Long Term Overstay

[rlp1938]

If a person should overstay long enough to attract the maximum fine which I believe is 20,000 Bhat, what are the immediate consequences and further what are the consequences in relation to later entry visas to Thailand?

Thanks,

Bob

[a99az]

I don,t know bob, but it sounds like you will find out soon.

[zorro1]

well okay you must be this person right? Nothing will happen except a measly fine, forget how much (maybe 20,000bht/) but you will pay at the airport your passport will be noted as overstay and no problems getting back in. However if you get pulled up by a BIB anytime between now and departure you will go to jail, make no mistake about that. A huge fine if you want out and then escorted to airport, deported and passport marked no enter for life.

Edited August 21, 2009 by zorro1

[thaiphoon]

Overstay fine is 500 baht a day, max 20,000 baht. Passport will be marked but it will not affect future entry into the country or obtaining another visa. You just need to be aware that if you are on overstay and are stopped by the police you will be held in detention until such time as you have paid for a ticket to leave the country. Best to get legal

[Gary74]

Overstay fine is 500 baht a day, max 20,000 baht. Passport will be marked but it will not affect future entry into the country or obtaining another visa. You just need to be aware that if you are on overstay and are stopped by the police you will be held in detention until such time as you have paid for a ticket to leave the country. Best to get legal

Absorlutely correct. If you get caught outside of the airport, Thai police will put you in prison. If you get caught with 1-2 cop, bribe them there with 5-10,000 baht and walk away if they agree to it. Yes, Thai police are VERY corrupt and corruption is way of life in Thailand.

If you want to take a chance which some farangs do and chances of getting caught is slim if you keep a low profile. Last time I left the I paid 1500 baht for 3 days overstay at the airport because it would have cost me 1900 baht if I went to immigration and extended with the long line so I decided to chance it and I just paid the fine at the airport. I did this about 6 times and I never had any problems. In all the years I've been to Thailand, I was never asked to see my passport by the police.

Last time I was at the airport I was looking at the log book for the day and it only had 3 entries before me around 4PM. One was for 1500 bhat for 3 days overstay and two was for 20,000 bhat each for longterm overstay but I didn't know for how long. The whole visa scam is a business for Thai Immigration and they make tones of money doing this.

I also know of few people who also pay 20,000 baht at the airport and never hand any problem and including some other people who said they or their friend did it on the Thai forums without issues and also no problem coming back in again.

It's up to you and yes, Thai prison is horrible.

Edited August 22, 2009 by Gary74

[PoorSucker]

There have been a report about visa refusal in Penang because of overstay stamp.

[Mario2008]

Getting caught means paying a fine and you will stay in immigration jail till you have paid the fine and have a ticket out of the country.

Although so far Thaiand doesn't have a problem with people who had an overstay returning, other countries might look les favourable upon people applying for a visa who had an overstay elsewhere.

[Crossy]

There have been a report about visa refusal in Penang because of overstay stamp.

Interesting PS, don't suppose you have a link?

Information in previous posts is pretty near the mark

I've always maintained that overstay is unwise to say the least. Whilst there have until now been no issues with returning to Thailand even after a massive overstay, things can and do change.

I've had questions asked by other embassies when issuing visas (not for an overstay, but a Korean stamp about my work permit there some years ago) and whilst visas were always issued they may not have been so accomodating if the stamp had been an overstay

EDIT If you are on overstay, even a short one, avoid the cheap option of doing a land border crossing. The border run buses are often stopped and passports examined, I have seen one person (not a farang) removed from the bus for being overstay, not worth the risk. At one point Cambodia were refusing entry if you had a Thai overstay stamp (dunno if still true).

[PoorSucker]

Crossy, here you go.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?s=...t&p=2925344

[lopburi3]

The real reason seems to have been the 30 day extension of stay as there are a number of posts supporting Penang using that as a reason to not issue a new tourist visa.

When I handed over my passport they said I had a two day overstay and I had to wait six months before they would issue me another tourist stamp. I tried to get some sense out of them then they changed the reason for turning me down, saying that it was because I extended my previous two month visa for one month in Phuket Town Immigration.

[Tod Daniels]

I find it hard to believe that someone with over 2000 posts on Thai Visa could or would post such erroneous information as:

passport marked no enter for life.

It is absolute and utter B/S that your passport will be marked "no enter for life" for an overstay, no matter how long it is. I have just never seen it happen, nor have I ever heard more than third hand anecdotal evidence that it is even remotely true. In talking to the officers at Soi Suan Plu, they seem to be more concerned with you getting the fine paid for, getting the emergency 7 day extension (for 1900baht) and getting out of the country to secure a valid visa. They didn't seem to care one iota if you come back the next day, nor do they stamp your passport with a "no enter for life" stamp.

If you happen to belong to the group of what I call “chronic over-stayers”; It is true being stopped by the BIB will result in your being handed over to Immigrations Police and being remanded at Immigrations Detention Center until you can secure an onward ticket out.

However the HUGE fine you allude to is what everyone pays if they've over stayed more than 40 days. It is the maximum fine you can incur on overstay; 20,000 baht. Overstay 40 days or overstay 40 years the fine is exactly the same. (Please note: I am NOT talking about bribing your way out of a situation, but following the immigration rules concerning overstays.)

Keep in mind a foreigner must run amok VERY BADLY here in the glorious "Land 'O Thais" to become a member of the illustrious "no enter for life" club. But hey, don't believe me; instead please keep feeding the rampant paranoia that abounds about the 'black-listing' of foreigners. I'm not saying it doesn't happen, but it happens so infrequently, especially given the number of miscreants who arrive on these shores and then proceed to muck run, that it's almost not worth talking about.

As an aside; several months ago I helped a person who was on overstay for over a year, EXTEND his retirement visa at Suan Plu. While the person was less than ecstatic to pay the overstay fine of 20,000 baht; the immigration officials had no problems issuing a yearly extension based on retirement once he paid the fine and met the criteria for the extension. This is something I would not attempt again, because while in the end we were successful in securing the extension of his visa it took going thru several levels of officials to finally get the extension.

Edited August 22, 2009 by tod-daniels

[beano2274]

It is not only the 20,000baht fine you pay if you get caught, you pay a fixed charge per days stay at IDC, also you are required to pay the taxi fare to the airport. Then the added price of a plane ticket, this I have heard must be to your country of origin, not just anywhere.

Edited August 22, 2009 by beano2274

[webfact]

AFAIK in case you are caught and detained you must appear in court!

The judge will set the fine which can be less the max of 20K or more...

Even if you pay that money immediately you will go to jail until the necessary paperwork has been done to deport you.

That includes an airline ticket! Don't know your nationality but generally don't expect too much assistance from your embassy.

You have overstayed!

If you have no funds - you go to jail and every day spend there will deducted from the fine set by the court by a certain amount of money.

Thats how it worked some couple of years ago but can't confirm it still valid these days.

My advise: stay low profile and fly out a.s.a.p.

Edited August 22, 2009 by webfact

[Badbanker]

It is not only the 20,000baht fine you pay if you get caught, you pay a fixed charge per days stay at IDC, also you are required to pay the taxi fare to the airport. Then the added price of a plane ticket, this I have heard must be to your country of origin, not just anywhere.

It is good to get some REAL facts from tod-daniels!   

The maximum fine you must past if you go to immigration and as they say "surrender" and ask to be stamped with permission to leave is 20,000 baht.  If you have the money and a ticket out of the country you can leave the same day.  They will also want to see a copy of an airticket and you should leave by air.  Leaving by land can be and is a problem.  Most countries with the exception of Malaysia will refuse you entry!

I have seen people given up to 7 days to get their affairs in order and then I have seen people get until midnight of the same day to get out.  It depends on the Immigration Office!

No one gets a do not return or black list unless you have been convicted of a crime under Thai law.  However every time Immigration will check on a Police computer to see if there is an arrest warrant out for the overstayer and act accordingly. 

If you do not have the 20 k and ticket when you surrender to immigration then you will be detained and taken to court where you will normally be fined less than 20k.  Usually this means 3,000 baht and this is deducted by 200 baht per day for each day that you have been detained.

Yes the taxi fare to the airport is 800 baht per person!

I do this for a living and want people to know the truth not what someone has conjured up while sitting at a bar looking at some Katoey!

BB

[beano2274]

It is not only the 20,000baht fine you pay if you get caught, you pay a fixed charge per days stay at IDC, also you are required to pay the taxi fare to the airport. Then the added price of a plane ticket, this I have heard must be to your country of origin, not just anywhere.

It is good to get some REAL facts from tod-daniels!

The maximum fine you must past if you go to immigration and as they say "surrender" and ask to be stamped with permission to leave is 20,000 baht. If you have the money and a ticket out of the country you can leave the same day. They will also want to see a copy of an airticket and you should leave by air. Leaving by land can be and is a problem. Most countries with the exception of Malaysia will refuse you entry!

I have seen people given up to 7 days to get their affairs in order and then I have seen people get until midnight of the same day to get out. It depends on the Immigration Office!

No one gets a do not return or black list unless you have been convicted of a crime under Thai law. However every time Immigration will check on a Police computer to see if there is an arrest warrant out for the overstayer and act accordingly.

If you do not have the 20 k and ticket when you surrender to immigration then you will be detained and taken to court where you will normally be fined less than 20k. Usually this means 3,000 baht and this is deducted by 200 baht per day for each day that you have been detained.

Yes the taxi fare to the airport is 800 baht per person!

I do this for a living and want people to know the truth not what someone has conjured up while sitting at a bar looking at some Katoey!

BB

I said fine 20,000baht

I said pay for stay at IDC

I said pay for taxi

I said pay for ticket

I think that's 100%. Not bad, and was at home, I am not a bar person

Since you have been dealing with this problem for years, maybe you can answer the question.

Must the air ticket be to your country of origin?

Edited August 22, 2009 by beano2274

[Tod Daniels]

to have posted only semi accurate information, (one of my pet peeves).

I should have stopped with simply flaming the poster who said you would be stamped with the "never let in again" stamp.

I humbly stand erected, and resemble the remarks directed at me..

I will see the Lumpini Police guys on my Soi tonite as its Saturday. I’ll query them as to their S/O/P when faced with foreigners who are caught out on overstay in this district. As there is no love lost between government employees and the Police I have no idea what they will tell me they actually do.

I will refrain from pure speculation until I hear it from the “whores’s mouth” (sorry for the misspelling, I meant; horse’s mouth)

FWIW: I'm neither a bar person, nor someone who has a penchant for katoeys. Although I do have a t-shirt that says:

"The most beautiful women I met in thailand was a man"

Thanx for the flames, I was a little chilly tonite anyway.

[Badbanker]

I am also sorry that my post was interpreted as a flame!

I did not mean to criticise either beano2274 or tod-daniels.

In this business I regularly come up against people who have no idea about the way things really work at immigration and the police department but are rather happy to believe what they hear at some bar and then come and quote it as gospel truth in public forums. This only sows misunderstanding and people make decisions based on this.

Again I apologise if I have offended any posters on this thread.

BB

[Lite Beer]

Thanks for getting back on track guys. We appreciate it.

[Badbanker]

Since you have been dealing with this problem for years, maybe you can answer the question.

Must the air ticket be to your country of origin?

Technically you are required to be deported to you country of origin but for most people from first world countries, Hong Kong has a no right of refusal policy and you can with some wrangling be deported there to return to Bangkok the day later.  In fact the Immigration Police often say the to western deportees see you tomorrow!

Of course the destination of all deportees must be approved by the Superintentant of the IPD a couple of days in advance.  Normally from the time that you surrender till the time that you leave it will take 3-5 days of sweaty male company.  But then of course you can have visitors everyday and the 800 baht taxi ride in the back of a pickup is also nice.  Normally no hand cuffs unless you are agro and they give you your passport as you get on the plane! 

Best deal!  Don't overstay it can make life very difficult.

BB

[beano2274]

so back to business

Overstay is bad, don't get caught by the BIB, just get out at the Airport and return as soon as you can.

There is no such thing as "banned from entering Thailand", only if you are a huge criminal

[Badbanker]

so back to business

Overstay is bad, don't get caught by the BIB, just get out at the Airport and return as soon as you can.

There is no such thing as "banned from entering Thailand", only if you are a huge criminal

Actually a small bag of weed can also get you a black ban!   I had one guy who was caught with a small bag of week at a 7/11 store under a BTS station who the BIB stopped and checked.

He got 6 months and black banned for 100 years and deported.

BB

[tropo]

other countries might look les favourable upon people applying for a visa who had an overstay elsewhere.

I've seen the overstay stamp written in Thai (of course). Which other countries where visas are required would have a clue what this stamp is?

[beano2274]

other countries might look les favourable upon people applying for a visa who had an overstay elsewhere.

I've seen the overstay stamp written in Thai (of course). Which other countries where visas are required would have a clue what this stamp is?

Actually very true it is in Thai, just checked my passport

[wrecker]

Hmm you mean if you are impolite or do not have 10,000 or 20,000 baht laying around. I sincerely believe that you will get away with it in 90% of the cases. If you end up in jail that statistics are working against you.

[cewe62]

Have done it twice, with maximum fine of 20.000 THB. Nothing happend except that it was more space in my wallet. But , as mentioned, do not get in trouble with police if you already overstay as some policemen like to put farang in jail.

When I had my overstays the local police was well known about it but they never put me in problem. A weekly drinking-session with them at my house made the difference but if you are in a tourist place or in a big city it may not be that easy.

Wish you all the luck but next time better try to avoid the overstay.

[martyboy]

I can't understand why the Thai visa system is so complicated and spiteful. Thailand has grown from an agrarian Third World country to what it is today facilitated by tourist's money rather like Spain. It's almost anti tourist. It's not as if the country has been plagued by international criminals to the same extent as the UK. It all seems a bit paranoid as if they are trying to discourage visitors who have been the lifeblood of the country. People who enjoy Thailand for holidays or working or volunteering probably don't mind paying for an expensive visa but object to the quagmire of vindictive regulations.

[farangpattaya]

Did have a maximum overstay of 120 days once:

Was in the proces of applying for a work permit and therefore my non-immigrant 'B' visa was extended with 5 months waiting for the work permit to be submitted. In the meantime (before the WP was submitted) I decided to change jobs.

I thought that I did have plenty of time left on my current extended visa, but my former employer did cancel my WP-application and with that cancellation, my visa was cancelled. He didn't notify me and when I started the application for a new WP after 4 months, I (and the Immigration at Sri Racha) found out that was on overstay for at least 100 days: THB 20,000!

The people at the Immigration were very cooperative, I paid the fine, got another extention of one month so I didn't have to leave the country because of the overstay neither did I have to leave the country to apply for a new visa in Penang, Vientiane or my home-country.

Most important: If you get caught with an overstay, you're in trouble. If you go to any Immigration and report your overstay, you are able to deal with the matter by paying the fine and play the 'visa-game' by the rules.

At some immigration offices. not reporting every 90 days may be seen as overstay. Reporting every days must be done 7 days prior until 7 days after the given date.

Usually one or two days of overstay is no problem.........usually!!

Edited August 23, 2009 by farangpattaya

[Badbanker]

I can assure you that the overstay stamp is well known in all countries adjoining Thailand and for that matter most of Asia.

The deportation stamp is unusually BIG and red and in Thai and any unusually red BIG stamp in a passport does draw attention from immigration officials in other countries.

Several of the people I have helped with deportation have actually asked for a new passport from their emnbassy so they don't have this old passport and the big red stamp to show to everyone.

BB

[p_brownstone]

I can't understand why the Thai visa system is so complicated and spiteful. Thailand has grown from an agrarian Third World country to what it is today facilitated by tourist's money rather like Spain. It's almost anti tourist. It's not as if the country has been plagued by international criminals to the same extent as the UK. It all seems a bit paranoid as if they are trying to discourage visitors who have been the lifeblood of the country. People who enjoy Thailand for holidays or working or volunteering probably don't mind paying for an expensive visa but object to the quagmire of vindictive regulations.

It’s been said before ad nauseum – Thailand puts no barriers in the way of most genuine Tourists, with 30 day Permission to Stay or 3 months Tourist Visas etc. easily obtainable.

Whilst there may be very small percentage of people who really are long term Tourists or wish to remain in Thailand for other reasons but cannot meet the criteria, the vast majority who wish to stay here longer than 3 months are working illegally and it is these people the Thai authorities are targeting with various measures.

Patrick

[Phatcharanan]

I can't understand why the Thai visa system is so complicated and spiteful. Thailand has grown from an agrarian Third World country to what it is today facilitated by tourist's money rather like Spain. It's almost anti tourist. It's not as if the country has been plagued by international criminals to the same extent as the UK. It all seems a bit paranoid as if they are trying to discourage visitors who have been the lifeblood of the country. People who enjoy Thailand for holidays or working or volunteering probably don't mind paying for an expensive visa but object to the quagmire of vindictive regulations.

It is neither complicated nor spiteful for genuine tourists or those who are working legally.

Nor are the rules specifically aimed at Europeans, Asians, Americans. More aimed at the 10's of thousands of illegals from Cambodia, Burma etc.