10 Year Overstay And Expired Passport

[Fishman1967]

I'm presently holding a 10 year overstay along with an expired passport. I want to clear things up and start over again. I contacted my Embassy and explained this issue. I first need to get a new passport, but the problem is I will not have a valid entry stamp. Once I obtain my passport, I don't know what to do.

I have a Thai common-law wife and a 5 year old son. I've been working part-time and doing some extra work at home. I would like to clear the overstay and come back do things properly. However, I am afraid that if I try to exit Thailand through an airport without any entry visa stamp, regardless of my 20,000 Baht overstay fine, I'll be in a world of pain.

I'm certain I am not the only person that has this problem, but I know I am the only person that has actually written about it in Thaivisa. The reasons for the overstay is complicated, but I know I could have avoided it earlier if I had the courage. However, I really want to clear this up because I want to be with my family here in Thailand.

If anyone has a comment as to how I should resolve this, it would be greatly appreciated. As well, if anyone has a comment on how I might be in a world of pain, please pass it on so at least I will know what is coming my way.

[Brunus]

I am not an expert. But I read that also long a term overstay can sometimes just end up paying 20k.

I think that the real problem is that you are working illegally. If you really want to clear things up, you should also have a legal job in Thailand. And this sometimes seems more complicated than solving the overstay problem.

The experts will answer you soon. They are very helpful.

Good luck to you and your family.

[Boater]

the trouble i see here is the expired passport !, first you do need to get a new passport .

what area of Thailand are you? , as some immergration offices can help more then others

good luck

[onnut]

Take photo copies of your old passport and entry stamp before you hand it into the embassy. Wouldn't it be better to go to Nong Kai and try to leave Thailand there and then come back in on a tourist visa? That way you can then have a little more time to plan your flight home or whatever you are going to do.

The customs up at the friendship bridge would be a little easier to deal with then the ones in Bangkok. They would be happy to take a bribe and help you out.

Just my thoughts, I have not tried this.

Good luck.

[tropo]

You're not the first to report about long overstays with expired passports. Usually long overstays go hand in hand with expired passports.

Maybe I'll cop a bit of flak for saying this......

You've gone so far with this now so what's the hurry to clear it up. It'll cost you a lot to clear it up and you'll also be paying a lot every year to stay legal on visas. Why not try for another 10 years? It'll save you a lot of money in the end. If you do get caught in the future you're going to need to purchase an air ticket and come up with 20,000 baht for the fine...the same as what you need now.

I don't think commonlaw marriages are recognised in Thailand.

[powderpuff]

Nice one Tropo. Thinking outside the box. However if he gets caught in a police dragnet he is in a world of sheet.

[Maestro]

Fishman1967, it is a simple process.

1. Get your new passport. When you pick it up at the consulate, they will invalidate your old passport (punch holes into it or cut off a corner) and give it back to you.
   
2. Go to the immigration office with 20,000 Baht for the overstay fine and a ticket out of the country witnin 24 hours. Pay your fine and get the entry stamp transferred from the old passport to the new one.
   
3. Leave Thailand and return any time you like, even the same day.
   

--

Maestro

[pjclark1]

I believe the correct way to do this is go to the airport with 20k and a ticket out, if you go to an immigration office you are likely to be arrested.

[lopburi3]

He can not get married or get legal without going through this process. I would go to airport with the funds/ticket but be aware they could hold you for investigation before allowing your departure on a long term overstay (they were doing this last year - but currently do not seem to be doing). But I would have enough extra funds to change ticket if required.