Immigration Crackdown On Border Runners

[Maizefarmer]

BREAKING NEWS:

Immigration crackdown on border runners

BANGKOK (thaivisa.com) -- Thai Immigration Bureau has issued a new regulation to be enforced from today, June 1, 2009.

In a crackdown on foreigners who regularly abuse the tourist exemption rule of getting 15 days stay at border entry points, the Immigration Bureau has confirmed and informed thaivisa.com of the following new regulation:

A foreigner who has entered the kingdom four (4) consecutive times on 15 days tourist exemption stamps, will not be allowed to leave the country and reenter Thailand. The only option is to exit Thailand and re-enter via an international airport, which will allow a further 30 day stay.

Thaivisa.com has today confirmed the new regulations with the Immigration checkpoints in Pong Nam Ron and Aranyaprathet at the Cambodian border. We have also got confirmation from bus visa run companies that the new regulations are enforced from today June 1, 2009. Immigration checkpoints bordering Laos, Myanmar and Malaysia are expected to enforce the regulation shortly.

The new rules does not affect holders of visas issued abroad. Foreigners are advised to apply for a Tourist visas or Non-Immigrant visas at a Royal Thai Embassy or consulate outside Thailand instead of abusing the 15 day exemption rule.

As usual, holders of Tourist visas will be given 60 days stay while Non-Immigrant visa holders will be allowed 90 days stay.

-- thaivisa.com 2009-06-01

Good - time the authorities clamped down on ex-pats who are constantly trying to exploit some or other loophole in the system.

Thailand offers a whole bunch of different visa types - if one doesn't qualify for one or the other then you really have to ask yourself if they have any good reason to be in Thailand.

[loong]

BREAKING NEWS:

Immigration crackdown on border runners

BANGKOK (thaivisa.com) -- Thai Immigration Bureau has issued a new regulation to be enforced from today, June 1, 2009.

In a crackdown on foreigners who regularly abuse the tourist exemption rule of getting 15 days stay at border entry points, the Immigration Bureau has confirmed and informed thaivisa.com of the following new regulation:

A foreigner who has entered the kingdom four (4) consecutive times on 15 days tourist exemption stamps, will not be allowed to leave the country and reenter Thailand. The only option is to exit Thailand and re-enter via an international airport, which will allow a further 30 day stay.

Thaivisa.com has today confirmed the new regulations with the Immigration checkpoints in Pong Nam Ron and Aranyaprathet at the Cambodian border. We have also got confirmation from bus visa run companies that the new regulations are enforced from today June 1, 2009. Immigration checkpoints bordering Laos, Myanmar and Malaysia are expected to enforce the regulation shortly.

The new rules does not affect holders of visas issued abroad. Foreigners are advised to apply for a Tourist visas or Non-Immigrant visas at a Royal Thai Embassy or consulate outside Thailand instead of abusing the 15 day exemption rule.

As usual, holders of Tourist visas will be given 60 days stay while Non-Immigrant visa holders will be allowed 90 days stay.

-- thaivisa.com 2009-06-01

Good - time the authorities clamped down on ex-pats who are constantly trying to exploit some or other loophole in the system.

Thailand offers a whole bunch of different visa types - if one doesn't qualify for one or the other then you really have to ask yourself if they have any good reason to be in Thailand.

When people were allowed to travel to the border and get 30 days visa exempt entry back to back, it was hardly a loophole was it? Now people can get back to back tourist visas with the blessing of the immigration dept, so is that a loophole? Staying for years on back to back tourist visas is really no different to back to back border runs for 30 days visa exempt entry, is it?.

I believe that you are farming in Thailand. I didn't think that that was open to foreigners. Are you perhaps exploiting a loophole?

[abdulrahman]

Good - time the authorities clamped down on ex-pats who are constantly trying to exploit some or other loophole in the system.

Thailand offers a whole bunch of different visa types - if one doesn't qualify for one or the other then you really have to ask yourself if they have any good reason to be in Thailand.

When people were allowed to travel to the border and get 30 days visa exempt entry back to back, it was hardly a loophole was it? Now people can get back to back tourist visas with the blessing of the immigration dept, so is that a loophole? Staying for years on back to back tourist visas is really no different to back to back border runs for 30 days visa exempt entry, is it?.

I believe that you are farming in Thailand. I didn't think that that was open to foreigners. Are you perhaps exploiting a loophole?

He is,probably,but his case is "ohh so much different".

[neverdie]

I can't believe that some of you guys are still going at this.

[grantbkk]

I remember way back when, months ago the 30 day visa run was deemed ridiculous. Well Thailand handled that with some deft rule change. Now some people who cannot qualify to live here dream of re-instituting the 30 day visa run with no restrictions to slake the needs of the few. If you cannot live her legally come back when you can.

That said, I have to say that the 90 day reporting requirement affects me and I want it gone. Maybe just for me.

The point is that it's a big world out there and almost everyone can find a suitable place to live where they can follow the laws and rules. The people that are so high on the rules in the Philippines and Cambodia can find a cheap fare and go live there.

Patiently awaiting the next immigration rule chance in Bangkok.

Grant

[astral]

At least the free visa scheme will be a compensation.

[chiangrai]

At least the free visa scheme will be a compensation.

to get back to the topic itself,

went to mai sai 2 days ago.

the imigration officer told me i wouln't be getting any more 15 day visa exemtions.

go to thai embaasy outside thailand next time,he told me,

can he be right

[Lite Beer]

went to mai sai 2 days ago.

the imigration officer told me i wouln't be getting any more 15 day visa exemtions.

go to thai embaasy outside thailand next time,he told me,

can he be right

There is a limit of 4 back to back at a land border.

[Maizefarmer]

BREAKING NEWS:

Immigration crackdown on border runners

BANGKOK (thaivisa.com) -- Thai Immigration Bureau has issued a new regulation to be enforced from today, June 1, 2009.

In a crackdown on foreigners who regularly abuse the tourist exemption rule of getting 15 days stay at border entry points, the Immigration Bureau has confirmed and informed thaivisa.com of the following new regulation:

A foreigner who has entered the kingdom four (4) consecutive times on 15 days tourist exemption stamps, will not be allowed to leave the country and reenter Thailand. The only option is to exit Thailand and re-enter via an international airport, which will allow a further 30 day stay.

Thaivisa.com has today confirmed the new regulations with the Immigration checkpoints in Pong Nam Ron and Aranyaprathet at the Cambodian border. We have also got confirmation from bus visa run companies that the new regulations are enforced from today June 1, 2009. Immigration checkpoints bordering Laos, Myanmar and Malaysia are expected to enforce the regulation shortly.

The new rules does not affect holders of visas issued abroad. Foreigners are advised to apply for a Tourist visas or Non-Immigrant visas at a Royal Thai Embassy or consulate outside Thailand instead of abusing the 15 day exemption rule.

As usual, holders of Tourist visas will be given 60 days stay while Non-Immigrant visa holders will be allowed 90 days stay.

-- thaivisa.com 2009-06-01

Good - time the authorities clamped down on ex-pats who are constantly trying to exploit some or other loophole in the system.

Thailand offers a whole bunch of different visa types - if one doesn't qualify for one or the other then you really have to ask yourself if they have any good reason to be in Thailand.

When people were allowed to travel to the border and get 30 days visa exempt entry back to back, it was hardly a loophole was it? Now people can get back to back tourist visas with the blessing of the immigration dept, so is that a loophole? Staying for years on back to back tourist visas is really no different to back to back border runs for 30 days visa exempt entry, is it?.

I believe that you are farming in Thailand. I didn't think that that was open to foreigners. Are you perhaps exploiting a loophole?

..... sorry, missed your earlier reply:

Foreigners can’t farm in Thailand?

The defination of the word “foreigner” needs to be understood in its correct context – to cover the subject properly in respect of farming, is a thread all on its own (has been discussed a couple times in the Farming section), but for the record, there are foreigners in Thailand involved 100% legally in farming – it’s the structure of the registered company they work for and the work permit issued (been 2 of a number of other points) that determine the status of a foreigner involved in farming. Its not quite as straight forward as you present it.

Regards “exploiting loopholes”.

If one is working, or retired, but doesn't apply for or get a work permit or retirement visa (and its usualy because they know they don't satisfy the requirments), but none-the-less stays on by way of back to back 30day round tripping - that is an exploitation of a loophole in the system, and is just what many ex-pats were doing - which is largely what the changes set out to try and put a stop to.

[loong]

..... sorry, missed your earlier reply:

Please don't think that I'm getting at you personally.

I know that it IS possible for a foreigner to work in specialised aspects of agriculture. I think a lot of hoops to jump through to get the work permit. I congratulate you if you have not exploited any loopholes and have managed to legally get a work permit to allow you to farm in Thailand.

But I do believe that most foreigners involved in Thailand are not just exploiting loopholes, but actually breaking the law. A work permit is required even if one just gives advice (uses knowledge). A stupid law in my opinion.

[monekyface]

"back to back 30day round tripping - that is an exploitation of a loophole in the system"

So...if I cross the street in a designated crosswalk then I am jaywalking? That is a loophole in the flow of pedestrian traffic that I am exploiting?

[Noddy1]

Can someone clarify this new ruling .

I live in Cambodia , frequently travel to Thailand for business / shopping etc

cross the border at Koh Kong and back .

My stays in Thailand are sometimes only one day up to five days .

I have done three trips since the new rule was introduced , what will happen on

my fourth trip ?

Will I not be permitted to leave Thailand across the border or will I not be permitted

back into Thailand a fifth time ?

BTW , I have a Thai registered car , which I drive across each time .

[lopburi3]

You would never be prevented leaving Thailand. But your next entry could be refused without a visa. Best to check with border Immigration as expect they have leeway for non suspect usage such as yourself.

[phuketrichard]

Can someone clarify this new ruling .

I live in Cambodia , frequently travel to Thailand for business / shopping etc

cross the border at Koh Kong and back .

My stays in Thailand are sometimes only one day up to five days .

I have done three trips since the new rule was introduced , what will happen on

my fourth trip ?

Will I not be permitted to leave Thailand across the border or will I not be permitted

back into Thailand a fifth time ?

BTW , I have a Thai registered car , which I drive across each time .

A bit off topic but.

I took my thai registered car into Cambodia 4 times in the last year and each time they asked for 100 Baht at Koh Kong for each day I wished to stay when they issue u the red plate. I was told they will over charge u for every day you stay over so needless to say i never exited thru Koh Kong but always another border with no trouble. ( one time i had my Honda in Cambodia over 7 months)

How do u get thru the Cambodian border without paying the extra 100 baht/day (I always told them i was staying 2-3 days in Cambodia when i went in). It seems ONLY Koh Kong Cambodia side charges this 100 baht/day

Edited July 9, 2009 by phuketrichard

[idrankwhat]

I'm really confused by the whole issue of needing more than 90 days or even 60 days as a tourist. When I worked in the USA there was no way my employer would give me a 3 month holiday and I find it hard to believe there are so many tourists in Thailand that have traveled all the way to South East Asia just to stay in Thailand. From what I understand it is not unusual for Europeans to get a 1 month holiday but I have never heard of any getting a 3 month holiday.

I heard a man saying the other day he got laid off in the USA and was collecting unemployment so he wanted to stay here for as long as he could collect unemployment, I think my first reaction to being laid off would be to find another job ASAP but that's just me.

I think this issue has been beaten to death and the Thai officials realize the "perpetual tourists" are actually taking up residence and in a lot of cases working illegally, I know my government would not and does not tolerate this type of behavior and I'm sure it is not tolerated in the UK either so I fail to see how the Thai officials are the bad guys screwing with everyone.

All of the foreigners I know that live in Thailand are legal residents be they retired or working, not one of them has ever mentioned that it was a difficult process to stay here legally so I really don't see the problem.