Final crackdown for border runners - New strict Immigration regulation in force from today

[hyperdimension]

After August, would those who fly around Asia frequently be affected? Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong do not require visas for many nationalities, so many people, who can afford to, spend their time and money hopping around these visa-free countries (including Thailand) by air every 4, 3, 2 or 1 weeks. They are perpetual tourists. If Thailand suddenly requires a visa from them then Thailand may be dropped off their list of countries for hopping around. Are such perpetual tourists so undesirable, and why?

[harrry]

That statement does not seem to read as an official police order. It seems more a note from someone with a degree of authority on what he wants done. Coluld someone clarify the position of the author of this note?

[Evilbaz]

In the translated document it is made quite clear that this policy change refers to same day In/Outs at land borders by those without a Visa.

[pmarlin]

ya mean dirty old men are actually visiting (and oh..how awful....marrying) prostitutes?

These dirty old men must be either working as pimps or selling viagra, because they cross land borders.

my, my. No wonder I get these strange looks when I go back home.

It wasn't directed at you. I've no idea how old you are or what you do in your spare time. I was simply pointing out that many of the holier than thou brigade who love to rant about visa runners ( who aren't necessarily breaking any laws at all) pick and choose the Thai laws they think should be respected and those that can be ignored.

Personally, I find 65-year old men walking around shopping malls with tattooed trash far more undesirable than young guys who don't happen to qualify for a retirement visa.

Most likely those 65 year olds are visa runners, doubt they have the funds for retirement extensions.

[beatlebum]

Does anyone know if they were allowing exemptions at Mae Sot yesterday? I was at Mae Sai yesterday and they wouldn't allow me to leave Thailand. I'm not sure whether to try again today at Mae Sot or not, I'm guessing it will be the same thing.

I'm a teacher and have to do runs until i get my non-B next month (waiting for all the paperwork). For the record, I fully agree with the clamp-down, just find it unbelievably frustrating that i went to do a run yesterday only to get home and find out info on the new rules came out ON THE SAME DAY they are applied!

[boomerangutang]

I can just picture the Thai men and women sitting around a table - deciding on these edicts.

They give zero concern to how Thai travelers are treated when staying overseas. They look down their noses at backpackers. They tolerate elder farang man with hairy arms/noses/earsand baggy shorts, only because those farang are on pensions and spend a lot of money.

All the decision makers are products of Thai school system, where cheating and is accepted, and plagerism is expected. Promotions for Imm. officials and all other gov't workers are based on payments (to higher ups) and social status. Promotions have nothing to do with skills or intelligence. Those are they types who are making these draconian rules which will grossly inconvenience travelers (mostly younger generation), and will deflate an already tanking Thai tourist industry. If hobbling yourself (by stomping your own feet) were an Olympic event, Thai bureaucrats would take gold medals.

[Mario2008]

Does anyone know if they were allowing exemptions at Mae Sot yesterday? I was at Mae Sai yesterday and they wouldn't allow me to leave Thailand. I'm not sure whether to try again today at Mae Sot or not, I'm guessing it will be the same thing.

I'm a teacher and have to do runs until i get my non-B next month (waiting for all the paperwork). For the record, I fully agree with the clamp-down, just find it unbelievably frustrating that i went to do a run yesterday only to get home and find out info on the new rules came out ON THE SAME DAY they are applied!

Call them to be sure, but exepct the same as Mae Sod as there you can also only return to Thailand and not travel much further into Myanmar.

Try Laos and get a tourist visa, it will give you more time.

[beatlebum]

Does anyone know if they were allowing exemptions at Mae Sot yesterday? I was at Mae Sai yesterday and they wouldn't allow me to leave Thailand. I'm not sure whether to try again today at Mae Sot or not, I'm guessing it will be the same thing.

I'm a teacher and have to do runs until i get my non-B next month (waiting for all the paperwork). For the record, I fully agree with the clamp-down, just find it unbelievably frustrating that i went to do a run yesterday only to get home and find out info on the new rules came out ON THE SAME DAY they are applied!

Call them to be sure, but exepct the same as Mae Sod as there you can also only return to Thailand and not travel much further into Myanmar.

Try Laos and get a tourist visa, it will give you more time.

Much appreciated, thank you.

[craigp]

http://www.travelfish.org/blogs/thailand/2013/11/06/thailand-reinstates-30-day-overland-visa-free-entries-for-select-nationalities/

s of November 1, 2013 travellers holding UK, US, Japanese, German, French, Canadian and Italian passports are now eligible for a 30-day visa-free entry when entering Thailand by a land crossing, as opposed to the 14 days they were granted previously.

Wondering why these seven countries? They’re the G7 nations. Who is the G7? Yes, I had to Google it too, according to Wikipedia, they are “the seven wealthiest developed nations on Earth by global net wealth” so we guess Thailand is wanting them to spend up big.

This is great news for nationals of the above countries and one hopes that this is the first step in a broader restoration of the 30-day visa-free entry policy.

Other nationalities are still stuck with 14 days, so if you need longer in Thailand, either fly in, which will get eligible nationalities 30 days or get your Thai tourist visa beforehand at an embassy or consulate.

So this is no longer applicable ????

[FracturedRabbit]

I can just picture the Thai men and women sitting around a table - deciding on these edicts.

They give zero concern to how Thai travelers are treated when staying overseas. They look down their noses at backpackers. They tolerate elder farang man with hairy arms/noses/earsand baggy shorts, only because those farang are on pensions and spend a lot of money.

All the decision makers are products of Thai school system, where cheating and is accepted, and plagerism is expected. Promotions for Imm. officials and all other gov't workers are based on payments (to higher ups) and social status. Promotions have nothing to do with skills or intelligence. Those are they types who are making these draconian rules which will grossly inconvenience travelers (mostly younger generation), and will deflate an already tanking Thai tourist industry. If hobbling yourself (by stomping your own feet) were an Olympic event, Thai bureaucrats would take gold medals.

Read post 503 for an example of how Thais are treated when trying to go overseas; and also for a more balanced view of the situation than just the usual Thai bashing.

[henksteeghsth]

No more accidents with minibus good news

[impulse]

Walen School can help you with your ED visas if you need help. Very reliable service and fair price for the quality of work we do. We have 11 branches in Thailand so there is one probably near where you live. You can also PM me.

I wouldn't be surprised if the ED visa scam is the next to come under the microscope. Not the genuine ED learners but the people who use it - ahem - shall we say - flexibly.

Possibly a Thai language test at regular intervals. That would sort the chaff from the wheat so to speak.

Especially when they snap to the fact that the only practical use of the Thai language they're learning....is to live in Thailand. Which, of course, they're not really qualified to do under any visa program other than the ED visa. That is- unless they can stretch out their schooling to age 50 (or 55 if you believe the rumors) and figure out how to cobble together 400-800K baht while NOT working. (or 2 million baht to start my own rumor- let's see if it catches on)

Like Mudcrab, I'm forecasting the ED visa, especially to learn Thai, will be the next to undergo scrutiny.

I don't have a dog in this fight. I wish people could live wherever they wanted to, as long as they are contributing to the country they choose. But it doesn't matter what I wish. This should be a wake-up call for anyone who has set their sights on building a life within today's loopholes- regardless of whether it's Thailand, or anywhere else. Look down the road a few years before making irrevocable decisions backed up with heavy cash outlays. How much can you afford to walk away from?

[fatdrunkandstupid]

That statement does not seem to read as an official police order. It seems more a note from someone with a degree of authority on what he wants done. Coluld someone clarify the position of the author of this note?

Some here have already posted to suggest it comes from the Politician that owns a substantial portion of Air Asia shares.

[boomerangutang]

I can just picture the Thai men and women sitting around a table - deciding on these edicts.

They give zero concern to how Thai travelers are treated when staying overseas. They look down their noses at backpackers. They tolerate elder farang man with hairy arms/noses/earsand baggy shorts, only because those farang are on pensions and spend a lot of money.

All the decision makers are products of Thai school system, where cheating and is accepted, and plagerism is expected. Promotions for Imm. officials and all other gov't workers are based on payments (to higher ups) and social status. Promotions have nothing to do with skills or intelligence. Those are they types who are making these draconian rules which will grossly inconvenience travelers (mostly younger generation), and will deflate an already tanking Thai tourist industry. If hobbling yourself (by stomping your own feet) were an Olympic event, Thai bureaucrats would take gold medals.

Read post 503 for an example of how Thais are treated when trying to go overseas; and also for a more balanced view of the situation than just the usual Thai bashing.

I have friends in California, where I used to reside, who came from Thailand, Laos and Burma. Any one of them are able to start businesses, get loans from banks, purchase property - pretty much do whatever an American citizen is allowed to do. Sure, there are some 'gray areas' re; legality, but US bureaucracy is a lot more tolerant of resident foreigners, than Thailand. America is a 'melting pot' and (most) Americans understand the value of people from all walks of life who want to contribute in positive ways to society.

Thailand, on the other hand, wants to continually enforce the separateness of Thais and farang. Once a farang, always a farang, even if you resided here 100 years. You are always an outsider based on appearances. That's also reflected in the near-impossiblity of farang obtaining Thai citizenship. If you want to spend lots of money, Thais will love you outwardly, but still harbor contempt. If you don't spend lots of money, is just contempt.

[stevenl]

I can just picture the Thai men and women sitting around a table - deciding on these edicts.

They give zero concern to how Thai travelers are treated when staying overseas. They look down their noses at backpackers. They tolerate elder farang man with hairy arms/noses/earsand baggy shorts, only because those farang are on pensions and spend a lot of money.

All the decision makers are products of Thai school system, where cheating and is accepted, and plagerism is expected. Promotions for Imm. officials and all other gov't workers are based on payments (to higher ups) and social status. Promotions have nothing to do with skills or intelligence. Those are they types who are making these draconian rules which will grossly inconvenience travelers (mostly younger generation), and will deflate an already tanking Thai tourist industry. If hobbling yourself (by stomping your own feet) were an Olympic event, Thai bureaucrats would take gold medals.

Read post 503 for an example of how Thais are treated when trying to go overseas; and also for a more balanced view of the situation than just the usual Thai bashing.

I have friends in California, where I used to reside, who came from Thailand, Laos and Burma. Any one of them are able to start businesses, get loans from banks, purchase property - pretty much do whatever an American citizen is allowed to do. Sure, there are some 'gray areas' re; legality, but US bureaucracy is a lot more tolerant of resident foreigners, than Thailand. America is a 'melting pot' and (most) Americans understand the value of people from all walks of life who want to contribute in positive ways to society.

Thailand, on the other hand, wants to continually enforce the separateness of Thais and farang. Once a farang, always a farang, even if you resided here 100 years. You are always an outsider based on appearances. That's also reflected in the near-impossiblity of farang obtaining Thai citizenship. If you want to spend lots of money, Thais will love you outwardly, but still harbor contempt. If you don't spend lots of money, is just contempt.

Nothing to do with your skin colour, these measures will affect other asains much, much more than it will farang.

[salamat]

Making the 12 hour bus ride to Vientiane from Chiang Mai, crossing the bridge by bus and obtaining a proper tourist, single entry visa from the Thai embassy in Vientiane; is that still possible? Or, are they saying now, you must 'fly' into Vientiane to obtain a 30 day single entry visa? Can anybody clarify this for me please?

[Spoonman]

Making the 12 hour bus ride to Vientiane from Chiang Mai, crossing the bridge by bus and obtaining a proper tourist, single entry visa from the Thai embassy in Vientiane; is that still possible? Or, are they saying now, you must 'fly' into Vientiane to obtain a 30 day single entry visa? Can anybody clarify this for me please?

What is a 30 day single entry visa ?

[ExpatOilWorker]

Looks like visa on arrival could soon be history.

People have to get a visa which makes more money for the bent officials.

Does anyone know how much a visa is these days?

People such as oil and gas and mining guys wont want to waste their valuable time off travelling to an embassy in another country then waiting for a visa just so they can have their month off. These blokes will be lost to other countries such as Cambodia and The PI who still have sane and workable visa policies. Their departure will be an enormous financial blow to Phuket.

As one of those O&G guys, I totally agree with u.

[larsjohnsson]

I can just picture the Thai men and women sitting around a table - deciding on these edicts.

They give zero concern to how Thai travelers are treated when staying overseas. They look down their noses at backpackers. They tolerate elder farang man with hairy arms/noses/earsand baggy shorts, only because those farang are on pensions and spend a lot of money.

All the decision makers are products of Thai school system, where cheating and is accepted, and plagerism is expected. Promotions for Imm. officials and all other gov't workers are based on payments (to higher ups) and social status. Promotions have nothing to do with skills or intelligence. Those are they types who are making these draconian rules which will grossly inconvenience travelers (mostly younger generation), and will deflate an already tanking Thai tourist industry. If hobbling yourself (by stomping your own feet) were an Olympic event, Thai bureaucrats would take gold medals.

Read post 503 for an example of how Thais are treated when trying to go overseas; and also for a more balanced view of the situation than just the usual Thai bashing.

I have friends in California, where I used to reside, who came from Thailand, Laos and Burma. Any one of them are able to start businesses, get loans from banks, purchase property - pretty much do whatever an American citizen is allowed to do. Sure, there are some 'gray areas' re; legality, but US bureaucracy is a lot more tolerant of resident foreigners, than Thailand. America is a 'melting pot' and (most) Americans understand the value of people from all walks of life who want to contribute in positive ways to society.

Thailand, on the other hand, wants to continually enforce the separateness of Thais and farang. Once a farang, always a farang, even if you resided here 100 years. You are always an outsider based on appearances. That's also reflected in the near-impossiblity of farang obtaining Thai citizenship. If you want to spend lots of money, Thais will love you outwardly, but still harbor contempt. If you don't spend lots of money, is just contempt.

It's also a lot more difficult to get permission or visa for living in California then getting it here in Thailand. Yes the ones you meet can start business and buy property. But you didn't meet the ten thousend+ that didn't come in and got visa to stay.

Even for a western person it's ten times as difficult getting a holiday visa for USA as going to Thailand

[Mario2008]

1 troll post removed.

[lemonjelly]

Mods, George, whoever......Considering the importance of this announcement and the profound affects it will have on many expats, shouldn't this thread remain on the main page of the Thai Visa site?

[geckolady]

The new regulations, for those who fly - to be applied from 12 Aug, were just published in Thai, on this site. This is for those without pre-arranged visas. .

The following translation is from google-translate, so I guarantee nothing!

"Practices Notice., In the immigration of national goals, such as Korea, etc., are as follows.

1. Prohibits border with the permission of the Visa run in the “Out-In” order to get the right to stay in the Kingdom for tourism reasons for non continuous.

2. Cases traveling by aircraft, if found to be in the nature of an Out-In Visa run to admonish and advise him process the Visa valid for the purposes of entering into the Kingdom. Then applied to From now until 12 Aug 57.

O-I boundary marked by the seal. After Day 12 Aug 57 onwards if officials detected an Out-In to deny immigration him."

plus:

(sorry about this next bit of google-translation. Theories on its real meaning are invited.)

"If practitioners have questions or problems contact. Maj. Gen. Ta Phongchanok applied gravitational or vice Maj. Gen. Nat beautiful natural because ผbch. Notice. Depending on the case."

[bangkoklasse]

Making the 12 hour bus ride to Vientiane from Chiang Mai, crossing the bridge by bus and obtaining a proper tourist, single entry visa from the Thai embassy in Vientiane; is that still possible? Or, are they saying now, you must 'fly' into Vientiane to obtain a 30 day single entry visa? Can anybody clarify this for me please?

A proper tourist visa from the Embassy like you write is 60 days

[Mencken]

I welcome written and spoken Thai language tests for ED visa at all embs and cons such as Taiwan.

Plus 5

[Bernard Flint]

These new changes may be good to stop some of the low life's who live here but it will also hurt some people who may not be over 50 and have been denied visas. Some have families or are teaching at schools which are too cheap to provide correct visas. My only real question with this is why so short a notice? Why not give a month notice so people can adjust their schedules and plan. It is typical Thai, inconsiderate !!!

SIR

So u are actualy saying that teachers under 50 years of age are in thai schools, teaching english, without visas or even work permit.

Throw them out i say, they are here illegaly

[bangkoklasse]

Mods, George, whoever......Considering the importance of this announcement and the profound affects it will have on many expats, shouldn't this thread remain on the main page of the Thai Visa site?

I'm sure it will stay on the first page for a very very long time

[DrTuner]

Since they are going that way, why bother with small changes. Scrap the entries without a visa completely and get it over with.

[fatdrunkandstupid]

Looks like visa on arrival could soon be history.

People have to get a visa which makes more money for the bent officials.

Does anyone know how much a visa is these days?

People such as oil and gas and mining guys wont want to waste their valuable time off travelling to an embassy in another country then waiting for a visa just so they can have their month off. These blokes will be lost to other countries such as Cambodia and The PI who still have sane and workable visa policies. Their departure will be an enormous financial blow to Phuket.

As one of those O&G guys, I totally agree with u.

Yep...but it is not just oil and gas, Phuket, and other parts of Thailand have a good many miners also who are fly in fly out. These guys earn big money and spend heavily on their time off. Unfortunately for Thailand's economy many will now move to other countries such as the PI and Cambodia.

[mikebike]

Teachers: The time you have to wait to get a legit visa from your school, whether initially or between jobs, is being exploited by your employer, whether a school or an agency. There is absolutely no reason that the Thai Foreign Ministry or Immigration should cater to local school's and the Ministry of Education's incompetence and/or outright misuse/neglect of providing proper visas in a timely fashion only to reduce their costs of providing adequate NES teachers.

[rotorbreeze]

This will be a severe hardship for many Thai mini-bus drivers.

Less traveling minibus deaths...