It finally happened! Denied entry at BKK on METV

[jsmith22]

To be clear, I’m not a broke looking traveller or anything. I make a point of wearing a nice blazer and nice pants whenever going through any airport.

 

I arrived at BKK Saturday September 21 with a brand new passport, a recently issued METV, 20,000 baht cash (Canadian equivalent), proof of onward travel and proof of hotel reservations for the first few nights.

 

After looking at my passport a lot longer than usual the IO summoned his boss and I was taken to that table in the corner where I was questioned about what I was doing in Thailand.

 

They asked if I had the cash which I showed them and they even counted it and did the conversion on her phone - around 21,000 baht.

 

Anyway, after being questioned for about 30 mins they sent me downstairs to some sketchy room where I was asked for a bribe to not send me home. He basically said if I gave him $100 USD he would put me on a flight to a neighboring country and I would be let back in the next day.

 

I was fried at that point and scared so I just said I want to go back home. So they stamped my passport (see picture), booked me a flight at my expense and sent me back to Canada.

 

From what I’ve been reading, the stamp says I was denied due to lack of funds (even though I had cash and need to show proof of funds to get the visa in the first place). Can anyone confirm that?

 

I think my METV is still valid as I see no markings on it.

 

Here’s the thing. I am a frequent visitor to Thailand.

 

My previous passport had 5 SETV’s and 1 METV with a few trips back home. The latest being away from Thailand for 2 months.

 

So what are my options? Does that stamp mean I’m banned from Thailand or is it worth trying again?

 

I was thinking of staying in Canada for 3 more months, for a total of 5 months away from Thailand and trying again in January. 

 

Any suggestions?

 

 

[yogi100]

That's diabolical.

 

My chum is a regular visitor and was given a 40 minute grilling at immigration by a female IO who accused him of working which was pure nonsense. This was around 10 weeks ago.

 

But he was luckier than you and they grudgingly finally allowed him entry.

[elviajero]

13 minutes ago, jsmith22 said:

From what I’ve been reading, the stamp says I was denied due to lack of funds (even though I had cash and need to show proof of funds to get the visa in the first place). Can anyone confirm that?

It looks like you were denied under section 12.2. That is for not having the appropriate means of living in the country.

 

Having 20K satisfies 12.9 and doesn't stop you being denied under 12.2.

 

13 minutes ago, jsmith22 said:

So what are my options? Does that stamp mean I’m banned from Thailand or is it worth trying again?

You are not banned.

 

You could try again, but given your history you have a high chance of being denied again.

[sanemax]

Why have you been going to Thailand so often ?

[JamJar]

1 minute ago, sanemax said:

Why have you been going to Thailand so often ?

"wearing a nice blazer and nice pants" is exactly what I wear when I'm going on holiday. ????

[jsmith22]

11 minutes ago, elviajero said:

It looks like you were denied under section 12.2. That is for not having the appropriate means of living in the country.

 

Having 20K satisfies 12.9 and doesn't stop you being denied under 12.2.

 

You are not banned.

 

You could try again, but given your history you have a high chance of being denied again.

 

Would the stamp hurt my chances of getting the Elite Visa if I went that route?

[elviajero]

4 minutes ago, jsmith22 said:

Would the stamp hurt my chances of getting the Elite Visa if I went that route?

IMO it wouldn't hurt your chances at all. As long as you don't have any overstays you should be fine.

[shy coconut]

Were you wearing trousers with your blazer, or just your nice pants?

 

PS I'm intrigued with the thread title, saying it finally happened seems

like you were expecting problems. Immigration were probably 

wondering why you had so many visas in your passport, you haven't

said how long you have spent in Thailand on those visas.

 

Perhaps they suspected that you were using them to stay longer

in the country than they thought you should. I'm not judging you,

merely trying to get more of an understanding of your predicament.

Edited September 25, 2019 by shy coconut

[thecyclist]

Even people with METV (for which proof of employment and /or sufficient funds is required) from their home countries are now refused entry. Utterly absurd. 

[jsmith22]

7 minutes ago, shy coconut said:

Were you wearing trousers with your blazer, or just your nice pants?

Fine you caught me. They were just medium nice. Maybe that's why?

[elviajero]

1 minute ago, thecyclist said:

Even people with METV (for which proof of employment and /or sufficient funds is required) from their home countries are now refused entry. Utterly absurd. 

The reason for proof of employment is to demonstrate you have a reason to return after your holiday. As in, it reduces the chances of serial tourism.

[mduras01]

Seems like brand new passports don’t help anymore.

[timendres]

Seems a little international press regarding this pattern is called for.

[Ron jeremy]

Why would you take another chance????? They don't want you there! Perhaps it time to move on. 

Last I checked Thailand was not the only country in the world. 

Dont understand why people are putting themselves thru all this aggravation.

[Tayaout]

You can come back easily from any land border except Poipet. I know it's not pratical from Canada but I was in the same situation and crossed to Thailand with the same stamp you have. Once with the tourist visa that was denied at the airport and the next entries was with non-o.

 

I received an email from a visa company that now promote "worry free" entry at one of Bangkok Airport. This is probably why they ask for a bribe directly now. You should have accepted but I understand your point. 

[riclag]

How old are you and was it a lady or man IO in the booth?

[jsmith22]

2 minutes ago, riclag said:

How old are you and was it a lady or man IO in the booth?

I'm 31. It was a man in the booth but he quickly summoned his supervisor who brought me to the table with 3 women.

[riclag]

They are targeting younger aged  individuals  ,30-45.

 

I totally sympathize with you, it's not fair.

 

The IO have gone to far especially when you already were given a visa from the Thai embassy. 

Of course that's my opinion 

I hope you get a answer that helps you

Good luck

[brokenbone]

time to pick some other country,

i would if my body was able to relocate

[Davo369]

In the last 5 years I've got 17 visa exempt, four 30 day extension and four 60 day visa. Only 1 time i got ask what i was doing in lol, i said enjoying myself.

[Davo369]

Then when i arrived back at uk last week my passport wouldn't process through the electronic scanner, so emigration called me over to there desk and question me for 20 minutes on why i can afford to go away for long periods of time. I said i have all day to answer your questions had a fantastic sleep on plane in business class ????. Fxxxking cheek of it

[wisperone]

Good for you for being part of and enabling the corruption that is Thailand. 

Now as far as the part that you want to return for more after that episode is a wonder.

Good luck. Don't forget there are plenty of good and more honest countries around the world with more to offer.

[scubascuba3]

They are targeting younger aged  individuals  ,30-45.
 

It's just daft, if they are concerned people are working why don't they find them in their workplaces. Of course they won't be able to.


It's a new thing asking for a $100 bribe, this makes it more likely they will try picking people up

[Da Nang]

Dear fellows. Always put your phone on the record when dealing with IMI!

 

Maybe some Thai news agency have an interest in listening this as well.

[steven100]

6 hours ago, jsmith22 said:

My previous passport had 5 SETV’s and 1 METV with a few trips back home. The latest being away from Thailand for 2 months.

 

Edited September 25, 2019 by steven100

[steven100]

7 minutes ago, Da Nang said:

Dear fellows. Always put your phone on the record when dealing with IMI!

 

Maybe some Thai news agency have an interest in listening this as well.

i'd be extremely careful on this.  It could get the user into lots of trouble ...

[cornishcarlos]

4 hours ago, Ron jeremy said:

Why would you take another chance?????

 

He's got to get back to work :)

[BritManToo]

21 minutes ago, steven100 said:

i'd be extremely careful on this.  It could get the user into lots of trouble ...

Worse than being sent back to your home country?

[stevenl]

5 hours ago, Ron jeremy said:

Why would you take another chance????? They don't want you there! Perhaps it time to move on. 

Last I checked Thailand was not the only country in the world. 

Dont understand why people are putting themselves thru all this aggravation.

They do want him here, but on the right visa. People living here should be on non-immigrant, not on tourist visa.

[jacko45k]

2 hours ago, scubascuba3 said:

It's just daft, if they are concerned people are working why don't they find them in their workplaces. Of course they won't be able to.

I don't expect the immigration police have the resources for spot checks on Amata and the rest, border points is easier. I am perplexed that an apparently wealthy young person who wants to live in Thailand prefers to try and use tourist means when an Elite would be far more suitable.