Tourist visa in Penang - Should I anticipate issues?

[EdwardAshman]

Hi all,

Am planning a trip to Penang to get a new tourist visa whilst documents are prepared in BKK for my work permit through my new job and just want to make sure (as best as possible) that they won't reject me.

I have three tourist visas in my passport at the moment, one from 2012, one from 2013 and one from earlier in 2014 as I have very regularly been to Thailand in the past as it's where I grew up and where my parents have retired. I also have some visa-exempt stamps. I will bring along a flight itinerary I have to show I'll be leaving Thailand in September (a flight I will more than likely end up cancelling).

How strict are they there at the moment? Do they have a policy of rejecting anyone with a certain number of tourists visas or are they quite lenient? Any info from anyone who has been there recently would be much appreciated as the idea of going to Vientiane is one I dread.

Thanks!

[ubonjoe]

Where did you get your last tourist visa?

Normally Penang is fairly lenient now. They will reject an application if you have more than a few issued by them.

[Mario2008]

Take proof with you that your parents are living in Thailand and you are visiting them. Might make a difference.

[EdwardAshman]

Of the three tourists visas I have, 2 are from Perth and 1 is from London, so I guess that makes them seem less shady than Vientiane etc

I will bring a copy of my parents visas, my flight itinerary showing me leaving the country, and a lot of smiling.

[ubonjoe]

Your previous tourist visas will not be counted because they are not from a nearby location. You will not have a problem getting your visa.

[Cypress Hill]

Thai immigration rules are not as straightforward as some would have you believe.

There is no logic and often, no reason for some of the decisions they make.

http://www.phuketgazette.net/phuket-news/Phuket-visa-runners-caught-cash-immigration-scare/30941

Foreigners entering Thailand on a visa-on-arrival stamp issued by immigration officials at the border were required to show 10,000 baht cash, while people entering on a tourist visa issued at the Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate were required to show 20,000 baht cash.

One school teacher on the visa run had to show 40,000 baht cash, as she was entering the country on a non-immigrant B (Business) visa issued at the Royal Thai Consulate in Penang

This nonsense happened YESTERDAY and despite claims to the contrary, everyone - not just those abusing the visa-exempt system to remain in Thailand - is a target.

People on proper, issued-by-consulate tourist visas asked to show 20,000 CASH or be turned away.

People on proper, issued-by-consulate non-imm B visas asked to show 40,000 CASH or be turned away.

I put this up specifically because of the OP's mention of Penang which is where the visas in this farce were issued.

[phuketrichard]

Thai immigration rules are not as straightforward as some would have you believe.

There is no logic and often, no reason for some of the decisions they make.

http://www.phuketgazette.net/phuket-news/Phuket-visa-runners-caught-cash-immigration-scare/30941

Foreigners entering Thailand on a visa-on-arrival stamp issued by immigration officials at the border were required to show 10,000 baht cash, while people entering on a tourist visa issued at the Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate were required to show 20,000 baht cash.

One school teacher on the visa run had to show 40,000 baht cash, as she was entering the country on a non-immigrant B (Business) visa issued at the Royal Thai Consulate in Penang

This nonsense happened YESTERDAY and despite claims to the contrary, everyone - not just those abusing the visa-exempt system to remain in Thailand - is a target.

People on proper, issued-by-consulate tourist visas asked to show 20,000 CASH or be turned away.

People on proper, issued-by-consulate non-imm B visas asked to show 40,000 CASH or be turned away.

I put this up specifically because of the OP's mention of Penang which is where the visas in this farce were issued.

and if u read what the replies were they were ONLY asking Russians, Koreans and those that looked shady or had 3 consecutive tourists visas ( ie from nearby countries with only a day or two between)

NOT everyone

and u can take a atm card an print out showing ur balance in ur account,

You DO NOT need cash

I was in Penang this morning,( my GF got her 1 year non b visa with no trouble ( she has her wp valid for 11 months) now back in Yala.Crossed over at Betong which has no requirements for any cash , no hassles, no questions of anyone.

MANY many tourist visas handled at the Banana GH on Chula street Daily and you do not need go to the consolute.