Kerouacaurus

On 11/26/2019 at 1:26 PM, SteveK said:

Hate to say this but with all that history in the last year alone, you are sailing close to the wind.  You will probably then struggle to be allowed entry with another tourist visa or without. Are you eligible for a non-O?

Just as an update, I was able to get another SETV without any problems, no questions, no documents asked, no red stamps or warnings, worked like a charm both at the embassy and the border. However, in Vientiane they now don't refund denied applications, just as in Cambodia.

It also probably proves that there's no that rule of one visa in Laos within a 12 month period. Maybe they meant 1 visa per calendar year, however, since now it's 2020.

Just now, BritManToo said:

Quite often they charge you for the VISA, stick it in your passport, then write VOID across it.

Thanks for the info.

3 minutes ago, SteveK said:

With his history, an education visa would be viewed with contempt.

 

A new passport does nothing. Everything is stored on the computer. A good way to get new pages only.

I see. And, Steve, in case I still try to apply for the visa and they reject me, would this be reflected in the passport somehow? Or would they just not give me the visa and the passport would remain unaffected?

1 minute ago, DrJack54 said:

Ha! Now I understand you. Some people like Laos. Personally I prob won't be back. Vientiane just made me home sick for anywhere but there and Luang Prabang bit better, but could never stay longer than a week. I was surprised when you felt Vietnam depressing as I find it completely refreshing. Some folk love Cambodia. Personally wouldn't bother with free ticket. To each their own.

I agree for Laos completely, I thought I'd at least feel comfortable there, but it was the first place I visited in my life that made me wish come back anywhere else that much.

Just now, SteveK said:

I started visiting Thailand in my twenties. No visa hassles. Double the exchange rate compared to today. If I knew then what I know now I would have invested all that time in Vietnam and would probably have a decent level of spoken Vietnamese by now. Everything is easy with hindsight. Unfortunately I am married to a Thai lady now so I can't just up and leave. At your age I would steer clear of Thailand. They only want you here if you are loaded, if you get involved with a local girl, heartbreak will surely ensue.

Steve, mind me asking why still Vietnam? If you were able to create a family here (supposedly), why would you consider this unfortunate? I think Vietnam would be fine, just hard to realize that there might be such a huge difference between Thailand and Vietnam.

1 minute ago, buick said:

definitely try vietnam.  danang is great.  air asia serves the route via DMK.  back in the 08/09 timeframe, there were rumors about a new rule limiting stays in thailand to 6 months a year or something like that.  the rule didn't last long and i'm not sure it was ever enforced.  but i immediately set up a second residence in danang.  stay there about 5 weeks, then do 4 weeks in thailand, then repeat.  get a visa in saigon once a year if you want to stay 3 months in thailand but then you'll have to spend a longer period in vietnam.  i stayed in a hotel, it was cheap.  you should give it a try.  i also had a GF at the time, but she wasn't 'marriage material'. 

That's awesome, thanks for another suggestion. It's pretty cool how people shared more information about their favorite places here in the region which makes me feel less pressurized about coming back and stay in Thailand.

3 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

I think you perhaps got off to a bad start in Vietnam. Same as you I feel very chilled here in los. Lots of older guys in most cities (for me) and very easy to make friends. However I have made good younger friends in los and easy to do that in Saigon, Hanoi and in-between. Take your time. Think it's a better alternative that trying trying to stay ongoing in Thailand. With bit of moving in/out for longer stays outside of los you could manage 6+ months/yr in los easily.

I think the similarity of Vientiane/Vietnam was a bit confusing, sorry, I meant I felt that way in Vientiane, Laos, I haven't been to Vietnam yet, but I look forward to it!

2 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

History is not reset. However note that what helps is not having consistent stay in los with brief periods out.

If I was young and could not obtain Elite Visa, I would spend my time in se Asia.

3 months in Thailand, 2 or 3 in Vietnam along with few others. Along lines of what Steve suggested. I actually am in Saigon every month. It's a very chilled joint. Lot of young folk there. Even having a partner here in los doesn't mean you need to live Thailand all the time. 

Glad to hear heads up. I'm just a newbie in Southeast Asia, I think what puts me off is the fact that Vientiane was so freaking depressing when I spent just a week there which sort of makes me scared to explore other countries around more and leave Thailand, I feel like it'd be very different and I wouldn't like it as much if you know what I mean. However, I see that lots of people talk positively about Vietnam, so it might be a good option for someone wishing to stay in Asia.

3 minutes ago, BritTim said:

The rules on how your prior history affects entry as a tourist are all unofficial. They also vary depending on where you are entering Thailand. At the strict entry points, two months away after previously spending a long, almost continuous, period in Thailand will not help. What "almost continuous" and "long period" mean is very much immigration official dependent.

Right, so it all becomes subjective and a matter of luck, just as I expected, I appreciate for clearing it up.

2 minutes ago, SteveK said:

Once you get denied entry then you'll be forced to go outside of your comfort zone. If I were you I would try going to Vietnam, I suspect you'll have just as much fun there.

Yeah. The reason why I posted this thread was just to evaluate my chances, I feel like I had a bit enough but still would like to spend the 3 upcoming months in Thailand. Thanks for a suggestion too. Glad to meet good people on here with logical arguments, no hate.

1 minute ago, tabarin said:

I am sure you can easily find your way with some luck, new year grants you 2x border runs again as well, you could get a TV from another country too (instead of Laos).
Question is why you would want to run around, waste a lot of time and money for just 30-60 days more each time, without a real reason to be in Thailand.

If you have nothing that keeps you here, you are better off spending some time elsewhere instead. Why make it so difficult? Just spend some time in Bali or Vietnam.
You do not have a future in Thailand on the long run anyway, unless you marry or buy the elite visa (I would advice neither). Get real.

Makes sense, thanks. It's indeed a waste in terms of money regarding all the runs and visa stuff, but I personally feel it's worth it regarding the friends I have here. Concerning the future, I'm not aware what will happen and whether I'll build it here or not, I just feel like I'd need a bit more time and then maybe find another solution if I wish to stay here longer. I appreciate your thoughts and I understand, I was just interested in formalities that you answered as well. I don't want to go too deep into the reasons.

3 minutes ago, SteveK said:

Why bother scratching around in the dirt desperately trying to find a way to get into the country? If you don't have any real reason to be in Thailand and therefore cannot qualify for a long term visa, you'll be much better off visiting the cheaper, neighboring countries, surely? No visa hassles too.

 

If it's because of a girl, just marry her and get a non-O.

Yeah, Steve, it's partially due to a girl, another reason is more personal, I just felt pretty recovered emotionally here, I have only traveled a lot in Europe, and I loved to stay here much more than anywhere else. I thought of going to some country around as well, but I'm slightly too worried to leave my comfort zone and the friends I have here, I'm not sure whether I'll like the new place. But I am aware that sooner or later I'll have to make that decision.

Just now, DrJack54 said:

If you haven't used both your 2 visa exempt at border then I would go that way. As for setv I think it's 2 max now for some embassies and maybe one at PP.

As for flying in ve might be chance at CNX. Wouldn't like your chances at Bangkok airports. 

I'm not going to be rude and ask how you support yourself as that's your business not Thai forum. I only make the point that Thai imm would look at you note your very young man and spending Lot of time in los. Is he working?

Think it's getting to seat of pants now as to how long you can continue to stay. On positive note it's soon new calendar year and you get 2 more border entries ve. Both of which can be extended

Thanks! I'm only thinking of border crossing rather than flying in just to maximize chances of getting in, and in case I fail, just to be able to go back rather than be forced to get a flight ticket back.

I'm pretty sure it won't work anymore the next time I attempt something like this, I would just love to spend 2 or 3 more months here. By the way, do you by chance have an estimate when (if at all) the previous history gets 'reset'? That is, if I spend 2 months back home or elsewhere in Asia, would my history from the previous year matter?

4 minutes ago, BritTim said:

All the evidence to date suggests that entering from Vientiane at Nong Khai or Mukdahan from Savannakhet on a visa exempt entry is fine (regardless of prior history) if you have not used two visa exempt entries by land in the current calendar year. What you should not even think of doing for a long time is trying to fly in to Thailand for a visa exempt entry.

That's exactly what I think as well, I'm aware of the problems people face for VE at the airports here, since I didn't use any border VE entries at all so far, so it would potentially be my first VE in the next calendar year, thanks for your post!

Just now, SteveK said:

Hate to say this but with all that history in the last year alone, you are sailing close to the wind. If your December entry is allowed, you will have had 5 entries in 2019 on tourist visas and VE entries. You would then struggle to be allowed entry with another tourist visa or without. Are you eligible for a non-O?

Thanks for your opinion, Steve. I think it's risky as well. I'm just 26 currently, the only normal visa opportunity for me is essentially an elite visa that I would definitely not be able to afford at this time, I've tried to research opportunities regarding this.

Hello there,

I've tried to research this for a while and I've seen some people having the same question but I was incapable of finding a response to this question that bothers me a bit, so just in case there was a similar thread in the past, I would be grateful if you could direct me to it.

Essentially, my question is, if I do a border run, say, from Laos to Thailand, and I fail to acquire a tourist visa in Laos, would this be a problem to get a 30-day exempt waiver? I know that the rules state that tourists may get up to 2 visa exempt entries via border crossing, but are there any additional conditions, such as denied visa or the history of staying in Thailand? Would they consider it at the border to decide whether to allow you an exempt?

I'm worried about it slightly, since I feel I've been staying in Thailand pretty long and the rules are tightening on tourists spending too much time in Thailand. I was lucky enough to have just one actual visa run so far and I'm hoping it would work one more time. This is my history:

2019 January: 15 days visa on arrival at Suvarnabhumi, then left Thailand back to Europe for 2 months.

2019 April 1st to June 24th: entry at Suvarnabhumi, tourist visa obtained in Europe + 30-day extension, left Thailand to Europe for 1 month.

2019 August 1st to September 29th: exempt at Suvarnabhumi + extension, then my first visa run follows.

2019 September 29th to October 5th: spent a week in Laos and obtained a TV for 60 days.

2019 December 2nd: planning an extension till January.

2020 January: another border run and an attempt to get a new TV at the same consulate in Laos.

This is where I'm slightly worried, I've heard that usually a maximum of 3 visas might be obtained from the same consulate. I'm planning to go to Vientiane again, as a border run and Vientiane seems to be the best option from what I know. Since it'd be my second visa, I believe it should be okay, but maybe I'm wrong considering my history here. That's why I'm wondering, in case I get denied visa in Vientiane, would I have a problem to get back via border on exempt? Or would they deny me stating that I've 'been trying to live here on TVs'? I'm pretty sure one might get denied an exempt at the airport, but I'm not sure whether the same applies for the border run.

Sorry for being too inconsistent, just to summarize:

1. Does the rule of a maximum 3 TVs still apply for the same consulate or do they take into account your overall history?

2. For my history, how likely am I to not obtain a new TV in Laos again?

3. In case TV is not issued, would I have a problem to get an exempt at the border?

4. In general, does an exempt at the border depend on history or just obeys the 'twice in a calendar year' rule neglecting the previous stays?

5. If everything fails: visa denied, exempt denied, is it worth taking a risk to choose a different entry point or would one expect the same outcome? And how long would you typically need to wait to try to return?

6. Finally, I've heard the stories about red/blue stamps after the 3rd visa stating that the foreigner might be unable to get a visa in the future. Does this apply just for a particular consulate? If not, how would people expect to get a new TV again excluding the possibility of a new passport, as I'm not sure it works anymore?

I'm sorry if it became quite lengthy, but I would truly appreciate your opinions regarding these questions and my personal data. Thank you!

2 minutes ago, FritsSikkink said:

It is illegal to work here for your business outside Thailand without a proper visa and work permit.

You think I'm not aware?

Come on, guys, out of all the posts, only one was close to answering my actual questions. I don't understand what guys like this are even doing on this forum. I came here for practical solutions, not quoting me the regulations. Commenting something totally off and not related. Giving some additional picture was a huge mistake to post here. Totally useless. You can just lock this post. I don't expect anyone to reply anything answering the actual questions.

20 minutes ago, NCC1701A said:

mistake. tourist don't have girlfriends.

yes this is the new Thailand. spread the word.

sounds like they just wanted you to know they know you are not a tourist and this will not go on for long.

yes get your visa in order because the new Thailand does not cut anyone any slack. don't make long term plans for family and a job or business in Thailand because you can't get away with it any more on a tourist visa.

 

And don't forget that you or your hotel or landlord must file your TM 30 form every time you go somewhere for more than 24 hours. 

Thanks for all this, I appreciate that your comment is up to the point. I will definitely do a new one, but I'd really need some time before I can actually get it due to a lot of personal circumstances. Do you by chance know what happens if you get denied, how long should you wait to re-enter?

9 minutes ago, RJRS1301 said:

Make sure the TM30 has been lodged

Start a business?? without proper visa??? mmmmmmm

My business is by no means related to my questions. It was only regarding the fact that I can't provide piles of funds needed for proper visa without actually working here or being married. I am not running it here in Thailand.

Hi all,

To keep story short, I firstly entered Thailand this year via Suvarnabhumi Airport on the 15th of January making a 15-day visa on arrival and left at the end of January back to my home country.

I spent 2 months back home and returned back to Thailand granted a 60-day tourist visa on the 1st of April, I had one 30-day exempt and I left on the 23rd of June back home.

I spent over a month home again in Europe and decided to return to Thailand in August. I wanted to make a visa, but my country was granted a 30-day exempt rule, so I didn't bother about it. The main mistake I did was when I flew to Suvarnabhumi on the 1st of August, I totally neglected the fact to have an outward ticket and the equivalent of 20,000 baht with me. The officer looked at my tourist visa and an exempt, they asked me to show the outbound ticket, but I told them I hadn't bought one yet, and I'm still on an exempt, so I hadn't known this. She lead me to another officer. She started questioning me what I was doing in Thailand. I told her that I had a girlfriend here and I came to visit her, but I'll be making a proper visa later on, since I heard such stories when they start questioning you at the airport. She was very pleasant and said me not to worry and they will let me in.

Only when I passed the immigration, I was terrified: didn't have ticket/cash/anything. But I didn't expect it: I never did a visa run. It's my third time now in Thailand and all the times I spent over a month or two at my home, so I didn't expect to be questioned for a total of 3 months 10 days in 7-month period. However, this made me really worried. I am going to make an extension now and I still have one month off. I want to do a visa run, make a visa in Laos, come back and in 2 months get a proper non-immigrant visa.

What worries me, however, if they started questioning me just because of 1 tourist visa and an extension in my passport, may I be denied if I get a visa on my first-ever visa run? I mean, I read so many people had 4 or more tourist visas and were fine, but it really shocked me when they were so suspicious just for 1 visa and 1 extension, the first lady called it 'staying for so long'.

That's the whole story. My main questions are if anyone could please suggest me:

1. In 2019, is it a good idea to go to Laos to get a visa? Do you think there might be a better country to go for it? I'm flexible regarding this.

2. I didn't use the two border runs that are allowed within a calendar year: is it worth it/higher likelihood to avoid denial than the run via airport?

3. However, the main concern is: if I get denied, in the worst case scenario, can I try to enter any other border or another airport expecting not to be denied? I mean, they will still see denial in my passport, won't it affect the decision at another entry point? That's what I can't find on any forums. How long would I actually need to wait until I can try to re-enter? I heard if you are denied at the border, you might try the airport. But what if you get denied at the airport as well? And is their decision influenced by the border denial? If you get denied by both, what would be the next step to try to get back to the country and how long would it take?

Thanks everyone for your suggestions. It wouldn't be so tough, but I have two big bags of stuff with me. I can leave it here where I am renting the flat, since I don't want to carry all the heavy stuff always with me, but in case I get denied, it will just be hanging here. I am just about to start my business and I need some time before I can legally live here, so I need another visa before I can truly move forward to a more legal way to stay here longer.