Almost Refused Entry at Chiang Mai Airport -Be Warned! - 2nd Visa Exemption

[richard_smith237]

1 minute ago, sqwakvfr said:

Ok.  I get that the iO's are doing their jobs but just my experience on entering the country several times a year for the lat 7 years is that based upon the location and in some case based upon the specifi IO the range of "doing their jobs" seems to be very wide.  If this is bashing or whining then so be it.  I would not disagree with you esteemed opinon. 

 

The same complaints have existed on this forum since at least the early 2000's... 

 

There are posters who have complained that their entry was rejected after doing numerous border bounces and encountering an immigration officer who decided to enforce regulations.... 

 

...  Back then, there were fewer immigration officers who'd enforce the rules and things were more slack, but there were still regular complaints because so many more people were taking a chance. 

 

These days there is more 'consistency' in application of the regulations so people have a better understanding of 'exactly where they stand'...   

 

... Still, such issues are only encountered by those attempting to circumnavigate the system - give our take the odd episode of silliness forced by an individual officer wanting photos a certain way etc...  which has also, always been an issue.

 

 

 

[sqwakvfr]

10 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

 

The same complaints have existed on this forum since at least the early 2000's... 

 

There are posters who have complained that their entry was rejected after doing numerous border bounces and encountering an immigration officer who decided to enforce regulations.... 

 

...  Back then, there were fewer immigration officers who'd enforce the rules and things were more slack, but there were still regular complaints because so many more people were taking a chance. 

 

These days there is more 'consistency' in application of the regulations so people have a better understanding of 'exactly where they stand'...   

 

... Still, such issues are only encountered by those attempting to circumnavigate the system - give our take the odd episode of silliness forced by an individual officer wanting photos a certain way etc...  which has also, always been an issue.

 

 

 

 

10 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

 

The same complaints have existed on this forum since at least the early 2000's... 

 

There are posters who have complained that their entry was rejected after doing numerous border bounces and encountering an immigration officer who decided to enforce regulations.... 

 

...  Back then, there were fewer immigration officers who'd enforce the rules and things were more slack, but there were still regular complaints because so many more people were taking a chance. 

 

These days there is more 'consistency' in application of the regulations so people have a better understanding of 'exactly where they stand'...   

 

... Still, such issues are only encountered by those attempting to circumnavigate the system - give our take the odd episode of silliness forced by an individual officer wanting photos a certain way etc...  which has also, always been an issue.

 

 

 

Just on the Visa Exempt a nationwide policy that limits the number should be set, widely announced and conistently enforced. .  I get that things are getting more consistent but that road is still long and wide.  But I guess what I am looking for in Thailand is unrealistic.  But  reading about other  peoples entry experience (good and bad) is always informative.  

[ChaiyaTH]

On 4/29/2025 at 6:31 PM, BrandonJT said:

What? A non-O visa DOES require money to get it. To apply for a non-O based on marriage you must show proof of 400,000 baht. That IS the rule. 

 

And embassies and consulates don't make any rules about entering Thailand, that's immigration that does that.  And wtf does the UN and child rights have anything to do with entering Thailand? 

A single entry non-o does by Thai law not require money proof. Immigration now wants you to use a VISA which means you would use a single entry non-o rather than exemption, as that is the only alternative, isn't it smarty? That means they make up rules that contradict actual immigration laws that then give people zero options.

That would according to immigration then eventually lead to refusal which is a violation of both their own law as well what they commit to in the UN rights of children article 9. The entire money proof is only required when you apply for either the 60 day extension inside Thailand, intended for the 12 month extension following after.

 

As they make up their own rules you can not clearly state what is right or wrong. Anyone could have the issue with scenario's in all kinds of cases, maybe get some color in your life. For example someone could be from or living in Hong Kong or Singapore but visit his child 6 times a year etc etc. These people do not need yearly visa's, neither money stuck in a bank for no reason for the duration of the childs life at 20. 

 

The fact somene could show the paperwork, should be more than enough. It's also not even about the foreigner his/her rights but the Thai child's rights to have parents visiting. This is why for example the Chavez law i Europe exists as well, a Thai essentially gets instantly 2 year visa + after 5 year extensions (and then likely the passport after), just if the child would be residing and going to school. With zero financial proof.

[thai006]

Go to see french embassy in Paris they ask for single non o. 12 000 euro ,,😂😂😂

[ChaiyaTH]

1 minute ago, thai006 said:

Go to see french embassy in Paris they ask for single non o. 12 000 euro ,,😂😂😂

Yes that is the 400k requirement we talk about, maybe learn to read to understand? Forex rates by now changed as well, it would be less in EUR.

[BrandonJT]

8 hours ago, ChaiyaTH said:

A single entry non-o does by Thai law not require money proof. Immigration now wants you to use a VISA which means you would use a single entry non-o rather than exemption, as that is the only alternative, isn't it smarty? That means they make up rules that contradict actual immigration laws that then give people zero options.

That would according to immigration then eventually lead to refusal which is a violation of both their own law as well what they commit to in the UN rights of children article 9. The entire money proof is only required when you apply for either the 60 day extension inside Thailand, intended for the 12 month extension following after.

 

As they make up their own rules you can not clearly state what is right or wrong. Anyone could have the issue with scenario's in all kinds of cases, maybe get some color in your life. For example someone could be from or living in Hong Kong or Singapore but visit his child 6 times a year etc etc. These people do not need yearly visa's, neither money stuck in a bank for no reason for the duration of the childs life at 20. 

 

The fact somene could show the paperwork, should be more than enough. It's also not even about the foreigner his/her rights but the Thai child's rights to have parents visiting. This is why for example the Chavez law i Europe exists as well, a Thai essentially gets instantly 2 year visa + after 5 year extensions (and then likely the passport after), just if the child would be residing and going to school. With zero financial proof.

I'm honestly amazed at how wrong all of this information is.  You literally have no idea what you are talking about. Good luck surviving in Thailand with this understanding.

[richard_smith237]

On 4/30/2025 at 3:42 PM, sqwakvfr said:

Just on the Visa Exempt a nationwide policy that limits the number should be set, widely announced and conistently enforced. .  I get that things are getting more consistent but that road is still long and wide.  But I guess what I am looking for in Thailand is unrealistic.  But  reading about other  peoples entry experience (good and bad) is always informative.  

 

Why? If someone plans to stay for a few months, they should not rely on visa exemption - opting for an METV.

 

Is that really too difficult to understand?

 

Rational individuals don’t require strict enforcement consistency to recognise which visa is appropriate for a straightforward, uncomplicated stay.

 

As always, the real issue - at least for the most part - lies with those attempting to exploit the system. They’re the ones complaining about inconsistent enforcement, having failed to "get lucky" in their attempts to bypass the rules.

 

 

 

 

[BritManToo]

19 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

 

Why? If someone plans to stay for a few months, they should not rely on visa exemption - opting for an METV.

 

Is that really too difficult to understand?

 

Rational individuals don’t require strict enforcement consistency to recognise which visa is appropriate for a straightforward, uncomplicated stay.

 

As always, the real issue - at least for the most part - lies with those attempting to exploit the system. They’re the ones complaining about inconsistent enforcement, having failed to "get lucky" in their attempts to bypass the rules.

 

 

 

 

If I were a tourist on a sabbatical, it'd be Thailand under 60 days, Vietnam under 45 days, then Phillipines for as long as I like because they ain't counting.

 

Why the desperation of all these 'tourists' to stay in Thailand?

[richard_smith237]

28 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

If I were a tourist on a sabbatical, it'd be Thailand under 60 days, Vietnam under 45 days, then Phillipines for as long as I like because they ain't counting.

 

Why the desperation of all these 'tourists' to stay in Thailand?

 

Preference....   I've worked in the Philippines... its not for me, I can understand why its not for others.

 

As for Thailand, from the perspective of long term tourists (who'd sabbatical here) many have ties here, a network of friends, possibly even a girlfriend etc...

 

But, I suspect something a little more different - those wishing to stay longer here either do not meet certain criteria: 

 

1) Under 50 - want to stay longer than a tourist visa 

2) Over 50 - don't have 800,000 baht seasoned

3) Married here - don't have 400,000 baht seasoned.

 

For those under 50, not married, there are fewer options.... many would go for an Education or Volunteer Visa.

 

But, true tourists can still get a 6 month Tourist Visa I think...  But that won't allow for many border bounces etc and is not a realistic longer term option.

 

I may be wrong, but its seems there really is only the Elite Visa for the younger unmarried long termers - and many are priced out of that...   

 

The LTR has min-income requirements etc.

[StayinThailand2much]

3 hours ago, richard_smith237 said:

Why? If someone plans to stay for a few months, they should not rely on visa exemption - opting for an METV.

 

Well, I am an expat, having lived in Asia for the past 20 odd years. Can you please tell me where in this region I can apply for a Thailand METV? Sorry, but travelling all the way back to my home country for a visa is not an option, as flight and hotel costs would be inappropriately high. If such a visa was offered in KL or Singapore, I'd happily travel there to apply, however.

[richard_smith237]

22 minutes ago, StayinThailand2much said:

4 hours ago, richard_smith237 said:

Why? If someone plans to stay for a few months, they should not rely on visa exemption - opting for an METV.

 

Well, I am an expat, having lived in Asia for the past 20 odd years. Can you please tell me where in this region I can apply for a Thailand METV? Sorry, but travelling all the way back to my home country for a visa is not an option, as flight and hotel costs would be inappropriately high. If such a visa was offered in KL or Singapore, I'd happily travel there to apply, however.

 

Agreed...  You can't...   They are obtained from your home country.

 

But, isn't that the point...   You are not a tourist... 

 

IF you are here and need back to back 6 month METV's - then do you think you are a genuine Tourist ?

 

IF you are under 50, single, living in Thailand - your options are very slim and limited to Elite Visa.

 

So, how have you managed it for 20 years ?

 

 

As I wrote: "True Tourists"

3 hours ago, richard_smith237 said:

For those under 50, not married, there are fewer options.... many would go for an Education or Volunteer Visa.

 

But, true tourists can still get a 6 month Tourist Visa I think...  But that won't allow for many border bounces etc and is not a realistic longer term option.

 

 

[BrandonJT]

59 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

IF you are under 50, single, living in Thailand - your options are very slim and limited to Elite Visa.

No, that's what the DTV is for.

[Rob Browder]

On 4/29/2025 at 5:49 PM, Liverpool Lou said:

Do "they"?  Yet you can not refer to one single specific case from your "knowledge" of the "many"?

 

"IOs have literally waived-away those trying to present their list of the required items - money, etc."

"Waived-away [sic]"?  You mean waived the requirements?  That doesn't bolster your argument at all.  An example would be a good idea.

You want me to do the google-search on this site for you?   Choose to believe what you want - I've been reading such reports here for years - since before the name of the site changed.

 

And, no, as in the victim tried to present the stated requirements for entry (20K Baht, hotel-booking, flight-out), and the IO literally waived it away - as in waived their hand  "shoo shooo." 

Then, they told the person they were not allowing them to enter, because they "come too much" - and then, stamped a different reason (lie) in their passport as the "official" reason for denying entry - "not having money" - after refusing to look at / count the money presented.

[Rob Browder]

8 hours ago, richard_smith237 said:

As always, the real issue - at least for the most part - lies with those attempting to exploit the system. They’re the ones complaining about inconsistent enforcement, having failed to "get lucky" in their attempts to bypass the rules.

Where the "rule" is - pay through their agent-partners, and make all the visa-exempt entries you want - no problem. 

 

They make a joke of their system with inconsistency / "crackdowns" and paperwork / "requirements" change-ups - all designed only to line their pockets.  All is done right out in the open, with agents advertising their services.  And yet, some farangs defend what they are doing as "enforcing the rules"?

 

Life is easier here after accepting that things here are not the same here as in our passport-countries.  Corruption rules the roost, and everything done is to preserve that corruption. 

 

I'm doing it "legit" on retirement for as long as I can - but always fully prepared I may have to pay an agent the next year, if they "change" something to force this.