Background I've been coming to Thailand as a tourist for over two decades (30 day exempts, TV's and a few Non 'O' back in the days of getting them over the counter at consulates).

My current 10 year Passport is drawing to a close in a few months time and will need renewing.

It contains 7 or 8 years worth of TVs at 3 or 4 trips a year of just under 45days (the per trip maxima of my yearly insurance).

Never previously had any 'interaction' with immo save for the mechanics of being stamped in/out.

 

In view of the trumpet blowing in media sources proclaiming basically TVs now superseded by the forthcoming 45 day (extendable) exempts I fear the memo isn't being got at the front line.

 

I have since the C-19 debacle cleared had one prior 30day exempt in March (extended to 60 days) as achieving my 45 day routine is now more sanely secured now this way rather than the on line hoop jumping for a TV. I landed today to the repeat the process.

 

The interlude with the female harridan immo officer went like this after she flipped the passport pages:

"You come to Thailand a lot"

"hardly, this is the second trip in just on three years"

She silently pawing the old visa collection

"and those accumulated in the preceding seven years"

"why didnt you get a visa?"

"they're now too much trouble, for what I need this is much easier"

 

I'll add here that I'm familiar with the many gambits trotted out by immigration ????

 

"how long are you staying this trip?"

"I haven't decided, maybe 40 days, if so I'll get an extension like last time"

"Last time you stayed two months!!"

"Yes - I hadn't travelled for over two years"

"have you got a Thai wife?" (seriously! I was for a moment though tempted to say I was flattered by the offer ????)

"No, just an early retirement the desire to vacation here and the time and money to do so several times a year"

"Next time you will get a visa"

"No, next time will be after the 1st October - I wont need any extensions or visas as you will be stamping the new 45 days visa exemption into my passport"

 

Stamped in 30days exempt with no further clever retort only her best snarl

Amazing report - I'm sure gonna sleep better tonight.

What happened next ?

You should really get a visa though, its really not that hard and keeps immigration happy and it works out about the same price .........what's your problem

I had no issues

4 minutes ago, ESLTeacher1989 said:

You should really get a visa though, its really not that hard and keeps immigration happy and it works out about the same price .........what's your problem

What is your problem.

Thailand makes available visa exempt entry also they do not place a limit on visa exempt entries via air.

The poster that you quoted had very low level visits to Thailand. 

He does not require a tourist visa.

The io was way out of line.

Not unusual. 

22 minutes ago, Regyai said:

....

Never previously had any 'interaction' with immo save for the mechanics of being stamped in/out.

 

....

 

I'll add here that I'm familiar with the many gambits trotted out by immigration ????

...

So, which of the two, mechanics or gambits?

 

I don't see anything wrong with the IO behaviour. You had about 30 entries in 7-8 years, that IS a lot and she was right. Do get a visa, or be prepared for some obvious questions, including whether you have a relationship in Thailand.

Immigration officer needs to improve her English.

 

It should be 'You must get a visa' and not 'You will get a visa'.....

 

That said, if immigration is not strict with visa-runners, who would want to get a visa?

Seems like a normal conversation by most io in most countries. Thats there job to ask questions and access travelers at entry.  Far fewer questions than I generally get when I return to the USA after a trip. 

I agree with the author  Her behavior was a bit much.  I would have been tempted to respond to you will get a visa with will I? Just because US immigration is worse is no reason to not be critical of Thai immigration.  

3 hours ago, ESLTeacher1989 said:

You should really get a visa though, its really not that hard and keeps immigration happy and it works out about the same price .........what's your problem

It's not his job to keep immigration happy (nobody cares what they think) - you've got that mixed up completely - it's their job to keep the tourists happy

3 hours ago, ESLTeacher1989 said:

You should really get a visa though, its really not that hard and keeps immigration happy and it works out about the same price .........what's your problem

It is rather difficult to get a visa though , applying on line isn't an easy process 

Thailand has competing agencies with differing agendas. TAT for plans for wealthy tourists supporting increasingly ludicrous proposals and new visa schemes. Wealthy tourists just wanting to fly to Thailand  frequently by air visa exempt get knocked back by Royal Thai Immigration for "coming too many times". The only instances when I was grilled was during the 5 years I was a member of Thailand Elite and had the PE visa.

 

I got the feeling they don't care for it very much.  

The immigration officer would be within their rights to refuse entry on the basis that they don't believe the person to be telling the truth about staying the allotted time on a VOA & there is not much you can do about it.

Appeals take time & plenty of shillings.

When dealing with officialdom in a military dictatorship it is best to keep your head down & answer questions in a timely & courteous manner.

Back in the old days a sly notation was stamped on your passport for your next visit but these days they just leave a note on the system for the next officer about you.

It's better to be anonymous rather than correct when crossing the paths of certain uniforms.

For anyone struggling with the e-visa application here's a 20 minute tutorial that I thought was very good.

 

 

I have to say I'm still not keen on it though and will do my best to avoid all the photo copying, jpeging and uploading.

 

I much prefer going to a Consulate and applying in person but I suppose those days are gone.

Oh the rhetoric from IO. Must be struggling for convo at home. Go through the motions and move on to next person in line. Any wonder there's snake queues. Where are robots when you need them!

2 hours ago, Captain Monday said:

The only instances when I was grilled was during the 5 years I was a member of Thailand Elite and had the PE visa.

 

I got the feeling they don't care for it very much.

It doest not matter what they think - the law is clear on that PE visa - 1 year stamp every time you enter - nothing more, nothing less.

 

If they give you any hassle speak to the boss and it will be cleared up very quickly.

Women immigration staff have a reputation at the airport, when I had an METV i used to avoid them, maybe the same woman 

You should be ashamed of yourself.

This hard working woman, working long hours for Immigration, enquires in a shy manner if you are seeking a charming woman for company and you reject her.

Shame on you.

No doubt every male who went to her desk later that day ended up knee deep in dung

 

I don't see why it should be considered a problem for Immigration to ask such questions. It is more annoying to read posts where a full word is abbreviated.

10 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

What is your problem.

Thailand makes available visa exempt entry also they do not place a limit on visa exempt entries via air.

The poster that you quoted had very low level visits to Thailand. 

He does not require a tourist visa.

The io was way out of line.

Not unusual. 

SHOWING authority......was what she was doing we are plebs to immm

10 hours ago, Dan O said:

Seems like a normal conversation by most io in most countries. Thats there job to ask questions and access travelers at entry.  Far fewer questions than I generally get when I return to the USA after a trip. 

That may well be the case, but according to the Thai-bashing brigade on here it is only Thai immigration officers who, in their view, should be criticised for posing such questions. On the other hand, absolutely zero criticism (but rather fulsome praise) should, in their eyes, be levelled at immigration officers in our home countries for posing similar questions.

The IO's still have that attitude today? So, I guess nothing has changed then. ????

 

Does anyone know what happens if, for whatever reason, they decide to deny entry, for coming to Thailand too often; do you have to go back to the same country you just came from, or can you buy a ticket to say, Malaysia or Vietnam?

3 minutes ago, thaiasia said:

The IO's still have that attitude today? So, I guess nothing has changed then. ????

 

Does anyone know what happens if, for whatever reason, they decide to deny entry, for coming to Thailand too often; do you have to go back to the same country you just came from, or can you buy a ticket to say, Malaysia or Vietnam?

You are made to fly back to where you departed to fly to thailand. 

4 hours ago, scubascuba3 said:

Women immigration staff have a reputation at the airport, when I had an METV i used to avoid them, maybe the same woman 

So many say, yet I had an absolute charmer  a few weeks ago. Very friendly, very polite.

1 minute ago, DrJack54 said:

You are made to fly back to where you departed to fly to thailand. 

I see. So instead of taking a straight flight to Thailand, I guess it's better to go to Kuala Lumpur instead, and then take another flight from there to BKK. Just in case

It's reasonable and normal for a primary officer at an airport to ask questions about travel and stay intentions, particularly if they notice a passenger has frequent entries. It could also indicate criminal activity.

 

However, the officer should also be able to quickly ascertain if a  passenger is just a tourist or entering for other reasons. Any questions should be polite, relevant and professional. Proper training is sadly lacking in Thailand.

 

Also, I believe the arrogant attitude of some, stems from their status as police officers. In my opinion Immigration should be separated from the RTP.

1 minute ago, thaiasia said:

I see. So instead of taking a straight flight to Thailand, I guess it's better to go to Kuala Lumpur instead, and then take another flight from there to BKK. Just in case

Don't be too worried by these type of threads. 

There was a spat of refused entries not long prior to covid.

Especially at DMK.

A lot depends on your history of visa exempt entries and importantly time spent outside of Thailand between entries. 

 

11 hours ago, Regyai said:

"No, next time will be after the 1st October - I wont need any extensions or visas as you will be stamping the new 45 days visa exemption into my passport"

You don't know what comment she might have entered into the immigration system. So next time you might not be let in without a visa.

In any country immigration officials are responsible for allowing or refusing entry, based on criteria, official policy and their judgment. Some individuals are more polite or strict than others, and I feel this is a global trend. They are not the reception staff at your hotel, and they're not obliged to be polite.

 

I am always polite, respectful but not over friendly, and I expect the same from them.