Visa Questions From A New Guy

[karvee2005]

Hi, i'm new and have a few questions.

1. How many times are you allowed to get a 30 day arrival stamp ? Im from America and live in Udon, and i've been doing the visa run to Loas every month for 5 months now. They've always been friendly, but last time i noticed they looked at me alot longer and harder than usuall, and they were studying my original 3 month tourist visa sticker from the states too (they put a hole in that page the previous month with thier staple). Im afraid one of these days they might say "sorry kid, your stuck in Loas".

2. My first month here i overstayed by 17 days, because i got my dates mixed up on my original tourist sticker. They were friendly and i paid my fine and went on my way and never overstayed since. Is this a black mark on my record and will it be on there forever ? Does it have any impact on my future visa applications ?

Thanks

[Crossy]

Rule number 1 'NEVER, EVER overstay'. That said your overstay is unlikely to affect future visa applications, but I wouldn't make a habit of it.

AFAIK there is no 'official' limit to the number of times you can enter on a 30 day stamp. HOWEVER a number of people have reported that various border crossings have said 'go elsewhere next time' although I'm not aware of anyone being actually refused entry.

[dr_Pat_Pong]

Getting a real visa is one option.

[stevemcqueen]

Getting a real visa is one option. 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

What visa do you recommend if one doesn't have a Thai spouse,and isn't old enough for the retirement visa.

[lopburi3]

Investment visa only requires 3 million baht. Business visa could be zero to several million and a chance to earn money. Student visa for those who wish to increase there knowledge. Multiple tourist visas for those touring.

I believe the logic is that if you do not qualify for a visa you really should not be here. Isn't that the case in your home country?

[Sunbelt Asia]

Investment visa only requires 3 million baht. Business visa could be zero to several million and a chance to earn money. Student visa for those who wish to increase there knowledge. Multiple tourist visas for those touring.

I believe the logic is that if you do not qualify for a visa you really should not be here. Isn't that the case in your home country? 

Lopburi3,

Very good response.

I would like to add as well if you are thinking of investing in Thailand you can even acquire a one year multi entry visa( the only requirement you must leave every 90 days) If we feel you are sincere we'll even sponsor you for the paperwork required.

Other readers even have the opportunity to get a retirement or support of a Thai national ( marriage)

I can't think of one good excuse NOT to have the proper visa if you are living here.

www.lawyer.th.com

[karvee2005]

I came here on a 60 day tourist visa and ive went 3 times to get a 30 day visa, so in total i've been here about 5 months, and im not living here, im just staying with a friend. In another month or 2 im going home, so i was just wondering about the 30 day thing.

And where is this "black stamp" ive been reading about ? Is there a way to distinguish it from the other stamps, mine all look the same.

[lopburi3]

I came here on a 60 day tourist visa and ive went 3 times to get a 30 day visa, so in total i've been here about 5 months, and im not living here, im just staying with a friend. In another month or 2 im going home, so i was just wondering about the 30 day thing.

And where is this "black stamp" ive been reading about ? Is there a way to distinguish it from the other stamps, mine all look the same.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

The only mention of "black" was in your post.

Is this a black mark on my record and will it be on there forever ?

As you have been told you are not likely to have a door shut in your face. At the worst they would probably only allow you a short period to depart the country but not refuse you entry from a land crossing. But in every case that I recall the crossing person has been told not to do it again rather than not beling allowed to cross. And these have been noted exceptions. In most cases people have had not trouble even for extended periods. But that could always change so it is not a good idea to base your future on it.

[IMA_FARANG]

Hi, i'm new and have a few questions.

1. How many times are you allowed to get a 30 day arrival stamp ? Im from America and live in Udon, and i've been doing the visa run to Loas every month for 5 months now. They've always been friendly, but last time i noticed they looked at me alot longer and harder than usuall, and they were studying my original 3 month tourist visa sticker from the states too (they put a hole in that page the previous month with thier staple). Im afraid one of these days they might say "sorry kid, your stuck in Loas".

2. My first month here i overstayed by 17 days, because i got my dates mixed up on my original tourist sticker. They were friendly and i paid my fine and went on my way and never overstayed since. Is this a black mark on my record and will it be on there forever ? Does it have any impact on my future visa applications ?

Thanks

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

This is my experience, but it was about 20 years ago. May not be relevant now.

I was in BKK "in between jobs" in 1983 for about 15 months.

Arrived on original tourist visa.

Went thru Penang for 60 day visas three times without any problems coming back to Thailand. Included 1 mistake of 30 day overstay (read date of expiry wrong on entry stamp, and paid fine for overstay of 30 days.)

Fourth visa, I felt distinct chill coing thru immigration at border. Was told that 4th visa was "last" visa without a out-of-country "break" in pattern.

Fortunately, got a job offer, and left BKK to work before 5th visa was required.

I have been back many times on tourist visas since that time with not a problem.

As I say this was 1983-84, so it could have changed by now. However, that was my experience.