Foreigners in Thailand face fines and jail for overstaying as visa amnesty ends

[lkv]

37 minutes ago, Kuzbidon said:

I see this add popping up on Facebook since a few days.

No idea if it is legitimate  : about 500 $ for a upto 6 month visa to Bali.

Indonesia is supposedly closed but Bali was keen to open for tourism in Jully and was turn Dow by Jakarta. Is it a smart move from local authorities trying to attract foreigners from covid free Thailand? Or is it just a Scam to get money out of desesperate stranded foreigners in Thailand?

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=4547456375329265&id=137499056325041

Although I cannot vouch for that particular advert/company, it is true that foreigners can enter Indonesia if they have KITAS/KITAP or a visa issued after March 31st, 2020.

 

The visa advertised in that link is a B-211 social visa for 60 days, that you can stretch locally up to 6 months (local extensions).

 

Other companies are advertising cheaper services (Rp 6M instead of 8 million in your link), maybe even cheaper if you google search. Example: https://visaforbali.com/service/telex-visa

 

They basically charge for the sponsorship letter, anybody with an Indonesian company can do that.

 

No quarantine if the traveller shows a covid-19 free test taken within 7 days of departure.

 

Sorry for the slight off topic, but it might be relevant to people that have to depart from Thailand.

Edited September 21, 2020 by lkv

[Shey420]

This is what they should have done with the people stuck there. Obviously thailand needs money and tourist. If we are to believe 150k tourist are stuck here the plan for them should have been.

-Deadline on September 26.

-must leave or get visa extended. 

-30,000b for in additional four month tourist visa

Or 10,000b for each renewal month up to four months. 

With this they can make money, keep the little tourist dollars left flowing. In the four months if they got around 80k to stay, it could have generated more than 2 billion baht. They could have also kept expanding it or keep it in place. 

[rumak]

4 hours ago, CALSinCM said:

My guess is that this will border on sexual arousal for Thai Immigration.  Sorta like a pod of killer whales savaging a school of salmon. 

hmmmm,  quite a vivid imagination .    i am intrigued and have been scouring Google but can not find

the part where whales get sexually aroused when "savaging"  a school of salmon.

 

on the other hand i have suspected a female officer or two might be reaching the level you refer to

when I have entered errrr,  arrived .

[aussiexpat]

57 minutes ago, lkv said:

Although I cannot vouch for that particular advert/company, it is true that foreigners can enter Indonesia if they have KITAS/KITAP or a visa issued after March 31st, 2020.

 

The visa advertised in that link is a B-211 social visa for 60 days, that you can stretch locally up to 6 months (local extensions).

 

Other companies are advertising cheaper services (Rp 6M instead of 8 million in your link), maybe even cheaper if you google search. Example: https://visaforbali.com/service/telex-visa

 

They basically charge for the sponsorship letter, anybody with an Indonesian company can do that.

 

No quarantine if the traveller shows a covid-19 free test taken within 7 days of departure.

 

Sorry for the slight off topic, but it might be relevant to people that have to depart from Thailand.

However, according to Indonesia: 

"All foreign visitors are restricted to enter and transit through the Indonesian territory. foreign entry is banned" 

 

https://www.kbri-canberra.go.id/en/menu-visa-service.html

Edited September 21, 2020 by aussiexpat

[RichardColeman]

Thai logic - kick out 100,000 1 month and import 1,200 the next - potentially

[jabis]

4 hours ago, GigsGigs said:

And I've been saying this for weeks to no end now, the double amnesty thing has been seen and perceived as a "sign of weakness" by the upper inner circles at the Immigration headquarters.

 

As always as foreigners we only see what we want to see from our angle, point of view through the prism of whatever reality we live in. For the Thais however, it appears we would have "abused" their kindness by using these two amnesties as a way to maintain ourselves in the Kingdom (THEIR Kindom, remember?) more than what we should have.

 

The 26th September marks the grand opening of the "farang hunting season" for the immigration, expect to be stopped frequently through the country for a quick passport/visa check (checkpoints anyone?) more than you ever have in the past, post Covid-19 era.

 

Why do you ask? Because in their minds we have effectively abused their trust and misused the double amnesties they have granted us.

 

Or simply put, because THEY CAN.

 

That is one of the sides effects of the Xenophobic rhetorica that is being spun by this "self-elected" government.

 

Thailand is officially going down the drain. Thanks to the Army, I guess.

 

Edit: On a personal level, I'm starting to take peeks here and there to Laos as an alternative destination, afterall let's face it; most of the girls we interact with in the seedy/raunchy areas of the country that are being employed in the nightlife/adult industry (yes, I'm looking at you Pattaya, Koh Samui, Patong, Nana Plaza@BKK etc) are from the Issan region anyways, they speak Lao in their families more than they speak the "Hi so" Thai from Bangkok and they are ethnically speaking closer to their Laotian sisters than they are to their Bangkok "Hi so" compatriots. Same same as they say.

Good luck and bail out if you're so inclined - tho your "farang hunting season" may be quite a stretch at current climate - surely some unwanted pos will get their limelight soon-ish, but I'm thinking you're underestimating your friendly neighbour Thai, whils packing to pastures more green here.

Why, do you (even) ask...

History is written by victors, so hope in the end we're at the same end of spectrum, but meanwhile I'd say no reason for doom&gloom, and less reason to undermine them IB fellows and their comprehension skills.

When and if Laos opens borders, hook me up with a tubing session, and let's discuss some more politics 

[Grumpy John]

8 hours ago, genericptr said:

Given the absolute shambles tourism is currently in, I still can't believe they're going to send all these tourists home without even offering some alternative visa.

What's the explanation for this behavior?

Those in power are Deranged I tell you...completely deranged! ????

[jabis]

12 minutes ago, Grumpy John said:

Those in power are Deranged I tell you...completely deranged! ????

Kinda comes with the territory, aye ????

[herfiehandbag]

7 hours ago, ThailandRyan said:

Sorry, but folks have had plenty of time to sort out there Visa statuses. There are many ways to stay in the country legally with extensions of stay and such. For those not married and under 50, or not on a Non Imm B with a WP who can not find a visa to stay I do have empathy for them.  I do understand even those married and who used the Non imm O with ME and border bounced every 90 days or who worked outside of the country may not have the money in the bank to stay, but what else can immigration do for you. It is their rules we live and die by here in this country, and even I know that I am possibly just 1 day away from having to move on. I however, accept those facts and have a Plan B and learned in life things are not always fair.

A fair observation - which does not touch upon the evident enjoyment of others misfortunes or difficulties in which certain posters seem to be taking such delight.

 

If, one day, they fall foul of an irrational and capricious system, and have their lives damaged or ruined, will those they have sneered at so vociferously lately chuckle?

 

Perhaps posts, whose clear motive is such "schadenfreude" should be taken down? They add nothing to the discussion and probably turn many away from the forums.

Edited September 21, 2020 by herfiehandbag

[Grumpy John]

5 hours ago, EricTh said:

If you are caught by their 'benz', then it is 5 years. 

 

I'm sure their benz is going out in full force after so many months of inactivity.

Are you sure their Benz vehicles?  Last time I saw one it was a BMW! 

[ThailandRyan]

4 hours ago, Jack Hna said:

I believe retirees do not spend anywhere close to 40k a month.

 

I see loads of these guys about and they are not spending. 

You need to look outside of the box.  Plenty of us retiree's spend well over the amount you quoted, and plenty of those retiree's have money to burn should they choose too.  I have assets parked in the US and a very comfortable pension to live off of.  I was one of those who used the ME Visa's to go back and forth, but with the writing on the wall parked 1MB in a fixed deposit account here to ensure the extension for the next year would be easier then having to show 12 bank statements of an average of 5 pages each, because I spend considerable amounts to live like I want, and make life easier for both myself and the IO's.  As unfortunate as it may be, there is a visa type that single under 50 folks can obtain, the problem is that as much as they talk about having boat loads of money and propping up tourism they just do not want to spend the money on that one type of Visa that would guarantee them the ability to stay.  Say what you will, and unfortunately I started my life here in Thailand playing the same games, but then realized to be legal and live with no fear of Immigration I would comply with THEIR regulations and stay legally.  Enjoy your day.

[Onrai]

8 hours ago, genericptr said:

Given the absolute shambles tourism is currently in, I still can't believe they're going to send all these tourists home without even offering some alternative visa.

 

What's the explanation for this behavior?

Good question. On the one hand-why not keep the 150,000 tourists that are contributing to the economy? However, how are people who intending on staying a week or two surviving after they’ve been here 5 months? Few planned for a long term stay and many could be running short of funds. 

[rupert the bear]

an acute shortage of tourists ....so chase em out............you can medicate the insane,you can educate the ignorant but stupid-you cant do nothing with that.

[zyphodb]

9 hours ago, genericptr said:

Given the absolute shambles tourism is currently in, I still can't believe they're going to send all these tourists home without even offering some alternative visa.

 

What's the explanation for this behavior?

Xenophobia...

[Matzzon]

9 hours ago, fangless said:

How many are still betting on another extension to the "amnesty" now?

Don´t be surprised, but someone is probably going to post that they hold out until next week and take a chance on paying the fine. ????

[teacherclaire]

9 hours ago, mancub said:

1 year overstay for bt20k and only a 1 year ban seems like a good deal !

The intelligent BMW might find you. 

[herfiehandbag]

7 hours ago, talahtnut said:

Yeah I'm not returning to Thailand ever, since being insulted by the deputy PM,

and a poll showing a high percentage of Thais dont want farangs in their country.

 

Understandable, although perhaps bear in mind that the politicians are buffoons, incapable of any coherent thought beyond where the next cash source may be, and the opinion polls simply show what the people who commissioned them want.

[clarky cat]

although this won't affect me, i'm still expecting a knock on the door 

[herfiehandbag]

7 hours ago, 2 is 1 said:

There never been any logic about desition's in here! Still this is one of most stupid thinking of human kind! Kick out ten's of thousand's foreigner who are here (covid free) and try get 1200 new one in / month! Who possible have covid and can spread that in here, even you are in quarantine (have already happen)!

They going to make more bad to them self again! Really bad advertisement!

It is classic left hand/ right hand. 

The left hand sees and seized on an opportunity (however flawed and unlikely to succeed) to milk cash from what is essentially a scam, despite the damage it will do to Thailand's reputation as a future tourist destination; the right hand, perhaps from xenophobia, perhaps (more likely) simply because they are following the rules with no directions or guidance (who knows) are forcing people out, despite the damage it will do to Thailand's reputation as a future tourist destination. All presided over by an incompetent and bewildered government.

[Mr Meeseeks]

3 hours ago, RichardColeman said:

Thai logic - kick out 100,000 1 month and import 1,200 the next - potentially

The STV is just a ruse to fool people into thinking foreign tourists are still welcome.

 

They are not, as evidenced by the continuing actions of the Thai government. 

 

But having a complete ban on foreign tourists (which is pretty much the situation now) upsets local industry leaders and gives Thailand a negative image. 

 

Actions speak louder than words. 

[Mike Teavee]

9 hours ago, ukrules said:

It's time to start prodding the Home Office (or equivalent) to make sure that Thais in foreign countries get a good measure of reciprocity here.

 

Maybe then the Thais in our home country (UK) will start prodding their government to have reciprocal retirement visa rules to the UK.

 

Got £1,000,000 knocking around?

 

And maybe we should have to go through the same rigmarole when visiting for a few days/weeks as a Thai would have to go through to visit the UK.

 

Be careful what you wish for..

 

 

End of the day people have had 6 months & a plethora of options to sort something out so it’s churlish to start having a pop at the Thai government for doing what they said they’d Do > 2 months ago.

 

Edited September 22, 2020 by Mike Teavee

[ThailandRyan]

And yet there is another article on Phuket being in a Coma, because of not having visitors.  Makes one wonder if this current government is trying to reset time, reduce folks in order to restore nature, and move into the industrial age.....Nah just stupidity on there part and then those who believe free handouts last forever.

Edited September 22, 2020 by ThailandRyan

[mstevens]

9 hours ago, genericptr said:

USA has 300k Thai residents I believe. We've taken in thousands of refugees from the region and surely would have done the same for Thailand. If only Americans knew how the Thais treat us here they wouldn't be so generous in the future.

 

A friend of mine from New Zealand was in California a couple of months ago. He was actually keen to remain there rather than go back to Hong Kong where he is based. When he called American Immigration he was yelled at down the phone line and told he could not extend his visa and he had to leave before his visa expired.

 

You say America is being kind to tourists who want to stay there, right? My friend didn't find that to be the case at all - so don't go saying Thailand is not treating visitors as well as your own country of USA because that is <deleted>.

 

[vandeventer]

I went to CM io yesterday for the 60 day extension for 2 reasons. Firstly if the Amnesty was not granted today there would be large amounts of people there. Secondly, I didn't want the Amnesty to interferer with me getting a 1 year visa. CM io was less than half full yesterday and I got there at 10.30am and left at 2.00pm with the 2 month extension in my passport.

[Mike Teavee]

9 hours ago, genericptr said:

USA has 300k Thai residents I believe. We've taken in thousands of refugees from the region and surely would have done the same for Thailand. If only Americans knew how the Thais treat us here they wouldn't be so generous in the future.

You said it, they’re “Residents”, get one of the many visas available to you in Thailand & be a “Resident”.

 

Incidentally the only available Resident option available to me (UK Citizen) in the US is a $500,000 investment to live in a slum state... Maybe Thailand should do the same for US Citizens??? ... Thought not... 

 

[wtfracing]

8 hours ago, Walker88 said:

150,000 Tourists staying in hotels, dining out every night, taking taxis, shopping, etc., are likely responsible for thousands of Thai jobs. When they leave, as you advocate, thousands of Thais in hotels, restaurants, bars, driving taxis, etc, are going to be laid off. They won't be able to cover their costs, maybe feed their children. Apparently compassion isn't your strong suit.

 

There is a gaggle of bitter old men trolling all the amnesty thread spewing out their own resentment and jealousy, adding zero value to the site, yet mods keep their comments up. Yes, mods will delete this, but NOTHING will take away the emptiness into which your life has sunk that leaves you with nothing positive to add and reeking of unhappiness and despair with your own declining existence. I suspect your screen name defines your day.

Well said couldn't agree more

[bkk6060]

I guess it is pretty clear now.

Very sad to see so many leaving.

 

[Mike Teavee]

14 hours ago, Jack Hna said:

The retired folks from UK basically have 20k gbp in the bank static and about 30k baht a month

LMAO... Coming from somebody who couldn’t pony up £12,500 to get a 5 year Elite Visa... Wait a minute, this old (54) retiree often forgets which pocket he left that in.

 

Joking aside,  I take no pleasure in people having to leave (might be me tomorrow, or the next day), was chatting with a couple of guys from the UK last night who have been here since Jan & were gutted to have to go back on Friday not knowing when they’ll be able to return, i suggested  they have another crack at getting a letter from the UK Embassy as surely they’ll be softening up by now.

 

Get back onto your Embassy, give them some gubbins about not being able to get back home & get an extension 

 

Good Luck with whatever you decide ???? 

[whaleboneman]

8 hours ago, samsensam said:

 

you wont get covid because of thailand, you'll get it because the usa is making a right hash of managing the pandemic...

don't be too hard on the usa - the monkey is running the circus there.

[davidmann]

10 hours ago, genericptr said:

Given the absolute shambles tourism is currently in, I still can't believe they're going to send all these tourists home without even offering some alternative visa.

 

What's the explanation for this behavior?

ITS THAILAND