Mae Sai not allowing Visa Runs as of today

[Jaakko]

This is beyond retarded. I am guessing that even the cheapest CC's still spend more than a local does in a year. Then ya have lots of folks who arent old enough to meet the retirement visa age, but have plenty of money/investments on which to retire, but have play the visa run game... I'm guessing they spend expenontially more in a year than a local. Yet so much effort goes into making the farang feel unwlecome. Even when you can get a proper visa, you still have to go check in every 90 days like you're on permanent parole.

This is why I have decided that I will never retire to Thailand. I am only interested in taking my retirement accounts and spending to a place that is welcoming to foreigners. Central & South America seem like a far smarter choice these days.

Yes we spend more money, but thais are racist and genually don't like foreigners. They tolerate big spending tourists, but hate them equally as they hate us expats. To them we are lower class people, thats why this is happening. Burmese are farangs too and without money, do you know they treat and despise them?

If we had as litlle money as thais, they wouldnt even let us in for the fist time.

In western world countries and help foreigners to merge into they country. In Thailand they do the opposite....

[MikeandDow]

This is beyond retarded. I am guessing that even the cheapest CC's still spend more than a local does in a year. Then ya have lots of folks who arent old enough to meet the retirement visa age, but have plenty of money/investments on which to retire, but have play the visa run game... I'm guessing they spend expenontially more in a year than a local. Yet so much effort goes into making the farang feel unwlecome. Even when you can get a proper visa, you still have to go check in every 90 days like you're on permanent parole.

This is why I have decided that I will never retire to Thailand. I am only interested in taking my retirement accounts and spending to a place that is welcoming to foreigners. Central & South America seem like a far smarter choice these days.

Yes we spend more money, but thais are racist and genually don't like foreigners. They tolerate big spending tourists, but hate them equally as they hate us expats. To them we are lower class people, thats why this is happening. Burmese are farangs too and without money, do you know they treat and despise them?

If we had as litlle money as thais, they wouldnt even let us in for the fist time.

In western world countries and help foreigners to merge into they country. In Thailand they do the opposite....

If you don't like it, just go and stop all the bloody whinging,

[slipperylobster]

Let's wait and see what happens during the rainy season.

With all the debts, rice scams, political unrest and drop in tourism....we may see something new.

Immigration might have to come up with some counter measures to get the tourist/retirement train back on track.

That baht still is holding on....that is amazing, Thailand

[Loles]

Just understood why many overstay guys there are here.

They are the bravers and don't miss this TH visa circus.

Till the fine is 20 K I guess they are in right ....

[millwall_fan]

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I'm really getting sick and tierd of this place, without us they would fall to pieces but they dont want us, If i have a problem at any time, im going and not coming back.

Well, a few other posters have commented on this already, but here's my 5 penn'orth: Do you really think the Thais need impoverished foreigners and that the place would fall apart without them? A few thousand guys spending 20,000 Baht a month here and complaining about everything? If you do, you are living in cloud cuckoo land!

I have the 60 day tourist visa x 3.. do visa run to Burma, no idea where we go forgotten the name, over to island where there are casinos and back again with andaman travel, think that is what they are called..

Does this apply to this visa also, or are we ok? cost a fortune to fly in and out..

One thing, this is making me decide to return home, it is just not worth the hassle.

Thahtay Kyun island.

My only other point is that as Thailand has effectively no government at the moment, presumably this means that the immigration department are formulating policy for themselves, which is undemocratic and and unsatisfactory situation,isn't it?

[bamboozled]

I crossed over at Mae Sai today with no problems. I have a Non-B and they didn't make any fuss whatsoever. It was tough getting through the throng of upset folks standing in front of passport control and they got me worked up that I wouldn't get in but obviously our situations were not the same. I'm American by the way.

[kjhbigv]

I crossed over at Mae Sai today with no problems. I have a Non-B and they didn't make any fuss whatsoever. It was tough getting through the throng of upset folks standing in front of passport control and they got me worked up that I wouldn't get in but obviously our situations were not the same. I'm American by the way.

As already highlighted, you have a visa, so no problem.....nothing to do with being American or anything.

The others you saw were trying to get a 30 day entry and have no valid visa in their passport.

[bristolgeoff]

it seems they will be problems for some,but if you have a visa from abroad then ok to come and go.otherwise you may be in trouble if you keep doing visa runs to stay in Thailand.cambodia looks like it may be the place now.alot of people I know may be in trouble very soon with their life in chiang mai

[Beetlejuice]

This is beyond retarded. I am guessing that even the cheapest CC's still spend more than a local does in a year. Then ya have lots of folks who arent old enough to meet the retirement visa age, but have plenty of money/investments on which to retire, but have play the visa run game... I'm guessing they spend expenontially more in a year than a local. Yet so much effort goes into making the farang feel unwlecome. Even when you can get a proper visa, you still have to go check in every 90 days like you're on permanent parole.

This is why I have decided that I will never retire to Thailand. I am only interested in taking my retirement accounts and spending to a place that is welcoming to foreigners. Central & South America seem like a far smarter choice these days.

Yes we spend more money, but thais are racist and genually don't like foreigners. They tolerate big spending tourists, but hate them equally as they hate us expats. To them we are lower class people, thats why this is happening. Burmese are farangs too and without money, do you know they treat and despise them?

If we had as litlle money as thais, they wouldnt even let us in for the fist time.

In western world countries and help foreigners to merge into they country. In Thailand they do the opposite....

Total rubbish.

These measures have been on the cards for a long time as I have warned on here many times in the past.

The people to blame are those who abuse the system here and again as I have said many times in the past, the actions of others have a knock on affect for all of us.

The good part is that this will stop the forever tourists and undesirables from entering and leaving the country at will and encourage more Westerners to extend their visas via the Immigration department system where they have to prove their entitlements to stay long term in Thailand and be vetted.

In my opinion these new clampdowns are a good thing and long over due, but inevitable that it was going to happen, not if, but when.

For those of us that abide by the laws here and qualify for long stay under the imposed rules of the Immigration Department, there are no problems as yet, but again if there are those who continue to abuse the system, the illegal land, property and business owners, then who knows what types of new restrictions the authorities may place upon us in the future.

[chiang mai]

This is beyond retarded. I am guessing that even the cheapest CC's still spend more than a local does in a year. Then ya have lots of folks who arent old enough to meet the retirement visa age, but have plenty of money/investments on which to retire, but have play the visa run game... I'm guessing they spend expenontially more in a year than a local. Yet so much effort goes into making the farang feel unwlecome. Even when you can get a proper visa, you still have to go check in every 90 days like you're on permanent parole.

This is why I have decided that I will never retire to Thailand. I am only interested in taking my retirement accounts and spending to a place that is welcoming to foreigners. Central & South America seem like a far smarter choice these days.

Yes we spend more money, but thais are racist and genually don't like foreigners. They tolerate big spending tourists, but hate them equally as they hate us expats. To them we are lower class people, thats why this is happening. Burmese are farangs too and without money, do you know they treat and despise them?

If we had as litlle money as thais, they wouldnt even let us in for the fist time.

In western world countries and help foreigners to merge into they country. In Thailand they do the opposite....

Total rubbish.

These measures have been on the cards for a long time as I have warned on here many times in the past.

The people to blame are those who abuse the system here and again as I have said many times in the past, the actions of others have a knock on affect for all of us.

The good part is that this will stop the forever tourists and undesirables from entering and leaving the country at will and encourage more Westerners to extend their visas via the Immigration department system where they have to prove their entitlements to stay long term in Thailand and be vetted.

In my opinion these new clampdowns are a good thing and long over due, but inevitable that it was going to happen, not if, but when.

For those of us that abide by the laws here and qualify for long stay under the imposed rules of the Immigration Department, there are no problems as yet, but again if there are those who continue to abuse the system, the illegal land, property and business owners, then who knows what types of new restrictions the authorities may place upon us in the future.

It scares me slightly but I agree with BJ on this point, 100 per cent..

Edited May 10, 2014 by chiang mai

[moe666]

I have been here for years and have seen several crack downs on people working and staying in Thailand on border runs, the first was no more than 3 in 6 months. OOO the wailing and rending of cloth was unbelievable similar to what we have now but the nail in the coffin crew was the best. The Thailand will collapse with out our money crew was a second best. Nothing has changed boys they are tired of people flaunting there immigration laws, if you cannot hack it go home or find another country.

[misterme]

What happened to the 60 day stamp without a visa for 7 countries (UK, USA, Australia, etc).

I don't believe that they are enforcing existing laws (policy maybe, but not law) How can they change the rules without an act of government?

I see this as very bad. Just like the Ranong policy flip.

(FWIW, I have a 1 yr Non, and am at home in my country now) I think it's bad policy, unfair, and short sighted.

[wayned]

On a positive note, they actually did stop the people from exiting Tailand, They could have let them enter Myanmar and not let them back in! All of their possessions would have been left in Thailand. The law has changed, more advanced notice was in order but it didn't happen. There has never been a 60 day stamp without a proper visa issued in a foreign country only either a 30 or 15 days visa exempt entry depending on your nationality.

[Timwin]

For those of us that abide by the laws here and qualify for long stay under the imposed rules of the Immigration Department, there are no problems as yet, but again if there are those who continue to abuse the system, the illegal land, property and business owners, then who knows what types of new restrictions the authorities may place upon us in the future.

You feel better now, crossposting the same bullsh*t here too? Every time there is a crackdown, your kinds of miserable little geezers come here to glee.

[Foxter]

Do you have anything to substantiate your post. Some more info would help,

Nobody gets a visa at a border (other than those that can get a 15 day VOA) you must be writing about visa exempt entries.

Are they letting those with visas to cross and return for new entries.

Perhaps there is a problem on the other side of the border so they are not allowing people to depart.

I was looking at an travel site and looking at visa runs. There was a big notice saying that visa runs are no longer allowed .

Here is one site. http://www.chiangmaivisarun.com/chiang-mai-mae-sai-by-minibus/

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

[jonnyscot]

The exiting is actually my concern right now, normally I'm in on a non imm o visa, however I have had the previous entry before this one on a visa exempt entry, and the current one also a visa exempt entry, 5 days in country on the first visa exempt and 1.5 weeks to date on this one, the first instance was caused by a family bereavement back in UK as I would have made the visa preparations on that entry during time off from work,but due to insufficient time before mobilising for my job I couldn't,, anyway I planned to exit at a land border either next week or the following one to make a fresh application, it's a fair drive from where we live in the western central region to the eastern borders but planned to make a trip of it by taking the wife and kids, now there's a wee concern that I may not be allowed to exit to make the application

quote name="wayned" On a positive note, they actually did stop the people from exiting Tailand, They could have let them enter Myanmar and not let them back in! All of their possessions would have been left in Thailand. The law has changed, more advanced notice was in order but it didn't happen. There has never been a 60 day stamp without a proper visa issued in a foreign country only either a 30 or 15 days visa exempt entry depending on your nationality.

Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[arisaje]

This is pretty ridiculous. Even people who have proper visas often do a couple border runs when it runs out and before they can get a new one. This affects a lot of people legitimately working or studying here, as well as legitimate tourists.

They should be able to tell the difference between someone who does the border run a few times, and someone who is living for 5 years on a border runs.

I am not sure why you think its ridiculous, this is just the Thai Immigration finally doing their job.

Legitimate visa holders don't have an issue, plan and make sure you have a new one ready when its due. Those who don't have legitimate visas need to go home or go find somewhere else to hang out.

Its no different to the vast majority of other countries around the world that have strict visa requirements, including your own countries, wherever you're from.

Thailand is being spoilt by criminals and people who bend the rules, ruining it for those that don't. Time to abide by the book it seems as they are trying to ensure everyone comes in through an airport where they can weed out the unwanted.

Anyway i don't see why people are whining, if you can afford a visa run to the border and you're a genuine expat then you can afford an air asia flight and genuine visa.

[John Clarke]

The technology is the same at ALL border crossings, whether it be an airport or land crossing, look at the camera, check passport details on computer....they can check you out anywhere.

Sent from my GT-P5110 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[ubonjoe]

Do you have anything to substantiate your post. Some more info would help,

Nobody gets a visa at a border (other than those that can get a 15 day VOA) you must be writing about visa exempt entries.

Are they letting those with visas to cross and return for new entries.

Perhaps there is a problem on the other side of the border so they are not allowing people to depart.

I was looking at an travel site and looking at visa runs. There was a big notice saying that visa runs are no longer allowed .

Here is one site. http://www.chiangmaivisarun.com/chiang-mai-mae-sai-by-minibus/

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

That is the result of the fiasco at Mae Sai yesterday. I think things will get sorted out in a day or two.

You can still leave the country at a border crossing. But you might not be able to return if you have a bunch of visa exempt entries.

If you have a valid visa you will not have a problem or if it is your first border run for an exempt entry.

[John Clarke]

The benefit of stopping the 15 day visa reduces congestion at these crossings, if they are "doing their job", they will get the "criminals spoiling the land of 7/11s

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[muluc]

..i just post my question here because i cannot find another forum...

my situation is that i m stay now since two month in cambodia, in the past i did the visa run to thailand 2 times and have 2 subsequently thai visa in my passport..

is it possible to get a 30 day visa again when i cross the border at poi pet?

Edited May 11, 2014 by ubonjoe
Changed to default font and color

[ubonjoe]

The exiting is actually my concern right now, normally I'm in on a non imm o visa, however I have had the previous entry before this one on a visa exempt entry, and the current one also a visa exempt entry, 5 days in country on the first visa exempt and 1.5 weeks to date on this one, the first instance was caused by a family bereavement back in UK as I would have made the visa preparations on that entry during time off from work,but due to insufficient time before mobilising for my job I couldn't,, anyway I planned to exit at a land border either next week or the following one to make a fresh application, it's a fair drive from where we live in the western central region to the eastern borders but planned to make a trip of it by taking the wife and kids, now there's a wee concern that I may not be allowed to exit to make the application

quote name="wayned" On a positive note, they actually did stop the people from exiting Tailand, They could have let them enter Myanmar and not let them back in! All of their possessions would have been left in Thailand. The law has changed, more advanced notice was in order but it didn't happen. There has never been a 60 day stamp without a proper visa issued in a foreign country only either a 30 or 15 days visa exempt entry depending on your nationality.

Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

You can leave the country at a border crossing. In your case where you are planning on get a visa you will not a have a problem returning.

They stopped people from leaving at Mae Sai yesterday because there is no where for them to go after they enter Myanmar. They cannot go any further than the border area without a visa for Myanmar.

[ubonjoe]

..i just post my question here because i cannot find another forum...

my situation is that i m stay now since two month in cambodia, in the past i did the visa run to thailand 2 times and have 2 subsequently thai visa in my passport..

is it possible to get a 30 day visa again when i cross the border at poi pet?

You will not have a problem entering the country because you have been out of the country for more than a few hours. You will not a get a visa when you enter you will get a visa exempt entry. It will be 15 days unless your are from a G7 country that are allowed a 30 day entry or from one that has a bilateral agreement with Thailand.

[jonnyscot]

Thanks joe and also to mario earlier in the topic for the clarification re my concerns

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[Bardeh]

I've been on a non-imm B visa for the last few years as I've been teaching. However, I've recently stopped teaching and gone home for a quick visit. I'll be returning to Thailand next week, without arranging a visa. So I'll fly into Suvarhnabhumi and get a 30 day exempt entry as I'm British. Does this mean I'll then be able to get one more 30 day exemption if I go to Mae Sai (currently living in Chiang Rai), or will I have to go to the consulate in Vientiane once my original 30 days are up?

Edited May 11, 2014 by Bardeh

[george]

I've been on a non-imm B visa for the last few years as I've been teaching. However, I've recently stopped teaching and gone home for a quick visit. I'll be returning to Thailand next week, without arranging a visa. So I'll fly into Suvarhnabhumi and get a 30 day exempt entry as I'm British. Does this mean I'll then be able to get one more 30 day exemption if I go to Mae Sai (currently living in Chiang Rai), or will I have to go to the consulate in Vientiane once my original 30 days are up?

You can get one more 30 day exemption if you go to Mae Sai.

[Bardeh]

I've been on a non-imm B visa for the last few years as I've been teaching. However, I've recently stopped teaching and gone home for a quick visit. I'll be returning to Thailand next week, without arranging a visa. So I'll fly into Suvarhnabhumi and get a 30 day exempt entry as I'm British. Does this mean I'll then be able to get one more 30 day exemption if I go to Mae Sai (currently living in Chiang Rai), or will I have to go to the consulate in Vientiane once my original 30 days are up?

You can get one more 30 day exemption if you go to Mae Sai.

Great, thanks for the quick reply. Should give me enough time to arrange a proper visa.

[Maestro]

Since you already know that you will be visiting Thailand for the purpose of tourism for more than 30 days why don't you get a tourist visa before you leave your home country to fly to Thailand. This would be the correct thing to do in your situation and would save you hassle and money.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[GlobalCtzn]

This is pretty ridiculous. Even people who have proper visas often do a couple border runs when it runs out and before they can get a new one. This affects a lot of people legitimately working or studying here, as well as legitimate tourists.

They should be able to tell the difference between someone who does the border run a few times, and someone who is living for 5 years on a border runs.

Educate me please: Why would any foreigner who is 'LEGITIMATELY' working or studying in Thailand need to make a visa run? Work visas and student visas do not require visa runs to the border, only 90 day check-ins at local immigration office, yes? Sincere question.

[enuff said]

.

This is pretty ridiculous. Even people who have proper visas often do a couple border runs when it runs out and before they can get a new one. This affects a lot of people legitimately working or studying here, as well as legitimate tourists.

They should be able to tell the difference between someone who does the border run a few times, and someone who is living for 5 years on a border runs.

Even if this were the case, which it is not IMHO, the officer would see the other visa and extension stamps and make a judgement.

It is obvious when someone has been doing border runs for the last 5 years. 2 years. 6 mos. even.

Keep whining. Maybe someone will listen.

'nuff said

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