Thailand visa: Crackdown banning 'walk-in visa runs' to begin August 13

[Jonathan Fairfield]

Crackdown banning 'walk-in visa runs' to begin August 13

Foreigners who have completed even one 'visa run' in order to re-enter the country on visa-exemption status will see their passports stamped 'O-I. Photo: Gazette file

PHUKET: Foreigners will be allowed to continue to re-enter Thailand on three consecutive “walk-in” visas until August 12, Ranong Immigration Superintendent Ekkorn Bussababordin assured the Phuket Gazette today.

The news follows the appearance of a formal notice posted on Bangkok Immigration’s website on May 8 stating that any persons who exit Thailand after completing a stay in the Kingdom on tourist-visa exemption status* are to be refused re-entry to Thailand.

The order, posted in Thai (click here), states that the new rule is to come into effect at all immigration checkpoints – including airports – after August 12.

“We will continue to allow foreigners to enter Thailand on visa exemption status, but only if they have not done so three times before,” Col Ekkorn told the Gazette.

After completing three consecutive stays on visa exemption status, foreigners must obtain a visa from a Royal Thai Embassy or consulate to be able to re-enter Thailand, he said.

“However, from August 13, our officers will refuse any foreigners attempting to re-enter Thailand if they have just completed a visa-exemption stay,” Col Ekkorn said.

Foreigners refused entry at the Ranong Immigration checkpoint risk stranding themselves in Myanmar, an officer at Ranong Immigration told the Gazette last week (story here), as there is no Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate in Kauthaung, the town across the Kraburi Strait from Ranong.

The notice posted last Thursday explained that any foreigner who completed even one “visa run” in order to re-enter the country on visa-exemption status was to have his passport stamped “O-I”, indicting they had already been “out and in” from/to Thailand.

Any foreigner attempting to re-enter Thailand after August 12 with a passport stamped “O-I” is to be refused re-entry, the notice warned.

The notice also explained that Immigration officials were targeting specific nationalities “such as Koreans”.

Only in special cases will people be permitted to re-enter Thailand on consecutive trips on visa-exemption status, the notice read.

Immigration officers seeking clarification on the new rule are to contact Immigration Bureau Deputy Commissioners Maj Gen Natthorn Prosunthorn or Maj Gen Chissanu Yuktatat.

No contact details for the generals were provided in the notice.

However, the Gazette notes that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), which is the Royal Thai Government administrative division responsible for issuing visas, does not clarify the number of visa-exemption entries a person may make.

The MFA currently states on its website (click here):

“Nationals of the United States of America and 41 other countries are eligible to travel to Thailand, for tourism purpose, with the exemption of visa and are permitted to stay in the Kingdom for a period not exceeding 30 days. Therefore, you do not need a visa.

“However, please make sure that you are in possession of a passport valid for at least six months, a round-trip air ticket, and adequate finances equivalent to at least 10,000 baht per person or 20,000 baht per family. Otherwise, you may be inconvenienced upon entry into the country.

“Furthermore, foreigners who enter the Kingdom under this Tourist Visa Exemption Scheme may re-enter and stay in Thailand for a cumulative duration of stay not exceeding 90 days within any 6-month period from the date of first entry.”

* For a full list of nationalities granted visa-exemption status, click here.

Source: http://www.phuketgazette.net/phuket-news/Crackdown-banning-walkin-visa-runs-begin-August/29416

-- Phuket Gazette 2015-05-12

[ovenman]

And once again, no clear answer to the 64,000 baht question: what specifically constitutes out and in? Same hour return to Thailand? Same day return? Same month return? Returning to Thailand ever, at any time in the future...?

[khwaibah]

Clear as mud..

[naanaa]

didn't even mention how many days in between out the kingdom and back!

[KunMatt]

So, this is probably the Gazette's brand of scaremongering, but here it sounds like anyone who has ever been to Thailand on a visa exempt entry cannot come again on one.

[Kerryd]

"a cumulative duration of stay not exceeding 90 days within any 6-month period from the date of first entry." Pretty clear.

Actually that was starting to be enforced a few years ago ('06/'07 ?) and was messing up a lot of runners back then. IIRC if you did month in, month out 3 times (6 months) you were then required to leave for a period of (3 ?) months (or more) before you could cycle it again.

Far easier to just get double/triple entry Tourist Visas (or that "other" one that they'll probably start cracking down on soon as well).

[Mister Fixit]

Ah, at last I understand the 'O-I' stamp that was mentioned on the other thread (how many threads on this on TV now? Seems like a dozen - mods please consolidate)

It means an 'Out and In' border run. Right, gotcha. Er, wouldn't it have been useful to have explained this at the time, Mr Immigration Boss?

[Mango Bob]

Seems people are not very bright here. It is the immigration official that will decide if you are trying to live in Thailand off these border runs. You come in and out same hour, same day and he feels your doing this to get extra days in Thailand and not for tourist reasons he denies entry. So some of you need to wake up and visit for a few days before returning to Thailand. And stop crying the blues, it's about time they crack down on those who try to work here illegally. Glad to see this happen. Thailand does not owe you anything and it's have no affect on the economy from these cheap people who do these border runs. Also some here need to wait up to the fact that if you have a visa of any type it doesn't affect you. Can people get that through their heads. Go home we don't need you here is my best advise.

[COXYATCITY]

money, money, money,tourism is expected to rise ,during the shit in BKK ,the bombs /murders in the south.amazing UMMMMMMMMMMMMM

[gk10002000]

I wasn't aware of the 90 days in 6 month thing. That seems reasonable for a casual tourist who just keeps extending his vacation. Anything longer than that I can understand a country, even Thailand trying to crack down on mis-use for improper work visas, etc.

[baboon]

Go home we don't need you here is my best advise.[/i]

How is that advice? Go home we don't need you here?

[judgedredd]

From the original poster - - "..The order, posted in Thai (click here), states that the new rule is to come into effect at all immigration checkpoints – including airports – after August 12.."

My status - - I am age 65, retired, condo owner, and I get an annual retirement extension from immigration, no problem.

But - - What about my best friend's status? This is his profile - -

** Age 38

** American

** Wealthy

** Condo Owner here in Bangkok, has local banking, and calls Thailand "home".

** He is "functionally retired" (does not work) (but he is less than age 50)

** He currently flies in and out every 30 days; He stays one or two nights in Hong Kong, Singapore, or Bali, and he then returns through Swampy Boom, and he's been doing that for 5-years.

** He fits the profile that Thailand allegedly prefers - - Wealthy, clean-cut, dresses smartly, no tattoos, piercings, or other trashy appearance.

** On the other hand, he is not married. He rents a different high-end "escort" every so often, but he does not frequent bars. He doesn't precisely fit the negative "sex-pat" image.

** He does not drink, nor smoke, nor use drugs.

** He's never been in any trouble anywhere, zero criminal record.

What should my friend do? Is he at risk after August 12th ?

I suppose that he could use one of the many Thai Attorney Visa Services, and get a fresh one-year Non-O or Non-B every year, but that seems to really be illegal, given that most of these services mail your passport off to some Thai embassy for you.

Or, I suppose that he could form a Thai corporation, and pretend to work as a "consultant", and get a Work Permit, but again, he doesn't work, and he doesn't want to be forced into telling lies and cheating the system.

So - - What should my friend do? Is he at risk after August 12th ?

Thanks,

JD

[cacruden]

So basically 3 in-outs for up to 30 days each within any six month period. If you are in 1+3+30 days that is considered 3 and you will have to wait outside until the 1st one is no longer within the six month period.

[samran]

From the original poster - - "..The order, posted in Thai (click here), states that the new rule is to come into effect at all immigration checkpoints including airports after August 12.."

My status - - I am age 65, retired, condo owner, and I get an annual retirement extension from immigration, no problem.

But - - What about my best friend's status? This is his profile - -

** Age 38

** American

** Wealthy

** Condo Owner here in Bangkok, has local banking, and calls Thailand "home".

** He is "functionally retired" (does not work) (but he is less than age 50)

** He currently flies in and out every 30 days; He stays one or two nights in Hong Kong, Singapore, or Bali, and he then returns through Swampy Boom, and he's been doing that for 5-years.

** He fits the profile that Thailand allegedly prefers - - Wealthy, clean-cut, dresses smartly, no tattoos, piercings, or other trashy appearance.

** On the other hand, he is not married. He rents a different high-end "escort" every so often, but he does not frequent bars. He doesn't precisely fit the negative "sex-pat" image.

** He does not drink, nor smoke, nor use drugs.

** He's never been in any trouble anywhere, zero criminal record.

What should my friend do? Is he at risk after August 12th ?

I suppose that he could use one of the many Thai Attorney Visa Services, and get a fresh one-year Non-O or Non-B every year, but that seems to really be illegal, given that most of these services mail your passport off to some Thai embassy for you.

Or, I suppose that he could form a Thai corporation, and pretend to work as a "consultant", and get a Work Permit, but again, he doesn't work, and he doesn't want to be forced into telling lies and cheating the system.

So - - What should my friend do? Is he at risk after August 12th ?

Thanks,

JD

I don't really understand why people like the 38 year old friend of yours think they have or should have a right to stay just because they have a bit

of cash in the bank.

If he wanted to work, open a business and employ people, pay taxes and genuinely contribute in a meaningful way there would be legitimate routes to stay, and even PR and citizenship if he wanted it.

Too many people here seem to have the attitude - I have cash, am white, and therefore entitled.

[Maipenrai007]

Seems people are not very bright here. It is the immigration official that will decide if you are trying to live in Thailand off these border runs. You come in and out same hour, same day and he feels your doing this to get extra days in Thailand and not for tourist reasons he denies entry. So some of you need to wake up and visit for a few days before returning to Thailand. And stop crying the blues, it's about time they crack down on those who try to work here illegally. Glad to see this happen. Thailand does not owe you anything and it's have no affect on the economy from these cheap people who do these border runs. Also some here need to wait up to the fact that if you have a visa of any type it doesn't affect you. Can people get that through their heads. Go home we don't need you here is my best advise.

Couldn't agree more. I have had to pay for the appropriate Visa & WP for the last 7 years. It really gets me going when you know people that are clearly living here with out the correct paperwork.

A visa is not hard to get anyway, just get one like the rest of us!

[JLCrab]

The 38-year old high-flyer in post #12 above, it seems, would have no problem flying back to the USA and getting a 6-month validity 3-entry tourist visa in person at a Thai Honorary consulate which would be good for up to 9 months stay with requisite exits and extensions.

[daboyz1]

"a cumulative duration of stay not exceeding 90 days within any 6-month period from the date of first entry." Pretty clear.

Actually that was starting to be enforced a few years ago ('06/'07 ?) and was messing up a lot of runners back then. IIRC if you did month in, month out 3 times (6 months) you were then required to leave for a period of (3 ?) months (or more) before you could cycle it again.

Far easier to just get double/triple entry Tourist Visas (or that "other" one that they'll probably start cracking down on soon as well).

Yep in 2006. I ended up getting married and getting a Non-O.

[Chang_paarp]

"a cumulative duration of stay not exceeding 90 days within any 6-month period from the date of first entry." Pretty clear.

Actually that was starting to be enforced a few years ago ('06/'07 ?) and was messing up a lot of runners back then. IIRC if you did month in, month out 3 times (6 months) you were then required to leave for a period of (3 ?) months (or more) before you could cycle it again.

Far easier to just get double/triple entry Tourist Visas (or that "other" one that they'll probably start cracking down on soon as well).

One of the things that came out of the 90/180 implementation was 14 day stamp at land borders, is this still happening?

Immigration's point then as now is that if need more time than that you should get a proper visa from an embassy or consulate. This does require some planning and expence but when compared with the cost of constant visa runs it is relatively cheaper. As an example an O visa correctly managed will give up to 15 months of relatively quiet time in LOS, or an ED visa can be extended for longer with the side benefit you might learn enough of the language to not have to resort to pidgin to communicate.

[Estrada]

“Furthermore, foreigners who enter the Kingdom under this Tourist Visa Exemption Scheme may re-enter and stay in Thailand for a cumulative duration of stay not exceeding 90 days within any 6-month period from the date of first entry.”

This is just a return to the old system of enforcement of the immigration rules. I used to work 10 weeks on 3 weeks off in Libya so I just used the visa exempt entry. I got stopped and refused entry once at the Airport because they said I had exceeded the 90 days within 6 months rule. The problem is the ruling that after the third entry/exit a period of 90 days must elapse before they will reset the clock and allow you a new visa exempt entry, however there mathematics was not correct. They then said that I was not a tourist, as I visited too many times on visa exemption entry. Fortunately a close friend was the former head of immigration and his wife a close friend of the Queen, when I mentioned this they quickly stamped my passport and escorted me through the VIP section. Shortly after that the 90 day rule was not enforced, but is back with a vengeance now.

This means a lot of hassle for Expats married to Thais or have a home here, who work offshore. Now they cannot use the no cost visa exempt entry and will have to get a 1 year visa if they are likely to exceed the 90 days within a 6 month period. Basically, you are not considered to be a tourist if you have a home here, and/or a Thai wife/family.

[rebelplatoon]

We will continue to allow foreigners to enter Thailand on visa exemption status, but only if they have not done so three times before, Col Ekkorn told the Gazette.

After completing three consecutive stays on visa exemption status, foreigners must obtain a visa from a Royal Thai Embassy or consulate to be able to re-enter Thailand, he said. However, from August 13, our officers will refuse any foreigners attempting to re-enter Thailand if they have just completed a visa-exemption stay, Col Ekkorn said.

So we ll allow 3 visa exemption runs, but from August 13 we will refuse them after 1. VERY CLEAR. 5555555

[thhMan]

Seems people are not very bright here. It is the immigration official that will decide if you are trying to live in Thailand off these border runs. You come in and out same hour, same day and he feels your doing this to get extra days in Thailand and not for tourist reasons he denies entry. So some of you need to wake up and visit for a few days before returning to Thailand. And stop crying the blues, it's about time they crack down on those who try to work here illegally. Glad to see this happen. Thailand does not owe you anything and it's have no affect on the economy from these cheap people who do these border runs. Also some here need to wait up to the fact that if you have a visa of any type it doesn't affect you. Can people get that through their heads. Go home we don't need you here is my best advise.

That was most probably the most hateful post I have read in a long time.

"Go Home"... are you serious.

Some people need to stick their "Godly" heads back up their...............

[keestha]

Statement in the opening post is not clear at all.

As far as the situation after August 12 is concerned, first it says:

“However, from August 13, our officers will refuse any foreigners attempting to re-enter Thailand if they have just completed a visa-exemption stay,” Col Ekkorn said. Right, so a tourist who came in by air on a visa exemption stamp cannot even make one border visa run.

And then: The notice posted last Thursday explained that any foreigner who completed even one “visa run” in order to re-enter the country on visa-exemption status was to have his passport stamped “O-I”, indicting they had already been “out and in” from/to Thailand. Any foreigner attempting to re-enter Thailand after August 12 with a passport stamped “O-I” is to be refused re-entry, the notice warned. Oh, so they can make one visa run

And finally: “Nationals of the United States of America and 41 other countries are eligible to travel to Thailand, for tourism purpose, with the exemption of visa and are permitted to stay in the Kingdom for a period not exceeding 30 days. Therefore, you do not need a visa .Furthermore, foreigners who enter the Kingdom under this Tourist Visa Exemption Scheme may re-enter and stay in Thailand for a cumulative duration of stay not exceeding 90 days within any 6-month period from the date of first entry.” Which means they could make two visa runs.

[BangkokGastronaut]

In answer to JudgeDredd; Yes, your friend will be stuffed after 12 Aug if they enforce this. I think you need to be clear on the distinction between visa exemption or "walk-in" visa as they call it above, and visa status. All your friend needs to do is get a Tourist Visa from a Thai Embassy or Consulate. This is what the Thai ruling is trying to encourage - the getting of a visa if you want to keep coming back.These are valid for 30 or 60 days (with 2 entries on the 60 day visa). So your friend can still visit but needs a proper visa rather than the visa exemption status. If your friend is as rich as you say he is, I'm sure an extra night in Singapore or Hong Kong will not do him any harm while he waits for a Tourist Visa.

[Estrada]

"a cumulative duration of stay not exceeding 90 days within any 6-month period from the date of first entry." Pretty clear.

Actually that was starting to be enforced a few years ago ('06/'07 ?) and was messing up a lot of runners back then. IIRC if you did month in, month out 3 times (6 months) you were then required to leave for a period of (3 ?) months (or more) before you could cycle it again.

Far easier to just get double/triple entry Tourist Visas (or that "other" one that they'll probably start cracking down on soon as well).

Yes, your recollection is correct, there is also a ruling that after the third entry/exit a period of 90 days must elapse before they will reset the clock and allow you a new visa exempt entry. Nearly got refused entry on that basis once as I worked 10 weeks on 3 weeks off in Libya, fortunately my close friend was the former head of Thai Immigration so I just showed them his card and hey presto, I was whisked through the VIP section.

[PostmanPat]

Whichever way any of you want to cut it, or accuse Thailand of unprofessionalism or whatever, surely, if you want to reside in a Country anywhere in the World, you should be prepared to take the trouble to get a proper bona fide Visa which entitles you to live there.

You should not be entitled to live in a Country which is not your Country, as against visit it for a holiday, without getting the necessary paperwork and authority.

If this legislation gets rid of the cheapskates who get our respective home Countries a bad name here, then good !!! Well done Thailand!

[RBOP]

I find the Phuket Gazetteer gives poorly written and confusing information. The rule "stay not exceeding 90 days within any 6-month period from the date of first entry" came out right after the 2006 Coup. They only enforced that for a few months while the Military was ruling.

[RBOP]

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Go home we don't need you here is my best advise.[/i]

How is that advice? Go home we don't need you here?

No, its come here spend all your money then we kick you out but only after we empty your pockets.

[LivinLOS]

OK great.. so now we have one definition..

Can someone please tell Mai Sai, Chiang Kong, Poipet, and all the other immigration points who are operating from a totally different playbook !!

There is no problem with rules, but have one set of rules and damn well stick to them, in all locations, in all times, and with all officers.. and give people who have the rules incorrectly applied to them a system of checks and balances which will over rule an incorrect officer. A system of appeal where it wont be white washed over and ignored.

Its not the rules, its the way no one knows what the hell is going on one day or the next, and theres no way to redress any petty officialdom who miss understands the rules.

[LivinLOS]

“Furthermore, foreigners who enter the Kingdom under this Tourist Visa Exemption Scheme may re-enter and stay in Thailand for a cumulative duration of stay not exceeding 90 days within any 6-month period from the date of first entry.”

Has this been verified to be the actual implementation now ?? Or has the gazette just thrown that in there, based on the old outdated rules, to muddy the waters..

As in the recent case of the russian lady, or whats being done at Mai Sai, or whats being done at Ranong.. This doesnt appear to be the implmentation..

We will continue to allow foreigners to enter Thailand on visa exemption status, but only if they have not done so three times before, Col Ekkorn told the Gazette.

After completing three consecutive stays on visa exemption status, foreigners must obtain a visa from a Royal Thai Embassy or consulate to be able to re-enter Thailand, he said. However, from August 13, our officers will refuse any foreigners attempting to re-enter Thailand if they have just completed a visa-exemption stay, Col Ekkorn said.

So we ll allow 3 visa exemption runs, but from August 13 we will refuse them after 1. VERY CLEAR. 5555555

As stated.. This statement doesnt seem to fit the 'rules' !!

Can someone please help immigration draft this and then let all the offices actually know it !!!

[julemanden]

From the original poster - - "..The order, posted in Thai (click here), states that the new rule is to come into effect at all immigration checkpoints – including airports – after August 12.."

My status - - I am age 65, retired, condo owner, and I get an annual retirement extension from immigration, no problem.

But - - What about my best friend's status? This is his profile - -

** Age 38

** American

** Wealthy

** Condo Owner here in Bangkok, has local banking, and calls Thailand "home".

** He is "functionally retired" (does not work) (but he is less than age 50)

** He currently flies in and out every 30 days; He stays one or two nights in Hong Kong, Singapore, or Bali, and he then returns through Swampy Boom, and he's been doing that for 5-years.

** He fits the profile that Thailand allegedly prefers - - Wealthy, clean-cut, dresses smartly, no tattoos, piercings, or other trashy appearance.

** On the other hand, he is not married. He rents a different high-end "escort" every so often, but he does not frequent bars. He doesn't precisely fit the negative "sex-pat" image.

** He does not drink, nor smoke, nor use drugs.

** He's never been in any trouble anywhere, zero criminal record.

What should my friend do? Is he at risk after August 12th ?

I suppose that he could use one of the many Thai Attorney Visa Services, and get a fresh one-year Non-O or Non-B every year, but that seems to really be illegal, given that most of these services mail your passport off to some Thai embassy for you.

Or, I suppose that he could form a Thai corporation, and pretend to work as a "consultant", and get a Work Permit, but again, he doesn't work, and he doesn't want to be forced into telling lies and cheating the system.

So - - What should my friend do? Is he at risk after August 12th ?

Thanks,

JD

Move somewhere else where he is more welcomed