South Thailand border crossings reports problems to enter with 60-days tourist visas "TR60"

[candyman123]

People on a Non O visa will be able to go,enter freely without any hindrance whatsoever. Why because if you are married they cannot refuse you to visit family..... by law this is.

It's about time they are cracking down on border runners with just a single tourist visa. Who knows, maybe we will see better teachers.

[DrTuner]

Why because if you are married they cannot refuse you to visit family..... by law this is.

Would you mind pointing out the law this is written in ? Somewhere in one of these ? http://www.thailawforum.com/database.html

Chapter 2 of the immigration act is about entering: http://www.thailawforum.com/database1/immigration-law-mejesty-2.html

Edited July 10, 2014 by DrTuner

[Essex Exile]

People on a Non O visa will be able to go,enter freely without any hindrance whatsoever. Why because if you are married they cannot refuse you to visit family..... by law this is.

It's about time they are cracking down on border runners with just a single tourist visa. Who knows, maybe we will see better teachers.

Bit naive and insensitive, not to mention very smug was your last paragragh. If this crackdown really does get enforced like they are saying it is not just the wrong un's and people working here illegally tha it will affect. It will/could also affect decent honest people like offshore workers who visit here say every 2 or 3 months for holiday or family reasons. This could go way beyond affecting just the border runners/cheap charlies., etc.

[INV]

If I understand correct and some poster was check very hard on Non o visa so Iam worried. I have a couple of Turist visas

and the last 3 years on Ed visa and plan to get retirement visa soon but as I read they can if they feel like it say get lost at the boarder based on my history?

Three years ED visa, you have been studying Thai for so long? You should by now be able to explain your situation in fluent Thai with the immigration officer.

I can,hardly fluent but good enough but explain what? They do what they want and dont give a shit of what you try to explain or not.The issue is I will have a legit Non O visa when I get to the border but I have the history of turist visas and then Ed visa and as I read some post the really check your passport then they can easy say NO.its totally up to them and the individual officer as just becasue I get the visa stamp from the embassy does not mean I get in. So far what I read no one have been denied extension of there retiremet visa but its all new so time will tell.Just the bad feeling that not knowing and have all your stuff here if there is a issue.So can only wait and see if some people will have issue with this also.

[Tomtomtom69]

Crackdown on visa exempt and tourist now. Non-immigrant without workpermit or retirement extension will follow....

Says who? I don't think so...that's just your opinion. Why would anyone crack down on retirement visas or extensions? If you have proven to immigration you can meet their requirements you'll be given the rubber stamp. If they want to change the requirements, they can. But there are no indications that this will happen.

Let's stick with the topic at hand, which is a crackdown on visa exempt entries and to some extent on those with back-to-back tourist visas or a combination of exempt entries and tourist visas.

[Jim77]

I found this article on Phuket Gazette.
I am going to Malaysian border for my 2nd TV next week...

"PHUKET: A van full of foreigners returning to Phuket from a visa run to Penang were delayed at the Malaysian border for more than two and a half hours today as Thai immigration officers demanded that they all present large amounts of cash to confirm that they each had enough money to fund their stay in Thailand.... "

- See more at:
http://www.phuketgazette.net/phuket-news/Phuket-visa-runners-caught-cash-immigrat%20ion-scare/30941#ad-image-0

[ubonjoe]

I found this article on Phuket Gazette.

I am going to Malaysian border for my 2nd TV next week...

"PHUKET: A van full of foreigners returning to Phuket from a visa run to Penang were delayed at the Malaysian border for more than two and a half hours today as Thai immigration officers demanded that they all present large amounts of cash to confirm that they each had enough money to fund their stay in Thailand.... "

- See more at:

http://www.phuketgazette.net/phuket-news/Phuket-visa-runners-caught-cash-immigrat%20ion-scare/30941#ad-image-0

That is old news.

It has been discussed already.

[Jim77]

I found this article on Phuket Gazette.

I am going to Malaysian border for my 2nd TV next week...

"PHUKET: A van full of foreigners returning to Phuket from a visa run to Penang were delayed at the Malaysian border for more than two and a half hours today as Thai immigration officers demanded that they all present large amounts of cash to confirm that they each had enough money to fund their stay in Thailand.... "

- See more at:

http://www.phuketgazette.net/phuket-news/Phuket-visa-runners-caught-cash-immigrat%20ion-scare/30941#ad-image-0

That is old news.

It has been discussed already.

Sorry..

[MJCM]

Why because if you are married they cannot refuse you to visit family..... by law this is.

Would you mind pointing out the law this is written in ? Somewhere in one of these ? http://www.thailawforum.com/database.html

Chapter 2 of the immigration act is about entering: http://www.thailawforum.com/database1/immigration-law-mejesty-2.html

After reading through the Link DrTuner posted I think there is no provision which would allow this

It believe it has to do with Chapter 2 Entering and Department the Kingdom and then Section 12 item 10.

10. Being a person prohibited by the Minister under Section 16.

And Section 16 reads

In the instance where for reason of national welfare or safeguarding the public peace, culture , morality , or welfare , or when the Minister considers it improper to allow any alien or any group of alien to enter into the Kingdom , the Minister shall have power to exclude said alien or group aliens from entering into the Kingdom.

This is what (IMHO) black listing / banning from Entry does.

However in Section 15 there are some exclusions, but these unfortunately don't allow Blacklisted re-entering either.

Aliens entering into the Kingdom under bellow listed status shall be exempted from complying out the function or the prohibition under Section 11 , Section 12 (1) , (4) and (5) and Section 18 Para 2.

And there is always the chance of appeal

Section 22 : In the instance where the competent official discovers that an alien is forbidden from entering into the Kingdom under the provisions of Section 12 , the competent official shall have authority to order said alien by written notification to leave the Kingdom. If said alien is not satisfied with the competent official’s order , he ( alien ) may appeal to the Minister. The order of the Minister shall be final.

Appealling cases are not allowed under Section 12 (1) or (10) , but if the Minister does not have an order within seven days beginning from the date of submitting the appeal, it is considered that the Minister has ordered that said alien is not forbidden from entering into the Kingdom under Section 12. Appeal must be submitted the competent official within forty – eight hours beginning from the time of received said order from the competent official and must comply with the pattern ( and a fee must be paid ) an provided in the Ministerial Regulations. When appeal is submitted by the alien concerned , the competent official shall delay deportation of said alien until an order for said case is receive from the Minister. While processing under order of the competent official or while waiting for an order from the Minister , as the case may be, the provisions of Section 20 shall not be applied.

Edited July 10, 2014 by MJCM

[scottyinthai]

So if they are turning people back with a valid tourist visa? What will happen to people who have the elite visa? I have applied and been approved after the police and bankruptacy background check.

I asked the elite service agent what type of visa i would recieve and was told it is a "Special TR" visa so essentially a tourist visa. I have yet to hand over the 500k as i am very concerned about this happening to me at the border if the officer is having a bad day. I was in Krabi immigration to get a re-entry permit to my TR visa recently and spoke to the chief their as she spoke very good english. I asked her for her advice on the best visa for me and she suggested having a baby or getting married.

I suggested the 500k elite visa and she had no idea this even existed. How many other immigration officials dont know about this? Afterall the elite scheme is run by TAT not immigration.

How can one be sure this "special TR" is going to be good for the whole 5 years?

For all the people on 'O' visas on here that say get the correct visa if you want to stay, give an honest answer if you would hand over the 500k? I know alot of over 50's who dont even like having the 800k in the bank for the extension, at least you still get to keep that money.

[ukrules]

I've just got back from a Penang border trip and felt obliged to share my experience of the past few days regarding this topic, so hopefully it'll help people. I've highlighted bits in bold for those who don't want to read the whole thing:

What I thought was going to be a standard border run, ended up being an absolute nightmare, however the story does have a happy ending. I was trying to activate the second half of a double entry visa, however I also have 3 back to back tourist visas from the same embassy in Vientiane, plus the dreaded red stamp. I was working legally in Bangkok from 2010-2013 and have saved my money for time out in Thailand for 2014. Later this year I'll be off to Jakarta & Manila for work. So yes I am a tourist and yes I do also work.

I flew to Hat Yai & took a mini bus to the Pedang Baser border crossing. Once there (over the border and back) the immigration officer said I could not enter the country and I had to spend two nights in Malaysia. I pointed out to him that if I spent two nights in Malaysia I would not be able to activate the visa in time, he then said 'ok one night is ok then'. So after a lot of hassle (with the invaluable help of my Thai girlfriend) we managed to find a minibus that would take us to Penang (minibus takes 4hrs at least - more like 6 in reality). I had to pass back to the Thai side to do this as there was no way to get to Penang on the Malaysia side, unless you wanted to take an old taxi to somewhere in the sticks on the Malaysia side which is probably not that advisable.

Having stayed one night in Penang and taken the minibus back to the border again (another 4 hrs on a bumpy minibus at 200kmph) the driver half way through the journey says he is going to a different border crossing: Pra-Kob, which is a brand new, (which may have a different name I'm not sure) which he said was more strict (oh great, I thought). He said he had to go this way as at the Pedang Baser they were not letting Thai minibus drivers back in as the Malay taxi drivers thought they were taking their money.

Anyway, this border was even worse. The immigration officer was in his early twenties and completely refused me entry, even though I had a vaild double entry visa. He said 'you no tourist' with a big smile. So there we were stuck at the border again, in the baking sun, this time with no where to go as there are no minibuses, only local taxis that want to charge 500 baht even to go to a cashpoint... Again my Thai girlfriend called the minibus company and we arranged to go back to Penang again on the next bus through, and decided to fly back to Bangkok.

Having arrived back again in Penang (another 6 hrs on a bouncy minibus) and booked another hotel, we booked two flights back to Bangkok. On arrival at Bangkok I really thought: sheet, this it man, now I'm going to get a grilling from bkk immigration as to why I've tried to cross the border so many times, why I have so many tourist visas, and maybe even end up being deported with no warning if I cannot show them 20,000 baht in cash etc?? But no, nothing, they gave me a 30 day stamp no questions, not even an eyebrow raised (30 day stamp as by this time I had missed the visa re-entry date).

So now I'm thinking: Is this what you now have to do? Just leave the country by whichever way but always fly back in?? Am I ALWAYS going to get grief each time I enter thailand from now on just because I have so many visas??

A trip that was going to cost me a few thousand baht plus a few days chilling with my girlfriend, ended up costing me nearly 15000 baht all in, plus a huge amount of stress and nearly 4 days of my time. IF I had known it was going to be like this I would have just booked a flight in and out, SO much more simple.

Anyway, this is just to hopefully help a few people that are maybe thinking to do a border run any time soon.

Best of Luck to people!

You should bear in mind that from August 13th they will start the crackdown on 'visa exempt' entries just like they've been doing at the land borders.

I'll stress that this is only affects meant to affect 'visa exempt' extries as this is what's been announced - I don't believe it for one minute but time will tell on that.

[Essex Exile]

So if they are turning people back with a valid tourist visa? What will happen to people who have the elite visa? I have applied and been approved after the police and bankruptacy background check.

I asked the elite service agent what type of visa i would recieve and was told it is a "Special TR" visa so essentially a tourist visa. I have yet to hand over the 500k as i am very concerned about this happening to me at the border if the officer is having a bad day. I was in Krabi immigration to get a re-entry permit to my TR visa recently and spoke to the chief their as she spoke very good english. I asked her for her advice on the best visa for me and she suggested having a baby or getting married.

I suggested the 500k elite visa and she had no idea this even existed. How many other immigration officials dont know about this? Afterall the elite scheme is run by TAT not immigration.

How can one be sure this "special TR" is going to be good for the whole 5 years?

For all the people on 'O' visas on here that say get the correct visa if you want to stay, give an honest answer if you would hand over the 500k? I know alot of over 50's who dont even like having the 800k in the bank for the extension, at least you still get to keep that money.

I think it would be fair to say that if you have forked out 500k for a visa you will not have any problems at all.

[ukrules]

Coming in and out with a 30 day exempt entry with your schedule will not be a problem. You should note I wrote in and out. You are not an out and back in a short period of time. You are spending more time out of the country than in the country.

Is one way it might be.. However he is clearly using the 30 day visa exempt entry for purposes other than tourism. Something that would concern me.

Maybe less of a risk on 90 day rotations, but those on lesser ones its an issue that is very possible.

Actually I am a tourist for the 1 month in 4 that I am here, but I can also see why immigration might raise their eyebrows. It's a little grey.

So you dont have a home or apartment etc ??

In that case showing hotel booking and the like wlll strongly back up the tourism angle. I more mean the guys with homes, wives, cars etc here for a years, but on 30 days because it fits thier in and out lifestyle. I really dont see how they dont fall foul of this 'not tourist' aspect.

Lots of people buy holiday homes abroad and go there for their holidays several times a year.

At one point buying a house in Florida was all the rage back in the UK, everyone was doing it. Perfect for winter getaways to the US.

[scottyinthai]

So if they are turning people back with a valid tourist visa? What will happen to people who have the elite visa? I have applied and been approved after the police and bankruptacy background check.

I asked the elite service agent what type of visa i would recieve and was told it is a "Special TR" visa so essentially a tourist visa. I have yet to hand over the 500k as i am very concerned about this happening to me at the border if the officer is having a bad day. I was in Krabi immigration to get a re-entry permit to my TR visa recently and spoke to the chief their as she spoke very good english. I asked her for her advice on the best visa for me and she suggested having a baby or getting married.

I suggested the 500k elite visa and she had no idea this even existed. How many other immigration officials dont know about this? Afterall the elite scheme is run by TAT not immigration.

How can one be sure this "special TR" is going to be good for the whole 5 years?

For all the people on 'O' visas on here that say get the correct visa if you want to stay, give an honest answer if you would hand over the 500k? I know alot of over 50's who dont even like having the 800k in the bank for the extension, at least you still get to keep that money.

I think it would be fair to say that if you have forked out 500k for a visa you will not have any problems at all.

Essex,

I think the same however the people being turned back with TR visas also paid money for their visas (not 500k admitedly) but the other thing that worries me is the chief at Krabi had never heard of this elite visa? How many other immigration officers dont know? I would have thought any memo through immigration the cheif shoud at least know about it.

[Essex Exile]

So if they are turning people back with a valid tourist visa? What will happen to people who have the elite visa? I have applied and been approved after the police and bankruptacy background check.

I asked the elite service agent what type of visa i would recieve and was told it is a "Special TR" visa so essentially a tourist visa. I have yet to hand over the 500k as i am very concerned about this happening to me at the border if the officer is having a bad day. I was in Krabi immigration to get a re-entry permit to my TR visa recently and spoke to the chief their as she spoke very good english. I asked her for her advice on the best visa for me and she suggested having a baby or getting married.

I suggested the 500k elite visa and she had no idea this even existed. How many other immigration officials dont know about this? Afterall the elite scheme is run by TAT not immigration.

How can one be sure this "special TR" is going to be good for the whole 5 years?

For all the people on 'O' visas on here that say get the correct visa if you want to stay, give an honest answer if you would hand over the 500k? I know alot of over 50's who dont even like having the 800k in the bank for the extension, at least you still get to keep that money.

I think it would be fair to say that if you have forked out 500k for a visa you will not have any problems at all.

Essex,

I think the same however the people being turned back with TR visas also paid money for their visas (not 500k admitedly) but the other thing that worries me is the chief at Krabi had never heard of this elite visa? How many other immigration officers dont know? I would have thought any memo through immigration the cheif shoud at least know about it.

Scott, I can't help or advise mate as I don't know anything about it either, but just make sure you fully know the score before handing that amount over.

[ukrules]

Maybe this whole issue is just a disingenuous way of reviving and propping up the Elite Card, especially for big earners like the oil guys who can easily afford the fees.

The PE visa you get from Elite is not a non-immigrant visa. I believe the original intent was to enable frequent, wealthy visitors to easily come and go. Not to stay for the entire 5y in one go. Although if they start enforcing that, Thailand Elite will probably create a stink with their contacts at immigration.

Not quite accurate. One of the selling points of the Thailand Elite Easy Access visa is that you can stay in Thailand without leaving at all for the entire 5 years.

This is mentioned on the website and pointed out several times in the pre sales emails they send you during the signing up process for the membership.

[Essex Exile]

One things for sure here and that's there is gonna be a lot more farang going onto overstay.

[MJCM]

One things for sure here and that's there is gonna be a lot more farang going onto overstay.

And also a lot more people that are Banned from Entering Thailand

[Tomtomtom69]

I have not heard any reports of people being denied entry on a non-o visa.

From ubonjoe, "I think that the Ranong crossings could be added to the list. Even those with multiple entry non-o visas were turned away there along with tourist visas."

I stand to be corrected but wasn't that to do with some problem with Burmese Immigration and because of that border hoppers weren't leaving Thailand?

No idea buddy, it's all a bit hard to follow isn't it?

No. There is never a problem with Burmese immigration, who will happily let you come as often as you want. BUT - Myanmar has a dual immigration system operating at land borders. If you arrive with a Myanmar visa in advance, they'll stamp you in and you can go wherever you want, except the restricted areas (yes, Myanmar has restricted areas for foreigners). If however, you arrive without a visa you'll be restricted from leaving a certain radius from the border and will have to return to Thailand. Now Thailand doesn't want that because if you show up at a Thai border to leave for Myanmar, without a Myanmar visa it looks like you'll be heading back to Thailand afterwards.

There are however reports that visas-on-arrival for short stays near the border have ended at one Myanmar border crossing (Phu Nam Ron/Htee Khee), with another poster being told something like that at another crossing (Mae Sot/Myawady). Who knows if Myanmar will follow the international practice of only allowing one method of entering their country - either you show up with a visa (if needed) or you can get a visa on arrival that allows full access to the country.

[ukrules]

So if they are turning people back with a valid tourist visa? What will happen to people who have the elite visa? I have applied and been approved after the police and bankruptacy background check.

I asked the elite service agent what type of visa i would recieve and was told it is a "Special TR" visa so essentially a tourist visa. I have yet to hand over the 500k as i am very concerned about this happening to me at the border if the officer is having a bad day. I was in Krabi immigration to get a re-entry permit to my TR visa recently and spoke to the chief their as she spoke very good english. I asked her for her advice on the best visa for me and she suggested having a baby or getting married.

I suggested the 500k elite visa and she had no idea this even existed. How many other immigration officials dont know about this? Afterall the elite scheme is run by TAT not immigration.

How can one be sure this "special TR" is going to be good for the whole 5 years?

For all the people on 'O' visas on here that say get the correct visa if you want to stay, give an honest answer if you would hand over the 500k? I know alot of over 50's who dont even like having the 800k in the bank for the extension, at least you still get to keep that money.

You can get your 1 year stamp without leaving Thailand on this visa. You're correct that a lot of immigration workers, especially those at land crossings will have no idea what this visa is.

I was told when I got mine that I should double check that I get a full 1 year stamp every time I come into the country. In Bangkok the Thailand Elite staff meet you at the plane and escort you through an express immigration channel where they ensure you get your 1 year stamp.

You won't have to do any border runs to neighbouring countries so unless you really need to cross land borders this won't be an issue for you.

Alternatively you can just go to Chaeng Wattana and extend it for one year every year with no need to leave at all. So long as you do the 90 day reports there will be no problems.

[RTH10260]

It may be worth remembering that those on a NON-O based on marriage can, I believe, extend your stay at any immigration by 60 das as long as you take the wife with you? This would mean only having to leave the country every 150 days.

Worth posting this one again: http://www.immigration.go.th/nov2004/doc/temporarystay/policy777-2551_en.pdf . It's 2.24, you don't even need a visa to get that one.

I am a bit worried about this police order being revamped. When I came here in 2007, the marriage extension did not have the 400k baht in bank option. If they fiddle with it again, I still have the Thai kid option, should they change that too .. screwed.

I wish immigration would be more transparent about the changes they are contemplating and actually allow discussion, instead of just blurting them out suddenly.

The 400k baht in Thai bank for extensions based upon marriage was in the police order in 2007. In fact at that time if could be in a joint account and the 40k income could also be your wife's or a combination of yours and hers.

Police order 777/2551 eliminated the wife's income option and joint accounts.

There has been no indication from immigration that will be any changes made to the extension rules.

I've been googling and can't find it, but I distinctly remember there was only the 40k/month income option at the time, I even contemplated setting up a company just to fulfill that. Anyway by the time my multi-entry non-o got old, the 400k rule was in place and I've been on those extensions ever since.

The problem with immigration is, there never is any indication of changes. They just drop from the clear sky.

Within the pdf document, for marriage type visa extension, there is mentioned a grandfather clause for a pre-1998 regulation, that recinded amount of 40k asset and 20k income. Is this what you have in mi,d?

[scottyinthai]

window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());

Maybe this whole issue is just a disingenuous way of reviving and propping up the Elite Card, especially for big earners like the oil guys who can easily afford the fees.

The PE visa you get from Elite is not a non-immigrant visa. I believe the original intent was to enable frequent, wealthy visitors to easily come and go. Not to stay for the entire 5y in one go. Although if they start enforcing that, Thailand Elite will probably create a stink with their contacts at immigration.

Not quite accurate. One of the selling points of the Thailand Elite Easy Access visa is that you can stay in Thailand without leaving at all for the entire 5 years.

This is mentioned on the website and pointed out several times in the pre sales emails they send you during the signing up process.

Yes that is true but I am one of the oil and gas guys so I am in and out every 28 days and I do travel like a tourist. I rent a villa in a resort and pay almost tourist prices, I eat out in restaurants everyday. The staying for 5 years is not my issue with the elite card it is coming and going and immigration not being aware that this visa actually exists.

I am happy to pay and like I posted before I have had my application approved and they are awaiting my 500k but how safe is it as the elite visa is actually a "special TR" so essentially a tourist visa.

[MJCM]

@RTH,

that was long time ago, but what DRTuner is on about (I think), is that a couple of years ago you only could get the Marriage Extension based on 40K Working.

So the 400k in the Bank Account was not accepted

Edited July 10, 2014 by MJCM

[Essex Exile]

@RTH,

that was long time ago, but what DRTuner is on about (I think), is that a couple of years ago you only could get the Marriage Extension based on 40K Working.

So the 400k in the Bank Account was not accepted

But if that was true why would one bother getting the marriage extension if you had a work permit?

Edited July 10, 2014 by Essex Exile

[Ace of Pop]

Dont foreget that if you were married years ago,you still only need to show 200.K. Work Permits have nowt to do with an Extension Based on Marriage. Never have.

[MJCM]

@RTH,

that was long time ago, but what DRTuner is on about (I think), is that a couple of years ago you only could get the Marriage Extension based on 40K Working.

So the 400k in the Bank Account was not accepted

But if that was true why would one bother getting the marriage extension if you had a work permit?

Essex, this was a couple of years ago, so it messed up the people who did not work. I think it only lasted a couple of months I can recall.

And why people bother, I have no idea as I am not working, maybe UJ can explain, and I also instead of working should have used the word "Income"

Edited July 10, 2014 by MJCM

[ukrules]

Yes that is true but I am one of the oil and gas guys so I am in and out every 28 days and I do travel like a tourist. I rent a villa in a resort and pay almost tourist prices, I eat out in restaurants everyday. The staying for 5 years is not my issue with the elite card it is coming and going and immigration not being aware that this visa actually exists.

I am happy to pay and like I posted before I have had my application approved and they are awaiting my 500k but how safe is it as the elite visa is actually a "special TR" so essentially a tourist visa.

If you're flying in and out of bangkok you will have zero problems as they escort you through the immigration fast track by advance arrangement, I believe you need to email them in advance for this. You can also get the free car service into Bangkok if you want it - this is limited to a certain number of times per year - 20 something from what I remember on the cheap (500k) option.

Someone will be standing at the gate with a card with your name on it.

Do you cross at land borders or fly in after every work rotation ?

There is a hotline to call if you have any problems and I'm led to believe things would be sorted out very quickly if you do encounter any problems.

[firestar]

Let's face it, the system has been abused for years. Why should those who abused the system deserve any more compassion than those being evicted from the beaches in Phuket? The sword slashing corruption slices both ways. Go Army Go!! If you support dictatorial regimes, live with ALL the consequences!

Abused? You are TOTALLY wrong. It has been accepted by the Thai authorities AND it is not illegal. No current or past legislation have ever ruled that no back to back visa exemptions are illegal. It's been a legal and accepted practice. Now they want to change, but they are still not willing to make it into law.

Abuse in the context of this topic means using a visa to travel to Thailand for a purpose other than for which the visa was applied and issued. Not every detail goes into the law, ie the Immigration Act, but it has always been the rule, issued on the basis of the Immigration Act, that a visa is valid only for the purpose for which it is issued. What we are seeing now is a much stricter enforcement of this rule because, according to senior immigration officials quoted in news reports, the abuse of visa-exempt entries and visas has increased to a level where immigration can no longer be lenient about it.

A friend of mine comes to Thailand every other month, sometimes every two weeks, doesn't drink, or join the party scene much if at all. Only travels around the various islands, sometimes rents a boat. Technically he now could be hassled for all the exempt and tourist stamps in his passport. Please explain how he is using the visa for any other purpose than for which is was applied and issued?

Edited July 10, 2014 by firestar

[impulse]

Only an option for someone with more dollars [baht] than sense. Just carries too much risk.

Seems like it's less risky than living a back-to-back existence. While not 100%, the question is- how much does one stand to lose on the counter risk? Million baht car, 5 million baht condo, 3 million baht boat? 500K seems a pretty reasonable risk to someone with assets to lose....

[Essex Exile]

Yes that is true but I am one of the oil and gas guys so I am in and out every 28 days and I do travel like a tourist. I rent a villa in a resort and pay almost tourist prices, I eat out in restaurants everyday. The staying for 5 years is not my issue with the elite card it is coming and going and immigration not being aware that this visa actually exists.

I am happy to pay and like I posted before I have had my application approved and they are awaiting my 500k but how safe is it as the elite visa is actually a "special TR" so essentially a tourist visa.

If you're flying in and out of bangkok you will have zero problems as they escort you through the immigration fast track by advance arrangement, I believe you need to email them in advance for this. You can also get the free car service into Bangkok if you want it - this is limited to a certain number of times per year - 20 something from what I remember on the cheap (500k) option.

Someone will be standing at the gate with a card with your name on it.

Do you cross at land borders or fly in after every work rotation ?

There is a hotline to call if you have any problems and I'm led to believe things would be sorted out very quickly if you do encounter any problems.

Exactly as I thought. No matter what the naysayers may tell you if you are foring out half a mil for a visa you are NOT going to have a problem. Period.