Confirmed: Visa run crackdown effective from August 12, 2014: Thai Foreign Ministry

[YipYipYa123]

is it not ok to go shopping in singapore and return the next day anymore ?

this would also be in I/o stamp

[harrycallahan]

OK I was thinking tourist visa to tourist visa, sounds like a different kettle of fish though. Still does involve frequent tourist visas right?

[Trouble]

Can any please explain - or point me in the direction of a relevant thread, that would perhaps shed some light or clarify how this might affect those visiting spouses ( and not working) in Thailand?

For example - Joe arrives in Thailand on a tourist visa for 30 days, visits immigration and extends for another 60 days since he is visiting his spouse and children. At the end of this period, Joe must leave Thailand by air to a neighbouring country - and then returning the next day, would then re-enter Thailand on another 30 day tourist visa. Thus - Joe begins the cycle again... and possibly again - unless he returns to his homeland for a period of time for whatever reason. Under these new rules, will Joe be adversely affected?

Joe is obviously not a tourist if he stays 30 days, gets another 60, leaves the country and returns to start the process over again. I would think this is exactly the type of activity they are trying to prevent. It is an abuse of the tourist visa.

Tourist visa are for tourism not long stays. The border runs, and other forms of beating the system are basically loop holes in the rules. It is evident that Thailand wishes to close these loop holes. It is also obvious that they are concerned about the number of "tourists" working in Thailand. One only needs to read the news reports of various arrests to ascertain that there seem to be a large number of persons living and carrying on all sorts of illegal activities while "living" in Thailand and not as a tourist. Whether the activity is honest work or mafia type activities, the Thai government does not want these people here.

It seems that there are a lot of people here on TV that seem overly concerned about these new rules which would lead one to believe there are a whole bunch of people NOT following the rules. It is not going to get any better so better start making plans to move on when the time comes. Thailand is changing and there is no stopping it.

[Ianatlarge]

I find it difficult to grasp the stupidity and hypocrisy of this. People working illegally! These people do not get tourist visas, rather they slide across the border, after, allegedly, paying the cops, and then head to Bangkok and work in the restaurant behind the scenes, or on fishing boats, or wherever. How many farang work illegally in Thailand? Damm few, and the work they do is not something that competes with Thais.

Has the Thai gov (whoever that is) considered that back to back tourist visa people might in fact be good guys? I mean guys supporting a Thai wife, her children from her first, Thai, marriage, and her family, and 1/2 the village.

I can arrive in Sing, get 3 months free on arrival. Then, 3 months later head over to Malaysia or Indon for a day, return and get another 3 months. No questions, no fuss. Does Sing know something Thailand does not?

This has all the hallmarks of a large bureacracy, managing itself, trying to look as if it is doing something, and targetting foreigners is always an easy mark. Great job.

[wilcopops]

As i said before it would not be surprising to see any military government trying to tighten up a country's borders.

[moe666]

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For example - Joe arrives in Thailand on a tourist visa for 30 days, visits immigration and extends for another 60 days since he is visiting his spouse and children. At the end of this period, Joe must leave Thailand by air to a neighbouring country - and then returning the next day, would then re-enter Thailand on another 30 day tourist visa. Thus - Joe begins the cycle again...

Why even have a stay limit if this is allowed? Just to screw 'Joe' around?

He'll be told to book the next flight out and not try again for x months. In fact once it happens often enough and airlines get sick of whinging 'Joes' asking for refunds they'll probably check their passports and tell them not to bother trying a re-entry.

There's certainly nothing wrong with a Joe having a spousal visa and visiting his wife and children ( who are Thai) but the limit imposed is ludicrous. I have been married for 12 years and have 4 children by the same wife and Im still stuck in this stupid cycle because I don't have a business based in Thailand. My business is a very successful one in the UK, but I choose to live here. Im just trying to clearly work out if my cycle of travel and visa extension will be affected by this new tightening of the rules.

Why not get the proper tourist visa before leaving the UK either a double entry or a triple entry, then no worry about the out and back after your 60 day extension expires.

[sotsira]

I think this crackdown is designed to snuff out all the non visa holders from staying

longterm in Thailand by re-entering continuously on visa exemption.

I also think it will prevent those that use the Tourist Visa back to back to stay continuously in Thailand,

being that they're not real tourists but have other reasons to stay, i.e.: working illegally.

For everyone else who has a visa to stay, it shouldn't be a problem.

[sandrabbit]

But no problem if you buy illegal visas then. Btw I have a legit visa.

Btw I have a legit visa.

But consider yourself an expert in the largely imaginary illegal visa buying market.

inside Thailand if you're over 50 and have an O visa it's possible to get a retirement visa without the 800k funds, I know people who have nowhere near the funds but get the visa through Chinese/Thai specialists ............

I'm legit

[BudRight]

If by 'couldn't be any clearer,' it is meant 'would never possibly be clear from these people and you just have to wait to see what happens' then yeah I totally agree.

[harrycallahan]

I think this crackdown is designed to snuff out all the non visa holders from staying

longterm in Thailand by re-entering continuously on visa exemption.

What's the saying, where there's a will there's a way.

If they can't do tourist back to back how many will find instant spouses and/or children.

[grantbkk]

Finally some clarity! Awesome explanation of what is about to occur. I think the powers that be want to have a bit of control in place. Some of the abusers may be faced with yet to be defined obstacles. As for me if I have to humble myself more than once a year I'm out of here. What is the limit of what one will take to avail themselves of the fruits of Thailand? Options people. Is this really paradise? Yes, for now.

Sent from my LG-V500 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[johnsukame]

I don't understand why some many people here are "confused" it's really very simple. If you're legally working or retired in Thailand then it doesn't affect you at all. The only people it affects are the people who are illegally staying in Thailand exploiting the tourist visa and visa exemptions issued to certain countries. If a Thai person applied for a tourist visa for the USA or any EU country and they were granted the visa, they would not be granted a second tourist visa on the completion of their original tourist visa. Most countries in the EU make you wait a minimum of 90 days from the expiry of your previous tourist visa before they let you apply for a new one.

[sotsira]

I find it difficult to grasp the stupidity and hypocrisy of this. People working illegally! These people do not get tourist visas, rather they slide across the border, after, allegedly, paying the cops, and then head to Bangkok and work in the restaurant behind the scenes, or on fishing boats, or wherever. How many farang work illegally in Thailand? Damm few, and the work they do is not something that competes with Thais.

Has the Thai gov (whoever that is) considered that back to back tourist visa people might in fact be good guys? I mean guys supporting a Thai wife, her children from her first, Thai, marriage, and her family, and 1/2 the village.

I can arrive in Sing, get 3 months free on arrival. Then, 3 months later head over to Malaysia or Indon for a day, return and get another 3 months. No questions, no fuss. Does Sing know something Thailand does not?

This has all the hallmarks of a large bureacracy, managing itself, trying to look as if it is doing something, and targetting foreigners is always an easy mark. Great job.

Your description doesn't make you a tourist though does it?

If you have a Thai wife then apply for a Non O Visa, that s what they want

you to do. For everyone to apply for the correct visa and stop abusing the tourist visa.

[yanyk]

good work, clear them out !!!! i am loving this

[whiteman]

The sky is falling run for the hills The end is here. For all you bad boys and girls that should know better.

Edited June 30, 2014 by whiteman

[Alwyn]

I guess Malaysia and Vietnam are looking good for a lot of people now?

[recom273]

Can any please explain - or point me in the direction of a relevant thread, that would perhaps shed some light or clarify how this might affect those visiting spouses ( and not working) in Thailand?

For example - Joe arrives in Thailand on a tourist visa for 30 days, visits immigration and extends for another 60 days since he is visiting his spouse and children. At the end of this period, Joe must leave Thailand by air to a neighbouring country - and then returning the next day, would then re-enter Thailand on another 30 day tourist visa. Thus - Joe begins the cycle again... and possibly again - unless he returns to his homeland for a period of time for whatever reason. Under these new rules, will Joe be adversely affected?

The way I had it explained to me by a consulate representative, was that if Joe has a wife or a child here, hes simply not a tourist. Therefore he should get the appropriate visa before leaving his home country, however, there are options available from within Asia, a multi-entry non-O or a 3-month non-O (both without having to show funds) which is extendable by another 60 days (without leaving the country) if Joe 'visit' is longer. It would be nice to see all consulates dropping into line and offering the same visas tho'.

I really hope this isnt the next crackdown tho'

[BudRight]

I don't understand why some many people here are "confused" it's really very simple. If you're legally working or retired in Thailand then it doesn't affect you at all. The only people it affects are the people who are illegally staying in Thailand exploiting the tourist visa and visa exemptions issued to certain countries. If a Thai person applied for a tourist visa for the USA or any EU country and they were granted the visa, they would not be granted a second tourist visa on the completion of their original tourist visa. Most countries in the EU make you wait a minimum of 90 days from the expiry of your previous tourist visa before they let you apply for a new one.

YOU are confused.

The first part of what you describe is the intent of as yet to be defined policies. Intent and actual policy are not the same thing or else there would be no crime, anywhere, ever. Since none of the details have been announced, and you must have secret sources, please tell me;

How many days does a person have to stay outside Thailand before they are no longer a 'border runner' 2? 3? 10? 100? If not some number of days, then how will immigration decide? Are they psychic? Will it be by lottery? Don't tell me 'they know.'

The rest of your post makes no sense at all. US tourist visas are 10 year multiple entry. And yeah; you can just apply for them back to back. Not that it matters at all.

Tell your secret sources that their messenger is an idiot.

[eeworldwide]

I don't think anyone on this thread really honestly knows fully what they are talking about. If they DO know - It would be great if you could actually point us plebs to a specific thread (NOT the vague brown-nosing letter issued by the government at the start of this thread) that clearly explains the rules for this new Crapdown.

I for one travel regularly all around the world and support my family here in Thailand. It may be that my error has been in not applying for a Non Immigrant O Visa, but the immigration dept has been very good at supplying me with a spousal visa whenever I have needed it here in Thailand. What REALLY makes me laugh is that the TAT is expecting to make Trillions next year from tourism. Given the current climate politically and now this obfuscating new crackdown, I fail to understand how they are aiming to attract tourists at all. I have just got back from a week in Hua Hin, and I have never in 13 years seen it as dead as it was this last week. It was practically a ghost town. Residents and shop/bar/restaurant owners have been saying it's a crisis situation.

BUT - HALLELUJAH!! TAT have a great plan that is going to bring the tourists running back in to the country in a torrential FLOOD - the money will be pouring into the coffers and the hotels will be bursting at the seams. Why? Because they are so confident - they have placed their confidence in a burgeoning economy, a peaceful and secure political and social structure, of clean streets and dependable police force, fairness and justice for all - understanding for people married to their own for years with dependants, and families that pay taxes. I can see why they are so confident, and so, therefore, am I. Viva La Thailande!!

[JB300]

I find it difficult to grasp the stupidity and hypocrisy of this. People working illegally! These people do not get tourist visas, rather they slide across the border, after, allegedly, paying the cops, and then head to Bangkok and work in the restaurant behind the scenes, or on fishing boats, or wherever. How many farang work illegally in Thailand? Damm few, and the work they do is not something that competes with Thais.

Has the Thai gov (whoever that is) considered that back to back tourist visa people might in fact be good guys? I mean guys supporting a Thai wife, her children from her first, Thai, marriage, and her family, and 1/2 the village.

I can arrive in Sing, get 3 months free on arrival. Then, 3 months later head over to Malaysia or Indon for a day, return and get another 3 months. No questions, no fuss. Does Sing know something Thailand does not?

This has all the hallmarks of a large bureacracy, managing itself, trying to look as if it is doing something, and targetting foreigners is always an easy mark. Great job.

I doubt you would be able to spend 3 months in Singapore, "turn around" in Malaysia & come back without being quizzed by immigration (you certainly wouldn't be able to do it a 2nd time) you may even find yourself stopped on the Malaysian side if you don't have proof of onward travel.

I've been stopped coming back from JB & questioned by Singapore immigration (even though I live here, have a long term Employment Pass & was on my way through the e-gates which are only available to long term SG residents) & its usual to be asked for proof of onward travel / right to stay in the country when returning nowadays as they've really tightened up on immigration.

Back to Thailand, wouldn't it be easier to get a Marriage Visa? Or there's always the option of the Thai Elite card.

[digibum]

I find it difficult to grasp the stupidity and hypocrisy of this. People working illegally! These people do not get tourist visas, rather they slide across the border, after, allegedly, paying the cops, and then head to Bangkok and work in the restaurant behind the scenes, or on fishing boats, or wherever. How many farang work illegally in Thailand? Damm few, and the work they do is not something that competes with Thais.

Has the Thai gov (whoever that is) considered that back to back tourist visa people might in fact be good guys? I mean guys supporting a Thai wife, her children from her first, Thai, marriage, and her family, and 1/2 the village.

I can arrive in Sing, get 3 months free on arrival. Then, 3 months later head over to Malaysia or Indon for a day, return and get another 3 months. No questions, no fuss. Does Sing know something Thailand does not?

This has all the hallmarks of a large bureacracy, managing itself, trying to look as if it is doing something, and targetting foreigners is always an easy mark. Great job.

People coming in from Burma or Laos working on fishing boats are a different problem than farangs who come to Thailand and work illegally. Just because you crack down on one activity does not mean you're doing nothing about the other activity.

You ask how many farang work in Thailand illegally? I'm pretty much guessing a large chunk of the people freaking out about immigration clamping down on tourist visa abuses.

Really, it a stupid question if you just poke around TV a bit. There are tons of people taking advantage of the lax visa rules and working illegally.

Has the Thai gov (whoever that is) considered that back to back tourist visa people might in fact be good guys? I mean guys supporting a Thai wife, her children from her first, Thai, marriage, and her family, and 1/2 the village.

Then they're not tourists, are they? Why not just get the proper visa if the guy is so loaded that he can take care of a Thai wife and her children from another marriage and 1/2 the village? If he's married, there are plenty of legitimate options for him to get a visa that is not a tourist visa.

I can arrive in Sing, get 3 months free on arrival. Then, 3 months later head over to Malaysia or Indon for a day, return and get another 3 months. No questions, no fuss. Does Sing know something Thailand does not?

Then move to Sing. Sounds like paradise.

This has all the hallmarks of a large bureacracy, managing itself, trying to look as if it is doing something, and targetting foreigners is always an easy mark. Great job.

Funny, because to me, it sounds like a country enforcing basic immigration laws. If you are not a tourist, don't get a tourist visa. Pretty simple. If you want to support your wife and half a village, get a marriage visa. If you want to work, get a work visa. If you want to retire, get a retirement visa. If you want to come to Thailand, hang out for months or years and do some under the table work to make ends meet, Thailand is saying that you're not welcome. Pretty sure the same applies in nearly every other country on the globe with a few exceptions.

[MrWorldwide]

So if you have used a tourist visa then have 2 or 3 visa exemptions can you get another tourist visa or is it considered as a back to back tourist visa too?

It is about visa exemptions, no problems with visas.

You and I have a very different reading of the sentence containing the phrase 'tourist visa'. I take that to mean the large full page visa I currently have in my passport and which I extended for a further 30 days at Jomtien Immigration a couple of weeks back.

.The 'crackdown' has been extensively discussed in a number of threads on TV over the last week or so, and a few people have reported recent problems at the borders. If I can be allowed my own speculative crystal-balling:

- August 12 could see some very unhappy campers at borders and airports - even if you have a visa, it doesnt guarantee you entry into Thailand.

- I can only assume that - like many other large government-run organisations - Immigration has come under the General's intense gaze.

- we tend to be blase about crackdowns as there are so many inconsistencies in the system and they seem to die a natural death. Assuming the General is true to his word, Thailand has another 10 months of military rule by my count - I wouldnt want to be the Immi officer who earns their displeasure for not following orders.

End of the day, we can debate whether this is a good thing for Thailand or whether they are only penalising genuine tourists to catch a few rotten eggs - all that and so much more has been given a very good airing over the last week or so, Personally, I'm going to get my own visa sorted well before August 12 - see you all at the Consulate !

[johnsjourney]

Reading the government letter seems rather simple. First paragraph objecting to misuse of visa exemption. Second paragraph saying they should advise people to get proper visas instead. So they seem to be encouraging tourist visas, or whatever visas, not restricting them. More revenue for them that way too.

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

I don't see anything new in the OP report here. It's pretty much what Immigration had already announced, including the mid-August timeframe (which was supposed to relate to airport entries).

But, the letter from the MFA pretty clearly is talking about people abusing the visa-exempt entries system, what they call "visa runners." Just how that class of folks is to be defined, the letter doesn't say.

Meanwhile, as far as I read it, contrary to the ThaiVisa news report, the MFA letter to the various foreign consulates says nothing at all suggesting any crackdown or limitation on people seeking tourist visas. In fact, just the opposite, it's telling the consulates to advise their citizens to seek and obtain visas.... instead of going visa-exempt.

[johnsukame]

I don't understand why some many people here are "confused" it's really very simple. If you're legally working or retired in Thailand then it doesn't affect you at all. The only people it affects are the people who are illegally staying in Thailand exploiting the tourist visa and visa exemptions issued to certain countries. If a Thai person applied for a tourist visa for the USA or any EU country and they were granted the visa, they would not be granted a second tourist visa on the completion of their original tourist visa. Most countries in the EU make you wait a minimum of 90 days from the expiry of your previous tourist visa before they let you apply for a new one.

YOU are confused.

The first part of what you describe is the intent of as yet to be defined policies. Intent and actual policy are not the same thing or else there would be no crime, anywhere, ever. Since none of the details have been announced, and you must have secret sources, please tell me;

How many days does a person have to stay outside Thailand before they are no longer a 'border runner' 2? 3? 10? 100? If not some number of days, then how will immigration decide? Are they psychic? Will it be by lottery? Don't tell me 'they know.'

The rest of your post makes no sense at all. US tourist visas are 10 year multiple entry. And yeah; you can just apply for them back to back. Not that it matters at all.

Tell your secret sources that their messenger is an idiot.

Seems you and your psychic friends take things a little personally.

I was never implying I knew what the new policy for Thai immigrations would be I was merely stating the policies of SOME EU countries as a reference.

The point of my post was that the new Thai immigrations regulations only affect people who are misusing their visas as the only thing you should be doing on a tourist visa is being a tourist.

[Valentin 111]

Hows about non visa B when go out and in again to get other 90 days ?

[kaobang]

does this crackdown affect only land borders?or any border?

i used to fly from Bangkok to Bali and come back after few days.no more?

[TechnikaIII]

I believe there is, at least there was a non o( others)

This was a 1 year visa issued to people who had a letter of invitation from a Thai .

Not sure if it still exist or issued, but this might be the only choices for those wanting to stay long term but under the retirement age.

Yes ED is still an option but I think they will start testing the skills

" ... start testing the skills" They already do, and so they should.

[bobobo]

Why are some people upset about this? Where I come from people can't come and go as they please.

Why don't they just get the paperwork done...no problems. But it's all about bending the rules isn't it ??

[rumbo1]

But no problem if you buy illegal visas then. Btw I have a legit visa.

Btw I have a legit visa.

But consider yourself an expert in the largely imaginary illegal visa buying market.

inside Thailand if you're over 50 and have an O visa it's possible to get a retirement visa without the 800k funds, I know people who have nowhere near the funds but get the visa through Chinese/Thai specialists ............

I'm legit

There are many people over 50 in Thailand with a retirement visa that have very little funds so it annoys me to hear all these experts harping on about how it won't affect them . I am here on a tourist visa , I arrived on a triple entry , went to Laos got a double entry and recently Hanoi with my Thai gf but would only be issued a single entry.

The thing that annoys me is I have a lot better finances than a lot of people on retirement visas but I'm not 50 for another 9 months so it's possible I will have to leave the country in August when my current visa ends.