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.

[Jurghh]

With my entry experience over the last two years being on a Non-Ed and now a Non-O (with a few tourist visas/ exempts thrown in for good measure), I would expect to be grilled at Immigration in the OP’s scenario. I have a friend who stays here just under six months a year on visa exempts/ tourist visas but he does the border bounce half way through, never a flight for this reason. 
 

Fact of the matter is it’s never nice being questioned at airport immigration. The nerves and suspense waiting in the queue trying to search out the friendliest looking IO. If you find a guy with a Bluetooth headset on the phone to his friend then you’ve hit the jackpot. I avoid the female ones who look like they’ve been doing it a while. It’s with them that I’ve had the most issues. Despite having no grounds to deny you entry some of them can make you feel like they don’t want to let you in which is obviously scary if you have your whole life here/ puppies. 
 

While I’m completely legit I still prefer to enter with my wife and infant child if I can. They don’t say a single word then and it’s bliss

[richard_smith237]

13 hours ago, BrandonJT said:

14 hours 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.

 

Thanks, I knew there was another one I was missing...  

 

With the new DTV - there really is no need to anyone to be border bouncing with back to back tourist visas or Visa Exempts...   

 

So, back tothe comments by StayinThailand2much  and  sqwakvfr there are options...

 

 

 

 

[Chalky0w]

On 4/29/2025 at 11:30 PM, BrandonJT said:

METV doesn't even mean anything anymore.

Used to use METVs and never had a problem / been questioned.
 

Think they are perfect for snow birds or gap year students that want to stay up to 6 months.

 

I’m on a DTV now which is a better option for me but don’t think METV should be ruled out for others like the OP.

 

 

[richard_smith237]

9 hours ago, Rob Browder said:

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.

 

For those who don't need some rule or regulation bent slightly - there is no need to use an agent at all (most cases).

 

I also agree that for those who may not meet a financial requirement or are out side of the conventional boundaries in some other manner - using an agent offers another option - though, that is something I see only few considering because they have no need for that circumnavigation of the rules.

 

And... who wants to pay 30k baht for an agent for something they've been doing themselves - For example: You ??... 

If you've been doing it 'legit' for the past decade or however long, why would you need to use an agent, at all ?

 

 

I only see Four types of people using an agent: 

1) Those who have no idea what they are doing and get confused with requirements

2) Those who are too busy (and or lazy) to do all the paperwork themselves and want their hand held

3) Those who don't meet requirements and are trying to circumnavigate part of the system

 

4) Those who are company sponsored and their company employs an agent to smooth things over and fast track (i.e. a number of years ago when working here I handed my passport to our agent on Saturday, I picked up my Passport and Work Permit on Monday morning).

 

[richard_smith237]

6 minutes ago, Chalky0w said:

I’m on a DTV now which is a better option for me but don’t think METV should be ruled out for others like the OP.

 

Which begs the question: Why are people who think they may be here 'longer term' i.e. 5 months etc..  or even 9 months etc...   come here on Visa Exempt (60 days + extension) and then attempt to border bounce ?

 

Is it simply a matter of them being lazy and not researching visa options before coming here ?

 

OR.. is the DTV requirement (or METV) too difficult to obtain: 

For Workcation Applicants (Digital Nomads, Remote Workers, Freelancers)

• Passport: Valid for at least 6 months.

• Photograph: Recent passport-sized photo taken within the last 6 months.

• Proof of Current Location: Such as a UK driving license or utility bill.

• Financial Evidence: Bank statements showing a balance of no less than £11,000 (approximately 500,000 THB) over the last 3 months.

• Employment Documentation: Employment contract or certificate from a non-Thai company, or a professional portfolio demonstrating your status as a digital nomad or freelancer.

 

 

Is the £11,000 in a bank to much for some ?

Is the Employment documentation too difficult tog et hold of for some ?

 

So, METV is the only option ? and then as an earlier poster wrote, getting that renewed back home, is too costly (with flights and accommodation while waiting for approval) ?

 

It does seem that 'financial constraints' are the biggest factor and those 'border bouncing' and attempting to circumvent the system are doing so out of financial desperation rather than any other preference (perhaps).

[Rob Browder]

3 hours ago, richard_smith237 said:

And... who wants to pay 30k baht for an agent for something they've been doing themselves - For example: You ??... 

If you've been doing it 'legit' for the past decade or however long, why would you need to use an agent, at all ?

As to cost, Reports indicate between ~2K to 5K per-entry unlimited visa-exempt by air or agent-van to a border.  It's 12.5K to 15K baht per-year for retirement-based - only need a passport showing you are over 50.

 

Add to your list, those who choose to invest their 800K where it generates a decent return, or not send far more money here every month than they need.  This may more than cover the agent-cost.  If I had that Australian "super" fund option, I'd likely be doing that. 

 

If I wasn't married to a Thai, I would have been forced to use agents until I turned 50 - no DTV back then,  On the married / family type, it is a nightmare dealing with that every year, in my own and other's experiences.  This is why I previously used Non-O-ME Visas (no longer available) - not because of the 400K, but to protect my wife from Immigration's abuse.  Many likely use the DTV now, or switch to retirement (as I did), or even border-bounce with agents, just to avoid that experience.

 

Immigration could change the rules any time, when they desire a "raise" in agent-sourced envelope-money - like they did with changing the retirement-money rules w/o grandfathering the last time.  Or, maybe they start adding hoops and/or being abusive to retirees, like family-extensions? 

 

I could be using an agent next year, depending on things over which I have no control at all.  But, while on one hand, it sucks being forced to deal with a mafia, one also knows that crooks can always be bought.  Glass half-full / half-empty scenario.

[Nick Carter icp]

4 hours ago, richard_smith237 said:

 

I only see Four types of people using an agent: 

1) Those who have no idea what they are doing and get confused with requirements

2) Those who are too busy (and or lazy) to do all the paperwork themselves and want their hand held

3) Those who don't meet requirements and are trying to circumnavigate part of the system

 

4) Those who are company sponsored and their company employs an agent to smooth things over and fast track (i.e. a number of years ago when working here I handed my passport to our agent on Saturday, I picked up my Passport and Work Permit on Monday morning).

 

 

   People who would prefer to invest the 800 000 Baht in places  other than a Thai bank where they will get a paltry 1 % interest

[Rob Browder]

4 hours ago, richard_smith237 said:

So, METV is the only option ?

Qualifications and cost aside, having to fly yourself 1/2 way across the world to deliver paperwork is stupid, and is an awful experience.  Why not just ask 5K every 90-days or whatever at immigration.  Oh, wait, that would be with receipt, so wouldn't serve immigration's primary goal with all this.

 

See how DTVers are being hit with "extra" fees to border bounce. 
https://aseannow.com/topic/1359398-dtv-border-bounce-from-pattaya-via-van-5700-baht-why-are-dtv-border-bounces-more-costly/
How long until legit "1 day out and return" with the DTV starts getting randomly-blocked, when Immigration decides they aren't making "enough" from agent-van money?  They have denied entry to those on ED Visas with re-entry permits, so anything is possible.  There is no semblance of rules or fair-play one can count-on - just the last "reports" we see here, to gauge what to expect.

 

[richard_smith237]

4 minutes ago, Nick Carter icp said:

 

   People who would prefer to invest the 800 000 Baht in places  other than a Thai bank where they will get a paltry 1 % interest

 

Then they don't meet the requirement - Entry to Thailand is not a multiple choice preference test...   

 

Either meet the requirements or don't...    its really that simple.

[richard_smith237]

22 minutes ago, Rob Browder said:

This is why I previously used Non-O-ME Visas (no longer available) - not because of the 400K, but to protect my wife from Immigration's abuse. 

 

Protect your wife from Immigration abuse ??   you're laying it on thick...  

I've done the Non-Imm-O (based on Marriage) Immigration are perfectly well mannered....   abuse ? no...

 

Also Rob, your arguments all seem to originated from 'something' you think Immigration might do, could do, or a rule the might or could change....

 

... Its a lot of whatifery...   No solid argument at all.

 

 

[Nick Carter icp]

2 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

 

Then they don't meet the requirement - Entry to Thailand is not a multiple choice preference test...   

 

Either meet the requirements or don't...    its really that simple.

 

   Its the immigrations officers who decide who can go or not and the I.O will be happier seeing customers with a big brown 20 000 Baht brown envelope , rather than 1900 Baht a year doing it properly, bringing photos of his wife at home and a map of his home and a ton of paperwork to do .

   I,O will be much more pleased seeing me that they would seeing you

[richard_smith237]

25 minutes ago, Rob Browder said:

Add to your list, those who choose to invest their 800K where it generates a decent return,

 

Then they don't want Non-Imm O based on Retirement - thats the requirement, if they don't want to meet that requirement, then they simply do not meet it.

 

25 minutes ago, Rob Browder said:

or not send far more money here every month than they need. 

 

They 'need it'   800k baht in a bank account is a legal requirement the Non-Imm O (based on retirement) - its needed.... If someone doesn't think they need it, then they don't want to meet the requirements - thats quite simple.

 

25 minutes ago, Rob Browder said:

This may more than cover the agent-cost.  If I had that Australian "super" fund option, I'd likely be doing that. 

 

Fine... then there is no reason to complain about the cost of using an agent, or complaining that there are no options for you... There are options for all the scenarios you mention... its just that people are making a conscious choice not to meet those requirements and then complaining about it.

 

 

 

 

[BritManToo]

4 hours ago, richard_smith237 said:

 

I only see Four types of people using an agent: 

1) Those who have no idea what they are doing and get confused with requirements

2) Those who are too busy (and or lazy) to do all the paperwork themselves and want their hand held

3) Those who don't meet requirements and are trying to circumnavigate part of the system

 

4) Those who are company sponsored and their company employs an agent to smooth things over and fast track (i.e. a number of years ago when working here I handed my passport to our agent on Saturday, I picked up my Passport and Work Permit on Monday morning).

 

You missed 

5. Those too old/incontinent/unable to stand/dizzy all day hanging around immigration offices.

 

I used to fly to Saigon for my ME non O, just to avoid having to queue at CM immigration at 5am to get a ticket number for my extension.

It improved during COVID, now its gradually returning to the bad old days. Last year when I turned up at 9:30am, too late for a ticket. And I can't arrive earlier as I need to get a bank letter and statement first.

[richard_smith237]

1 minute ago, Nick Carter icp said:

Its the immigrations officers who decide who can go or not and the I.O will be happier seeing customers with a big brown 20 000 Baht brown envelope , rather than 1900 Baht a year doing it properly, bringing photos of his wife at home and a map of his home and a ton of paperwork to do .

I,O will be much more pleased seeing me that they would seeing you

 

What you've written is total rubbish - you seem to imply that an Immigration officer will reject someone who meets all the requirements (with documentation) in favour of someone presenting a 20,000 baht 'bribe' via an agent...     which of course is total rubbish...

 

... If someone meets the requirements - their extension is not rejected....   It seems we have complaints from people who haven't seasoned money for the full term, maybe have dropped below, switched accounts etc...  cannot meet the 'income requirements'...   don't have the correct paperwork etc..

 

The 'ONLY' variables I have ever read of:

1) Officer wants photos presented a different way (i.e. on per page, not two per page, not back to back etc)

2) Officer wants Bank Book updated on the day, not the day before.

 

 

 

I've done the Non-Imm O (based on Marraige) and found it an incredibly simple process....

The only annoying part was the under-consideration process, which was a time wasting when having to go back a month later.

 

[richard_smith237]

3 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

You missed 

5. Those too old/incontinent/unable to stand/dizzy all day hanging around immigration offices.

 

I used to fly to Saigon for my ME non O, just to avoid having to queue at CM immigration at 5am to get a ticket number for my extension.

It improved during COVID, now its gradually returning to the bad old days.

 

I think that is an extremely valid point...       and yes, I overlooked that aspect.

 

That said: My last renewal took 30mins max (at Chaeng Wattana)  at the Immigration office, but still involved travelling to and from etc...   but for many travelling there and from is also an annoyance...

 

I do believe that if someone is Married, on Retirement etc... then a 1 year visa is just silly, why not offer a 10 year visa for retirees ?? - I don't see any real reason not to.

 

Also, allow for a Doctors / Hosptial letter so that someone can go in their place and obtain an renewal.

 

I think hospitals actually offer this in serious cases, but its usually for a medical extension, rather than a full / renewal of an extension.

 

 

 

 

[Rob Browder]

Just now, richard_smith237 said:

Then they don't want Non-Imm O based on Retirement - thats the requirement, if they don't want to meet that requirement, then they simply do not meet it.

No - they just use the agent - which IOs clearly prefer.  Every crackdown and rule-change has increased their agent-revenue stream. 

 
They demonstrate with their actions that they don't really care if "requirements" are met or not.  Their "agents" can even publicly advertise what they do.  Therefore, there is no reason to believe these "rules" exist for any other reason, than to line their pockets. 

 

8 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

 

Protect your wife from Immigration abuse ??   you're laying it on thick...  

I've done the Non-Imm-O (based on Marriage) Immigration are perfectly well mannered....   abuse ? no...

Lucky you.  I am far from the only one to have had this experience.  Two separate offices were abusive.  A proper response in defense of one's wife is well-deserved, but you are outnumbered by criminal scum, masquerading as govt-agency personnel, with the force of the state at their disposal.

My experiences in the boonies weren't bad in that way - though, out there, it took going over every paper in the thick stack with 3 separate IOs, every year - literally all day, with a lunch-break.

 

8 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

Also Rob, your arguments all seem to originated from 'something' you think Immigration might do, could do, or a rule the might or could change....

 

... Its a lot of whatifery...   No solid argument at all.

 

On the contrary - what I have said is based on the historical record of changes to "the rules" for various types of visas / permitted-stays, and reading thousands of posts, here and elsewhere, regarding experiences with Thai Immigration.