Popular Post Regyai Posted August 25, 2022 Popular Post Share Posted August 25, 2022 (edited) 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 In view of the trumpet blowing in media sources proclaiming basically TVs now superseded by the forthcoming 45 day (extendable) exempts I fear the memo isn't being got at the front line.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 Edited August 25, 2022 by Regyai 14 3 3 3 10 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post RedArmy Posted August 25, 2022 Popular Post Share Posted August 25, 2022 Amazing report - I'm sure gonna sleep better tonight. 1 1 7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mac Mickmanus Posted August 25, 2022 Share Posted August 25, 2022 What happened next ? 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post ESLTeacher1989 Posted August 25, 2022 Popular Post Share Posted August 25, 2022 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 4 10 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sparktrader Posted August 25, 2022 Share Posted August 25, 2022 I had no issues 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post DrJack54 Posted August 25, 2022 Popular Post Share Posted August 25, 2022 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. 34 1 2 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post arithai12 Posted August 25, 2022 Popular Post Share Posted August 25, 2022 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. 9 2 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EricTh Posted August 25, 2022 Share Posted August 25, 2022 (edited) 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? Edited August 25, 2022 by EricTh 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Dan O Posted August 25, 2022 Popular Post Share Posted August 25, 2022 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. 9 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Jingthing Posted August 25, 2022 Popular Post Share Posted August 25, 2022 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. 10 1 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post ukrules Posted August 25, 2022 Popular Post Share Posted August 25, 2022 (edited) 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 Edited August 25, 2022 by ukrules 13 2 1 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Mac Mickmanus Posted August 25, 2022 Popular Post Share Posted August 25, 2022 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 4 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Captain Monday Posted August 25, 2022 Popular Post Share Posted August 25, 2022 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. 4 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post SidJames Posted August 25, 2022 Popular Post Share Posted August 25, 2022 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. 12 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Padthaigoong Posted August 25, 2022 Popular Post Share Posted August 25, 2022 (edited) 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. Edited August 25, 2022 by Padthaigoong The usual pfaffing about. 3 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Haveasay Posted August 25, 2022 Share Posted August 25, 2022 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! 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post ukrules Posted August 25, 2022 Popular Post Share Posted August 25, 2022 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. 2 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post scubascuba3 Posted August 25, 2022 Popular Post Share Posted August 25, 2022 Women immigration staff have a reputation at the airport, when I had an METV i used to avoid them, maybe the same woman 4 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grumpy one Posted August 26, 2022 Share Posted August 26, 2022 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 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Photoguy21 Posted August 26, 2022 Popular Post Share Posted August 26, 2022 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. 3 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blackshadow Posted August 26, 2022 Share Posted August 26, 2022 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 1 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post OJAS Posted August 26, 2022 Popular Post Share Posted August 26, 2022 (edited) 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. Edited August 26, 2022 by OJAS 3 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thaiasia Posted August 26, 2022 Share Posted August 26, 2022 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? 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DrJack54 Posted August 26, 2022 Share Posted August 26, 2022 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. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kalasin Jo Posted August 26, 2022 Share Posted August 26, 2022 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. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thaiasia Posted August 26, 2022 Share Posted August 26, 2022 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 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Old Croc Posted August 26, 2022 Popular Post Share Posted August 26, 2022 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. 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post DrJack54 Posted August 26, 2022 Popular Post Share Posted August 26, 2022 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. 3 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tomazbodner Posted August 26, 2022 Share Posted August 26, 2022 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post 2long Posted August 26, 2022 Popular Post Share Posted August 26, 2022 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. 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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