Am I stuck between 2 worlds? (Visa in PP, or flight exemtpion) Very Urgent.

[banglassie]

First, I seriously want to appologize for starting a new thread if this has been up before. I have been searching here as well as tripadvisor and many other sites to see what really goes Right Now since, apparently, things have and are changing.

My visa exemption expired yesterday 21st May. I took a flight to Phnom Penh, now I do realize I would probably have been better off taking a bus to Mukhdahan/Savannakhet, but hindsight doesn't really solve any issues.

I am spending about 3-7 days here i Phnom Penh or Cambodia. I still don't know. it all very much depends. And there are some questions that bugs me A Lot that I hope someone with knowledge could help me sort out, I would really appreciate it.

Before I ask my questions I would like to explain my situation in more detail. I am not working in Thailand. Not legally or Illegally. I am living on savings + my fiancee's income. And I return to Sweden from time to time to get some Seasonal job and improve my budget. I will soon start to study through internet again with support/allowance/scholarship+Loan from the Swedish state, which gives us about 40k/month. But I want to stay in Thailand until August.

I have about 60k baht on a Norwegian debit card. And about 35k on a Thai card. Although the Thai card is in my fiancee's name. So if I show that they may very well think I have stolen it(?), my budget/month inside Thailand is about 15k-25k/month. I also have about 6 Credit cards with a "value" of about 400k baht for emergency issues. I have no flight back to Sweden yet, and don't really want to buy one until I'm sure when I need to go back (that's where the credits will come in handy if prices are up at that moment)

So to my questions:

1. Today it's Thursday afternoon. Is there any possibility to get some Visa Express Service here that will make me get a visa tomorrow afternoon if I pay the extra $$?

2. I have heard different stories of how tickets are needed out of Thailand. This was never an issue when I used to do visas before (about 3-5 years ago), but I guess things have changed again. How serious is this. Would it be enough to just by an AirAsia or LionAir ticket to HK etc? Or are there any ways around this?
Also saw that someone stated that a ticket into Thailand was needed(?) This doesn't make much sense since I'm going back by bus.

3. While I checked i with Thai Smile Air the girl at the counter asked me some really weird questions, like: "Khun ja yuu phnom Penh gee wan kha/how many days will you stay in PP?", I answered: "yang mai ruu krab, pro di got maai visa blian laew chai mai krab, prochanan pom tong pai satan-toot Thai gon laew kor Visa tee noon Krab"/"I'm still not sure, The visa rules have changed right, so I need to go to the embassy and ask for a visa there".
She: "Aww, Visa awn, chai mai kha?"/"aww, "Weak Visa, right?"... This is where I started to get confused. What is a "Weak visa, or "Visa Awn" in Thai?

Anyway, she made some calls, explaining to her boss or something that I was to fly to PP without a return ticket, and didn't have a Thai visa (which makes sense, cause that's why we leave most of the time since you can't get a visa within the country...).She said I was goig back by land with"Visa Awn". That's when I started to think that this "weak visa" might very well mean Visa exemption. Anyway, the cal was done and I got my ticket and she said there where no problems.

So that leads to my next question:

4. It has been said that the 1 stamp only will start to work from 12 July or August if I remember correctly(?). So if I leave from PP to Siem Reap. Which means I have actually been traveling around in Cambodia some, not only border jumping. Would I still be able to fly back to Bangkok without a Visa from Siem Reap let's say next Wednesday?

5. Finally, what is truly needed? 2 passport sized photos, a copy of my passport with my signature on it, the application filled out + the visa fee. Is there something else that I have missed?

6. If I was to go to Laos, then fly back to Thailand from Laos, would that give me a new Visa exemption?

Here's some history details of my previous exemptions:
Arrival 28 Dec/2013 - Departure 12 Jan/2014 to Norway.
Arrival 13 Jan/2014 - Departure 16 feb/2014 to Norway
Arrival 23 mar/2014 - Departure 23 mar/2014 to Cambodia/PP

Arrival 22 apr/2014 - Departure 21 may/2014 to Cambodia/PP

So, what can I do next? Can I fly back after spending some time here? I heard some people this only goes for the border jumpers. But if I have been genuinely traveling some, would that change anything? Dress neatly of course. But would it be a plus to speak Thai at the immigration, or a minus (could be seen as I'm working illegally here staying for too long(?) which really is not the case.

All inputs are warmly welcomed, cause I feel very confused and not sure what to do next... On top of all this my fiancees Grandma who she grew up with all her life passed away the same day as I had to leave the country. And I would really like to get there as soon as I can to be supportive in hard times..

Thanks to all of you who took the time to read all this. I need to figure out what to do ASAP regarding booking tickets, getting visa or going back by land (which is only an option for me with a visa since 14 days is not enough)

[nweuro]

You can ask if visa agents in Phnom Penh have one day fast service ( which costs more than normal three day service ).

One example

http://yp.com.kh/listings/kh20741-lmn-travel-tour

[PoorSucker]

Latest report on PP tourist visa.

The latest crackdown is only for people traveling without a visa.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/727988-poi-pet-border-update-today-may-21st-from-bankok-buddy-visarun/?p=7863122

[banglassie]

But can I still fly in to Thailand without a visa next Tuesday or so? I've heard that the Visa run by Air will be allowed until 12 Aug.
And would it make any difference if I fly out from Siem Reap instead of PP, since that shows I did some traveling in Cambodia?

[PoorSucker]

But can I still fly in to Thailand without a visa next Tuesday or so? I've heard that the Visa run by Air will be allowed until 12 Aug.

And would it make any difference if I fly out from Siem Reap instead of PP, since that shows I did some traveling in Cambodia?

Yes, you can fly in and get 30 days visa exempt stamp, does not matter from where.

[banglassie]

You can ask if visa agents in Phnom Penh have one day fast service ( which costs more than normal three day service ).

One example

http://yp.com.kh/listings/kh20741-lmn-travel-tour

Thanks for the info mate! I might go and ask them unless Visa Exemption by air is not an option.

If it is an option I would prefer to go back and get 30 days, then leave with a bus to Savannakhet next time.

[ubonjoe]

I suspect the earliest you can get your passport back is Monday if you get the visa application done tomorrow. It will cost and extra $20 above the $40 visa fee.

Contact an agent and see what they can do.

You could fly back in but the airline may ask for a onward ticket when you check in for the flight.

[banglassie]

I suspect the earliest you can get your passport back is Monday if you get the visa application done tomorrow. It will cost and extra $20 above the $40 visa fee.

Contact an agent and see what they can do.

You could fly back in but the airline may ask for a onward ticket when you check in for the flight.

Thanks A lot Ubonjoe, you surely are my hero on this forum! (no sarcasm)

So.. Let's say I fly in to Bkk and have a ticket to Pakse or Vientiane leaving 29 days after arrival. Would that be sufficient?

[ubonjoe]

I suspect the earliest you can get your passport back is Monday if you get the visa application done tomorrow. It will cost and extra $20 above the $40 visa fee.

Contact an agent and see what they can do.

You could fly back in but the airline may ask for a onward ticket when you check in for the flight.

Thanks A lot Ubonjoe, you surely are my hero on this forum! (no sarcasm)

So.. Let's say I fly in to Bkk and have a ticket to Pakse or Vientiane leaving 29 days after arrival. Would that be sufficient?

That would work. If you go to Vientiane you can get a 2 entry tourist visa.

With your recent history you will not have a problem on entry.

[Stanley78]

I could be wrong but based on your post it seems to me that you have been spending the majority (6+ months / year) of your time living in Thailand for the past couple of years.

As a fellow Scandinavian I must say that leaving just to re-enter a country repeatedly for the main purpose of getting a new visa or stamp is not the correct way to live in a country.

I suggest you either get a proper visa which has the right to extend it without leaving the country, or if you're unwilling or unable to do so then relocate to a country where you willing and able to get the proper long stay rights.

Needless to say the fact that you are not working in Thailand does not mean that living there on tourist visas is the correct solution as intended by immigration law.

[phuketrichard]

there are tons of agents iin PP that will do ur thai visa in one night, but ur already past noon

usual cost is $60 for overnight

They will tell you EXACTLY what you need,

TRy any on Riverside or Lucky lucky Motorcycles on Monivong.

turn it in tomorrow, back on monday afternoon

[banglassie]

I could be wrong but based on your post it seems to me that you have been spending the majority (6+ months / year) of your time living in Thailand for the past couple of years.

As a fellow Scandinavian I must say that leaving just to re-enter a country repeatedly for the main purpose of getting a new visa or stamp is not the correct way to live in a country.

I suggest you either get a proper visa which has the right to extend it without leaving the country, or if you're unwilling or unable to do so then relocate to a country where you willing and able to get the proper long stay rights.

Needless to say the fact that you are not working in Thailand does not mean that living there on tourist visas is the correct solution as intended by immigration law.

You are absolutely correct Stanley78. I went here initially for a proper 60-days visa. Of which I have none in this passport. Since I am studying in Sweden and can prove that I get founds from Sweden that IS the only proper Visa to stay here on at the moment. When I am done with my bachelor it will be much easier to get jobs. However. I will enroll with Walen after August. And not only for the 1 year ED Visa. But to actually improve my Thai writing and speaking to a more professional level. Although I can understand people without a problem (and my fiancee tells me I "don't speak cute" anymore since I speak too clearly), I'm still far from fluent like a native which is my goal.

In fact my goal is dual citizenship in about 6 years. But first I need the bachelor to get a job and work here legally for 5 years + sort out our marriage papers before I can apply for that.

But I do get your point. But I'm not trying to abuse any system here. The reason I want to return as quickly as possible is because someone close to me and my fiancee just passed away and I want to be there as well. I have very strong ties with my family here and they have helped me a lot and I am in ever debt to them for their welcoming (... Now I'm ust waiting for the "just wait and see, soon they will come and try to take everything you have from u until you stand there in your boxers... to post...)

[Stanley78]

You are absolutely correct Stanley78. I went here initially for a proper 60-days visa. Of which I have none in this passport. Since I am studying in Sweden and can prove that I get founds from Sweden that IS the only proper Visa to stay here on at the moment. When I am done with my bachelor it will be much easier to get jobs. However. I will enroll with Walen after August. And not only for the 1 year ED Visa. But to actually improve my Thai writing and speaking to a more professional level. Although I can understand people without a problem (and my fiancee tells me I "don't speak cute" anymore since I speak too clearly), I'm still far from fluent like a native which is my goal.

In fact my goal is dual citizenship in about 6 years. But first I need the bachelor to get a job and work here legally for 5 years + sort out our marriage papers before I can apply for that.

But I do get your point. But I'm not trying to abuse any system here. The reason I want to return as quickly as possible is because someone close to me and my fiancee just passed away and I want to be there as well. I have very strong ties with my family here and they have helped me a lot and I am in ever debt to them for their welcoming (... Now I'm ust waiting for the "just wait and see, soon they will come and try to take everything you have from u until you stand there in your boxers... to post...)

There seem to be a lot of people on TV who (mistakenly) believe that tourist visas are an acceptable way to live in a country, and now "post-clampdown" they are for whatever reasons surprised to see that it isn't and are more interested in how they can continue in the same path rather than find a permanent solution in Thailand or elsewhere.

I merely wanted to point that out, but it was not my intention to lecture you on your life choices. I wish you the very best of luck!

[banglassie]

You are absolutely correct Stanley78. I went here initially for a proper 60-days visa. Of which I have none in this passport. Since I am studying in Sweden and can prove that I get founds from Sweden that IS the only proper Visa to stay here on at the moment. When I am done with my bachelor it will be much easier to get jobs. However. I will enroll with Walen after August. And not only for the 1 year ED Visa. But to actually improve my Thai writing and speaking to a more professional level. Although I can understand people without a problem (and my fiancee tells me I "don't speak cute" anymore since I speak too clearly), I'm still far from fluent like a native which is my goal.

In fact my goal is dual citizenship in about 6 years. But first I need the bachelor to get a job and work here legally for 5 years + sort out our marriage papers before I can apply for that.

But I do get your point. But I'm not trying to abuse any system here. The reason I want to return as quickly as possible is because someone close to me and my fiancee just passed away and I want to be there as well. I have very strong ties with my family here and they have helped me a lot and I am in ever debt to them for their welcoming (... Now I'm ust waiting for the "just wait and see, soon they will come and try to take everything you have from u until you stand there in your boxers... to post...)

There seem to be a lot of people on TV who (mistakenly) believe that tourist visas are an acceptable way to live in a country, and now "post-clampdown" they are for whatever reasons surprised to see that it isn't and are more interested in how they can continue in the same path rather than find a permanent solution in Thailand or elsewhere.

I merely wanted to point that out, but it was not my intention to lecture you on your life choices. I wish you the very best of luck!

I appreciate your concerns and your ideas. And I will consider them. There is however a big difference between a proper Tourist visa and a Visa exemption. And I would understand if immigrations get suspect if someone only got Thai/Lao/Thai/lao/Thai/lao visas in their pass. However my passbook is filled with most Asian nations.

I absolutely want to find a permanent path, but at the ripe age of 29, still not done with my Uni studies, it's not that easy to get a legal job within Thailand. That doesn't mean I want to abandon my family, but I want to get a plan for a true long-term stay. Which, as it looks now, will be 1 more visa exemption by air, flying to Laos after a month and get a proper 60-days Visa. leave to Sweden to make my tests and get my grades.

Get my support from CSN (the governmental central study allowance bureau), Go back to Thailand and enroll Walen. Study Thai for a year while saing money (yea, 40k may sound little to many here, but I live just fine on 15k and got all I need). Go and get married at the local amper. Finish my T&T course which I already payed for but had to stop for personal reasons in the middle of the course. Work legally for 5 years on non Imm "b" visas and apply for dual citizenship. (Could be done before 5 years if we happen to get any kids before then).

Anyway, thanks!

[banglassie]

Ok, so now I got a ticket out of PP with Air Asia on Sunday 25th, and a ticket out of Thailand to Vientiane with Lao Airways on Monday 23th June.

I hope this will work. Does anybody know how the immigration is at Don Meuang, I didn't land there from abroad since 2006. Pretty much the same as Swampi?

[cocopops]

I reckon "Visa Awn" is short for "Visa on arrival".

Or perhaps she meant a visa for "kon kii awn"

http://www.thai-language.com/id/133212

Sorry - just being an idiot. Hope it all works out for you!

[bangkoklasse]

I could be wrong but based on your post it seems to me that you have been spending the majority (6+ months / year) of your time living in Thailand for the past couple of years.

As a fellow Scandinavian I must say that leaving just to re-enter a country repeatedly for the main purpose of getting a new visa or stamp is not the correct way to live in a country.

I suggest you either get a proper visa which has the right to extend it without leaving the country, or if you're unwilling or unable to do so then relocate to a country where you willing and able to get the proper long stay rights.

Needless to say the fact that you are not working in Thailand does not mean that living there on tourist visas is the correct solution as intended by immigration law.

You are absolutely correct Stanley78. I went here initially for a proper 60-days visa. Of which I have none in this passport. Since I am studying in Sweden and can prove that I get founds from Sweden that IS the only proper Visa to stay here on at the moment. When I am done with my bachelor it will be much easier to get jobs. However. I will enroll with Walen after August. And not only for the 1 year ED Visa. But to actually improve my Thai writing and speaking to a more professional level. Although I can understand people without a problem (and my fiancee tells me I "don't speak cute" anymore since I speak too clearly), I'm still far from fluent like a native which is my goal.

In fact my goal is dual citizenship in about 6 years. But first I need the bachelor to get a job and work here legally for 5 years + sort out our marriage papers before I can apply for that.

But I do get your point. But I'm not trying to abuse any system here. The reason I want to return as quickly as possible is because someone close to me and my fiancee just passed away and I want to be there as well. I have very strong ties with my family here and they have helped me a lot and I am in ever debt to them for their welcoming (... Now I'm ust waiting for the "just wait and see, soon they will come and try to take everything you have from u until you stand there in your boxers... to post...)

But isn't the founds you get because you study in Sweden) just a loan. At least most of it. If so it's not an income.

[moe666]

I am not trying to abuse the system, but you are. Go beck and read your post and look at all the hoops you are making your self jump thru for a 30 day entry.

[AYJAYDEE]

I am not trying to abuse the system, but you are. Go beck and read your post and look at all the hoops you are making your self jump thru for a 30 day entry.

all those hoops he is jumping thru are to make sure he is within the intent of the law.

[banglassie]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

I could be wrong but based on your post it seems to me that you have been spending the majority (6+ months / year) of your time living in Thailand for the past couple of years.

As a fellow Scandinavian I must say that leaving just to re-enter a country repeatedly for the main purpose of getting a new visa or stamp is not the correct way to live in a country.

I suggest you either get a proper visa which has the right to extend it without leaving the country, or if you're unwilling or unable to do so then relocate to a country where you willing and able to get the proper long stay rights.

Needless to say the fact that you are not working in Thailand does not mean that living there on tourist visas is the correct solution as intended by immigration law.

You are absolutely correct Stanley78. I went here initially for a proper 60-days visa. Of which I have none in this passport. Since I am studying in Sweden and can prove that I get founds from Sweden that IS the only proper Visa to stay here on at the moment. When I am done with my bachelor it will be much easier to get jobs. However. I will enroll with Walen after August. And not only for the 1 year ED Visa. But to actually improve my Thai writing and speaking to a more professional level. Although I can understand people without a problem (and my fiancee tells me I "don't speak cute" anymore since I speak too clearly), I'm still far from fluent like a native which is my goal.

In fact my goal is dual citizenship in about 6 years. But first I need the bachelor to get a job and work here legally for 5 years + sort out our marriage papers before I can apply for that.

But I do get your point. But I'm not trying to abuse any system here. The reason I want to return as quickly as possible is because someone close to me and my fiancee just passed away and I want to be there as well. I have very strong ties with my family here and they have helped me a lot and I am in ever debt to them for their welcoming (... Now I'm ust waiting for the "just wait and see, soon they will come and try to take everything you have from u until you stand there in your boxers... to post...)

But isn't the founds you get because you study in Sweden) just a loan. At least most of it. If so it's not an income.

Yes, it's partly a loan and partly a allowance (which could be translated income I guess)

The thing is I am not working from abroad. I could get the same CSN funds for enrolling a Thai Uni that Sweden recognizes as ok. But I like to study by myself with 1on1 calls to my teachers.
There is even a fully legal and legit study center at Koh Lanta for Swedes studying in Sweden but by internet. It is completely legal, but it can't give me a ED-visa. Which brings me to the next quoter...

I am not trying to abuse the system, but you are. Go beck and read your post and look at all the hoops you are making your self jump thru for a 30 day entry.

Since I study in Sweden but through a computer I get my funds from Sweden and I don't work here, however I am not entitled a ED-visa for that because I am, in fact, a tourist studying while being on vacation, or however you prefer to view it.

Soooo, what are you suggesting? Getting a ED-Visa and study Thai while I have to focus on my other studies? Doesn't seem like a very good plan. I have plenty to do already. Or perhaps just "getting a proper visa" is your problem(?) Soo, I could go and hang out with the guys at Patti, get a ED-visa without any intentions for bettering my Thai?? Thanks, but I think I'll pass on that one..
As stated before, I am 29, not 50. I can't get a Non Imm "o", if you can, then congrats to you. neither do I have any business or do any work, so I can't get a non imm "b" visa.

Sooo, what's left? As I see it, there are 2 things left to do things the accurate and legal way. 1. A 60-day tourist visa (since I'm in fact a tourist, although I have family here).
2. Visa Exemptions when those are available, although I prefer a real visa, god dammit I would prefer any legit visa.
But what would you chose? Your family wants you there, you are stuck abroad. You can get a visa but it will take time. You find out that you will be able to get a Visa Exemption by air as long as you hold a ticket out of the country.
So you buy a ticket to Thailand and a ticket out of Thailand within 30 days.

Which part is annoying you? The fact that I didn't pay at an embassy for a Visa??
Can you please tell me where I did something wrong?
or perhaps your opinion is "you don't belong here because you are not like me who got a Non Imm "o" or "b" visa".. If so than I'm sad for you..

And if YOU "Go beck and read" MY posts you will see I have all intentions to stay here the legal and correct way long therm. Even permanent with Thai passport.

[AYJAYDEE]

looks like you shoulda married

[banglassie]

looks like you shoulda married

That day will come. So far engagement is enough. I don't want to marry for personal benefits of staying within a country. That, if something, would feel like I abused the system, and it would go against my own ethics. However, from previous relationships I know that 2 years is just not enough to tell if you will be good match forever. I'm not looking for some eternal puppy-love, but more want to be sure that our common interests and ideas matched well enough to get along as best friends in the long term.

And yes, of course her parents where not completely pleased with that to begin with. But in a compromise we engaged, which they would usually do a day before or in the morning of the wedding day. But we did it 1-2 years before the wedding day (yes, we stayed out of the parents way before that..)

They want to make things right according to tradition, and their daughter is their biggest pride since their son is useless.. However they respect that our cultures differ so we did what UDD and PDRC where unable to do, we compromised. And so far it works out fine for all, and have even gotten to the point where her father, who is the most conservative man I know, actually supported that we went and got married at the amper now for my sake of staying and wait with the actual weddings until we where prepared and had funds for the party. (No rice money = Lots of debt for many.. And my fiancee can't take care of all.

Only one relative asked to borrow money from me once, 10k. I would get them next week, but she never gave them. They however believe that I think she gave them, but in fact it was my fiancee's mom who payed them to me in hope of getting them from the relative... They know I understand Thai, but they dont think I understand much khmer. However Thai-Khmer got a lot in common with Thai, so it wasn't that hard to hear what they where talking about...

I would really like to give my opinion to the relative. But I know her mom stepped in just because of that. Since it would make us unable to speak again in their view. (apparently, matters where face is lost can't be fixed with a few beers here...)

[mika911]

So --were you Ok on arrival to bangkok at Immigration ????

[banglassie]

So --were you Ok on arrival to bangkok at Immigration ????

Safe and sound.

Immigration was no problem at all as some global moderators had pointed out.

After that I went to ask at the information how I could get a cab in the middle of the night, and they gave me a number to some taxi company and I got a cab back to Don Mueang 03:00, no problems at all

(although I ended up in a small dispute with the driver... He had the meter on when he picked me up, which is ok, since I had booked him. So we started on 120 baht.

Anyway, On the toll wayshe payed with his cash even though I held out money to pay with. That's when I became suspicious and quickly took pictures of the different prices for 4-wheel, truck, bus etc.

While we reached Don Mueang the price was bout 435 in total. I gave him 500 and waiting. He said "Khop khun Krab", I said "krab" and waited.

He said in Thai "I will not give back change krab"

I said: "Aow, that's bad, you're going by meter, 60 baht is quite a lot"

He said "Yes krab, it's bad, but I will not give back"

I was in a hurry and had no time to fight with some weirdo in the early morning, so I left the car saying something "ror duu ter khun Gung, reuang nee yang mai job"/"Just wait mr Gung, this story hasn't ended yet. And I took pictures of him, the yellow plate on the door as well as his reg-plate and color of car while he was speeding away.

Not sure why he would speed away, cause he should know that I already got all his details from the company.

Since I was tired, annoyed, pissed and just grumpy I made a big deal out of nothing. Called to his boss, called to Police, sent him a message that I was prepared to go to court even if it would cost me 10k only to see him loose 3k and blablabla. Very childish.. But I'm fed up with taxis abusing the system...

A military at the airport overheard me complaining and gave me a number to some other military or something telling me to call him later and settle it when I had calmed down. He said all forms of corruption will be non-tolerated. And that the taxi should be fined or fired.

Anyway, only talking with the green coated man gave me some relief from my agitated state and I started to put my emotions towards the funeral, which made the taxi seem like a tiny particle of dust in the eye easy to swipe away and forget.