First time getting scrutinised at Don Mueang Immigration as APEC CARD holder

[Leslie Yew]

Occupation: International Sales Enginner in a Malaysian Company

Purpose of Visit Thailand:  Business Meeting and Machine Training with VIP customer  (meet once a week and 2 hours per time) 

 

Other than meeting the customer, I usually stay in my rented aparment.

 

I have been living in Thailand like this for the past 300 days because rental is cheaper than flying every week. Occasionaly , I went back to my home country malaysia before 90 day visa expires. No border run no overstay of course.

 

I showed the IO my product, customer details and google timelie of how I spent my time in Thailand.

 

IO eventually let me in  without telling me what  the correct visa is for my kind of situation,

 

I am a bit worried whether I can get in next time with my APEC Card.

Edited August 21 by Leslie Yew

[oldcpu]

Have you considered the new DTV (Destination Thailand Visa)?

[Liquorice]

32 minutes ago, oldcpu said:

Have you considered the new DTV (Destination Thailand Visa)?

He doesn't fit the criteria for the DTV.

[Liquorice]

8 hours ago, Leslie Yew said:

I showed the IO my product, customer details and google timelie of how I spent my time in Thailand.

 

IO eventually let me in  without telling me what  the correct visa is for my kind of situation,

 

I am a bit worried whether I can get in next time with my APEC Card.

The IO was within his right to ensure you weren't abusing the APEC business card.

He granted entry once you provided documentation as the proof of your visit(s).

Nothing to be concerned about, the APEC card is exactly for the purpose you described.

[CanadaSam]

As you are doing nothing wrong (which the officer confirmed by letting you in) I don't see why you should be worried about anything.

[AgMech Cowboy]

23 hours ago, Leslie Yew said:

I showed the IO my product, customer details and google timelie of how I spent my time in Thailand.

Hello Leslie Yew,

 

I encountered a 'similar' situation earlier this year.  I was being recruited for a job here and the company was interested in contracting a person already living here, because "they would already have the necessary Visa to work".  As I explained to the recruiter I was able to work on my Non-O marriage visa, but that I would have to apply for a work permit and the company would need to support me with the necessary documents.  This totally confused them and they eventually hired a Thai person.

 

The GM is a Malaysian who's married to a Thai.  I suspect (purely conjecture) that he comes in for a week or two or maybe in months on a Non-O marriage or even a tourist visa (or Visa Exempt. I don't know the requirements for the ASEAN entries) and has never gotten a work permit.  In your case, I think you should be using on a Non-B and if you're actually teaching/training, you might need a work permit.

 

I'm no expert, and the IO at the airport obviously wasn't either.  I hope you've gotten the advise you need from some of our other members.

 

Good Luck.

[Liquorice]

4 hours ago, AgMech Cowboy said:

I think you should be using on a Non-B and if you're actually teaching/training, you might need a work permit.

It's known as the APEC 'business' card for a reason, and allows for such as market research, meetings, training as the OP described, and other business activities.

[bigt3116]

4 hours ago, AgMech Cowboy said:

I'm no expert,

 

How right you are! This is exactly what the APEC card is designed for.

[Caldera]

On 8/21/2024 at 3:13 PM, Leslie Yew said:

I have been living in Thailand like this for the past 300 days because rental is cheaper than flying every week.

 

That's the problem in a nutshell. The APEC card is for visiting Thailand as a business traveler, not for living in Thailand.

 

There's no guarantee that IOs you'll encounter in the future won't eventually deny you entry. While you do have a legitimate reason to visit Thailand frequently for business, anything beyond that is stretching things. 

[Leslie Yew]

I am wondering what kind of visa I shall apply.

[Leslie Yew]

5 hours ago, Caldera said:

 

That's the problem in a nutshell. The APEC card is for visiting Thailand as a business traveler, not for living in Thailand.

 

There's no guarantee that IOs you'll encounter in the future won't eventually deny you entry. While you do have a legitimate reason to visit Thailand frequently for business, anything beyond that is stretching things. 

I am wondering what visa I shall appy.  

[Liquorice]

On 8/23/2024 at 2:51 PM, Caldera said:

That's the problem in a nutshell. The APEC card is for visiting Thailand as a business traveler, not for living in Thailand.

The APEC business card only permits a 90 day stay on each entry.

 

On 8/23/2024 at 8:37 PM, Leslie Yew said:

I am wondering what visa I shall appy.  

None. Stick with the APEC card.