Yet Another Dual Citizenship Question

[supersombat]

Hi I'm new to this forum, just joined today.

I know I might get some flak and be told "you should search first before posting" but I have honestly searched a lot but haven't found my answers. With immigration laws everyone has a different story to tell.

I hold both US and THAI passports. I got US citizenship first and got THAI citizenship 5 years ago. When first entering Thailand 5 years ago I didn't have citizenship yet. As a result I've been doing VISA extensions and all that pain the ass nonsense. I'm fed up with that and I figure if I have dual citizenship then why the hell am I still doing it??

I haven't been back to the states in almost 6 years now. Which passport do I show when leaving Thailand? I know that I should show US passport upon entering the states but the problem lies with the Thai side.

I'm just confused it seems if you show one passport when leaving and a different one when arriving in another country there will be a STAMP OUT but no STAMP IN.

It's been very frustrating for me. My goal is to NOT have to get any more VISAs when I return to Thailand again after my trip next month.

Any help will be greatly appreciated. Cheers.

[lopburi3]

As you entered Thailand with the US passport you must use it to exit. For the US you must by law use your US passport for entry and exit. On return to Thailand you want to use your Thai passport entry (and if they ask why you have no departure card to show explain your last exit was on foreign passport). Most officials will understand but if need be have them ask higher. They must let you enter as a Thai if your are a Thai.

[supersombat]

As you entered Thailand with the US passport you must use it to exit. For the US you must by law use your US passport for entry and exit. On return to Thailand you want to use your Thai passport entry (and if they ask why you have no departure card to show explain your last exit was on foreign passport). Most officials will understand but if need be have them ask higher. They must let you enter as a Thai if your are a Thai.

Cheers mate!

[supersombat]

Just hope they don't jerk me around when I get back to Thailand.

Edited August 26, 2011 by supersombat

[p_brownstone]

Just to clarify a little to avoid possible confusion.

You do not have to fly to the US when you leave Thailand - you can fly to any Country you choose (subject to Visa rules etc. of course) but exit Thailand using your US Passport and re-enter using your Thai Passport.

Patrick

[p_brownstone]

Just hope they don't jerk me around when I get back to Thailand.

As a Thai Citizen with a Thai Passport you cannot be denied entry to Thailand. (Actually, even with an expired Thai Passport you can not be denied entry).

Patrick

[supersombat]

Just hope they don't jerk me around when I get back to Thailand.

As a Thai Citizen with a Thai Passport you cannot be denied entry to Thailand. (Actually, even with an expired Thai Passport you can not be denied entry).

Patrick

Thanks for all the responses!!

[supersombat]

Almost forgot!!

I am currently on non immigrant B Visa and have not done the 90 day notification.

My next question is before I leave is it even necessary to pay the 2,000 baht penalty for not notifying and also apply for a reentry visa (which sounds stupid because I want to reenter using Thai passport).

I should have mentioned this in the first post but I had already planned to pay the penalties anyway. Now I've spoken to staff at my job who help me with visas/work permits/etc and they are not sure if it is even necessary to do so.

Please help (again)!! :jap:

[Mario2008]

At the airport 90 day notification is normally not checked.

Since you return on a Thai passport there is no need for a re-entry permit.

[supersombat]

At the airport 90 day notification is normally not checked.

Since you return on a Thai passport there is no need for a re-entry permit.

Thank you for your quick response.

However 'normally' doesn't mean 100%. If they DO check can I just pay the folks at the airport? If for whatever reason I miss my flight I'll be in deep <deleted>. Father is very sick and I need to see him as soon as possible.

[lopburi3]

Have not seen any reports for fine at airport for 90 day reports so believe you will be safe but try to be early just in case. If you feel it is a risk just visit immigration and fill out a TM.47 as you just learned you have to make these reports and pay the fine (should be 2k if you pleasant) and make no mention of leaving soon - you do not want a re-entry permit if returning on Thai passport.

[supersombat]

Have not seen any reports for fine at airport for 90 day reports so believe you will be safe but try to be early just in case. If you feel it is a risk just visit immigration and fill out a TM.47 as you just learned you have to make these reports and pay the fine (should be 2k if you pleasant) and make no mention of leaving soon - you do not want a re-entry permit if returning on Thai passport.

Thank you so much!