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

[stevenl]

12th August further restrictions

Today the Immigration Bureau has posted the following notice, confirming the new regulations and upcoming changes to the regulations:

แนวทางปฏิบัติของ สตม.ในการตรวจคนเข้าเมืองของบุคคลสัญชาติเป้าหมาย เช่น เกาหลี ฯลฯ มีดังนี้

1.ห้ามมิให้ด่านชายแดนมีการอนุญาต Out-In ในลักษณะของ Visa run เพื่อให้ได้รับสิทธิในการอยู่ในราชอาณาจักรต่อเนื่องที่มิใช่เหตุผลเพื่อการ ท่องเที่ยว

2.กรณีเดินทางโดยอากาศยานหากตรวจพบว่าอาจเป็นการ Out-In ในลักษณะของ Visa run ให้ว่ากล่าวและแนะนำให้ผู้นั้นดำเนินการขอ Visa ให้ถูกต้องตามวัตถุประสงค์ของการเข้ามาในราชอาณาจักร แล้วอนุโลมให้เข้า ตั้งแต่บัดนี้จนถึงวันที่ 12 ส.ค.57 โดยทำเครื่องหมาย O-I ไว้บริเวณรอยตราประทับ และหลังจากวันที่ 12 ส.ค.57 เป็นต้นไป หากเจ้าหน้าที่ตรวจพบเป็นการ Out-In ให้ปฏิเสธการเข้าเมืองผู้นั้น

หมายเหตุ หากผู้ปฏิบัติมีข้อสงสัยหรือพบปัญหาติดต่อ พล.ต.ต.ชิษณุพงศ์ ยุกตะทัต หรือ พล.ต.ต.ณัฐธร เพราะสุนทร รอง ผบช.สตม. แล้วแต่กรณี

Interesting detail:

In the first sentence, the immigration staff is asked to implement measures 1. and 2. towards TARGETED NATIONALITIES (e.g. KOREANS): บุคคลสัญชาติเป้าหมาย เช่น เกาหลี ฯลฯ. South Koreans currently receive a 1 month visa free stay when entering by air and a 15 days visa free entry when entering by land.

Measure 1. appears to prohibit a repeated "OUT-IN" visa free entry BY LAND (for the targeted nationalities, which ones others apart from Koreans?) altogether.

Measure 2. refers to repeated "OUT-IN" visa free entry by air. Until 12 August the travellers in question will receive a mark "O-I" next to their entry stamp and are being advised to get a visa next time. After 12 August, "OUT-IN" visa free entries by air will no longer be allowed

I think you misinterpreted the reference to Koreans here. They are under a bilateral agreement, so the 30-15 days visa exempt don't apply to them.

[Suradit69]

IMHO the consistent problem IS NOT with the laws, rules, interpretation or enforcement. It is with the communication of said laws, rules, interpretation or enforcement. Proper communication and a suitable transition period are totally absent for most of these dictums and THAT is unreasonable and unprofessional.

Also having a hard time understanding the undertones of entitlement of many posters. It is not the job of Thai Immigration and/or Foreign Ministry to make your life easier, it is your responsibility to fit into the pidgin-holes they create, or lobby to the appropriate authorities for change. It has ever been so for tourists, immigrants and expats worldwide.

"Also having a hard time understanding the undertones of entitlement of many posters"

That sense of farang entitlement runs rampant in most of the Thai bashing threads where the posters seem to think Thai laws and regulations should be crafted with their convenience paramount.

Probably a good idea to note the poster IDs of all those who brag about not doing 90 day reports or who overstay for years. Then when the increased checks for these things and increased fines or jail-time become a reality, everyone will know who to thank. "Prohibited Immigrant" could become the new buzz word.

I wonder if all those who brag about their circumvention of the law think the government/Immigrations isn't well aware of the Thai Visa forums and all the Thai bashers here.

So many people in these forums talk about making numerous border runs (not visa runs ... yet) and so many times when someone hits a wall with extensions of stay they are advised to just run across the border for 15/30 more days. Or get an education visa. Or teach English at a school that doesn't bother with regulations. Or don't bother with 90 day reports. Or go to this certain embassy that doesn't check for this or that. And in the past it was bragging about retirees shifting baht 800,000 from account to account just a few days before they applied for an extension of stay.

SURPRISE SURPRISE. Crackdowns have and will occur for each of these things. They don't come up with these regulation changes out of thin air. You can almost predict where the next crackdown will be aimed. Just read TV daily and spot the trend in hubris inflation from the clever farangs who know just how to game the system.

It's also sort of interesting how many posters kvetch endlessly about how horrible everything is here in Thailand and yet they seem to be put out because it will become less easy for them to continue to stay here.

[stevenl]

About 5 years ago, a friend of mine came to Thailand with his wife and 3 young kids for a 1 month vacation. The reason for the trip was that the youngest kid suffered from asthma especially during the western winter. The Thai climate turned out to be a miracle cure for the kids asthma, so they extended their stay to 60 days by passing one of the land borders during their stay.

Can anybody honestly claim they abused Thailand's visa exempt system and should be forced to travel through Bangkok's traffic (twice) and do a round-trip flight to extend their stay?

Strange, if they arrived visa exempt by air (30 days) they would have only gotten 15 days at a land border. If they arrived on a visa they would already have had 60 days.

But after an arrival by air visa exempt they would under this interpretation still be entitled to a land exit and entry.

[HORACIOTEK]

Hey!

Has anyone tried a visa run trip yesterday or Today facing this mentioned constraint ?? AFter calling some of the visa run operators, they stated they are not having problems so far...since the news are not 100% reliable.

Any advise for those having to get out of Thailand within days would be highly appreciated!

Cheers,

[HooHaa]

jesus, i hope the embassies and consulates in the area are ready.

[Mario2008]

12th August further restrictions

Today the Immigration Bureau has posted the following notice, confirming the new regulations and upcoming changes to the regulations:

แนวทางปฏิบัติของ สตม.ในการตรวจคนเข้าเมืองของบุคคลสัญชาติเป้าหมาย เช่น เกาหลี ฯลฯ มีดังนี้

1.ห้ามมิให้ด่านชายแดนมีการอนุญาต Out-In ในลักษณะของ Visa run เพื่อให้ได้รับสิทธิในการอยู่ในราชอาณาจักรต่อเนื่องที่มิใช่เหตุผลเพื่อการ ท่องเที่ยว

2.กรณีเดินทางโดยอากาศยานหากตรวจพบว่าอาจเป็นการ Out-In ในลักษณะของ Visa run ให้ว่ากล่าวและแนะนำให้ผู้นั้นดำเนินการขอ Visa ให้ถูกต้องตามวัตถุประสงค์ของการเข้ามาในราชอาณาจักร แล้วอนุโลมให้เข้า ตั้งแต่บัดนี้จนถึงวันที่ 12 ส.ค.57 โดยทำเครื่องหมาย O-I ไว้บริเวณรอยตราประทับ และหลังจากวันที่ 12 ส.ค.57 เป็นต้นไป หากเจ้าหน้าที่ตรวจพบเป็นการ Out-In ให้ปฏิเสธการเข้าเมืองผู้นั้น

หมายเหตุ หากผู้ปฏิบัติมีข้อสงสัยหรือพบปัญหาติดต่อ พล.ต.ต.ชิษณุพงศ์ ยุกตะทัต หรือ พล.ต.ต.ณัฐธร เพราะสุนทร รอง ผบช.สตม. แล้วแต่กรณี

Interesting detail:

In the first sentence, the immigration staff is asked to implement measures 1. and 2. towards TARGETED NATIONALITIES (e.g. KOREANS): บุคคลสัญชาติเป้าหมาย เช่น เกาหลี ฯลฯ. South Koreans currently receive a 1 month visa free stay when entering by air and a 15 days visa free entry when entering by land.

Measure 1. appears to prohibit a repeated "OUT-IN" visa free entry BY LAND (for the targeted nationalities, which ones others apart from Koreans?) altogether.

Measure 2. refers to repeated "OUT-IN" visa free entry by air. Until 12 August the travellers in question will receive a mark "O-I" next to their entry stamp and are being advised to get a visa next time. After 12 August, "OUT-IN" visa free entries by air will no longer be allowed

I think you misinterpreted the reference to Koreans here. They are under a bilateral agreement, so the 30-15 days visa exempt don't apply to them.

Biliateral agreement means that Thai nationals get the same 15, 30 or 90 days when they travel to that country without a visa. The 2 countries signed an agreement to that effect. For the rest it is a visa exempt entry.

But it might also mean North-Koreans, whith which there is no bilateral agreement.

[beatlebum]

Hey!

Has anyone tried a visa run trip yesterday or Today facing this mentioned constraint ?? AFter calling some of the visa run operators, they stated they are not having problems so far...since the news are not 100% reliable.

Any advise for those having to get out of Thailand within days would be highly appreciated!

Cheers,

I was refused the 30 days in Mae sai yesterday. My plan is to see what happens at the borders today and try again tomorrow. Still not sure if they are only following the new rule at borders where quick visa runs are common (e.g mae sai, mae sot).

[uptheos]

In case you need an ED visa Walen School provides most reliable service. Thousands of satisfied customers.

I think your business will pick up considerably soon.

[notmyself]

But it might also mean North-Koreans, whith which there is no bilateral agreement.

lol

I just went out to feed the dog (not my dog by I had chicken wings for dinner last night). Russian couple over the way are saying that 'their' forums are ablaze at the moment with this news because of Korea (which is obviously not DRNK) and therefor influence them. It's being linked to the Ukraine they say.

[ExpatOilWorker]

Someone requested a translation of the Thai text include in the article. My (unofficial) translation follows as a public service.

แนวทางปฏิบัติของ สตม.ในการตรวจคนเข้าเมืองของบุคคลสัญชาติเป้าหมาย เช่น เกาหลี ฯลฯ มีดังนี้[/size]

In practice, the Office of Immigration, in checking persons entering the country, for persons nationalities such as Korean, etc., shall be thus:

1.ห้ามมิให้ด่านชายแดนมีการอนุญาต Out-In ในลักษณะของ Visa run เพื่อให้ได้รับสิทธิในการอยู่ในราชอาณาจักรต่อเนื่องที่มิใช่เหตุผลเพื่อการ ท่องเที่ยว[/size]

1. Immigration stations are not allowed to permit [/size]Visa run-type[/size] Out-Ins that are intended to get the right to live in the Kingdom continuously, that are not for purposes of tourism.[/size]

2.กรณีเดินทางโดยอากาศยานหากตรวจพบว่าอาจเป็นการ Out-In ในลักษณะของ Visa run ให้ว่ากล่าวและแนะนำให้ผู้นั้นดำเนินการขอ Visa ให้ถูกต้องตามวัตถุประสงค์ของการเข้ามาในราชอาณาจักร แล้วอนุโลมให้เข้า ตั้งแต่บัดนี้จนถึงวันที่ 12 ส.ค.57 โดยทำเครื่องหมาย O-I ไว้บริเวณรอยตราประทับ และหลังจากวันที่ 12 ส.ค.57 เป็นต้นไป หากเจ้าหน้าที่ตรวจพบเป็นการ Out-In ให้ปฏิเสธการเข้าเมืองผู้นั้น[/size]

2. In the case of travel through airports, if the agent discovers that it might be a Visa run-type Out-In, the agent shall comment and advise the traveler to request a visa by the proper procedure to enter the Kingdom, then allow the traveler to enter. From the present until 12 Aug 2557, issue seal type O-I in the traveler's passport. After 12 Aug 2557, if the agent discovers Out-In, deny entry to the traveler.[/size]

หมายเหตุ หากผู้ปฏิบัติมีข้อสงสัยหรือพบปัญหาติดต่อ พล.ต.ต.ชิษณุพงศ์ ยุกตะทัต หรือ พล.ต.ต.ณัฐธร เพราะสุนทร รอง ผบช.สตม. แล้วแต่กรณี[/size]

Comment: If the practicing agent has questions or encounters problems, contact Police General Chisanuphong Yooktatat or Police General Natatorn Phrawsoonthorn, commanders of Immigration, depending on the case.[/size]

That is the key then. Grap an old backpack, wear shorts and flip flops and clearly state your are a tourist.

[SantiSuk]

Still is someone is on holiday and then decides to want to stay an extra couple of weeks they are screwed. Likewise if you are stayin on the border and want to do a short vacation and then comeback. All for tightening up on those abusing the system, but a lot of genuine tourists are going to be affected. More BS IMO

Where do you get this idea that tourists in any country around the world can just change their minds and easily extend a stay beyond the period set by a country as being the standard tourist length of stay?

Thailand likes tourists who come for a fixed period and spend all the money they have saved for a year then go back again.

That said it shows typical lack of imagination and lack of consultation with those who know the tourist/immigration industry to bring down a curtain with no notice. Would have been much more sensible to introduce a one year period of transition where only one 15/30 day re-entry was permitted.

[shame that Thaivisa seems not to be well-enough connected at the senior level in Thai immigration. Delete it, dont ban me if that is too harsh. I recognise that Thais notoriously don't listen to foreigners]

[jethro69]

In case you need an ED visa Walen School provides most reliable service. Thousands of satisfied customers.

I think your business will pick up considerably soon.

Probably, and then everybody here complains, the ED-Visa is abused.

What's the correct Visa for someone, who lives on his Savings, is not yet 50 (retirement visa), does none business, volunteering, study, is there any????

Don't come now up, with the investment visa (requires 10 million, right). Who want to invest 10 million, in a country where the gov. changes twice a year

[uptheos]

In case you need an ED visa Walen School provides most reliable service. Thousands of satisfied customers.

I think your business will pick up considerably soon.

Probably, and then everybody here complains, the ED-Visa is abused.

What's the correct Visa for someone, who lives on his Savings, is not yet 50 (retirement visa), does none business, volunteering, study, is there any????

Don't come now up, with the investment visa (requires 10 million, right). Who want to invest 10 million, in a country where the gov. changes twice a year

Because people are too concerned minding other people's business except their own!

[mikebike]

About 5 years ago, a friend of mine came to Thailand with his wife and 3 young kids for a 1 month vacation. The reason for the trip was that the youngest kid suffered from asthma especially during the western winter. The Thai climate turned out to be a miracle cure for the kids asthma, so they extended their stay to 60 days by passing one of the land borders during their stay.

Can anybody honestly claim they abused Thailand's visa exempt system and should be forced to travel through Bangkok's traffic (twice) and do a round-trip flight to extend their stay?

"Can anybody honestly claim they abused Thailand's visa exempt system..."

Yes.

When they 'discovered' that the Thai climate was a 'miracle cure' and decided to extend their stay beyond the legal limitations of a Visa Exempt entry for this reason they were legally required to exit the country and obtain a proper Tourist Visa from a Thai embassy/consulate abroad to continue the child's hospice. By choosing to do a 'border-run' rather than obtaining a visa, which they may well have been advised was the best course of action, they, probably unwittingly, broke the law. Ignorance equals abuse for the most part. If you do not even take the time to research and comprehend laws how can you expect not to fall victim to them?

Think of the situation in reverse. A Thai child has a malady that is 'miraculously' cured on a vaycay with the family to Aus. To get to Aus in the first place the Thai family had to jump more hoops, squeeze into more pigeon-holes, and supply reams more paper just do begin the visa application process - no Visa-On-Arrival or Visa Exempt for them. THEN when their visa expired do you believe Aussie Immigration would allow them to 'hop' on over to NZ or Indo and return WITHOUT obtaining another visa (a minimum 30 day process BTW)?

I don't understand what makes following a country's visa and immigration laws so difficult. Its not about individual convenience peeps.

[BongBong]

Hey!

Has anyone tried a visa run trip yesterday or Today facing this mentioned constraint ?? AFter calling some of the visa run operators, they stated they are not having problems so far...since the news are not 100% reliable.

Any advise for those having to get out of Thailand within days would be highly appreciated!

Cheers,

I was refused the 30 days in Mae sai yesterday. My plan is to see what happens at the borders today and try again tomorrow. Still not sure if they are only following the new rule at borders where quick visa runs are common (e.g mae sai, mae sot).

my friend did a border run today, and he is on the way to Pattaya now, got 30 days stamp, no problem,

[mikebike]

About 5 years ago, a friend of mine came to Thailand with his wife and 3 young kids for a 1 month vacation. The reason for the trip was that the youngest kid suffered from asthma especially during the western winter. The Thai climate turned out to be a miracle cure for the kids asthma, so they extended their stay to 60 days by passing one of the land borders during their stay.

Can anybody honestly claim they abused Thailand's visa exempt system and should be forced to travel through Bangkok's traffic (twice) and do a round-trip flight to extend their stay?

Strange, if they arrived visa exempt by air (30 days) they would have only gotten 15 days at a land border. If they arrived on a visa they would already have had 60 days.

But after an arrival by air visa exempt they would under this interpretation still be entitled to a land exit and entry.

About 5 years ago you still got 30 days at a land crossing stevenl.

[CP3]

In case you need an ED visa Walen School provides most reliable service. Thousands of satisfied customers.

I think your business will pick up considerably soon.

Probably, and then everybody here complains, the ED-Visa is abused.

What's the correct Visa for someone, who lives on his Savings, is not yet 50 (retirement visa), does none business, volunteering, study, is there any????

Don't come now up, with the investment visa (requires 10 million, right). Who want to invest 10 million, in a country where the gov. changes twice a year

Pay a lady to get a marriage cert..much more cheaper option

[CaptHaddock]

I am sadden that the prevalent attitude on this thread is to blame the folks who they consider "gaming" the system. Sure, I have known and worked with expats who are total rejects. It sickens me to no end watching a fat 70 year old man arm in arm with a beautiful and young Thai lady. But I know a good deal more who have families here in Thailand who happens to work at various schools. I know of a married Filipino who is seven months pregnant who is employed by a boss from hell who does not want to pay full wages and has threatened this poor Filipino with termination. My biggest fear is that both agencies and schools will start treating their foreign (native and non-native alike) teachers more like slaves. 'Oh, I am sorry Mr. Jones. We will only pay you 1/2 of your salary for this month'. What then? Complain? Protest? 'I'm sorry Mr. Jones, but we will no longer need your services. I will be cancelling your work permit. Please leave the country within 7 days”. We all know that pursing legal options against Thai employers is very difficult if not outright impossible. What chances does a teacher have to pursue these options if they can no longer stay in the country? Your only other options are to either endure that treatment or to quit. Let's not forget about the added bureaucracy and paperwork needed to get this fabled non-immb visa. Other than the school's incompetency getting the visa was relatively easy seven years ago provided that you knew what paperwork to fill out. Now it is much harder unless you are a qualified teacher from your home country . How many people have complained about the Khurusapha? How many horror stories have you heard about getting it? I applaud the new teachers who come here and make it. Come Tuesday I will be on a flight to America with my wife.

In closing I would like to quote Martin Niemolluer

firrst they came for the communists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a communist;

Then they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a socialist;

Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a trade unionist;

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Jew;

Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak out for me.

Technically speaking it is against the law to wipe your own arse here in Thailand. After all we are prohibited from doing work that a Thai can do aye?

If you are unable to grasp the difference between enforcement against the abuse of tourist visas and Nazi genocide/political repression, you are truly an idiot.

[stevenl]

About 5 years ago, a friend of mine came to Thailand with his wife and 3 young kids for a 1 month vacation. The reason for the trip was that the youngest kid suffered from asthma especially during the western winter. The Thai climate turned out to be a miracle cure for the kids asthma, so they extended their stay to 60 days by passing one of the land borders during their stay.

Can anybody honestly claim they abused Thailand's visa exempt system and should be forced to travel through Bangkok's traffic (twice) and do a round-trip flight to extend their stay?

Strange, if they arrived visa exempt by air (30 days) they would have only gotten 15 days at a land border. If they arrived on a visa they would already have had 60 days.

But after an arrival by air visa exempt they would under this interpretation still be entitled to a land exit and entry.

About 5 years ago you still got 30 days at a land crossing stevenl.

We're going off topic here, but were the '15 days at landborders' not introduced in 2006 or 2007?

[Frank33]

12th August further restrictions

Today the Immigration Bureau has posted the following notice, confirming the new regulations and upcoming changes to the regulations:

แนวทางปฏิบัติของ สตม.ในการตรวจคนเข้าเมืองของบุคคลสัญชาติเป้าหมาย เช่น เกาหลี ฯลฯ มีดังนี้

1.ห้ามมิให้ด่านชายแดนมีการอนุญาต Out-In ในลักษณะของ Visa run เพื่อให้ได้รับสิทธิในการอยู่ในราชอาณาจักรต่อเนื่องที่มิใช่เหตุผลเพื่อการ ท่องเที่ยว

2.กรณีเดินทางโดยอากาศยานหากตรวจพบว่าอาจเป็นการ Out-In ในลักษณะของ Visa run ให้ว่ากล่าวและแนะนำให้ผู้นั้นดำเนินการขอ Visa ให้ถูกต้องตามวัตถุประสงค์ของการเข้ามาในราชอาณาจักร แล้วอนุโลมให้เข้า ตั้งแต่บัดนี้จนถึงวันที่ 12 ส.ค.57 โดยทำเครื่องหมาย O-I ไว้บริเวณรอยตราประทับ และหลังจากวันที่ 12 ส.ค.57 เป็นต้นไป หากเจ้าหน้าที่ตรวจพบเป็นการ Out-In ให้ปฏิเสธการเข้าเมืองผู้นั้น

หมายเหตุ หากผู้ปฏิบัติมีข้อสงสัยหรือพบปัญหาติดต่อ พล.ต.ต.ชิษณุพงศ์ ยุกตะทัต หรือ พล.ต.ต.ณัฐธร เพราะสุนทร รอง ผบช.สตม. แล้วแต่กรณี

Interesting detail:

In the first sentence, the immigration staff is asked to implement measures 1. and 2. towards TARGETED NATIONALITIES (e.g. KOREANS): บุคคลสัญชาติเป้าหมาย เช่น เกาหลี ฯลฯ. South Koreans currently receive a 1 month visa free stay when entering by air and a 15 days visa free entry when entering by land.

Measure 1. appears to prohibit a repeated "OUT-IN" visa free entry BY LAND (for the targeted nationalities, which ones others apart from Koreans?) altogether.

Measure 2. refers to repeated "OUT-IN" visa free entry by air. Until 12 August the travellers in question will receive a mark "O-I" next to their entry stamp and are being advised to get a visa next time. After 12 August, "OUT-IN" visa free entries by air will no longer be allowed

I think you misinterpreted the reference to Koreans here. They are under a bilateral agreement, so the 30-15 days visa exempt don't apply to them.

Koreans are specifically mentioned in the Thai language text issued by the Immigration Bureau as an example for the “targeted nationalities”

The bilateral agreement between Thailand and South Korea stipulates that South Koreans get a 30 days visa free stay in Thailand.

(You can check this in “Visa policy of Thailand” on Wikipedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_policy_of_Thailand)

Quote from Wikipedia:

30/15 days visa free

The following countries are granted visa free travel to Thailand for a period of up to 30 days. Arriving by air gives a stay of 30 days.

Arriving overland gives a stay of 15 days. (Except countries with special waivers)

† Citizens of countries that have bilateral agreements on visa waiving with Thailand are allowed to stay 30 days.

(such as South Korea)

[stevenl]

12th August further restrictions

Today the Immigration Bureau has posted the following notice, confirming the new regulations and upcoming changes to the regulations:

แนวทางปฏิบัติของ สตม.ในการตรวจคนเข้าเมืองของบุคคลสัญชาติเป้าหมาย เช่น เกาหลี ฯลฯ มีดังนี้

1.ห้ามมิให้ด่านชายแดนมีการอนุญาต Out-In ในลักษณะของ Visa run เพื่อให้ได้รับสิทธิในการอยู่ในราชอาณาจักรต่อเนื่องที่มิใช่เหตุผลเพื่อการ ท่องเที่ยว

2.กรณีเดินทางโดยอากาศยานหากตรวจพบว่าอาจเป็นการ Out-In ในลักษณะของ Visa run ให้ว่ากล่าวและแนะนำให้ผู้นั้นดำเนินการขอ Visa ให้ถูกต้องตามวัตถุประสงค์ของการเข้ามาในราชอาณาจักร แล้วอนุโลมให้เข้า ตั้งแต่บัดนี้จนถึงวันที่ 12 ส.ค.57 โดยทำเครื่องหมาย O-I ไว้บริเวณรอยตราประทับ และหลังจากวันที่ 12 ส.ค.57 เป็นต้นไป หากเจ้าหน้าที่ตรวจพบเป็นการ Out-In ให้ปฏิเสธการเข้าเมืองผู้นั้น

หมายเหตุ หากผู้ปฏิบัติมีข้อสงสัยหรือพบปัญหาติดต่อ พล.ต.ต.ชิษณุพงศ์ ยุกตะทัต หรือ พล.ต.ต.ณัฐธร เพราะสุนทร รอง ผบช.สตม. แล้วแต่กรณี

Interesting detail:

In the first sentence, the immigration staff is asked to implement measures 1. and 2. towards TARGETED NATIONALITIES (e.g. KOREANS): บุคคลสัญชาติเป้าหมาย เช่น เกาหลี ฯลฯ. South Koreans currently receive a 1 month visa free stay when entering by air and a 15 days visa free entry when entering by land.

Measure 1. appears to prohibit a repeated "OUT-IN" visa free entry BY LAND (for the targeted nationalities, which ones others apart from Koreans?) altogether.

Measure 2. refers to repeated "OUT-IN" visa free entry by air. Until 12 August the travellers in question will receive a mark "O-I" next to their entry stamp and are being advised to get a visa next time. After 12 August, "OUT-IN" visa free entries by air will no longer be allowed

I think you misinterpreted the reference to Koreans here. They are under a bilateral agreement, so the 30-15 days visa exempt don't apply to them.

Koreans are specifically mentioned in the Thai language text issued by the Immigration Bureau as an example for the “targeted nationalities”

The bilateral agreement between Thailand and South Korea stipulates that South Koreans get a 30 days visa free stay in Thailand.

(You can check this in “Visa policy of Thailand” on Wikipedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_policy_of_Thailand)

Quote from Wikipedia:

30/15 days visa free

The following countries are granted visa free travel to Thailand for a period of up to 30 days. Arriving by air gives a stay of 30 days.

Arriving overland gives a stay of 15 days. (Except countries with special waivers)

† Citizens of countries that have bilateral agreements on visa waiving with Thailand are allowed to stay 30 days.

(such as South Korea)

South Koreans get 90 days visa exempt. So on rereading, I can understand exactly why they would target amongst others South Koreans, after all they already get 90 days visa exempt, so another entry would for sure be seen as 'non tourist activity'.

[mikebike]

What's the correct Visa for someone, who lives on his Savings, is not yet 50 (retirement visa), does none business, volunteering, study, is there any????

Don't come now up, with the investment visa (requires 10 million, right).

Asa with most countries in the world, there is not one. As with most countries YOU, as the guest, must figure out which pigeon-hole you can legally fit into. Its not a one-size-fits-all deal and some will not ever fit. C'est la vie.

For me, prior to turning 50 I ran a business I did not particularly want, BUT I made it one I was very interested in as a hobby - restoring old, classic motorbikes. Found my pigeon-hole relatively easily...

[uptheos]

12th August further restrictions

Today the Immigration Bureau has posted the following notice, confirming the new regulations and upcoming changes to the regulations:

แนวทางปฏิบัติของ สตม.ในการตรวจคนเข้าเมืองของบุคคลสัญชาติเป้าหมาย เช่น เกาหลี ฯลฯ มีดังนี้

1.ห้ามมิให้ด่านชายแดนมีการอนุญาต Out-In ในลักษณะของ Visa run เพื่อให้ได้รับสิทธิในการอยู่ในราชอาณาจักรต่อเนื่องที่มิใช่เหตุผลเพื่อการ ท่องเที่ยว

2.กรณีเดินทางโดยอากาศยานหากตรวจพบว่าอาจเป็นการ Out-In ในลักษณะของ Visa run ให้ว่ากล่าวและแนะนำให้ผู้นั้นดำเนินการขอ Visa ให้ถูกต้องตามวัตถุประสงค์ของการเข้ามาในราชอาณาจักร แล้วอนุโลมให้เข้า ตั้งแต่บัดนี้จนถึงวันที่ 12 ส.ค.57 โดยทำเครื่องหมาย O-I ไว้บริเวณรอยตราประทับ และหลังจากวันที่ 12 ส.ค.57 เป็นต้นไป หากเจ้าหน้าที่ตรวจพบเป็นการ Out-In ให้ปฏิเสธการเข้าเมืองผู้นั้น

หมายเหตุ หากผู้ปฏิบัติมีข้อสงสัยหรือพบปัญหาติดต่อ พล.ต.ต.ชิษณุพงศ์ ยุกตะทัต หรือ พล.ต.ต.ณัฐธร เพราะสุนทร รอง ผบช.สตม. แล้วแต่กรณี

Interesting detail:

In the first sentence, the immigration staff is asked to implement measures 1. and 2. towards TARGETED NATIONALITIES (e.g. KOREANS): บุคคลสัญชาติเป้าหมาย เช่น เกาหลี ฯลฯ. South Koreans currently receive a 1 month visa free stay when entering by air and a 15 days visa free entry when entering by land.

Measure 1. appears to prohibit a repeated "OUT-IN" visa free entry BY LAND (for the targeted nationalities, which ones others apart from Koreans?) altogether.

Measure 2. refers to repeated "OUT-IN" visa free entry by air. Until 12 August the travellers in question will receive a mark "O-I" next to their entry stamp and are being advised to get a visa next time. After 12 August, "OUT-IN" visa free entries by air will no longer be allowed

I think you misinterpreted the reference to Koreans here. They are under a bilateral agreement, so the 30-15 days visa exempt don't apply to them.

Koreans are specifically mentioned in the Thai language text issued by the Immigration Bureau as an example for the “targeted nationalities”

The bilateral agreement between Thailand and South Korea stipulates that South Koreans get a 30 days visa free stay in Thailand.

(You can check this in “Visa policy of Thailand” on Wikipedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_policy_of_Thailand)

Quote from Wikipedia:

30/15 days visa free

The following countries are granted visa free travel to Thailand for a period of up to 30 days. Arriving by air gives a stay of 30 days.

Arriving overland gives a stay of 15 days. (Except countries with special waivers)

† Citizens of countries that have bilateral agreements on visa waiving with Thailand are allowed to stay 30 days.

(such as South Korea)

South Koreans get 90 days visa exempt.

So, that's how they function to maintain their restaurant and karaoke businesses in CM.

[brewsterbudgen]

I am sadden that the prevalent attitude on this thread is to blame the folks who they consider "gaming" the system. Sure, I have known and worked with expats who are total rejects. It sickens me to no end watching a fat 70 year old man arm in arm with a beautiful and young Thai lady. But I know a good deal more who have families here in Thailand who happens to work at various schools. I know of a married Filipino who is seven months pregnant who is employed by a boss from hell who does not want to pay full wages and has threatened this poor Filipino with termination. My biggest fear is that both agencies and schools will start treating their foreign (native and non-native alike) teachers more like slaves. 'Oh, I am sorry Mr. Jones. We will only pay you 1/2 of your salary for this month'. What then? Complain? Protest? 'I'm sorry Mr. Jones, but we will no longer need your services. I will be cancelling your work permit. Please leave the country within 7 days. We all know that pursing legal options against Thai employers is very difficult if not outright impossible. What chances does a teacher have to pursue these options if they can no longer stay in the country? Your only other options are to either endure that treatment or to quit. Let's not forget about the added bureaucracy and paperwork needed to get this fabled non-immb visa. Other than the school's incompetency getting the visa was relatively easy seven years ago provided that you knew what paperwork to fill out. Now it is much harder unless you are a qualified teacher from your home country . How many people have complained about the Khurusapha? How many horror stories have you heard about getting it? I applaud the new teachers who come here and make it. Come Tuesday I will be on a flight to America with my wife.

In closing I would like to quote Martin Niemolluer

firrst they came for the communists, and I did not speak outbecause I was not a communist;

Then they came for the socialists, and I did not speak outbecause I was not a socialist;

Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak outbecause I was not a trade unionist;

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak outbecause I was not a Jew;

Then they came for meand there was no one left to speak out for me.

Technically speaking it is against the law to wipe your own arse here in Thailand. After all we are prohibited from doing work that a Thai can do aye?

If you are unable to grasp the difference between enforcement against the abuse of tourist visas and Nazi genocide/political repression, you are truly an idiot.

Not to mention the unnecessary comment about being "sickened" by 70 year old men and beautiful, young ladies...

[jethro69]

In case you need an ED visa Walen School provides most reliable service. Thousands of satisfied customers.

I think your business will pick up considerably soon.

Probably, and then everybody here complains, the ED-Visa is abused.

What's the correct Visa for someone, who lives on his Savings, is not yet 50 (retirement visa), does none business, volunteering, study, is there any????

Don't come now up, with the investment visa (requires 10 million, right). Who want to invest 10 million, in a country where the gov. changes twice a year

Pay a lady to get a marriage cert..much more cheaper option

For the marriage cert... maybe, if the lady comes with it, it's probably the most expensive solution

[DP25]

Just had a quick conversation with my friend who runs a visa and travel services company in Bangkok.

There were absolutely no problems at all for any of her passengers at the Aranyapathet-Poipet border crossing today, 11 May.

That included 30-day and 15-day visa waiver admit stamps for quite a number of different nationalities all with prior out and in transits.

Not surprised, it may have been a huge overreaction at Mae Sai.

Some of the old fellas on retirement visa will be upset. Thai immigration are a lot more reasonable than some of them.

Maybe we'll see it people with long term border runs getting hassled (ie 6 months on border runs), but only allowing one was excessive and negatively impacts too many people.

[uptheos]

I am sadden that the prevalent attitude on this thread is to blame the folks who they consider "gaming" the system. Sure, I have known and worked with expats who are total rejects. It sickens me to no end watching a fat 70 year old man arm in arm with a beautiful and young Thai lady. But I know a good deal more who have families here in Thailand who happens to work at various schools. I know of a married Filipino who is seven months pregnant who is employed by a boss from hell who does not want to pay full wages and has threatened this poor Filipino with termination. My biggest fear is that both agencies and schools will start treating their foreign (native and non-native alike) teachers more like slaves. 'Oh, I am sorry Mr. Jones. We will only pay you 1/2 of your salary for this month'. What then? Complain? Protest? 'I'm sorry Mr. Jones, but we will no longer need your services. I will be cancelling your work permit. Please leave the country within 7 days. We all know that pursing legal options against Thai employers is very difficult if not outright impossible. What chances does a teacher have to pursue these options if they can no longer stay in the country? Your only other options are to either endure that treatment or to quit. Let's not forget about the added bureaucracy and paperwork needed to get this fabled non-immb visa. Other than the school's incompetency getting the visa was relatively easy seven years ago provided that you knew what paperwork to fill out. Now it is much harder unless you are a qualified teacher from your home country . How many people have complained about the Khurusapha? How many horror stories have you heard about getting it? I applaud the new teachers who come here and make it. Come Tuesday I will be on a flight to America with my wife.

In closing I would like to quote Martin Niemolluer

firrst they came for the communists, and I did not speak outbecause I was not a communist;

Then they came for the socialists, and I did not speak outbecause I was not a socialist;

Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak outbecause I was not a trade unionist;

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak outbecause I was not a Jew;

Then they came for meand there was no one left to speak out for me.

Technically speaking it is against the law to wipe your own arse here in Thailand. After all we are prohibited from doing work that a Thai can do aye?

If you are unable to grasp the difference between enforcement against the abuse of tourist visas and Nazi genocide/political repression, you are truly an idiot.

Not to mention the unnecessary comment about being "sickened" by 70 year old men and beautiful, young ladies...

Of course he is sickened, jealousy plus bitterness regarding what he's stuck with, will do that to him.

[mikebike]

If you are unable to grasp the difference between enforcement against the abuse of tourist visas and Nazi genocide/political repression, you are truly an idiot.

You must be referring to the USA...

[mike2011]

In case you need an ED visa Walen School provides most reliable service. Thousands of satisfied customers.

I think your business will pick up considerably soon.

It is a reassuring how that company owner seized upon what he understands as an opportunity to promote his business. Being not satisfied with the opening afforded by the Thai authorities he thought it wise to spread some more rumor. When called upon it, he had nothing to say other than to parrot his own unsubstantiated claims. Potential customers will surely appreciate his mode of operation as it helps them to make an informed decision. Having attended language classes in other countries in the past, such conduct stands out and in my book it is not a recommendation.

Most of the discussion here is a bit out of focus. While it serves to let off steam and voice frustration it tends to mix factual info with assessments that are not helpful. It is pretty much irrelevant if somebody does or does not "milk the system." Self-appointed online judges are as off-base as the alleged offenders are. Similarly, the Thai bashing is pointless.

Let's hope that THAIVISA will have a sticky or a somewhat disciplined thread where verified info from checkpoints, the important translations (we have2 versions by now) are collected and not mixed with ultimately useless commentary and opportunism.

[SantiSuk]

Would it not be great if we simultaneously transferred all our money out of the banks here and place it elsewhere...

I mean, really folks....I wanna stay real bad.....but when does the tourniquet get loosened. I don't even want to work here at all, just kind of stay and spend money....lots of it.

If you are under 50 and not married just divert a slice of that spending for a small stipend to a Thai girl (I see a big opportunity here for the marriage of convenience industry) or to Mr Walen .