A Thai friend wants to only visit US to see relatives resident there. Although he has solid ties here, is fearful of being denied.

He has heard that stamps showing he has left and returned to Thailand to neighboring countries, although only for a few days are viewed as useful to his application..

I have my doubts, does anyone have an opinion or experience on this please?

he has a job? how much he makes? he rents a house? he has a car? children?

that the ties they will look for.

if he is free , no job, single... they will assume he will stay in usa and work with no documents.

Even if he gets his visa he will face the third degree at New York or Miami.

If you've ever been through immigration in those cities you'll know what I mean.

The relatives can help but unless he has a good job with a solid bank account and letters to back his employment in Thailand

he faces an uphill struggle.

I've spent a lot of time in the USA over the last three decades but these days I find their immigration so much hassle I'd rather spend my money elsewhere.

Good luck.

Widower, owns house and farm, wishes to visit daughter and son-in-law, to see new grandchild.

US immigration don't see it that way.

I'd use an agent and avoid New York and Miami on arrival. LA is another airport I'd not recommend.

All three treat visitors like dirt or prospective terrorists and illegal's.

Widower, owns house and farm, wishes to visit daughter and son-in-law, to see new grandchild.

Each applicant is viewed by the Embassy as a runner. He has to prove his ties to Thailand. He needs to present proof of land, house, car, etc ownership. He should also bring any documents related to the income his farm generates, and bank books that show enough money to cover the trip and support him for several months on return.

An agent can properly fill out the application and schedule an interview, but can’t and won’t help beyond that. He’ll still need to supply the extra documents proving his ties to Thailand.

Now, not to rain on anyone’s parade, but him having a new grandchild and being a widower are not necessarily pluses in the eyes of the Embassy. That’s a blueprint for a runner.

I’ve never had a problem with any airports. Being well dressed, well groomed and wearing a friendly smile go along way.

Nothing wrong with trying. Triple check the application for errors, then check it again. Present ties to Thailand as mentioned above. Be on time to the interview. Dress business casual, be friendly and smile even if the interviewer is grilling.

BE HONEST