Getting a tourist visa after having many 30-day stamps

[Jason1921]

I've been going to the Sadao border in Songkhla for years, but yesterday I was told that I would not be able to come back into Thailand if I went into Malaysia. My passport is almost one year old and I have nothing but 30-day stamps from crossing the border. I am in the process of getting a work permit but will have to wait several months before it happens. With all of my 30-day stamps from crosssing the border, would I still be able to get a tourist visa in Laos or Malaysia?

[ubonjoe]

You can still get a tourist visa. You can get a 2 entry in Laos.

[Jason1921]

I don't have any tourist visas in my passport. I have only stamps since I got my new passport almost a year ago.

I'm just really concerned about the possibility of getting a tourist visa in light of the ongoing crackdown.

[ubonjoe]

There is no "crackdown" on obtaining tourist visas.

[surinderek]

remember it you that has not been the genuine tourist; what do you expect the immigration to do;

[Jason1921]

Surinderek, I'm just looking for information. I'm not complaining about anything.

Thanks ubonjoe.

[technologybytes]

When issuing a tourist visa the only thing the consulate is looking at is recent previous tourist visas, the don't seem to care about past 30 day entries.

[NanLaew]

There are no reports (as yet) of visa applications being denied due to having multiple permission to stay stamps from doing border runs. There is of course evidence of TR visa being denied to applicants with 'too many' previous TR visas in their passport, with the Royal Thai Embassy in Singapore being one of the notable enforcers of this but nobody in their right mind applies there. It is normally easier to get any multiple entry TR or Non-Immigrant visa in your home country but for the moment, the two legations in Laos are the most hassle-free locally. The clamp down increased enforcement of existing regulations is done by Immigration officers at the point of entry to LOS.

The OP should have no problem getting the double-entry TR visa in either Vientiane or Savannakhet with the latter being arguably, nearer, quieter and quicker. However, it would be good if he took the time to report back if there was any extra attention or hassle on entering on the new visa. All Immigration officers thumb through passports so if they do come back with any questions and comments, please post the information here for others to be aware of.

Good luck with getting the WP approval within the validity of your TR visa. Then you can jump out again and get the correct visa for the WP to be issued.

[skypecoaching]

tourist visa should not be an issue, othrwise a 1 year ED visa is a good and solid option. of course you must pay the classes for one year (around 25/28000 THB) just did this one over the weekend in Laos, not a problem

[slipperylobster]

Unless I am missing something.... Having Back to back Tourist visas is definitely a problem. Getting an occasional one and leaving Thailand for at least more than a few days should not be a problem at all.

[Sena Dave]

I flew in to BKK for the Weekend from Penang and got a few questions from the immigration officer but he didn't allude to me getting a visa in future, I was last in Thailand a month ago for a few days and probably in Thailand every month before that for the last few years for a few days to a week. My Missus and Kids live here and I work in Malaysia but I have not stayed for more that 30 days so do not get a visa.As mentioned by others back to back exit entries look like they are going to be the problem. Though I'm no expecting consistency from Thai immigration officers of course. I have Malaysian Residency and ID which I think helps , Malaysia has outrageously liberal border laws with Thailand. It also helps me to blag through the Asean Passports section of Don Muang

[iphad]

Good luck

[Jason1921]

I was able to get a 60-day tourist visa in Penang late last week. I was told by the folks operating the visa services company there that I would be able to get another one at the end of August because the one I just applied for was the first on my current passport. However, if I do end up needing a tourist visa then (there's a good chance I'll be able to get a non-immigrant B visa), I'll definitely contact them and see if they still think I can get one.