Thai Foreign Ministry asked to rethink free visa fee decision

[StreetCowboy]

 

Hello

What about Farangs living in Thailand, how are we treated by Thai Immigration?

We have to go to our probation officer (immigration) every 3 months so they have something to do.

That is even more crazy

 

Crazy, but off-topic.

[Frank33]

it doesn't mention the 30 day transit stamp in the txt of this article. Is this another misleading headline?

Yes. The headline "No more free 30 days on arrival entries planned" is not part of the original article and is completely misleading. Read the actual article and disregard the headline for getting at the facts.

[rreddin]

They need the visa fees. Every little bit helps to pay off the rice farmers!

Don't forget the rubber growers who also get a subsidy.

Back on topic: I know two Thais who got tourist visas to visit the UK. They were each granted a 6 month multi-entry visa. I know because I sponsored them. One returned to Thaialnd at then of her vacation; the other disappeared and was found well over 6 months later working illegally.

I am happy to pay a visa fee if I am granted a 6 month multi-entry visa with no reporting requirement or a requirement to leave the country every 30/60/90 days.

[samran]

Bali seems to cope with visa fees.

yes, but many of these blokes viagra and short time budgets don't cope as well...

[chicowoodduck]

Hold onto your hats folks, just wait until they figure out how much they can make by charging a small fee for your 90 Day Reporting!

The fun just never stops in LOS!

[DrTuner]

It is pretty tough keeping up with the changes..as they happen almost monthly. One must keep on their toes and watch for signs of changes. Nice to have Thai Visa forum to keep up. Sometimes posters give advance info, as they frequent the borders. The newspapers are sometimes a bit behind on the actual implementations.

Actually it's been eerily stable for a couple of years. Maybe they're clearing the backlog of boneheaded ideas now

[StreetCowboy]

 

It is pretty tough keeping up with the changes..as they happen almost monthly. One must keep on their toes and watch for signs of changes. Nice to have Thai Visa forum to keep up. Sometimes posters give advance info, as they frequent the borders. The newspapers are sometimes a bit behind on the actual implementations.

Actually it's been eerily stable for a couple of years. Maybe they're clearing the backlog of boneheaded ideas now

 

I'm quite surprised that they introduce ideas such as this without first consulting the TV Crusties

[marcusd]

What a totally MORONIC IDEA to charge visa fees to the MAIN countries that bring in MOST of your foreign cash and are the higher spenders! Total idiocy again.

The countries that charge the FEW thousand Thai's that travel do so because so many OVERSTAY to send money home from illegal working. Now I cannot see anyone from the US or Australia wanting to stay to earn 10,000 baht a month when they earn this in a day back home.

They come here to spend money on a cheap holiday and spend a lot. Ask anyone doing tours!

So kill the visitors with fees to come here. Thailand is so alike many other destinations and Thailand needs to wake up.

OK people living here see a different side but tourists see pretty beaches, palm trees and tropical settings and cheap tasty food.

Any you can get all of this in Malaysia, Vietnam which is opening up, Burma, also very easy on the pocket and opening up fast, cambodia and many other destinations and the Carribean is not ruled out either for people from the USA.

So charge away thinking you are the most wanted nation for travel. DREAM ON!

More people visit the LOVRE in paris every year than travel to here. THINK ABOUT killing off your money spinners with daft dumb idiotic ideas.

I feel slugged enough a sthis is still a third world country.

[williamta20012]

seriously... why is no one pointing out the elephant in the room, why are we living in a global state of matial law, with mafia groups acting like trolls under a bridge stealing from travelers?

why are there basically zero adults or old men with philosophical wisdom

[planetoftheapes]

Good on Thailand. I am a Canadian citizen living in Thailand. Tomorrow my Thai wife and son are going to Canada for a two week visit with my family. I have gone through hell getting a visa for them this time. It was very easy the last two times but now the rules have changed. Instead of the cost of $75 per visa it has cost me almost $1000 Canadian to get their visas this time. It took me away from work for 7 days to get their visas. I had to travel from the south of Thailand to Bangkok just to put in the application. It used to take 1 day to get a visa but now it takes 12 days. I used to bitch about getting my Non-B every year but it is easy compared with the bullshit that I went through with the Canadian embassy this time. On my return to Canada I will be talking with my Member of the Legislature for my home province and I will be sending a letter to my Member of Parliament as well. Also copies to Canada Immigration and Citizenship and copies to the Embassy of Canada here in Bangkok. I am not impressed with their system anymore and I don't blame the Thais for want tit for tat.

What a silly thing to say. That's not some poor guy who is going on holiday's fault now is it?

Your country is full to the brim with Koreans for the most part and other Asians all trying to be Canadian and sending huge amounts of cash home. They can do that because Canada gives them RIGHTS!!!!!!! You have no rights even though your married to a Thai national. You still can never be Thai or hold an ID card you can't work without a permit you can't own your own home. She can however get into Canada and leave you and take half of everything you own and have a Canadian passport and work in a job that pays 5 times higher than she would be getting paid in Thailand. Your government is PROTECTING YOU!!! Is she the real deal they don't want to make it easy for you/HER HER GET IT!!!!! Thailand already has all the bases covered ie you have no rights to begin with..However unpleasant the process maybe in Canada and no matter how genuine you and your wife maybe that is the reason they do that.

[planetoftheapes]

Hundreds of thousands of people come to Thailand to visit, and these lunatics are basing their logic on merely hundreds of Thais visiting other countries for the purpose of what: shopping at Macy's and popping in to Disney Land: ... legitimately contributing to the economy of those other countries? Doubtful. I don't think those other countries even have a statistic for what Thais bring to their economy when it comes to Thai tourism to their countries.

We're not talking about students and fiances here.

Moreover, the tourist industry in Thailand brings in a heckuva lot more money than Thai tourists bring to other countries. What? Thais go abroad and spend thousands of dollars? Not likely. More than likely they are boyfriends and girlfriends being supported by the natives of that country whilst they are there, and do not contribute one iota to the economy.

Additionally, it is the foreigner coming here to Thailand who does so with their own money and their own effort in order to spend, and they do it when they can take time off from their job. I'll say that one again: and they do it when they can take time off from their job.

I would be certain that were we to look at it the other way around, the Thai who is visiting one of the other countries has the foreigner do all the footwork and paperwork to get the Thai to the other country, and purchases the plane tickets, and then puts the Thai up with room and board and spends money on them whilst they are there ... and I seriously doubt the Thai is taking time off from their job throughout this entire charade.

Yes! Thailand: the HUB of logic and bullet-riddled feet.

Round of applause my friend hit the nail on the head.

[nidieunimaitre]

Bali seems to cope with visa fees.

yes, but many of these blokes viagra and short time budgets don't cope as well...

now i understand your problem, and why you are always on the defensive.

[StreetCowboy]

seriously... why is no one pointing out the elephant in the room, why are we living in a global state of matial law, with mafia groups acting like trolls under a bridge stealing from travelers?

why are there basically zero adults or old men with philosophical wisdom

I think you're the only one seeing elephants. Perhaps too long up in the Golden Triangle.

I just see people whinging about a minor change to visa privileges, and off-topic whinging about privileges and obligations of foreigners resident in Thailand,

What kind of an elephant is it?

SC

[williamta20012]

seriously... why is no one pointing out the elephant in the room, why are we living in a global state of matial law, with mafia groups acting like trolls under a bridge stealing from travelers?

why are there basically zero adults or old men with philosophical wisdom

I think you're the only one seeing elephants. Perhaps too long up in the Golden Triangle.

I just see people whinging about a minor change to visa privileges, and off-topic whinging about privileges and obligations of foreigners resident in Thailand,

What kind of an elephant is it?

SC

so around 100 years ago no one needed a passport you could go where you want, only russia requied a passport, but of course russia was a dictatorship

todays you need a passport, and a body search, and dont your dare take your money any where, only 10k us $!!

and when im mention this 99% of people look at me like im a lunatic

[StreetCowboy]

seriously... why is no one pointing out the elephant in the room, why are we living in a global state of matial law, with mafia groups acting like trolls under a bridge stealing from travelers?

why are there basically zero adults or old men with philosophical wisdom

I think you're the only one seeing elephants. Perhaps too long up in the Golden Triangle.

I just see people whinging about a minor change to visa privileges, and off-topic whinging about privileges and obligations of foreigners resident in Thailand,

What kind of an elephant is it?

SC

so around 100 years ago no one needed a passport you could go where you want, only russia requied a passport, but of course russia was a dictatorship

todays you need a passport, and a body search, and dont your dare take your money any where, only 10k us $!!

and when im mention this 99% of people look at me like im a lunatic

Obviously I'm not as old as you, but from what I've read, it was not that easy for foreigners to move around at the outbreak of the first world war.

SC

[Sceptict11]

seriously... why is no one pointing out the elephant in the room, why are we living in a global state of matial law, with mafia groups acting like trolls under a bridge stealing from travelers?

why are there basically zero adults or old men with philosophical wisdom

I think you're the only one seeing elephants. Perhaps too long up in the Golden Triangle.

I just see people whinging about a minor change to visa privileges, and off-topic whinging about privileges and obligations of foreigners resident in Thailand,

What kind of an elephant is it?

SC

so around 100 years ago no one needed a passport you could go where you want, only russia requied a passport, but of course russia was a dictatorship

todays you need a passport, and a body search, and dont your dare take your money any where, only 10k us $!!

and when im mention this 99% of people look at me like im a lunatic

Anyone "seeing" Elephants in rooms may have their sanity questioned especially if no one else can see Jumbo

[ableguy]

just looking for money for all they have lost on their populism policies, pretty straight forward this would bring in hundreds of millions.

[StreetCowboy]

...

Anyone "seeing" Elephants in rooms may have their sanity questioned especially if no one else can see Jumbo

I'm just interested to know more about the elephant.

Apparently 100 years ago it was easy to travel to foreign countries, but for some reason my dear old grandmother waited till she was over 60 to leave the country, and if her bizarre tales are to be believed, and those of my parents, it took several weeks on a leaky boat to get to their destination. I'd think she was losing her marbles, but my parents tell similar bizarre tales of their youthful travels.

Our friend may be reliving a past life, when he travelled to the Holy Lands of the East to fight for God and King, but even those crusades were, if the history books are to be believed, something of an oddyssey. Probably the history books have been doctored to make us think we're well off now...

This reminds me of a previous experience from my youth. We'd been out in the woods, and we came across some tracks. We followed them for a bit...

"Deer" says Bob.

"Sheep" says Dave.

"..." but before I could speak we had to jump as an Intercity 125 went past.

Obviously, anyone could be sidetracked by an elephant trail. Especially an invisible elephant - you don't see those every day

SC

[williamta20012]

...

Anyone "seeing" Elephants in rooms may have their sanity questioned especially if no one else can see Jumbo

I'm just interested to know more about the elephant.

Apparently 100 years ago it was easy to travel to foreign countries, but for some reason my dear old grandmother waited till she was over 60 to leave the country, and if her bizarre tales are to be believed, and those of my parents, it took several weeks on a leaky boat to get to their destination. I'd think she was losing her marbles, but my parents tell similar bizarre tales of their youthful travels.

Our friend may be reliving a past life, when he travelled to the Holy Lands of the East to fight for God and King, but even those crusades were, if the history books are to be believed, something of an oddyssey. Probably the history books have been doctored to make us think we're well off now...

This reminds me of a previous experience from my youth. We'd been out in the woods, and we came across some tracks. We followed them for a bit...

"Deer" says Bob.

"Sheep" says Dave.

"..." but before I could speak we had to jump as an Intercity 125 went past.

Obviously, anyone could be sidetracked by an elephant trail. Especially an invisible elephant - you don't see those every day

SC

wow u r so intelligent, seriously!!

im not that smart.

I live in thailand, there are countries a stones throw all around me.

I tries to take a leaky boat to laos from chiang mai, but it never got there.

one day ill make it to laos, I just am glad I have my passport. ..

[samran]

Bali seems to cope with visa fees.

yes, but many of these blokes viagra and short time budgets don't cope as well...

now i understand your problem, and why you are always on the defensive.

defensive about what? Just because I don't take joy in heaping crap on everything or reacting, like someone else said, like a bunch of rattled caged monkeys to every pronouncement by some dimwit in a civil service uniform.

All I did here was took recipriocity to its logical conclusion at the beginning of this thread, in a sarcastic manner, to which you were the one who got your goat up about it.

My actual views on matters like this are out there for the public record, if you'd care to search.

[Richard W]

The need for a visa would enable more screening than visa exemption.

How would visa on arrival differ from visa on exemption?

There is also the case of a woman jailed in Thailand for drug smuggling. After release, she wanted to make a return visit. She wasn't sure whether she would be allowed in, so she applied for a tourist visa. She got the visa, but was then refused entry when she arrived. It doesn't look as though even applying for a visa in advance would result in criminals being excluded from Thailand.

[baboon]

The need for a visa would enable more screening than visa exemption.

How would visa on arrival differ from visa on exemption?

There is also the case of a woman jailed in Thailand for drug smuggling. After release, she wanted to make a return visit. She wasn't sure whether she would be allowed in, so she applied for a tourist visa. She got the visa, but was then refused entry when she arrived. It doesn't look as though even applying for a visa in advance would result in criminals being excluded from Thailand.

Sandra Gregory I think you are talking about..

[paz]

This article fails to make clear whether they are talking about charging for transit visas or just cancelling a temporary waiver on fees for tourist visas. Charging for transit visas would be a big but not really practical, given Thailand's huge dependence on tourism income and the problems they have staffing up the Immigration countes at Swampy. Reciprocal visa fees and conditions would be a nice idea - Brazil forces Americans to get visas, Russia gives a harder time to Brits, Yanks and Israeli and China is trying to impose sort of reciprocal fees and conditions. But none of these countries are dependent on tourism income.

It must be some idiot grandstanding or a boneheaded reporter or probably a combination of the two. Let's see if any National Police Order is ever issued about this.

Again Arkady is right on the spot. Reciprocity is a nice concept, pragmatism in a country where tourism is a primary industry, is another.

Now we know who the two opposite parties are, the Interior minister that may have a bigger picture, Immigration that need to justify their existance with strict visa rules (altough I think the fee for visa obtained overseas goes to consulates, not to to them).

We'll see who is stronger, altough I think that considering the current political issues, nothing will happen and things will stay as they are for a long time. Already the extension of 30 days visa exemtpion to G-7 countries was a kind of unexpected gift that arrived just in time before th political crisis.

[Maestro]

How would visa on arrival differ from visa on exemption?

...

From the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs:

Tourist Visa Exemption: http://www.mfa.go.th/main/en/services/123/15396-Tourist-Visa-Exemption.html

Visa on Arrival: http://www.mfa.go.th/main/en/services/123/15393-Visa-on-Arrival.html

[laislica]

For a Thai to visit Canada it is a major pain in the ass to get a visa, and the fees are 2,250 THB.

Really I don't see why they shouldn't charge us in a tit-for-tat fashion.

It has been quite a number of years since I had to get a visa to enter Thailand (on 1 year extensions for the past 7 years) but it was pretty easy at the Consulate in Vancouver 8 years ago.

Now where my b*tch on the whole situation is, I have been here for 8 years with a good solid income, wife (same wife) two kids, etc. and for me to get any form of residence or god forbid citizenship is a major pain. My wife on the other hand had her permanent residence in 1.5 years and her Canadian citizenship in less then 3.

A 90 day EEA family Member Visa to Spain - Free - took a couple of months to get police clearance certification etc.had to pay for that.

After arriving in Spain - Spanish residency in less than five months - good for five years - cost about €21 (900 Baht).Had to pay to have the marriage translated and recognised by the Brit Emb.

Has regular NHS cover. No 90 day reporting.

Can work, own property, travel anywhere in the EU Schengen area (Except the UK).etc. etc.

However, will have to pay about 400 Baht every 5 years to update her ID card, same as the Spanish, and me.

Yes, I would quite like the same treatment.

However, couldn`t get a visa to visit the UK for a two week holiday to see family....

There are only two visa possibilities, both 6 months, General Visitor and Family member. No Tourist anything.

"On the balance of probability "- the Border Control say they think she is not sufficiently tied to Spain, will overstay and need financial help.....

Mind you, they are worried about the massive influx about to arrive from the new Eastern Europeans - Romania and the like.

So they are probably saying NO to all they can for the time being.

Visa costs €114 plus a trip to the Brit Emb in Madrid, about €300 odd all up = 12,600 Baht or so......

Oh they said we can re-apply correcting any perceived mistakes - Oh pay again - of course.....

So <deleted> em - we`ll wait for family to visit us!

We'll spend our money else where!

Looking forward to getting back to Thailand soon.

[Time Traveller]

Who cares if they want to do that, it's their own country? In reality the Thai immigration minister is just feeling small and inferior because Thai passport does not have the same travel privileges as an American or European passport. Too bad, so sad. (Remember the immigration department are the same department involved with human trafficking of Rohingya, so we all know he has lost all respect and face in the international community. Likely he's just trying to vent anger after getting caught out by the Western media)

Perhaps when Thailand decides to be part of the international community by accepting international standards against human trafficking, drugs, money laundering, IP counterfeiting, the ICJ rulings, etc, etc, then more countries might become more accepting of less restrictions on Thai citizens travel.

Until then the rest of the world just laughs at the antics of these clowns in Thailand.

Edited December 20, 2013 by Time Traveller

[Ulic]

A lot of hyperbole here.Truth is Thailand can do anything it wants and the 17 countries will do nothing.

Of course it should be easier for everyone to travel for, but people should also return home. For Europe/ Canada/ Australia

the big fear is someone starts milking their social system, maybe working as well. Here the the fear is foreigners

working as there is no social safety net to abuse. Not sure why they are so obsessed. With Thai unemployment

at less than .5 % it should not be a big worry. It should be easier to get a work visa. As for the visa extensions, visa

runs, etc... these are make work projects as far as I am concerned. Keep van companies and drivers employed,

immigration staff, etc..etc.. Now if Thailand were to make it difficult with sending passports to embassy's, 2 month

turnarounds, providing proof of income and interviews. That would be it. Tourism in Thailand would implode.

Fewer people would visit Thailand than Thais visit the 17 countries. Why? The 17 countries would take there

vacation money elsewhere as they have many, many options. I understand the idea of reciprocity but countries

that rely greatly on tourism should make travel easy. None of the 17 countries rely on any amount of tourism dollars

from Thailand. Even if they dropped visa fees to zero there would be a significant charge to process the applications.

[Time Traveller]

Here the the fear is foreigners working as there is no social safety net to abuse. Not sure why they are so obsessed. With Thai unemployment

at less than .5 % it should not be a big worry. It should be easier to get a work visa.

Maybe they think 1 foreigner could do the same work as 3 thais combined and replace them. With many companies hiring unproductive staff it's quite likely that's true.

[Beng]

Should the 17 countries charge Thais more for visiting our national parks, zoo, museums, etc then ? Or do the immigration people think that charging foreigners 200% more than Thais to visit certain attractions is fair ?

[StreetCowboy]

Should the 17 countries charge Thais more for visiting our national parks, zoo, museums, etc then ? Or do the immigration people think that charging foreigners 200% more than Thais to visit certain attractions is fair ?

Where I come from, Central Government looks after defence and immigration, but we don't generally have centrally fixed price controls. I think Thailand is the same.

SC