Case of get yer finger oot..

Failure of a government agency to act in accordance with the law...

On 16 August 2002, the Ministry of Interior issued a new Ministerial Regulation concerning the issuing and changing of, and exemption from, visas to enter Thailand.

One of the most important points in the new Regulation is that it provides the Immigration Bureau with the authority to issue a non-immigrant visa in Thailand to foreigners who have entered the country legally through the right to exemption from requiring a visa. (See the related article on this web site containing the list of the 39 countries whose nationals qualify for visa exemption.)

The Ministerial Regulation states that the Immigration Bureau must comply with the new visa ruling within six months from the date that the Regulation became effective. As the new Ministerial Regulation was announced in the Royal Gazette on 25 September 2002, the deadline for compliance by the Immigration Bureau was 25 March 2003. However, as of 1 April 2003, no such action had been taken. Thus, it is still not possible to be granted a non-immigrant visa in Thailand, despite the fact that the law allows this to be done.

The main reasons for issuing the new Ministerial Regulation were to consolidate previous Regulations regarding visas for ease of reference and compliance, and to provide convenience to immigration officers and visitors to Thailand when dealing with the issuance of such visas.

Unfortunately, no such convenience is being made available even though the law requires such action, simply because a government agency has failed to comply with, and implement a legal instrument that has been issued by the Government. Thus, even if a foreigner were to appeal to the Minister of Interior who signed this particular Ministerial Regulation, it would be pointless since that person has been reassigned to the position of a Deputy Prime Minister and is no longer involved in such matters.

We believe that the current Minister of Interior and Deputy Minister of Interior, who are both holders of law degrees, are keen to ensure that government agencies comply with the law. However, in this case, the Immigration Bureau is no longer under the responsibility of the Ministry of Interior. So, the question is what can, and will, be done to rectify this failure to act within the requirements of the law?

http://www.visathailand.com/index.htm

???  

However, as of 1 April 2003, no such action had been taken. Thus, it is still not possible to be granted a non-immigrant visa in Thailand, despite the fact that the law allows this to be done.

NOT TRUE, I received a NON IMMIGRANT O Visa based on support of my THAI Wife at the BKK Immigration this year. I never left Thailand. Then 3 weeks ago, I received a one year extension also at BKK Immigration.

Huski..well done and good to hear.

"Thus, it is still not possible to be granted a non-immigrant visa in Thailand, despite the fact that the law allows this to be done."

I remember discussing this subject some time ago so its good news to hear that ....get it right.

After arriving in the Kingdom anyone who has entered the country legally through the right to exemption from requiring a visa ie.most punters.. (See the related article on  web site containing the list of the 39 countries whose nationals qualify for visa exemption..etc)

Bangers Immigration WILL grant (under the correct regs-wife-kids-support-of course) a NON Immigrant "O" VISA.and then follow up with a 1 year extension.-great looks as though the finger came out.

ps.what about  non "B"??