Visas: Why Do We Have To Leave The Country For That?

[jazzbo]

from #25 It feels very stupid and annoying having to leave on a regular basis (every 3 months) ... My guess is that is exactly how they want you to feel as otherwise you would feel no need to modify your circumstances to qualify for the full one-year extension which is what the IMM people really want...

The notion as often posted in these topics of "... don't they realize...?" is silly; of course they realize ...

[lopburi3]

A U.S friend of mine, applied for and recieved a 1 year non -o visa extension yesterday(18th) and with a 3 month extension all in one day.

The reason being that he will fly out prior to the expiration of the current 1 year visa(NON_O ).

I cannot undersatnd how they enabled an extension of 15 months,meaning a 1 year extension +a 3 month extension all in one day.

Oh and I nearly forgot, this was his first Retirement Visa extension.

Correct me if I am wrong but I have never heard of this before?

I suspect he obtained a change of status for 2,000 baht (three month non immigrant entry) and the one year extension of stay from the end of that three months period for additional 1,900 baht. That is often done in one visit for retirement if meeting the full requirements.

[moe666]

In India with a 10 year visa you have to leave every 6 months.

Everyone know what the rules are why continue to complain about something that is not going to be changed because of you. I guess it is hard for some to realize that the Thais donot care about you.

[madjbs]

Maybe I'm not intelligent enough, but why don't they allow a way to do that right within the country.

There is, it is called an extension of stay.

If you don't meet the requirements thats your problem, so stop complaining.

Even if you don't meet the requirements now, it would be easy to modify your business so you do.

[kropotkin]

Its the usual carping, I am special I should not have to follow the rules, why am I inconvienced. Get over it boys or get out and go find that paradise on earth that allows you to stay forever without a visa.

Schengen?

I married a thai - because of that my wife has permanent residentcy in all of europe - and a work permit - and she is covered by our national health insurance. Even if i die, or if we divorse.

Good.

But i wish my government demanded reciprocity.

And funny note...... Until last 1 january, my government covered health expenses in thailand just like in europe - not only for me, but also for my thai wife!!!!!!

My thai wife (just like me) got a (partial) refund for dentist and doctor in thailand.....

That has changed now ....... too easy to pay a thai doctor 1.000 for a receipt of 10.000 , and then claim back money in europe......

[Maestro]

...i wish my government demanded reciprocity...

Reciprocity would also mean that nationals of your Schengen-area country would no longer be allowed visa-exempt entry into Thailand, etc. You realise that, of course, don't you? Also no stay in Thailand all year around on back-to-back tourist visas, etc.

[kropotkin]

...i wish my government demanded reciprocity...

Reciprocity would also mean that nationals of your Schengen-area country would no longer be allowed visa-exempt entry into Thailand, etc. You realise that, of course, don't you? Also no stay in Thailand all year around on back-to-back tourist visas, etc.

Yes i understand that.

Back to back TOURIST visas are a rediculous notion anyway.

And about the visa exempt entry.... yes i read often about overstayers in thailand, but.... would the risk of that not be higher in the case of a thai travelling to europe?

But basically, yes i agree, if a thai tourist can be trusted to return to thailand, he should have a visa on arrival in Schengen.

[tropo]

Anyway, my point I suppose is, Cambodia, Phillipines, or similar countries may be more relaxed, but overall I don't consider Thailand to be particularily strict compared to most other countries.

In relation to the Philippines, they aren't just more relaxed, they're incredibly easy. You're married to a Filipino - automatic one year stamp when you arrive (no cost, no paperwork, absolutely nothing required other than proof you're married). A tourist - can stay for 2 years without leaving - just get the normal 59 days extension at an immigration office.

[lopburi3]

You're married to a Filipino - automatic one year stamp when you arrive (no cost, no paperwork, absolutely nothing required other than proof you're married)

.

I believe there are restrictions unless a recent change that you must enter with spouse to enjoy that 'privilege' or some such provision?

As for the extension process that is a money spinner and what many here are asking for Thailand to do. But I suspect the amount of illegal workers in the Philippines is a great deal less than in Thailand so there is less concern that these persons would be taking jobs.

[moe666]

Anyway, my point I suppose is, Cambodia, Phillipines, or similar countries may be more relaxed, but overall I don't consider Thailand to be particularily strict compared to most other countries.

In relation to the Philippines, they aren't just more relaxed, they're incredibly easy. You're married to a Filipino - automatic one year stamp when you arrive (no cost, no paperwork, absolutely nothing required other than proof you're married). A tourist - can stay for 2 years without leaving - just get the normal 59 days extension at an immigration office.

Having been to the PI. I prefer the visa system of Thailand.

[kropotkin]

Perhaps we should differentiate between visas for bona fide foreigners and sex tourists / eternal students / illegal workers?

Back to back "tourist" visas - give us a break!

[tropo]

Anyway, my point I suppose is, Cambodia, Phillipines, or similar countries may be more relaxed, but overall I don't consider Thailand to be particularily strict compared to most other countries.

In relation to the Philippines, they aren't just more relaxed, they're incredibly easy. You're married to a Filipino - automatic one year stamp when you arrive (no cost, no paperwork, absolutely nothing required other than proof you're married). A tourist - can stay for 2 years without leaving - just get the normal 59 days extension at an immigration office.

Having been to the PI. I prefer the visa system of Thailand.

Why would you prefer the visa system of Thailand?

Most people don't get visas for the Philippines. They just enter then extend.

[LivinLOS]

The only problem I have with some of these types of complaints, is that some seem to infer that Thailand is the only country with such policies, they are not. Try doing something similar in another country and see how easy it is.

If doing something similar in most western countries (and those have the most to lose in social services etc) I would be a passport carrying citizen with full equal rights under law.

Gets pretty easy then !!

[LivinLOS]

...i wish my government demanded reciprocity...

Reciprocity would also mean that nationals of your Schengen-area country would no longer be allowed visa-exempt entry into Thailand, etc. You realise that, of course, don't you? Also no stay in Thailand all year around on back-to-back tourist visas, etc.

Superb.. I have had a visa every visit for the last decade (not extensions until recently) and of course I wouldnt need the visa as after a 2 or 3 year wait I would have a Thai passport.

The only reason people mess with back to back 'tourist' visas is because the system doesnt do what ours does, eg legitimize your right to be here without visa running.

[LivinLOS]

hmmmm, so the USA an other countries who have the same requirement for getting a visa are just as illogical and stupid. It's not unique to Thailand.

Got that right Don't know of any country on the planet (at least the ones I've lived in and worked) that don't require you to leave their shores once a year to get a work / residence visa. At least that's been the case with my 'Merkin Passport...

What like

England

Ireland

France

Spain

Germany

Italy

Need I continue ??

all countries where you actually get something from being there, medical, education, etc, not pay for all services.

[thomo]

Say 100 people a day go to Laos for a visa. (actual number is probably 3 times that)

They pay on average say $30 for a Lao visa.

That's $3,000 a day.

$90,000 a month.

Over 1 million dollars a year.

That's off 100 a day, get closer to a realistic number of 300, and you're looking at 3,000,000 U$ a year.

If the Thai authorities change the rules the Lao government lose this $3,000,000 a year income.

Lets just say that sharing is caring and I'm sure they (and other neighbours) help to keep the current system in place with generous donations to those at the top.

That of course is nothing but speculation on my part, and others are free to see it as nonsense.

[thomo]

What like

England

Ireland

France

Spain

Germany

Italy

Need I continue ??

all countries where you actually get something from being there, medical, education, etc, not pay for all services.

If these are your priorities for you I hope you've taken the move to live in one of these countries and not Thailand?

[SanukMahk]

Simple, they want ot keep out the scum so if you are not good then you are out and will stay out. Me, I'm all for more controls... too much low life in Thailand!

Me, I'm a day trader (well night trader from Thailand) as a hobby. I pay 73,000 baht per month rent! Mai Pen Rai!

[IMA_FARANG]

We could try to give you logical reasons...but this is a GOVERNMENT policy. Now be honest, when and in what country do/did government requlations ever really make sense?

It's not just in Thailand that government requlations don't make sense. Here in the U.S. we have the recent story of a fisherman in Louisians. His income comes from his fishing boat. His fishing was severely disrupted by the oil spill from the BP well fire and spill.

Due to not being able to fish he now owes back taxes to the Internal Revenue Service. So the IRS seized his fishing boat to cover his back taxes. Now they want him to pay his taxes to get his fishing boat back.

His question to the IRS was...since his income comes from fishing, which requires him to be able to use his fishing boat, how can he now earn the income to pay his taxes since the IRS has seized his fishing boat for the back taxes?

Bottom line: governments run by regulations...logic does not necessarily apply to governments.

[tropo]

Say 100 people a day go to Laos for a visa. (actual number is probably 3 times that)

They pay on average say $30 for a Lao visa.

That's $3,000 a day.

$90,000 a month.

Over 1 million dollars a year.

That's off 100 a day, get closer to a realistic number of 300, and you're looking at 3,000,000 U$ a year.

If the Thai authorities change the rules the Lao government lose this $3,000,000 a year income.

Lets just say that sharing is caring and I'm sure they (and other neighbours) help to keep the current system in place with generous donations to those at the top.

That of course is nothing but speculation on my part, and others are free to see it as nonsense.

Laos would lose a lot more. The money on transportation, food, accommodation and shopping that each visa run tourist spends over a 2 days stay.

[tropo]

You're married to a Filipino - automatic one year stamp when you arrive (no cost, no paperwork, absolutely nothing required other than proof you're married)

.

I believe there are restrictions unless a recent change that you must enter with spouse to enjoy that 'privilege' or some such provision?

Yes, this is true. I'm not sure how it will work if they don't enter together....have to research this.

[jdinasia]

I know it has been said before but ... a Visa is permission to enter a country. The OP's issue seems to be that he is not allowed to stay more than 90 days at a time. That is a different issue than the visa itself.

If you are here legally and for appropriate reasons then you can "live" in Thailand. Annual extensions are fairly easy to get. However if you just want to "live" in Thailand but do not qualify for that then you should in fact be grateful that they allow continuous visa runs. I have been affected personally by this rule in the past and it still makes sense to me. (Under 50, not working, etc ......)

If you aren't Thai, you simply don't have the automatic right to live here. I agree with nearby embassies not offering continual back-to-back tourist visas. (Face it after 9 TV's you aren't a genuine tourist)

There are myriad ways to get a legal extension of stay but almost none of them are free (work, marriage, education etc .... and then retirement.)

I made 90 day runs for about 4.5 years of my 7 year stay in Thailand. I got sick of it. I took a job

Post #13 ---- holding a 3 year non-imm-B does not give you the right to work in Thailand and thus no extension. Holding a work permit with a company that meets the requirements for extension does allow you to stay and never leave

[tropo]

I made 90 day runs for about 4.5 years of my 7 year stay in Thailand. I got sick of it. I took a job

That is very funny. Taking a job to avoid a visa run 4 times a year.

[thomo]

Laos would lose a lot more. The money on transportation, food, accommodation and shopping that each visa run tourist spends over a 2 days stay.

Exactly.

Say there's 200 people going to laos per day for a Thai visa. That's US$2,000,000 per year simply by them entering Laos. $2 million p/a, or nearly US$200,000 per month isn't exactly small change in Laos and Thailand. And that is almost certainly less than the daily average and a quite conservative figure.

I'm afraid to say that my views after 5 yrs of living here are that, if the Lao don't spread a % share of this back to the Thais in charge of this, my name is Somchai Wannaporn.

Also consider Cambo.

Why on Earth would this system be changed?

Edited October 22, 2010 by thomo

[tropo]

Laos would lose a lot more. The money on transportation, food, accommodation and shopping that each visa run tourist spends over a 2 days stay.

Exactly.

Say there's 200 people going to laos per day for a Thai visa. That's US$2,000,000 per year simply by them entering Laos. $2 million p/a isn't exactly small change in Laos and Thailand.

I'm afraid to say that my views after 5 yrs of living here are that, if the Lao don't spread a % share of this back to the Thais in charge of this, my name is Somchai Wannaporn.

Also consider Cambo.

Why on Earth would this system be changed?

After giving this some careful deliberation...

Doesn't Thailand get the visa fees? Does any country actually issue visas in-country? I don't think they're losing any money on visa fees.

Even with multiple entry visas which give 60 and 90 day stays, is it unreasonable for them to expect people to leave and come back as this is the purpose of multiple entry tourist visas in the first place - not a back-door approach to permanent residence? They do offer extensions on most types of visas, but because of the nature of the visas (visas for tourists) they stictly limit the number of extensions which is not unreasonble if you think about it.

It's probably easier to stay in Thailand semi-permanently than most other countries with some exceptions, however the exceptions will rarely be places we would want to stay permanently anyway.

As I managed with my girlfriend, both under the age of 50, to stay for 4 years until I reached retirement age, I'm sure most could find a way to do the same if they really wanted to.

[thomo]

Doesn't Thailand get the visa fees? Does any country actually issue visas in-country? I don't think they're losing any money on visa fees.

Of course Thailand gets the visa fees for the Thai visas whether they're given in country or out.

I'm speculating that the millions of dollars neighbouring countries get from their own visas being bought by people having to visit them in order to get their Thai visas, might well share the pie in order to keep it going.

The 2 or 3 million that Laos makes off this Thai system sure is a nice bit of dosh round these parts.

Edited October 22, 2010 by thomo

[tropo]

Doesn't Thailand get the visa fees? Does any country actually issue visas in-country? I don't think they're losing any money on visa fees.

Of course Thailand gets the visa fees for the Thai visas whether they're given in country or out.

I'm speculating that the millions of dollars neighbouring countries get from their own visas being bought by people having to visit them in order to get their Thai visas, might well share the pie in order to keep it going.

The 2 or 3 million that Laos makes off this Thai system sure is a nice bit of dosh round these parts.

Here's some other costs to factor in. When I did my visa runs I spent a lot of money on transport (flights [including departure tax], taxis) to get to the other countries (Laos, Cambodia and Malaysia). In actual fact I spent more money on getting away than what I would have spent if I stayed home and just paid for an extension. In the end, Thailand didn't lose much by forcing me to leave. Sure, a lot of people would take the bus or train, but it's worth considering when the question comes up as to how much Thailand is losing.

[w11guy]

This happens in every country, including the USA. I have always assumed that the logic behind it is that if you don't meet the requirements, then they don't let you in the country. That's much easier than removing you from the country if you are already here and trying to renew your visa. They just don't want the hassle. It's up to you to get the correct visa to begin with. You should count yourself lucky, as Thailand is incredibly easy for westerners to stay in. Imagine what it's like for Thais who want to spend a year in UK or USA. Even if they are rich it is difficult.

[LivinLOS]

What like

England

Ireland

France

Spain

Germany

Italy

Need I continue ??

all countries where you actually get something from being there, medical, education, etc, not pay for all services.

If these are your priorities for you I hope you've taken the move to live in one of these countries and not Thailand?

The quote (which you edited out) was claiming that they couldnt think of any country on the planet where you dont need to leave to renew.. I was merely pointing how foolish that comment was.

Most western countries you renew inside.. Brazil and Argentina I think you can renew inside (certainly its easy to get long stay and rapidly citizenship) even comparable local countries like Malaysia (MMSH with land ownership and car imports) and PI have systems to stay without leaving.

[canuckamuck]

Simple, they want ot keep out the scum so if you are not good then you are out and will stay out. Me, I'm all for more controls... too much low life in Thailand!

Me, I'm a day trader (well night trader from Thailand) as a hobby. I pay 73,000 baht per month rent! Mai Pen Rai!

Lol Feeling a little insecure are we.