Should I be worried flying into BKK or DMK?

[keysersoze276]

Here's my situation.  I have three SETVs from Phnom Penh, Hong Kong, and Savannakhet, and two visa exempt by air in my current passport (USA) over the past 18 months or so, all extended.  No land border visa exempts.  

Under all the general scrutiny, I left TH and have been just traveling around Europe for the past three months (if TH doesn't want me spending my foreign currency in the country, anywhere else in the world does, right?  Lol).  But the weather will soon be too cold for my liking, so I just arrived in Saigon with a one year visa. I opened a bank account here on the first day!  Easy!  Anyway, I still rent a condo in BKK that has my belongings and my Thai gf living there.  I'd like to get a SETV here in HCM and go see her and get some of my things before I find an apartment or whatever in Vietnam.

I am asking for advice coming into Thailand on a SETV.  I have the 20,000 cash and will have the outbound ticket and proper visa.  I also know there is no guarantee of entry and have read the stories of people being denied for what appears to be no good reason.

QUESTIONS:  With a visa and the entry requirements in order, and being out for 3-4 months, am I taking a significant risk of denial flying into Swampy or Don Muang?  I would rather not go through the hassle of flying into another airport or doing some land crossing with a large, heavy suitcase.  But if it is the safer bet, what are the best options?  

Thanks for any relevant advice!

[DrJack54]

My advice is fly Saigon to CM. 

BTW what is your one year visa to Vietnam? As far as I'm aware only USA pp holders get that. I go Saigon every month and max I can have is multi entry 3 month. I'm AU.

Back to your question. 3 month out works in your favour. Having said that no way I would fly DM with your history. 

[keysersoze276]

Just now, DrJack54 said:

BTW what is your one year visa to Vietnam?

One year METV for Vietnam.  I'm American.  I just applied for the invitation letter online through an agency, showed it at the airport, got the one year multiple on arrival.  It was super easy.  

[keysersoze276]

6 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

Back to your question. 3 month out works in your favour. Having said that no way I would fly DM with your history. 

Yeah, DMK has been often said to be the worst and the one I almost always use because I live a stone's throw away.  Would you advise not flying into Swampy also?

[DrJack54]

4 minutes ago, keysersoze276 said:

One year METV for Vietnam.  I'm American.  I just applied for the invitation letter online through an agency, showed it at the airport, got the one year multiple on arrival.  It was super easy.  

As I mentioned. USA is only country that can obtain 1 yr multi. Pretty crazy for most tourist from USA given long flight times. However suits you perfect. I obtain 4 ...3 month multi every yr. $70 each

[DrJack54]

5 minutes ago, keysersoze276 said:

Yeah, DMK has been often said to be the worst and the one I almost always use because I live a stone's throw away.  Would you advise not flying into Swampy also?

Depends where you live. CM will be no issue. Your advantage is you have multi visa Vietnam then if refused entry and fly back to Saigon its not big deal. 

I would roll dice and fly back Thai. Vietjet enters swampy and about same price AirAsia to DM. Go with vietjet.

[Ron jeremy]

52 minutes ago, keysersoze276 said:

One year METV for Vietnam.  I'm American.  I just applied for the invitation letter online through an agency, showed it at the airport, got the one year multiple on arrival.  It was super easy.  

Nice to see u have arrived safely my friend. 

Oh but what about the viet bashes on this site saying you can't get a one year visa, and it's impossible and so difficult to open a bank account????

nice to hear from someone on the ground, with actual facts, and not BS.

ill send u a PM. Take care, oh and remember, the restaurants all serve dog meat! Hahahahahahaha.

good luck on the <deleted> shoot trying to get back into Thailand to clean out your condo!

Edited September 23, 2019 by Ron jeremy

[keysersoze276]

1 hour ago, DrJack54 said:

Your advantage is you have multi visa Vietnam then if refused entry and fly back to Saigon its not big deal. 

Exactly!  That was one main reason I went for the one year multi at this time.  Also so I could open a bank account.  I plan on staying mostly here in Vietnam and renting a place- probably Da Nang but I still have to yet check it out.  And also coming to visit Thailand in between.  As mentioned, I want to go back to TH for a while before paying rent here also, so I almost got the 30 day Vietnam SETV this time and then the 1 yr after I visit TH.  But as you said, I can just reenter easily if denied in TH.  Safety net.

[keysersoze276]

1 hour ago, DrJack54 said:

I would roll dice and fly back Thai. Vietjet enters swampy and about same price AirAsia to DM. Go with vietjet.

I'm thinking the same thing.  Still open to other advice, but right now that sounds like the best idea.  Definitely easiest.  Would rather not have a problem, and I could be being paranoid.  Flying around all over the place checking a huge suitcase would be a total pain in the ass and more expensive.  Thanks for the advice, DrJack!

[keysersoze276]

1 hour ago, Ron jeremy said:

Nice to see u have arrived safely my friend. 

Oh but what about the viet bashes on this site saying you can't get a one year visa, and it's impossible and so difficult to open a bank account????

nice to hear from someone on the ground, with actual facts, and not BS.

ill send u a PM. Take care, oh and remember, the restaurants all serve dog meat! Hahahahahahaha.

good luck on the <deleted> shoot trying to get back into Thailand to clean out your condo!

I opened a bank account within two hours of arriving in the country and at the first bank I tried.  Nothing more than my Passport and visa (visa needs to be valid at least 6 months, I read) and a minimum deposit of 50,000 VND.  I swear to God, two US dollars or 65 baht!  lol

[keysersoze276]

For anyone wondering about the one year visas-  Yes, only Americans can get one year Tourist Visas in VN.  Can choose single or multiple entry.  Seems to be a little known fact as to why only Americans can, so this is what I found out-  During a visit to Vietnam to strengthen relations, then-President Obama mentioned that it was very difficult for long stay American tourists or expats to stay in Vietnam due to the visa restrictions.  So the government changed it's policy for only Americans.  Why didn't they include other productive first-world countries?  I have no idea.  But I hope that change comes for all you Brits, Aussies, Canadians, etc.

I do know that one year business visas are offered, but I have not looked into the requirements.

[seasia]

Just now, keysersoze276 said:

For anyone wondering about the one year visas-  Yes, only Americans can get one year Tourist Visas in VN.  Can choose single or multiple entry.  Seems to be a little known fact as to why only Americans can, so this is what I found out-  During a visit to Vietnam to strengthen relations, then-President Obama mentioned that it was very difficult for long stay American tourists or expats to stay in Vietnam due to the visa restrictions.  So the government changed it's policy for only Americans.  Why didn't they include other productive first-world countries?  I have no idea.  But I hope that change comes for all you Brits, Aussies, Canadians, etc.

I do know that one year business visas are offered, but I have not looked into the requirements.

Hi

 

Yes, knew about the 1 year visas for Americans. Shame the other nationalities you mentioned cannot get the same.Brit passport holder myself, can only get 3 months.

It would probably attract a fair few others considering leaving Thailand.

Europe is nice, some of it, currently in Italy, you are right though can get chilly in much of it over the winter months.

 

Anyway, nice reading a bit more about Vietnam.

Hope all works out well for you.

[keysersoze276]

59 minutes ago, seasia said:

Hi

 

Yes, knew about the 1 year visas for Americans. Shame the other nationalities you mentioned cannot get the same.Brit passport holder myself, can only get 3 months.

It would probably attract a fair few others considering leaving Thailand.

Europe is nice, some of it, currently in Italy, you are right though can get chilly in much of it over the winter months.

 

Anyway, nice reading a bit more about Vietnam.

Hope all works out well for you.

Thanks and same to you!  After everything I have read, you would be able to get unlimited back to back 3 month SETVs in VN with no questions asked.  Same as border runs in Thailand used to be.  Not much of a difference between me and you here because I chose the multiple entry.  Therefor, I can leave and reenter freely, but I have to leave and reenter at least every 90 days from my last entry.  I don'y have to apply or pay for a new visa or lose a passport page, but I still have to go out and come back.  Single entry one year doesn't, but I can't sit still too long anyway and love to travel.  Plus I have my condo (rented) and gf in BKK.  I personally have no problem leaving every 90 days or less.

[onera1961]

8 hours ago, keysersoze276 said:

if TH doesn't want me spending my foreign currency in the country,

Problem is Thailand has too much foreign currency and it is reflected in the strength of Baht. And you're right, they don't want any more foreign currency from people who live in Thailand. 

[DrJack54]

4 hours ago, keysersoze276 said:

Thanks and same to you!  After everything I have read, you would be able to get unlimited back to back 3 month SETVs in VN with no questions asked.  Same as border runs in Thailand used to be.  Not much of a difference between me and you here because I chose the multiple entry.  Therefor, I can leave and reenter freely, but I have to leave and reenter at least every 90 days from my last entry.  I don'y have to apply or pay for a new visa or lose a passport page, but I still have to go out and come back.  Single entry one year doesn't, but I can't sit still too long anyway and love to travel.  Plus I have my condo (rented) and gf in BKK.  I personally have no problem leaving every 90 days or less.

Just posting this to add to your comments about Vietnam. Yes one year multi would suit me perfect. Being AU not available. For some years now I obtain 4 3month multi every year to Vietnam. $70usd each. So 280/year. 

Many countries are visa exempt (15 day) eg UK and many other. USA, AU and others not.

 

[Langkawee]

57 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

Just posting this to add to your comments about Vietnam. Yes one year multi would suit me perfect. Being AU not available. For some years now I obtain 4 3month multi every year to Vietnam. $70usd each. So 280/year. 

Many countries are visa exempt (15 day) eg UK and many other. USA, AU and others not.

 

Where do you get your $70USD 3 month visa?

Edited September 24, 2019 by Langkawee
How much for multiple entry? Do you know any cheap monthly hotels or apartments for a 1 month to 1 year stay?

[Langkawee]

I will never fly into Thailand. It is too risky. And I've been out of Thailand for 10 months. If you read about the consequences of being denied entry it's not worth the risk. Denied entry equals defaced passport, and air ticket 5 times the regular price and no guarantee being allowed to enter your country of choice and therefore being deported back to USA like a most wanted criminal and at an exorbitant cost. These airports have become a joke. So much for Thailand's dream of being a hub of all things. Even land borders are not guaranteed. I take it your suitcase has has wheels. Let us know how your apartment searching goes in Vietnam. Philippines is amazing, beautiful women. I think you'll find Danang dull, kind people though. I like Hanoi the most. Also think of how your passport will be defaced if denied entry into Thailand. This is going to give you huge problems entering other countries.

Edited September 24, 2019 by Langkawee

[keysersoze276]

2 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

Just posting this to add to your comments about Vietnam. Yes one year multi would suit me perfect. Being AU not available. For some years now I obtain 4 3month multi every year to Vietnam. $70usd each. So 280/year. 

Many countries are visa exempt (15 day) eg UK and many other. USA, AU and others not.

 

Yes.  I have been to Hanoi twice and have to do the e-visa for max 30 days,  I don't recall what i had to pay, but I think it was like 40-50 USD.  Funny you should bring this up because I believe the "stamping fee" at airport immigration was $315 or the one year METV (plus 60 I already paid for the invitation letter).  When I arrived at the airport to depart Budapest, I was actually short on cash to pay the Uber driver.  Uber gives you an estimate and I was like 100-200 Hungarian short, which is like a few pennies.  I was like "Oh, <deleted>!  Can I run to the ATM?  And the driver laughed and said don't worry about it.  Felt bad I couldn't tip him, but at least I didn't have to change money.  Anyway, upon arrival at Vietnam there were no ATM's to get the 315 USD.  But not a big problem like it would be in THailand...the cashier told me to sit down and wait and she would escort me to an ATM.  As I was waiting, I remembered I had wad of 33,000 baht in my carry-on bag.  I went back to the counter and asked her about it and she said they take all currencies.  Then she pulled put a calculaor and told me to give her 6,700 baht or something.  That just over 200 USD.  I didnt argue and gave her 7,000 and she gave me 10 USD back and my passport with the one year visa.

Don't crucify me here.  I have been given a lot of extra money for change at 7-11 before a few times and always told the cashier thay gave me too much back.  But I wanted that visa in my hand and a cigarette in my lungs, so I just said ok.  I don't know if it was a mistake or me getting misinformation.  lol.   It all worked out and I was out of there enjoying a cigarette in no time while telling all the taxi drivers to stand clear of me and leave me a minute of peace.

 

[Caldera]

1 hour ago, Langkawee said:

Where do you get your $70USD 3 month visa?

You pay an agent $20 to obtain a visa on arrival approval letter from the Vietnamese government.

 

Then you pay $50 "stamping fee" at the visa on arrival counter at the Vietnamese airport to the officials that will put the visa sticker in your passport.

 

$70 all in.

 

[peixotorms]

The problem is, if you get denied entry, a few things will happen.

 

a) Immigration keep hold of your passport and you have to buy a last minute flight back to vietnam or your home country.

b) Immigration will issue a letter to the airline and immigration, titled along the lines of "order of expulsion".

c) Airline hold your passport as well, and when you arrive to vietnam, you have to follow them to immigration.

d) Immigration in vietnam receives your passport, and a "notification to control prohibited person" which makes you look like a drug dealer.

e) Proceed to either some light grilling at the Vietnamese immigration room and allowed in, or forced to buy new last minute flight back to your home country and have your multiple entry visa void.

 

I was going back to Thailand together with my Thai girlfriend, and this happened to me in DMK about a month ago and I was sent back to Malaysia. It was relatively easy in Malaysia to reenter, but had to explain the situation before the guy told me welcome to Malaysia.

 

To me, Thailand never again.

They had no reason to treat me this way, and neither they were interested in seeing money, or hear any sort of explanation from me or my local girfriend.

 

No idea how vietnam immigration will deal with your order of expulsion and notification to control prohibited person, but once I got hold of the document, I realized that while denied entry is not actually a crime, you sure are treated as one.

At least, airline staff will assume you are one, the staff at the gate, the cabin crew, the transfer and security staff as well, more airline staff in vietnam, the immigration once you arrive will also assume the same, etc.

 

I would consider going back at all on tourist visa, or maybe dig some information on what happens in vietnam once you sent back. 

 

 

Edited September 24, 2019 by peixotorms

[chado]

19 hours ago, keysersoze276 said:

One year METV for Vietnam.  I'm American.  I just applied for the invitation letter online through an agency, showed it at the airport, got the one year multiple on arrival.  It was super easy.  

and I'm Russian. So what? I don't pay in Vietnam for a 14-days exception visa. And you have to.

[MadMuhammad]

21 hours ago, Ron jeremy said:

Nice to see u have arrived safely my friend. 

Oh but what about the viet bashes on this site saying you can't get a one year visa, and it's impossible and so difficult to open a bank account????

nice to hear from someone on the ground, with actual facts, and not BS.

ill send u a PM. Take care, oh and remember, the restaurants all serve dog meat! Hahahahahahaha.

good luck on the <deleted> shoot trying to get back into Thailand to clean out your condo!

Just remember he has a one year visa to Vietnam. It’s just as easy to open a bank account in Thailand with a 12 month visa, the people stating that it’s difficult aren’t necessarily being untruthful 

[thecyclist]

I doubt you will have any problems other than being 'interviewed'. I have racked up a lot more TVs and visa exemptions than you have. Moved to Vietnam 2 years ago, and have been doing regular trips back to LOS, all visa exemptions (usually Don Mueang, once Swampy and twice land border) since without the slightest problems. And I don't even have a 1 year visa. After a couple of months out of the country, with your 1 year visa for Vietnam, and a TV, I wouldn't worry too much. 

[Sheryl]

Add up how many total days you have spent in Thailand in (1) last 12 months and (2) 2019.

If either totals 180 days then yes, you may face difficulties though the return ticket and proof of living in VN may help.

Whatever you do, don't fly into Don Muang.

Sent from my SM-J701F using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app

[wahpiangeh56]

On 9/24/2019 at 4:46 AM, keysersoze276 said:

Thanks and same to you!  After everything I have read, you would be able to get unlimited back to back 3 month SETVs in VN with no questions asked.  Same as border runs in Thailand used to be.  Not much of a difference between me and you here because I chose the multiple entry.  Therefor, I can leave and reenter freely, but I have to leave and reenter at least every 90 days from my last entry.  I don'y have to apply or pay for a new visa or lose a passport page, but I still have to go out and come back.  Single entry one year doesn't, but I can't sit still too long anyway and love to travel.  Plus I have my condo (rented) and gf in BKK.  I personally have no problem leaving every 90 days or less.

seriously? I am puzzled as to why your GF would be waiting patiently for you.

[wahpiangeh56]

Seriously?  I am puzzled as to why your GF would be waiting patiently for you.

[keysersoze276]

22 hours ago, wahpiangeh56 said:

Seriously?  I am puzzled as to why your GF would be waiting patiently for you.

Well, obviously she loves me and is willing to wait because she understands and knows she can't live without me.

 

edit- Now that I think about it, she probably hates me and is glad to get me out of her life for as long as possible.

 

????

[acenase]

On 9/24/2019 at 11:46 AM, Langkawee said:

I will never fly into Thailand. It is too risky. And I've been out of Thailand for 10 months. If you read about the consequences of being denied entry it's not worth the risk. Denied entry equals defaced passport, and air ticket 5 times the regular price and no guarantee being allowed to enter your country of choice and therefore being deported back to USA like a most wanted criminal and at an exorbitant cost. These airports have become a joke. So much for Thailand's dream of being a hub of all things. Even land borders are not guaranteed. I take it your suitcase has has wheels. Let us know how your apartment searching goes in Vietnam. Philippines is amazing, beautiful women. I think you'll find Danang dull, kind people though. I like Hanoi the most. Also think of how your passport will be defaced if denied entry into Thailand. This is going to give you huge problems entering other countries.

 

Are you trolling? Cause bro I don't know why you think like this for.. a denied entry does not mean anything bad. It just means they couldn't let you in AT THIS TIME because of insufficient funds (even if it is a BS reason). People get denied all the time because they only come with credit cards and don't even carry 20K Baht cash on them.

 

And please tell me! How does this effect air ticket prices? And no guarantee being allowed to enter your own country or any other country? Come on man. That's absurd.  It's not like if you go to Japan, they will be able to know what Section 12.2 is or even read Thai Language for your denial stamp!

[JackThompson]

On 9/24/2019 at 4:21 PM, peixotorms said:

No idea how vietnam immigration will deal with your order of expulsion and notification to control prohibited person, but once I got hold of the document, I realized that while denied entry is not actually a crime, you sure are treated as one.

Exactly.  Enter ONLY through the land-border entry-points that follow the written Thai Immigration Laws.   Those that pretend to "know" you cannot afford your stay are not following the laws they swore to uphold - are trying to get you into a "pay to play" situation (elite, agents, etc).

 

If coming in via a law-abiding land-border is just too much trouble, the only reasonably-safe alternative is paying one of the "airport immigration agent" companies, who share the loot with immigration, so they will let you in.

[JackThompson]

8 hours ago, acenase said:

 

Are you trolling? Cause bro I don't know why you think like this for.. a denied entry does not mean anything bad. It just means they couldn't let you in AT THIS TIME because of insufficient funds (even if it is a BS reason). People get denied all the time because they only come with credit cards and don't even carry 20K Baht cash on them.

Yes, to spite the fact the published airline-boarding regulations say credit-cards are fine - they aren't.  And even if you have the 20K Baht, they can always claim you don't have the money to support yourself, and won't accept any "proof" of bank-statements, etc otherwise.

 

His point was, when you get to the next country, you are treated as an 'expelled person' there.  Malaysia is the best place to be "returned" to, in this situation - aside from your passport-country, who cannot refuse you.

 

8 hours ago, acenase said:

 

And please tell me! How does this effect air ticket prices? And no guarantee being allowed to enter your own country or any other country? Come on man. That's absurd.  It's not like if you go to Japan, they will be able to know what Section 12.2 is or even read Thai Language for your denial stamp!

They sell you a last minute priced ticket, through an airline-sales agent who works with immigration.  My bet, is immigration get a cut of the commission on each of these overpriced tickets sold. 

 

When you get to Japan (or where ever), you will not have your passport with you - it will be handed directly to immigration, with the notice you were expelled from Thailand.  True, you broke no laws, and were not 'deported' - but it doesn't look good.