Canadian expat, 64, faces deportation from Phuket for visa overstay

[webfact]

Canadian expat, 64, faces deportation from Phuket for visa overstay
Phuket Gazette


Canadian expat James Nelson (left), 64, talks with Capt Angkarn Yasanop of Phuket Immigration at his apartment in Kathu. Photo: Kritsada Mueanhawong

PHUKET: -- A 64-year-old expat from Canada will be deported from Thailand after being caught in Phuket after overstaying his visa by three years.

James H Nelson was arrested in Thung Thong yesterday afternoon.

“Officers approached him and asked for his passport. He said he didn’t have it because he had sent it to the Canadian embassy in Bangkok to be renewed,” explained Capt Angkarn Yasanop of Phuket Immigration.

The officers escorted Mr Nelson to Phuket Immigration Office in Phuket Town, where they checked the Immigration national database and found that Mr Nelson last entered the country at Phuket International Airport on a tourist visa on July 22, 2010.

“He was allowed to stay in the country until November 20, 2010,” Capt Angkarn said.

“Mr Nelson accepted that he overstayed his visa. He has been charged with illegally staying in the country and will be sent to Bangkok to be deported,’ he added.

Source: http://www.phuketgazette.net/phuket_news/2013/Canadian-expat-64-faces-deportation-from-Phuket-for-visa-overstay-21515.html


-- Phuket Gazette 2013-07-02

[LivinginKata]

At least he screwed 3 years out of immigration. Now time to face the punishment. Thought there was a Max 20,000 baht fine for this.

[Tatsujin]

At least he screwed 3 years out of immigration. Now time to face the punishment. Thought there was a Max 20,000 baht fine for this.

Yes, max 20k fine + deportation if they want to make an example of him, which it seems they do.

[retell]

At least he screwed 3 years out of immigration. Now time to face the punishment. Thought there was a Max 20,000 baht fine for this.

Yes, max 20k fine + deportation if they want to make an example of him, which it seems they do.

if one gets to the airport without getting caught by immigration first then there the 20.000 applies if arrested like that he will get the bill a 500 Thb per day that's what i've been told

Edited July 2, 2013 by retell

[Tatsujin]

At least he screwed 3 years out of immigration. Now time to face the punishment. Thought there was a Max 20,000 baht fine for this.

Yes, max 20k fine + deportation if they want to make an example of him, which it seems they do.

if one gets to the airport without getting caught by immigration first then there the 20.000 applies if arrested like that he will get the bill a 500 Thb per day that's what i've been told

It's 500 THB per day overstay up to a MAXIMUM of 20k . . . as he's 3+ years on overstay, I would guess he'll get the maximum.

[JetsetBkk]

At least he screwed 3 years out of immigration. Now time to face the punishment. Thought there was a Max 20,000 baht fine for this.

Cheaper to have stayed legally if he had the "retirement" visa money requirements.

As for Capt Angkarn Yasanop of Phuket Immigration, he looks like he should still be in school.

[KunMatt]

And this is why you don't risk overstay.

Is this also a blacklisting offense?

I wonder who reported him to immigration for them to come and find him, and why?

[jrtmedic]

Lets hope he has 20,000 + the cost of a ticket back to Canada or he will be enjoying an extended stay in BKK!

[MJCM]

<snip>

I wonder who reported him to immigration for them to come and find him, and why?

+1

[retell]

At least he screwed 3 years out of immigration. Now time to face the punishment. Thought there was a Max 20,000 baht fine for this.

Yes, max 20k fine + deportation if they want to make an example of him, which it seems they do.

if one gets to the airport without getting caught by immigration first then there the 20.000 applies if arrested like that he will get the bill a 500 Thb per day that's what i've been told

It's 500 THB per day overstay up to a MAXIMUM of 20k . . . as he's 3+ years on overstay, I would guess he'll get the maximum.

you're right he could also be facing a serious jailtime with so long overstay

[hotrod4098]

pay 20000..you get deported..you can come back the next day..a stamp goes in your passport and on the computor...

[MJCM]

pay 20000..you get deported..you can come back the next day..a stamp goes in your passport and on the computor...

This only works if you have the money to pay the fine and the plane ticket, if not it's a one way trip to IDC

Edited July 2, 2013 by MJCM

[webfact]

Canadian in a bit of overstay trouble in Phuket
Naraporn Tuarob


James Nelson in custody.

PHUKET: -- Canadian James H Nelson, 64, was arrested yesterday evening at Lake View Apartment in Thung Thong when he could not produce his passport, which he claimed had been “sent to an Embassy for renewal”.

Less than convinced by the answer, Pol Capt Angkarn Yasanop, took Nelson to the Immigration Office in Phuket Town.

There, a check in the Immigration database showed that Nelson came to Thailand on September 22, 2010, and was stamped in for two months. That was the most recent entry in the record.

Faced with the data, Nelson admitted that he had overstayed in Thailand for more than two and a half years. He was sent to Thung Thong Police Station to be charged with being in Thailand illegally.

Mr Nelson is listed in Linked In as Account Manager for a company called Thailand Direct Real Estate but it is understood that he is, effectively, broke.

He faces a fine and expulsion from the country, and may possibly also be barred from returning.

Source: http://www.thephuketnews.com/canadian-in-a-bit-of-overstay-trouble-in-phuket-40571.php


-- Phuket News 2013-07-02

[Jingthing]

In my opinion, deportation is enough punishment. Jail time for overstaying is OVER the top.

[oldsailor35]

At least he screwed 3 years out of immigration. Now time to face the punishment. Thought there was a Max 20,000 baht fine for this.

Cheaper to have stayed legally if he had the "retirement" visa money requirements.

As for Capt Angkarn Yasanop of Phuket Immigration, he looks like he should still be in school.

Same reasoning applies to many bar ladies !

[jrtmedic]

"I wonder who reported him to immigration for them to come and find him, and why?"

Thung Thong is a very small village ! Not the sort of place where the police would be hunting overstayers --- unless they were tipped off !

It would also seem that the immigration data base has matured into an effective tool !

[JetsetBkk]

<snip>

it is understood that he is, effectively, broke.

<snip>

Explains why he couldn't come up with the 800,000 for a "retirement" visa.

[oldsailor35]

Canadian in a bit of overstay trouble in Phuket

Naraporn Tuarob

James Nelson in custody.

PHUKET: -- Canadian James H Nelson, 64, was arrested yesterday evening at Lake View Apartment in Thung Thong when he could not produce his passport, which he claimed had been “sent to an Embassy for renewal”.

Less than convinced by the answer, Pol Capt Angkarn Yasanop, took Nelson to the Immigration Office in Phuket Town.

There, a check in the Immigration database showed that Nelson came to Thailand on September 22, 2010, and was stamped in for two months. That was the most recent entry in the record.

Faced with the data, Nelson admitted that he had overstayed in Thailand for more than two and a half years. He was sent to Thung Thong Police Station to be charged with being in Thailand illegally.

Mr Nelson is listed in Linked In as Account Manager for a company called Thailand Direct Real Estate but it is understood that he is, effectively, broke.

He faces a fine and expulsion from the country, and may possibly also be barred from returning.

Source: http://www.thephuketnews.com/canadian-in-a-bit-of-overstay-trouble-in-phuket-40571.php

-- Phuket News 2013-07-02

At least they gave him time to change his shirt !

[uptheos]

I did hear a story about someone who got fined and deported after many years.

Back in UK changed his name by deed poll, new DL, Credit Cards, Med Records, Passport......been living quite happily for some time in..........

[eezergood]

I did hear a story about someone who got fined and deported after many years.

Back in UK changed his name by deed poll, new DL, Credit Cards, Med Records, Passport......been living quite happily for some time in..........

Thailand?

[Andre0720]

So many come to Thailand because of the so few rules to follow.

Immigration loves to be the exception.

After all, maybe this was the only way for him to avoid these Canadian cold winters...

[Guest]

"I wonder who reported him to immigration for them to come and find him, and why?"

Thung Thong is a very small village ! Not the sort of place where the police would be hunting overstayers --- unless they were tipped off !

It would also seem that the immigration data base has matured into an effective tool !

When I think of the truly dangerous element of certain Foreigners we see in Thailand, I certainly agree this is a very odd case of one ... (only judging by appearances) ... harmless old man who made a stupid mistake.

To believe that Immigration simply gazed into their crystal ball, and his face popped up is silly beyond words, so I agree with you 100%. There is much more to this story, and if he has one regret once the smoke has cleared...it will likely be that he did a poor job choosing his "friends." My bet is "Follow the money" or his "honey" ...or both ... and you will see how this came to be.

[Markaew]

And this is why you don't risk overstay.

Is this also a blacklisting offense?

I wonder who reported him to immigration for them to come and find him, and why?

That is my question as well about reporting. He would have been fine until someone dropped a dime on him.

Usually the culprit: jealousy or even he didn't pay wife/gf money he promised.

Going by the OP, immigration knew the passport answer before they asked the question

Edited July 2, 2013 by Markaew

[CrisRMenumate]

If you report to immigration yourself at airport or immigration office its 500 baht a day or maximum 20,000 and usually send you on your way without issue. If you get caught its arrested, jailed, criminal charge, black banned for 3 years and go to court after a few days of detention, get a 3,000 to 5,000 baht fine and then deported at your own cost. If you cant pay for your own ticket you are kept in detention until you can get a ticket. You have to go to your home country by the most direct route possible (if transit needed they sometimes keep you longer, some countries you can't get home on direct flight!!)... and a few days in IDC is no pleasure.

[crazykopite]

At least he screwed 3 years out of immigration. Now time to face the punishment. Thought there was a Max 20,000 baht fine for this.

Yes, max 20k fine + deportation if they want to make an example of him, which it seems they do.

if one gets to the airport without getting caught by immigration first then there the 20.000 applies if arrested like that he will get the bill a 500 Thb per day that's what i've been told

max fine is 20,000 regardless of how long you have overstayed my friend who overstayed for 5 years went to the airport and paid 20,000 baht 2 hours later he caught his flight no problems think someone must have grassed on this guy and I suppose by telling lies he now finds himself being deported Life can be a bitch if you do not stick by the rules !!!!!

[Antathome]

Seems rather silly to be caught over staying. The rules are in place, we very well may bitch and moan about them (and we do), but their country - their rules. We are just guests there and if we don't like it, go back to where we come from. If you live by the rules, you can stay permanently, buy a condo and live reasonably more comfortably than you generally can in your home country for a similar amount of money.

If he had a girlfriend and had run out of money, you may wish to guess who dobbed him in, either the girlfriend or her family. Just saying......

[CrisRMenumate]

If you report to immigration yourself at airport or immigration office its 500 baht a day or maximum 20,000 and usually send you on your way without issue. If you get caught its arrested, jailed, criminal charge, black banned for 3 years and go to court after a few days of detention, get a 3,000 to 5,000 baht fine and then deported at your own cost. If you cant pay for your own ticket you are kept in detention until you can get a ticket. You have to go to your home country by the most direct route possible (if transit needed they sometimes keep you longer, some countries you can't get home on direct flight!!)... and a few days in IDC is no pleasure.

[Guest]

And this is why you don't risk overstay.

Is this also a blacklisting offense?

I wonder who reported him to immigration for them to come and find him, and why?

Probably his girlfriend shopped him because got bored of him when the money stopped flowing, or he just opened his mouth to the wrong people, do gooders or such, or thai neighbors just didn't like the look of him etc.

Why it's even in the news amazes me

I think we all pretty much agree that this event took a little outside help from a "rat."

However, I actually find it to be valuable news indeed, and fair warning for us all who think "Whatever, i will just fork over 20,000 THB and that will be the end of it." Not so, for sure, in this case.

The idea that a seemingly harmless character like this, ended up this way is an object lesson for those who do the correct paperwork, "Good on you, although it is a complete pain in the arse, you have the right paperwork, and much less to fear."

BTW, none of us know the future, but should it be decided to cull the Foreign herd a bit someday, "Your papers please" may end up in a one way ticket home, a meaningful fine, and if you can not pony up, a rather uncomfortable stay in a tine cell with 30 other guys.

I appreciate this article, and will save it for my "Too cool for school" friends who think they can dodge the system. Thank you for publishing this.

[jacko45k]

In my opinion, deportation is enough punishment. Jail time for overstaying is OVER the top.

Well he will be 'held' until he can be deported which I think is perfectly fair.

I think a bit of time in custody is appropriate, he not only broke Thai law with a very long overstay, he lied to the authorities too.

It appears he may have had some association with 'Thailand Direct Real Estate' so do we add working without a permit to the list?

[OJAS]

If you report to immigration yourself at airport or immigration office its 500 baht a day or maximum 20,000 and usually send you on your way without issue. If you get caught its arrested, jailed, criminal charge, black banned for 3 years and go to court after a few days of detention, get a 3,000 to 5,000 baht fine and then deported at your own cost. If you cant pay for your own ticket you are kept in detention until you can get a ticket. You have to go to your home country by the most direct route possible (if transit needed they sometimes keep you longer, some countries you can't get home on direct flight!!)... and a few days in IDC is no pleasure.

More than a few days in IDC, I suspect - he's completely broke if the news article at post #15 is to be believed. He should be banged up in the Bangkok Hilton for the rest of his pathetic life IMHO.