline.  There are many complicated factors that come into play. 

 

Per your idea of cheap upgrades, that’s always very complicated.  Offering discounted fares or upgrades to liberally also undercuts premium product demand, and therefore can actually lose money.  That’s why airline pricing is so complex, and discounted fares are subject to fare rules.  If a business or first class seat were so easy to upgrade into on the cheap, people would not pay full price for them.

 

 

This is an example of a misleading headline in a Thai Visa email.  The headline makes it look like this is some huge, earth shattering change.  

 

In fact, nothing new is being implemented.  The same policies for liquids and gels, etc... are simply going to be ENFORCED more strictly at domestic airports where they previously have been less strictly enforced.  I do not see anything new here. 

 

Food products, if liquid/gelatinous/paste, are also subject to the same restrictions regarding liquids around the world. That is of course in addition to any prohibition of food items on international flights for reasons other than security.

With a tourist visa, you are unlikely to be denied entry at CNX. However, if you want the security of returning by land from Yangon, take an overnight VIP bus from Yangon to Myawaddy and enter Thailand at Maesot (possibly the best border crossing into Thailand). Although flights are a little pricey these days, Maesot airport is close to the border with frequent flights to Bangkok. If you have not previously visited that area, there is much to explore within easy reach of Maesot.
 
EDIT: Travel from Maesot to Chiang Mai is easy, and quite scenic.

Thank you for this very useful advice! I am saving this information for a trip closer to the end of the year, lining up with the ideal time to be in Chiang Mai.

I am willing to take a gamble on CNX if it is better than BKK. I have been here for years in and out on tourist visas. If the worst case scenario would be denial of entry and return to Yangon, and if that is not particularly likely, it may be worth a try. What I do not want is to be detained or sent back to my home country, the US, which is why I have stopped entering through BKK in favor of land borders.


Sent from my iPhone using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app

Kuala Lumpur these days seems to be OK if you meet the requirements on their checklist. Penang is to be avoided for tourist visas. Kota Bharu is apparently the friendliest consulate in Malaysia for tourist visas (but not that convenient to reach from Bangkok, and a boring town).
Bali is OK if you strictly follow the rules prescribed by Jakarta, but time consuming.
Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi are good. Vientiane (as you suggest) is good, but you must make sure you decide to go there well in advance so you can make the now necessary appointment.
Also to be considered is Yangon, though you need a Myanmar visa (most easily applied for as an evisa online).

Thanks so much again.

It definitely seems like Vietnam is the path of least resistance, and in July should be a pleasant place to be even with some rainfall.

If I go to Vietnam or Bali, the return will be via Laos anyway, with a stopover stay in Vientiane. Therefore, Vientiane and Savannakhet are fallback options in those cases. However, fortunately it seems a properly documented application meeting all requirements would be unlikely to be denied in VN or Bali.

I am saving Yangon for several months later for better weather for an extended stay. It would also be great to line that up with a stay in Chiang Mai, but I will have to figure out the best land boarder and ground transportation option for return to Thailand. I am tempted to try the flight on PG into Chiang Mai, but I seem to recall reports of entry denial at CNX.


Sent from my iPhone using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app

I discourage people from using Phnom Penh. If you only have one SETV in your passport, a second from Phnom Penh should be fine, but there are better places to apply.
A voided SETV in your passport would not look good. You might still get tourist visas elsewhere, but the voided visa is bound to attract unwelcome scrutiny from other consulates.

Thanks. Yes, that is what I am afraid of, and therefore I probably should not apply in Phnom Penh again. There is the possibility of a voided visa ending up in my new passport.

Other options I am considering are:

Ho Chin Minh
Hanoi
Hong Kong
Vientiane
Bali
Kuala Lumpur
Penang

I haven’t heard anything negative about these recently. Are are any of these particularly stress free and user friendly these days?

I have heard that Hong Kong and both in Vietnam basically ask no questions if minimal documentation requirements are met. Vientiane in my experience requires no documentation of any kind.

How are Bali and the Malaysian consulates?

I am fine with all standard documentation such as bank statements and airline tickets, but still want to be asked as little as possible.

On 7/11/2018 at 10:47 AM, lkv said:

No problem with a clean passport, got one from Europe and two consecutive ones from Phnom Pehn in my current passport.

 

Use an agent though, it will cost 10 dollars more on top of the regular USD 40 fee. Not many people walk into the Embassy, and it's better that way in my opinion, for multiple reasons.

 

Docs as stated above, exit ticket and bank statement.

 

I am contemplating trying Phnom Penh once more for a second (consecutive) SETV from this consulate.  Does anyone think this is not advisable?

 

It would not be a problem if I had to move along to Saigon or Vientiane as a fallback.  

 

I suppose the worst case scenario would be a voided SETV in my passport.  If this were to happen, would that have any negative impact on future applications at other consulates or with Thai immigration?

Which visa agency is currently best for SETV in Phnom Penh? I know there are
several, and would appreciate any advice on which has recently produced good results. I have a totally clean passport and can meet all documentation requirements. Thank you.


Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect

If distance is no object, Koh Chang for an overnight stay. It was clean when I stayed there, but that was long ago. All the info you need on the internet.
 
Koh Samet, on the other hand, was a vile disgusting rubbish tip end to end.

Koh Samet is a lovely island. You obviously haven’t been to Paradee or Ao Prao... there are many beautiful spots once you get away from the crowded areas.


Sent from my iPhone using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app

In this case, an SETV in Phnom Penh should be OK, possibly even recommended. If you ever plan to apply in Phnom Penh, this is the right time to do it. Ensure all required documentation (such as flight reservations) are satisfied. I understand your concern about a voided visa, but I think a properly documented application could only be denied under the following circumstances. It might happen if you have applied for SETVs in Phnom Penh before on older passports (perhaps involving some drama) and consular officials recognise you. I have never heard of an SETV being denied in Phnom Penh for a first SETV in a passport, certainly for a Westerner.

Thank you, I really appreciate your advice.

No, I have never been to Phnom Penh before, and have no negative history with this or any other consulate.

I will, as always, be prepared with a ticket out of Thailand within 60 days. Also the usual bank statement, and ฿20,000 cash for my return to Thailand.

That was exactly my thought process, since I want to experience Phnom Penh, now is the time to do it and get a single SETV out of it. Subsequent trips will be to Hanoi and Saigon, routing through Vientiane for my return. Routing through Laos upon return adds a built in fallback option for the visa application, and it’s no hardship as I love traveling in Laos anyway. Furthermore, diversifying consulates avoids potential problems with too many applications in Laos.


Sent from my iPhone using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app

I plan to apply for an SETV in Phnom Penh.  The main reason for this is that I want to see the city and I now have a fresh passport.  

 

By “fresh” I mean a brand new U.S. passport.  It does, however, have an immigration stamp in it stating that my current stay is also a tourist visa.  

 

Given that I have no history apart from that stamp, should I be okay?

 

In the worst case scenario, flying onward to Laos as a plan B would not be that bad. What I absolutely do not want is a conspicuous “Void without prejudice” on the first pages of my new passport, or worse yet a red/blue stamp.  I hope that a visa agent will be able to advise whether an application is likely to succeed or not.

Good luck. Be well prepared with the answer to why you are spending so much time in Thailand. Also, be well groomed and ensure you have 20,000 baht cash equivalent on you.

I would also suggest having a ticket out of Thailand within 60 ~ 90 days. It can of course be the actual ticket one intends to use on one’s next trip.

I think three consecutive visas is unlikely to be a major problem. And, I at least have a theory that at BKK one is likely to be let through provide all above criteria are met. It is undoubtedly easier for the IOs to grant entry than it is to deny it. So, unless one is sticking out like a sore thumb as someone potentially working illegally, and totally unprepared to answer questions, it is still quite safe.

I, however, prefer using land boarders coupled with domestic flights back to BKK. It is a much better feeling to just walk right out of BKK off of a domestic flight than it is to have to deal with immigration.

I am glad to hear that Saigon is so easy. That will be my next trip after Phnom Penh. I want to get a SETV out of Phnom Penh while I still have a fresh new passport, ans use that opportunity to experience the city for the first time.


Sent from my iPhone using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app

Thanks. This is going to be an adventure for sure. It’s a good thing I actually like flying and traveling to all of these places as a pastime, otherwise I would really tire of jumping through hoops.

I’m definitely going to have to leave this as an open ended trip, making reservations as I go along. And that’s just fine.


Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect

Your "permitted stay" stamp will be copied into the new passport along with a note that this came from a Tourist Visa (and note of an extension, if you have one).  
 
Given their attitude at that consulate, and their penchant for putting ugly "VOID" visas in passports, you might want to spend some time in Cambodia before applying - to put some time-space between your last Thai exit-stamp and application-date there.  I don't know how long they would like to see, but the more the better - even a few days being better than "the next work-day."

I am scheduled to arrive on a Sunday. I would prefer to get the visa within one week, i.e. I do not plan on necessarily being there longer than about eight nights. It is conceivable that I might extend if I really end up enjoying the place.

How quickly might agents be able to get the visa back to me?

Do you think waiting until Wednesday or Thursday of that week will improve their perceptions? I do not want to get into a situation in which the visa substantially delays my onward travel, but a few extra days would not bother me.

I definitely want the visa returned to me by no later than Monday or Tuesday of the following week, i.e. nine days after my arrival. I would be happier to get it over with within the first week, in order to keep my subsequent travel options more flexible.


Sent from my iPhone using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app

I'm currently in Phnom Penh and visited Lucky Lucky visa agents last week with a view to getting a SE tourist visa. I have no previous tourist visas from PP as I've lived here for years. They told me its highly likely they'd "void without prejudice" after issuing the visa and I'd be 50 dollars down with a useless visa in my passport - although I do have a history of visa-exempt entries to Thailand as I visit there at least 6 times per year. Phnom Penh is now only for newbies with no TV/visa-exempt history who require a Thai visa. They told me the voiding of visas is extremely common for all nationalities, including Cambodians, at PP now.
I'm going to Ho Chi Minh City today and applying for SETV tomorrow - I'll report back how I get on.

I am leaning towards Phnom Penh at the moment for this trip, purely because it is the destination I would rather experience at the moment.

I will have a new US passport, with my current Vientiane visa apparently “transferred” into it. I have no idea what that looks like or what other markings will be in my passport.

I am willing to take a chance on PP, because I can easily fly to Laos or Viet Nam from there if necessary.

Are there any recommended visa agents to use in Phnom Penh? I would especially be interested in any agents who can simplify the process or enhance results.


Sent from my iPhone using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app

If that's the case then skip Saigon. As I stated good consulate overnight setv and not many people. USA are not visa exempt for Vietnam. 
Check with others, but as I understand it for PP, many folk use an agent. 

I believe there is an easy visa application process, online even as I recall. I see no reason to avoid Saigon for that reason.

I am leaning towards Saigon or Phnom Penh for my next trip. I will surely do both eventually.


Sent from my iPhone using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app

Are you visa exempt for Vietnam? If so I would go to Saigon in a blink. Also straight forward overnight setv. However that means fly in most likely to don mueang. Your history will be important.

Thanks. I am a US citizen, I do not recall if exempt or not, but I am not concerned about that. Is the process any easier in SGN than in PNH?

I am not pressed for time, as the visa aspect is only part of a longer itinerary. Actually, provided that there are no hang ups, the idea if having an agent do it without my setting foot in a consulate or embassy is appealing. Does anyone have any information re these services in PNH or SGN (if available)?

I am not worried about flights - I always fly out of BKK, but will return through land borders only. I would never risk entering at DMK.


Sent from my iPhone using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app

There are other border crossings in Cambodia that are not difficult to reach. The best to use will depend on where in Cambodia you have as your starting point, and where in Thailand you want to end up. Two to consider are Ban Laem and Koh Kong/Hat Lek.
 
If you try Aran/Poipet anyway in spite of the warnings, when Thai immigration deny entry and tell you to fly into Thailand, ignore them and go to Ban Laem (about four hours away by public transport as I recall).

Now, Koh Kong/Hat Lek has me thinking about combining this with a trip to Koh Kood. And then it would be possible to fly back to BKK from Trat on Bangkok Airways.


Sent from my iPhone using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app