Hi

My understanding was that you had to go to an embassy outside Thailand to get visas. Now people are telling me that they got a 3 month business-visa from an agent in Pattaya....If thats the case, is it legal ?

Cheers

Who is telling you that? If true, yes, it is illegal and invalid.

I expect they may be saying they obtained the paperwork that allowed them to obtain a business visa. Or they are saying they were able to change visa status at Immigration to obtain a single entry visa and then extend it.

No it is not legal. If you don't leave the country to get a visa yourself it is not legal. They could have an unpleasant surprise when they leave and try to use them.

The only time a visa is issued here is part of a change of visa status procedure at immigration associated with getting an extenion of stay.

When I first came here I overstayed, I contacted a Visa Run agency and told them I could not leave Bangkok as I had business to attend to, they took my passport, cleared my overstay and I had a valid tourist visa. I left a few weeks later to get a Non Imm B Visa in Penang.

My passport left Phuket airport and returned days later, please do not ask how.

Who is telling you that? If true, yes, it is illegal and invalid.

I expect they may be saying they obtained the paperwork that allowed them to obtain a business visa. Or they are saying they were able to change visa status at Immigration to obtain a single entry visa and then extend it.

I guess thats what they did, but to change visa-status you would have to show some paperwork i guess?

Clearly illegal and it could get you in a lot of trouble. Don't do it. it is not worth the risk.

That was common up until about 7-8 years ago - I can recall the Hat Yai taxi drivers openly having several dozen extra passports on his trips to Penang in those days. A few people got bite. It should not be happening now.

Who is telling you that? If true, yes, it is illegal and invalid.

I expect they may be saying they obtained the paperwork that allowed them to obtain a business visa. Or they are saying they were able to change visa status at Immigration to obtain a single entry visa and then extend it.

I guess thats what they did, but to change visa-status you would have to show some paperwork i guess?

Lots of paper work for an extension of stay based upon employment and that is what has to be shown to do a change of visa status that would give a visa for that. Including a work permit application receipt.

Who is telling you that? If true, yes, it is illegal and invalid.

I expect they may be saying they obtained the paperwork that allowed them to obtain a business visa. Or they are saying they were able to change visa status at Immigration to obtain a single entry visa and then extend it.

I guess thats what they did, but to change visa-status you would have to show some paperwork i guess?

Lots of paper work for an extension of stay based upon employment and that is what has to be shown to do a change of visa status that would give a visa for that. Including a work permit application receipt.

Thats what i thought. Sounds a bit dodgy this......

Thanks