Why do I have to leave the Kingdom to renew a tourist visa?

[footbetter]

Hello,

I've never seen this question posted; why do I have to leave the Kingdom to renew my tourist visa?

If it's about security, aren't the computers all linked up? Isn't the local Immigration office sufficient?

If it's about money; can't the Thai government transfer the funds to the wherever they want.

I think many Countries require tourists to go on a visa run, and maybe some tourists enjoy this, I would prefer to just go to the local Immigration.

I enjoy all helpful or facetious replies.

Thank You.

[Genericnic]

Hello,

I've never seen this question posted; why do I have to leave the Kingdom to renew my tourist visa?

If it's about security, aren't the computers all linked up? Isn't the local Immigration office sufficient?

If it's about money; can't the Thai government transfer the funds to the wherever they want.

I think many Countries require tourists to go on a visa run, and maybe some tourists enjoy this, I would prefer to just go to the local Immigration.

I enjoy all helpful or facetious replies.

Thank You.

The short answer is because it is the law. The long answer is because it s the law and you are required to follow it.

David

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[ubonjoe]

Very few countries if any allow tourists to remain in the country for an indefinite period of time. Thailand has it own rules and that is just how it is.

[footbetter]

Well, I guess you don't know the answer, either.

I'm all for law and order.

[Soutpeel]

Hello,

I've never seen this question posted; why do I have to leave the Kingdom to renew my tourist visa?

If it's about security, aren't the computers all linked up? Isn't the local Immigration office sufficient?

If it's about money; can't the Thai government transfer the funds to the wherever they want.

I think many Countries require tourists to go on a visa run, and maybe some tourists enjoy this, I would prefer to just go to the local Immigration.

I enjoy all helpful or facetious replies.

Thank You.

The short answer is because it is the law. The long answer is because it s the law and you are required to follow it.

David

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

and the very very short answer is...your not a PR or a citizen

There are countries that will let you extend in country, but at the same time they also impose a maximum number of days you can stay in country in one year, if you exceed those days its good bye, see you next year and your not allowed back in country till the following year...

[David48]

I know the OP is a newbie.

I know we are supposed to be support of the fact.

But to not have the basic concept of what a tourist is ... "Why do I have to leave the Kingdom to renew a tourist visa?"

Darwin Award does spring to mind ...

Does the OP have a 'Tourist Visa' ... which can be extended?

Or does he have a 'Visa on Arrival' * ?

* yes, I know it's a Visa exempt.

[David48]

BTW ... I forgot to mention ... Welcome to Thai Visa to our newest member who joined 40 mins ago.

Happy hunting ...

[Swiss1960]

I know the OP is a newbie.

I know we are supposed to be support of the fact.

But to not have the basic concept of what a tourist is ... "Why do I have to leave the Kingdom to renew a tourist visa?"

Darwin Award does spring to mind ...

Does the OP have a 'Tourist Visa' ... which can be extended?

Or does he have a 'Visa on Arrival' * ?

* yes, I know it's a Visa exempt.

* sorry to be pedantic... but it could be both, either Visa on Arrival (list of countries here) or Visa exempt...

[footbetter]

OK, thanks.

Let me rephrase the question;

What's the advantage of making the tourist leave, just to re-enter minutes later, if that's what they choose?

[Swiss1960]

Well, I guess you don't know the answer, either.

I'm all for law and order.

???? you have been given a clear and final answer... it is the law... do you know about any country who puts explanations into their laws about tourist Visa outlining the reasons behind the laws? I don't...

[Sandman77]

I think everywhere in the world same,

To pick out some criminals or what ever, but when many country not connected to schengen database

To clear out the bad guys in real time from the waiting line, the system for what is made for is useless!

[David48]

OK, thanks.

Let me rephrase the question;

What's the advantage of making the tourist leave, just to re-enter minutes later, if that's what they choose?

footbetter ... do you have a 'Visa on Arrival' or did you apply for and receive a Tourist Visa before you entered Thailand?

What is your Nationality?

[Swiss1960]

OK, thanks.

Let me rephrase the question;

What's the advantage of making the tourist leave, just to re-enter minutes later, if that's what they choose?

That was never the intent of the touris visa laws that Thailand has, it is what is "mis-used" by many foreigners who claim to be tourist but want to extend their stay in Thailand to be indefinit.

As a "real" tourist, you have many options, from Visa extent / Visa on arrival to non-imm O Visas... but the indefinite hop out / hop in to renew the tourist Visa was not the intent of the law and that is why the Thai immigration is now restricting that kind of process and tightening the rules in accordance with the intent of the law.

You can like the Thai Visa system or not... but it is their law and questioning it will not help you in any way and trying to circumvent it will only lead to even tighter control which will impact others as well - which is what is happening right now.

[isawasnake]

There is no WHY, since the moment simply is, and since all of us are simply trapped in the moment, like bugs in Amber.

--Kurt Vonnegut

I could not resist.

[slipperylobster]

you can stay if you want, and not renew. I think it will cost you a fine and jail time.

[slipperylobster]

There is no WHY, since the moment simply is, and since all of us are simply trapped in the moment, like bugs in Amber.

--Kurt Vonnegut

I could not resist.

..and we are bugs, in amber, thailand...the hub of bugs in amber

[footbetter]

I'm just asking, I'm not trying to start an argument. I understand it's the law. So what's the difference btwn a long staying tourist and a retired person living in the Kingdom?

A retired visa requires you show adequate finances, couldn't this be part of it? So, if a tourist can deposit the same amount as a retired farang, would that be OK?

[samran]

OK, thanks.

Let me rephrase the question;

What's the advantage of making the tourist leave, just to re-enter minutes later, if that's what they choose?

Postings to Thai Visa from entitled <deleted> would drop by 50% for starters! Google ad revenue would plummet!

Edited June 2, 2014 by samran

[Swiss1960]

I'm just asking, I'm not trying to start an argument. I understand it's the law. So what's the difference btwn a long staying tourist and a retired person living in the Kingdom?

A retired visa requires you show adequate finances, couldn't this be part of it? So, if a tourist can deposit the same amount as a retired farang, would that be OK?

That is a useless question, as it is NOT how the Thai system works at present. And... you DO argue with your questions, but you argue with the wrong people... we all are not the ones who are in a position to change anything.

[SoiBiker]

I'm just asking, I'm not trying to start an argument. I understand it's the law. So what's the difference btwn a long staying tourist and a retired person living in the Kingdom?

A retired visa requires you show adequate finances, couldn't this be part of it? So, if a tourist can deposit the same amount as a retired farang, would that be OK?

If you stay long-term, you're not a tourist.

[footbetter]

Thanks for the Kurt (curt) quote, back at you;

the unexamined life is not worth living

Socrates

[Thai at Heart]

OK, thanks.

Let me rephrase the question;

What's the advantage of making the tourist leave, just to re-enter minutes later, if that's what they choose?

There is no rhyme or reason for it, other than that is the way its done. Welcome.

Learn not to ask "why?" too much. Thais do before the age of 7. Its good for your sanity in Thailand

[David48]

NAH ... changed my mind ... ain't worth the grief.

Edited June 2, 2014 by David48

[chrisinth]

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Quote

OK, thanks.

Let me rephrase the question;

What's the advantage of making the tourist leave, just to re-enter minutes later, if that's what they choose?

There is no advantage. The (main) reason you leave on a tourist visa and re-enter is because it has expired. When you leave you invalidate the current visa and when you re-enter you activate your next 60 days permission to stay.

If you leave the country and still have time remaining on your current permission to stay, then you will need a re-entry permit for this to remain active on re -entry.

I think...................

[chrisinth]

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I'm just asking, I'm not trying to start an argument. I understand it's the law. So what's the difference btwn a long staying tourist and a retired person living in the Kingdom?

A retired visa requires you show adequate finances, couldn't this be part of it? So, if a tourist can deposit the same amount as a retired farang, would that be OK?

Would he/she still be a tourist? Or would he/she be trying to bend standing laws?

[enuff said]

.

OK, thanks.

Let me rephrase the question;

What's the advantage of making the tourist leave, just to re-enter minutes later, if that's what they choose?

The "out - in visa run" has been allowed in the past as a convenience. It's not the norm and in many countries you have to spend anything from 24hrs to 10 days in country B before you are allowed to return to country A. People who don't know this really haven't been around.

99% of tourists spend their vacates here a NEVER use a visa run. That's cuz they have jobs and responsibilities in their home countries. Family members depend on them and they just can't go larking off to Thailand for 6 months. Visa exempt works great for them.

Should there be a reason to stay longer, say a true interest in Thai culture, Buddhism, art, crafts, geography, etc., you make a serious itinerary, book hotels, and get a tourist visa in your home country = 60 days, extendable for 30 more in most cases - Voila! 90 days.

But that's not enough. There is a small group who feel they have a God given right to plop their butts down in Thailand and pretend to be tourists. Month after month they tour Pattaya or Phukett or Hua Hin or Samui etc.

Let's face it. They are living here illegally.

These are the very same guys you will hear complaining about how the Polish and Arabs are ruining the UK. Or how the Latinos are ruining the US. Or the Pakistanis are ruining Canada. They all wish their home countries would crack down on it.

Of course the first response is... wait for it... WE are not like the great unwashed hoards, WE BRING MONEY!!! money money money MONEY. HOLY GOD MONEY! WE GOT IT! boatloads and tonnes

HEY, is that why tourism is only 6% of Thailand's GNP? Just a quick look at the high rollers we got on here and it ought to be bumped up to 8% easy. OK 8% of billions and billions of BAHT. So it's actually small money.

As much as they can't understand Thailand's immigration laws, they really can't understand that some things are more important than money.

'nuff said

PS. to those who complain about corruption; have you ever tried to do a deal in Italy?

Now, there are pros... and there are PROS!

~

[Tomtomtom69]

I'm just asking, I'm not trying to start an argument. I understand it's the law. So what's the difference btwn a long staying tourist and a retired person living in the Kingdom?

A retired visa requires you show adequate finances, couldn't this be part of it? So, if a tourist can deposit the same amount as a retired farang, would that be OK?

That is a useless question, as it is NOT how the Thai system works at present. And... you DO argue with your questions, but you argue with the wrong people... we all are not the ones who are in a position to change anything.

True.

Anyway, footbetter, if you just want to live somewhere and not worry about visa runs, even having much money, why don't you check out neighboring Cambodia? They offer you a one year extension to a one month on arrival ordinary visa for the princely sum of about US$25+(280-293) so that gives you 13 months without reporting, without needing to leave, without any financial requirements oh and the best part are multiple entries if you decide to travel.

Much, much easier than Thai requirements and no need for complaints. Hey, I don't like the Thai system that much either but we're powerless to change the rules (and didn't make them in the first place). In the defence of the Thai system I think that it's still fairly easy to stay months at a time in Thailand (with a border run every 3 months) if on a double or triple entry visa. Generally it's even possible to live on such visas for extended periods, though with the current crackdown it would be best to limit tourist visa stays to say a double or a triple followed by an absence from the country for a period before returning.

If that doesn't suit, then there's always Cambodia, from where occasional trips to Thailand will be possible.

[IMA_FARANG]

What kind of 'tourist visa" do you have?

If you have a single entry tourist visa you will ba llowed to get a 60 day "permitted to stay stamp" when you enter and you can extend that for 30 days at the immigration office nearest you for 30 days in Thaimd for q fee of 1900 Baht.

If that is what your visa is you don't need to exit Thailand to extend it.

If you have a double entry tourist visa you have to leave to start the 2nd entry. That's the reason a double entry or triple entry tourist visa haves to leave. You can't start the 2nd or 3rd 3rd entry until you finsih the one beofre it.

So you can't get entry #2 started until you finish #1, and so on.

That's the answer to your original question, by the way.

[harrry]

Please go and continue this argument with an immigration officer at the border or immigration office.

[footbetter]

Well, I am a newbie.

1. I know, just go with it, No argument from me, there.

2. I like living in the Kingdom, I have no intention in breaking any laws.

3. I'm not asking for anyone on this Forum to attempt to change the law or give encouragement to try to circumvent any statures, either.

4. I understand most Countries have their rules, and laws and to follow the laws is the best advice.

For all you newbies, my advice is skip the vindictive replies.

For the long staying guests, just because you've been here longer doesn't qualify you to reply to a question belligerently. A simple I don't know, is fine.

But for the tourists who would like to stay and would prefer to not leave the Kingdom, for the purpose of renewing their visa, wouldn't it be a win/win situation if we could just go to the local Immigration office. We pay either way.