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.

Edited June 13, 200917 yr by beano2274

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