Rentry Permit: Possible Strategy

[JR Texas]

For many expats, the new "we are not going to give you a reentry permit at the airport" rule is inconvenient (actually, I was going to call it what it really is but decided to be polite).

For many expats, the new "we are only going to give you a reentry permit at the immigration office that serves your province" rule is inconvenient. ESPECIALLY IF YOUR PROVINCE DOES NOT HAVE AN IMMIGRATION OFFICE.

Where I live, expats must travel over 1000 km round trip to get a reentry permit.

Is there a way around this?

Can I just tell them that my new address is in Bangkok or Pattaya at a condo/hotel and get away with it?

Many of us do stay in different places........some of us are mobile...........the rule change fails to take this into consideration.

Playing with fire?

If you are in a similar situation, please let me know what you are going to do other than drive 1000 km round trip to get a multiple reentry permit.

By the way, in case they are reading this, it would be fairer and simpler to allow expats to use the nearest immigration office for their immigration needs, and/or the airport or any checkpoint for a reentry permit. Just a suggestion........

[Jimjim]

One solution is this: From the signs I always remember seeing at the re-entry counter at the old airport, I had thought that getting a multiple re-entry permit was possible when on visa extension status. Perhaps this would be better for some for those who like to travel out of Thailand even just to nearby countries at least few times a year? It is more money, but you could get it at the same time as getting your yearly visa extension and then you wouldn't have to worry about going to an inconvenient to get to immigration office if you want to leave the country.

[ubonjoe]

It is not visa extensions it is extensions of a permit to stay. Visas are not extended.

A lot of people apply for and get a multiple re-entry permit when they do their annual extension. This saves having to make another trip to immigration for a year if they mail in their 90 day reports.

[lopburi3]

1. The re-entry permit desk has been closed except for emergency situations at airport.

2. You are expected to obtain the re-entry permit at the same location you obtained your extension of stay. Only those on tourist visas/visa entry have the local office option it seems.

[TerryLH]

"...but you could get it at the same time as getting your yearly visa extension and then you wouldn't have to worry about going to an inconvenient to get to immigration office if you want to leave the country."

This didn't seem to be a problem before. Most people would just drop in wherever whenever they needed one. Since the new rules, I think more people will be doing this, just in case. I'm sure this will generate extra income for immigration, from people who buy the permits even if they end up not needing them.

The problem, though, is real for those who renewed visas just before the change and now have to travel to an inconvenient location instead of a nearby office, or the airport. It shouldn't be as much of a problem in the future.

[JR Texas]

"...but you could get it at the same time as getting your yearly visa extension and then you wouldn't have to worry about going to an inconvenient to get to immigration office if you want to leave the country."

This didn't seem to be a problem before. Most people would just drop in wherever whenever they needed one. Since the new rules, I think more people will be doing this, just in case. I'm sure this will generate extra income for immigration, from people who buy the permits even if they end up not needing them.

The problem, though, is real for those who renewed visas just before the change and now have to travel to an inconvenient location instead of a nearby office, or the airport. It shouldn't be as much of a problem in the future.

Glad you pointed out the "real problem" above. Lopburi said this:

1. The re-entry permit desk has been closed except for emergency situations at airport.

2. You are expected to obtain the re-entry permit at the same location you obtained your extension of stay. Only those on tourist visas/visa entry have the local office option it seems.

But I can't obtain a re-entry permit at the same location I obtained my extension (i.e., Bangkok).

I renewed my visa just before the change and was not thinking about having to get a multiple re-entry permit at the time (no reason to at that time).

So, a lot of us are s%$#@d.

For the record, if Thailand adopted a similar system as the USA, we would be given a "re-entry card" that we keep with our passport, free of charge........good for two years.

That card would allow us to leave and enter the country as many times as we like without having to worry about losing our extension/visa status. We simply show it when leaving the country.

So simple.......anybody listening?

[ubonjoe]

JR you are just going to have to bite the bullet if you need a re-entry permit and make that long trip to get it.

Even a single entry would be better than none in case you had an unplanned trip come up.

Make it a holiday trip by making it a pleasent trip and stay overnight somewhere along the way.

I have to make a 1500 kilometer round trip to get my income letter from the embassy (no mail in's allowed) in Bangkok.

I am considering a trip to Chiang Mai this year instead of Bangkok to get the letter to make it more of a hokiday than the torture of having to go to Bangkok.

My immigration office is close by so it's not a problem.

[abdulrahman]

JR you are just going to have to bite the bullet if you need a re-entry permit and make that long trip to get it.

Even a single entry would be better than none in case you had an unplanned trip come up.

Make it a holiday trip by making it a pleasent trip and stay overnight somewhere along the way.

I have to make a 1500 kilometer round trip to get my income letter from the embassy (no mail in's allowed) in Bangkok.

I am considering a trip to Chiang Mai this year instead of Bangkok to get the letter to make it more of a hokiday than the torture of having to go to Bangkok.

My immigration office is close by so it's not a problem.

Aaarghhh!I must really stop bitching,Someone has it worst as myself!

[ubonjoe]

JR you are just going to have to bite the bullet if you need a re-entry permit and make that long trip to get it.

Even a single entry would be better than none in case you had an unplanned trip come up.

Make it a holiday trip by making it a pleasent trip and stay overnight somewhere along the way.

I have to make a 1500 kilometer round trip to get my income letter from the embassy (no mail in's allowed) in Bangkok.

I am considering a trip to Chiang Mai this year instead of Bangkok to get the letter to make it more of a hokiday than the torture of having to go to Bangkok.

My immigration office is close by so it's not a problem.

Aaarghhh!I must really stop bitching,Someone has it worst as myself!

I am not complaining. Just statinag a fact. I don't think you have it any worse than me. Other than the immigration office you have to deal with.