Visa service that does the border/outbound visa run for you?

[Plushy]

Hi,

 

So I used to know a guy who had some issues leaving the country to extend his visa, and he told me at the time that he hired someone, possibly an agent or a visa service, to leave the country and apply for a tourist visa/and or a visa on arrival. And yeah, he was a shady guy, but this is Thailand so nothing unusual I guess. Nevertheless, is this something that is possible by using a visa service? I've seen loads of small shops with the sign visa service, but never really thought what it is about. So the question is, is it legal to hire someone on my behalf to extend the visa and/or receive a visa on arrival stamp for me? I know back home, I could hire an agent to go to the embassy on my behalf to apply for a tourist visa, but now the question is about someone carrying my passport going to another country to apply, or going across a border and coming back either by ground transport or air. 

 

If this isn't an issue, does anyone know a service or agency in Bangkok who does this? 

[BritTim]

As far as I know, there are no agents able to travel to a consulate outside Thailand to get a visa on your behalf. For a large fee, I have heard there are still fixers that can take your passport to a rogue crossing point, and arrange to have you stamped out of Thailand and stamped back in for a visa exempt entry. Many years ago, this dodge was widespread and inexpensive. Now, as I understand it, it is only used to clear long overstays without blacklisting from Thailand. Because of the cost and risks involved, it would not make sense for anyone to do this today just to avoid a visa run.

[Plushy]

1 minute ago, BritTim said:

As far as I know, there are no agents able to travel to a consulate outside Thailand to get a visa on your behalf. For a large fee, I have heard there are still fixers that can take your passport to a rogue crossing point, and arrange to have you stamped out of Thailand and stamped back in for a visa exempt entry. Many years ago, this dodge was widespread and inexpensive. Now, as I understand it, it is only used to clear long overstays without blacklisting from Thailand. Because of the cost and risks involved, it would not make sense for anyone to do this today just to avoid a visa run.

Yeah makes sense, he had 5 years overstay that's probably how he was able to get away with 30,000 thb for the service. So I am guessing it's not really legal to do this.

[jacko45k]

It is an approach I would avoid. There was a service some years ago where passports were taken on a visa run trip while the owners sat on soi Cowboy. The passports came back with the stamps, but they were 'dodgy'. I believe when this was uncovered all those who had been using the service were 'hoovered up' and punished. 

[BritTim]

32 minutes ago, Plushy said:

Yeah makes sense, he had 5 years overstay that's probably how he was able to get away with 30,000 thb for the service. So I am guessing it's not really legal to do this.

Your guess is undoubtedly correct.

[BigT73]

Big Joke was ironing out all those little loopholes.  I am not sure which direction immigration have taken since he has been dismissed?

[jacko45k]

7 minutes ago, BigT73 said:

Big Joke was ironing out all those little loopholes.  I am not sure which direction immigration have taken since he has been dismissed?

I suspect an about face.