60-day visa exemptions are now unlimited at land borders

[kwilco]

7 minutes ago, Maestro said:

 

Laws are NOT decided by "The immigration Commission"

So wo does then?

[Maestro]

7 hours ago, kwilco said:

maybe you should watch this.https://open.spotify.com/show/7pP8gR08KgKrORKmWcFJmE

 

 

The web page to which your link https://open.spotify.com/show/7pP8gR08KgKrORKmWcFJmE points does not confirm your claim that "It's also a factor thet not many people flew in and out of Thailand 6 times in a year (or was that 6 months?) on visa exempt"

 

[kwilco]

48 minutes ago, Maestro said:

 

The web page to which your link https://open.spotify.com/show/7pP8gR08KgKrORKmWcFJmE points does not confirm your claim that "It's also a factor thet not many people flew in and out of Thailand 6 times in a year (or was that 6 months?) on visa exempt"

 

I'm not making any claim - in the video K Naruvhai says rthe for example if you cross into Vientiane you can return as many times as you like so long as you return the next day or later - there are no limits.How do you interpret this? have you watched the video?

on multiple entries on 60 day visa exempt.

Look at the q&A at 9.27 on the video.

then Q2 at 11.59 to 12.57 multiple entry at Vientiane.After that they discuss proof of finance etc which remains the same - POOT can be by "air by land" - POOT can be "booked on the spot."

[DrJack54]

Off topic post removed.

Further off topic posts removed without warning. 

[bigt3116]

15 hours ago, Maestro said:

 

Laws are NOT decided by "The immigration Commission"

 

The immigration commission is an advisory board, not a regulatory one, it does not set laws.

 @kwilco 

 

[Caldera]

All this talk about laws is just uninformed <deleted>; no laws have been enacted for this particular change.

 

What actually happened:

 

Following a cabinet resolution authorizing the changes in principle, a ministerial regulation was issued by the minister of the interior, countersigned by the prime minister.

 

All within the framework of the existing law, specifically the Immigration Act.

[wmlc]

On 8/6/2024 at 8:15 AM, DrJack54 said:

Will folk now be able to border bounce every 90 days (60+ extension) ongoing. Answer: No

 

if they use an agency, then technically "yes." The border bounce visa agent we use that has been in business for over 20 years has said "Yes" to this. So, until this changes, you are wrong. However, trying it by yourself will eventually lead to a refusal of entry as well.

[kwilco]

12 hours ago, bigt3116 said:

 

The immigration commission is an advisory board, not a regulatory one, it does not set laws.

 @kwilco 

 

have you watched thee video?

[Rob Browder]

On 8/6/2024 at 8:18 PM, kwilco said:

in fact there used to be a 6 times per year limit on flights too.

There was a "6 times EVER, and the computer flags you for scrutiny" system - but not a limit.

 

On 8/6/2024 at 8:33 PM, kwilco said:

Laws are decided by The immigration Commission will consist of the Under Secretary of the Minister of Interior as Chairman and the following members: Under Secretary of Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Director general, Police Department. Director General, labor Department.

But, did they set up the agent-system?  No. There is more to Immigration that written law.  This is why they tell people illegal reasons they are denying entry, then stamp another inapplicable reason in their passport to cover their tracks - why they make up unlisted "additional documents" for in-country extensions, etc.

 

On 8/6/2024 at 9:47 PM, kwilco said:

is no reason that someone couldn't stay long-term in Thailand so long as they are a tourist and can afford it.

 

As long as Immigration are allowed to continue with their "pay our agent to enter repeatedly forever" service, they will likely cause problems for folks doing repeat-entries without significant time outside Thailand before returning.  No one would pay for the agent-service, if they didn't.  Only short-term / occasional visitors are not subjected to this.

 

Those paying their agents for repeat-returns will not have any problem, unless/until Immigration are forbidden from doing this any more.  Simply include that in your "afford it" column and, yes. 

 

It is also possible that "friendly" entry-points such as Nong-Khai will not require agent-service for perpetual repeat entries. We will not know otherwise until we get a report of such.

[Maestro]

Removed an off-topic post about watching a video.

[lordflappa]

Any recent updates on border runs? I have to do mine this week. Is it still 60 days for Aussies?

[Caldera]

19 minutes ago, lordflappa said:

Any recent updates on border runs? I have to do mine this week. Is it still 60 days for Aussies?

 

Yes, still 60 days.

[GypsyT]

Have they ever asked forward ticket at land border entry?

I've never done this.

 

[Suitcase]

On 7/18/2024 at 1:05 PM, Toby1947 said:

You'll still need an onward ticket to show airline before being allowed to board. Showing your intention of leaving Thailand within 60 days 

 

[Suitcase]

Just flew in from Switzerland on Lufthansa and no need for a onward ticket I spent $15 for nothing

[Rob Browder]

On 12/7/2024 at 10:42 AM, GypsyT said:

Have they ever asked forward ticket at land border entry?

I've never done this.

 

There are a couple points near Chiang Mai which are now offering either agent-service (reported 4K Baht) for immediate-return OR you must stay out 1 night, and provide an exit-ticket plus "show the money" (10K baht)  upon entry.  

 

In years past (pre-covid), some  Malaysian entry points were also requiring it, including with a Tourist Visa. They now also are reported to have a "same day return" agent-service for visa-exempt border-bounces.

[wozzlegummich]

I am in Thailand now on a 60-day tourist stamp. I have just realised my stamp expires 2 days before my flight back to Australia.
Am I right in assuming all I need to do is go out of Thailand and back in on the same day to get a new 60-day stamp?

[Liquorice]

3 hours ago, wozzlegummich said:

I am in Thailand now on a 60-day tourist stamp. I have just realised my stamp expires 2 days before my flight back to Australia.
Am I right in assuming all I need to do is go out of Thailand and back in on the same day to get a new 60-day stamp?

Cheaper and less inconvenient just to pay the 500 BHT a day overstay fine at the airport when departing, or apply for a 30 day extension at Immigration.

[Katatonica]

On 10/14/2024 at 3:58 PM, lordflappa said:

Any recent updates on border runs? I have to do mine this week. Is it still 60 days for Aussies?

Warning for VOA arrivals:

 

I entered Phuket by air last week, 3rd VOA in 4 months, longest stay 8 days, had a return ticket each time. I did have a 60 day TV before that as I had almost 90/180 days in-country history and had been out for just 2 months.. They then moved to the 60 day visa and apparent unlimited VOA's so I didn't extend it or convert it.

 

Question for anyone who can help: I am not sure - is it possible to convert TV to marriage or other annual visa (quickly) inside Thailand?.

 

NB I cannot visit a Thai consulate in the country I work in as I do not have residency and it doesn't do eVisa.

 

So the first entry after my TV had expired I was questioned a bit at the IO booth, produced my flight out a week later and he said 'ok but get a proper visa for longer stays, if you hadn't had the return flight you would have a problem.'

 

5 weeks or so later I enter again for 5 days, again with an outbound flight. Lady was very pleasant, says must be nice to see my wife, no problem with a few days visit at all, have a nice day.

 

Another 5 weeks and I visit for 7 days, produce return flight, get asked why I'm visiting, so say to see my Thai wife. Get told in no uncertain terms that 'free visa not for visit Thai wife.' Tried to explain I cannot get a visa in the country I'm working in and explained why. Get taken to the office at the side where another officer asks me why I don't get a visa: I repeated why although he had discussed this with the first IO already. He then tells me I should look into the DTV. I left it at that and agreed to look into it although.. I cannot get ANY visa in the country where I work. They stamped me 60 days and I had a visit heavily marred by the knowledge that I really do not know when I can return. My next work break will be getting a visa somewhere: the IO typed for ages on my record and told me not to try entering without a visa again.

 

Several officers told me the limit, by air or otherwise, is 2 VOA's in a year and anyone trying a third will one is likely to be expelled.

 

Could it be that I have a Thai wife and do not have the visa specifically for that although I only come for a couple of months a year? They seemed far more concerned with the quantity of 'free visas' than length of stay. 

 

BTW my appearance was perfectly smart, long trousers, shoes and collar, don't have tats, a few million goes through my Thai account annually, ie no obvious ostensible reason to deny me unless being British is nowadays..

[transam]

15 minutes ago, Katatonica said:

Warning for VOA arrivals:

 

I entered Phuket by air last week, 3rd VOA in 4 months, longest stay 14 days, had a return ticket each time. I did have a 60 day TV before that as I had almost 90/180 days in-country history and had been out for just 2 months.. They then moved to the 60 day visa and apparent unlimited VOA's so I didn't extend it or convert it.

 

Question for anyone who can help: I am not sure - is it possible to convert TV to marriage or other annual visa (quickly) inside Thailand?.

 

NB I cannot visit a Thai consulate in the country I work in as I do not have residency and it doesn't do eVisa.

 

So the first entry after my TV had expired I was questioned a bit at the IO booth, produced my flight out a week later and he said 'ok but get a proper visa for longer stays, if you hadn't had the return flight you would have a problem.'

 

5 weeks or so later I enter again for 5 days, again with an outbound flight. Lady was very pleasant, says must be nice to see my wife, no problem with a few days visit at all, have a nice day.

 

Another 5 weeks and I visit for 7 days, produce return flight, get asked why I'm visiting, so say to see my Thai wife. Get told in no uncertain terms that 'free visa not for visit Thai wife.' Tried to explain I cannot get a visa in the country I'm working in and explained why. Get taken to the office at the side where another officer asks me why I don't get a visa: I repeated why although he had discussed this with the first IO already. He then tells me I should look into the DTV. I left it at that and agreed to look into it although.. I cannot get ANY visa in the country where I work. They stamped me 60 days and I had a visit heavily marred by the knowledge that I really do not know when I can return. My next work break will be getting a visa somewhere: the IO typed for ages on my record and told me not to try entering without a visa again.

 

Several officers told me the limit, by air or otherwise, is 2 VOA's in a year and anyone trying a third will one is likely to be expelled.

 

Could it be that I have a Thai wife and do not have the visa specifically for that although I only come for a couple of months a year? They seemed far more concerned with the quantity of 'free visas' than length of stay. 

 

BTW my appearance was perfectly smart, long trousers, shoes and collar, don't have tats, a few million goes through my Thai account annually, ie no obvious ostensible reason to deny me unless being British is nowadays..

Visa on arrival is different to visa exempt......There is now no limit for visa exempt by land or air for many countries, though the IO has the last word...😋

[Katatonica]

2 minutes ago, transam said:

Visa on arrival is different to visa exempt......There is now no limit for visa exempt by land or air for many countries, though the IO has the last word...😋

• 
• Member
• •  73

Posted just now

  On 10/14/2024 at 3:58 PM,  lordflappa said:

Any recent updates on border runs? I have to do mine this week. Is it still 60 days for Aussies?

Warning for VOA arrivals:

 

I entered Phuket by air last week, 3rd VOA in 4 months, longest stay 14 days, had a return ticket each time. I did have a 60 day TV before that as I had almost 90/180 days in-country history and had been out for just 2 months.. They then moved to the 60 day visa and apparent unlimited VOA's so I didn't extend it or convert it.

 

Question for anyone who can help: I am not sure - is it possible to convert TV to marriage or other annual visa (quickly) inside Thailand?.

 

NB I cannot visit a Thai consulate in the country I work in as I do not have residency and it doesn't do eVisa.

 

So the first entry after my TV had expired I was questioned a bit at the IO booth, produced my flight out a week later and he said 'ok but get a proper visa for longer stays, if you hadn't had the return flight you would have a problem.'

 

5 weeks or so later I enter again for 5 days, again with an outbound flight. Lady was very pleasant, says must be nice to see my wife, no problem with a few days visit at all, have a nice day.

 

Another 5 weeks and I visit for 7 days, produce return flight, get asked why I'm visiting, so say to see my Thai wife. Get told in no uncertain terms that 'free visa not for visit Thai wife.' Tried to explain I cannot get a visa in the country I'm working in and explained why. Get taken to the office at the side where another officer asks me why I don't get a visa: I repeated why although he had discussed this with the first IO already. He then tells me I should look into the DTV. I left it at that and agreed to look into it although.. I cannot get ANY visa in the country where I work. They stamped me 60 days and I had a visit heavily marred by the knowledge that I really do not know when I can return. My next work break will be getting a visa somewhere: the IO typed for ages on my record and told me not to try entering without a visa again.

 

Several officers told me the limit, by air or otherwise, is 2 VOA's in a year and anyone trying a third will one is likely to be expelled.

 

Could it be that I have a Thai wife and do not have the visa specifically for that although I only come for a couple of months a year? They seemed far more concerned with the quantity of 'free visas' than length of stay. 

 

BTW my appearance was perfectly smart, long trousers, shoes and collar, don't have tats, a few million goes through my Thai account annually, ie no obvious ostensible reason to deny me unless being British is nowadays..

OK, but I am visa exempt, did I use the wrong term? Apparently there IS now a limit on visa exempt arrivals of 2.

 

[Hummin]

20 minutes ago, Katatonica said:

Warning for VOA arrivals:

 

I entered Phuket by air last week, 3rd VOA in 4 months, longest stay 14 days, had a return ticket each time. I did have a 60 day TV before that as I had almost 90/180 days in-country history and had been out for just 2 months.. They then moved to the 60 day visa and apparent unlimited VOA's so I didn't extend it or convert it.

 

Question for anyone who can help: I am not sure - is it possible to convert TV to marriage or other annual visa (quickly) inside Thailand?.

 

NB I cannot visit a Thai consulate in the country I work in as I do not have residency and it doesn't do eVisa.

 

So the first entry after my TV had expired I was questioned a bit at the IO booth, produced my flight out a week later and he said 'ok but get a proper visa for longer stays, if you hadn't had the return flight you would have a problem.'

 

5 weeks or so later I enter again for 5 days, again with an outbound flight. Lady was very pleasant, says must be nice to see my wife, no problem with a few days visit at all, have a nice day.

 

Another 5 weeks and I visit for 7 days, produce return flight, get asked why I'm visiting, so say to see my Thai wife. Get told in no uncertain terms that 'free visa not for visit Thai wife.' Tried to explain I cannot get a visa in the country I'm working in and explained why. Get taken to the office at the side where another officer asks me why I don't get a visa: I repeated why although he had discussed this with the first IO already. He then tells me I should look into the DTV. I left it at that and agreed to look into it although.. I cannot get ANY visa in the country where I work. They stamped me 60 days and I had a visit heavily marred by the knowledge that I really do not know when I can return. My next work break will be getting a visa somewhere: the IO typed for ages on my record and told me not to try entering without a visa again.

 

Several officers told me the limit, by air or otherwise, is 2 VOA's in a year and anyone trying a third will one is likely to be expelled.

I would believe it is not how many entries that matters, but how many days total a year? 

 

Doesn't make sense if you still not staying more than 180 days a year if that is still a thing

[Katatonica]

1 minute ago, Hummin said:

I would believe it is not how many entries that matters, but how many days total a year? 

 

Doesn't make sense if you still not staying more than 180 days a year if that is still a thing

No, does not make sense, I am completely baffled. My wife is understandably very upset too.

[Rob Browder]

1 hour ago, Katatonica said:

e. Get told in no uncertain terms that 'free visa not for visit Thai wife.'

Yes, it is SPECIFICALLY for "Visiting Family" now - since they changed to the 60-day visa.  And, there is no "2 limit" anywhere in immigration law since the 2x/year land-border rule was rescinded (was never a limit by-air).   At non-corrupt entry points, these problems are never reported.

 

The ONLY reason they hassle you at the airport immigration checkpoints, is they want everyone coming more often, or staying longer term, to pay them off per-entry via an agent like this:

https://aseannow.com/topic/1336926-setv-metv-still-around-now-that-visa-exempts-are-now-60-days/?do=findComment&comment=19217493

 

Sad that they have become so greedy for envelope-money, they are even hassling people who are not staying more than a week or so per-entry.

[transam]

1 hour ago, Katatonica said:

OK, but I am visa exempt, did I use the wrong term? Apparently there IS now a limit on visa exempt arrivals of 2.

 

There used to be a limit at land borders of 2, that has been scrapped, for the moment......🤗

[Liquorice]

3 hours ago, transam said:

There is now no limit for visa exempt by land or air for many countries, though the IO has the last word...😋

Got a link to an official Immigration announcement on that.
It's entirely at the discretion of the IO.

[Liquorice]

2 hours ago, transam said:

There used to be a limit at land borders of 2, that has been scrapped, for the moment..

The official rule limiting of 2 VE entries by border has never been rescinded by Immigration.

They may be more lenient, but it's still at their discretion.

[Liquorice]

3 hours ago, Katatonica said:

Another 5 weeks and I visit for 7 days, produce return flight, get asked why I'm visiting, so say to see my Thai wife. Get told in no uncertain terms that 'free visa not for visit Thai wife.' Tried to explain I cannot get a visa in the country I'm working in and explained why. Get taken to the office at the side where another officer asks me why I don't get a visa: I repeated why although he had discussed this with the first IO already. He then tells me I should look into the DTV. I left it at that and agreed to look into it although.. I cannot get ANY visa in the country where I work. They stamped me 60 days and I had a visit heavily marred by the knowledge that I really do not know when I can return. My next work break will be getting a visa somewhere: the IO typed for ages on my record and told me not to try entering without a visa again.

Visa exempt entries are for 'tourist' purposes.

Ideally you should obtain a Non Imm O visa, then extend that 90 day stay for a further 365 days based on Thai spouse, with a multiple re-entry permit.

Come and go as you please within that 365 day period.

Can be done in Thailand, but it sounds as though you don't stay long enough to allow processing of the applications.

 

Once they start questioning and making notes on their computer, you're between a hard rock and a stone.

[transam]

15 minutes ago, Liquorice said:

Got a link to an official Immigration announcement on that.
It's entirely at the discretion of the IO.

I did say that in my post, did you miss it...😉

No link, only the IO at Chong Mek in October, who told me, now no problem with VE's...

I asked him because I thought of going back at the end of December, he said it was OK..

 

Soon find out......Eh.........🤗

 

[Rob Browder]

3 minutes ago, Liquorice said:

Visa exempt entries are for 'tourist' purposes.

Not exclusively, any more.  When the 60-day exempt was announced, additional reasons now qualifying for their use were added - including visiting family.

 

We know the 2-entry rule was rescinded, because this stopped being an issue entirely at non-agent-extortion points of entry.  Prior to this change, they wrote (1) and (2) next to land-border visa-exempt entries, to count them, but not any more.