Tourist visa holders denied entry to Thailand and left stranded in Malaysia

[NanLaew]

I dont really understand why people get angry about that new rules.

The only reason might be, that people abusing re-entry visas for a permanent stay considered this procedure as a privilege.

They should ask themselves, what would happen to their country, if everybody from all neighboring and other nations could stay permanently by simply doing a visa-run every 30 days ?

In Schengen countries and even in Ukraine, where many visa runners come from, the 90 days in 180 days rule is used.

Yep..agree with this.

Get the right visa and stop whinging like a bunch of little girls.

That last line.. how many more times are we going see this printed... <deleted>!!!!

Next thing we'll start reading is the classic "If you don't like it, you can go somewhere"

How bloody original!!

In the interest of keeping it original, what is YOUR B-Plan if it doesn't involve going somewhere else?

Please keep in mind that the decision to leave (or not even get in) may be made for you by a third party.

Thanks for your input.

Best regards,

NL

[gray42]

Since they're getting more strict with the visa rules, I'm planning on flying back home and picking up a business visa. Many "tourist residents" don't have the means to fly home and spend the money on a business visa. They've been enjoying the simple, cheap life in Thailand, but it sounds like that's going to change. Sorry, but you should know your fairy tale expat life in Thailand isn't guaranteed permanent, and it sounds like it's time for you to move on. There are many other options, such as Cambodia or Lao. Cambodia makes it very easy to stay long term. It's a different culture and it will take getting used to, but it's similar to Thailand in many ways (and there's plenty of cheap beer and hookers for you to blow your money on). I've considered moving to Cambodia and spending my money there instead. It really wouldn't be difficult either. Only five or ten thousand baht for a truck to drive you straight to your destination with all your belongings. So my point being you were staying on temporary visas designed for people to stay in Thailand temporarily. You can't be angry at anybody, only at yourself for become too comfortable living here.

[ukrules]

Since they're getting more strict with the visa rules, I'm planning on flying back home and picking up a business visa. Many "tourist residents" don't have the means to fly home and spend the money on a business visa. They've been enjoying the simple, cheap life in Thailand, but it sounds like that's going to change. Sorry, but you should know your fairy tale expat life in Thailand isn't guaranteed permanent, and it sounds like it's time for you to move on. There are many other options, such as Cambodia or Lao. Cambodia makes it very easy to stay long term. It's a different culture and it will take getting used to, but it's similar to Thailand in many ways (and there's plenty of cheap beer and hookers for you to blow your money on). I've considered moving to Cambodia and spending my money there instead. It really wouldn't be difficult either. Only five or ten thousand baht for a truck to drive you straight to your destination with all your belongings. So my point being you were staying on temporary visas designed for people to stay in Thailand temporarily. You can't be angry at anybody, only at yourself for become too comfortable living here.

So very sanctimonious, I do wonder did you read about the guy with a business visa who was refused entrance on his 'B' visa because he appeared to be living in Thailand a little too long (couple of months), but he didn't have a work permit - just the business visa based on doing business with Thai companies. The thing is this guy only came once to do business and tried to do a land based border run to extend his stay for a short while - he wasn't in fact living in Thailand but that didn't matter as he was denied. These same rules will be applied in the airports from August 12th so good luck with that.

Remember as you mentioned above 'you should know your fairy tale expat life in Thailand isn't guaranteed permanent' and a B visa is certainly no guarantee unless it's fully backed up with a work permit.

Ask yourself - will you need to do an 'Out/In' visa run every 90 days at all, if the answer to that question is yes, then you're also on the list unless you have a visa based on marriage, retirement or dependenets / being a dependent.

The B visa is primarily designed for people to stay in Thailand temporarily while doing business, it's not for people who want to live here full time.

Edited July 16, 2014 by ukrules

[gray42]

Since they're getting more strict with the visa rules, I'm planning on flying back home and picking up a business visa. Many "tourist residents" don't have the means to fly home and spend the money on a business visa. They've been enjoying the simple, cheap life in Thailand, but it sounds like that's going to change. Sorry, but you should know your fairy tale expat life in Thailand isn't guaranteed permanent, and it sounds like it's time for you to move on. There are many other options, such as Cambodia or Lao. Cambodia makes it very easy to stay long term. It's a different culture and it will take getting used to, but it's similar to Thailand in many ways (and there's plenty of cheap beer and hookers for you to blow your money on). I've considered moving to Cambodia and spending my money there instead. It really wouldn't be difficult either. Only five or ten thousand baht for a truck to drive you straight to your destination with all your belongings. So my point being you were staying on temporary visas designed for people to stay in Thailand temporarily. You can't be angry at anybody, only at yourself for become too comfortable living here.

So very sanctimonious, I do wonder did you read about the guy with a business visa who was refused entrance on his 'B' visa because he appeared to be living in Thailand a little too long (couple of months), but he didn't have a work permit - just the business visa based on doing business with Thai companies. The thing is this guy only came once to do business and tried to do a land based border run to extend his stay for a short while - he wasn't in fact living in Thailand but that didn't matter as he was denied. These same rules will be applied in the airports from August 12th so good luck with that.

Remember as you mentioned above 'you should know your fairy tale expat life in Thailand isn't guaranteed permanent' and a B visa is certainly no guarantee unless it's fully backed up with a work permit.

Ask yourself - will you need to do an 'Out/In' visa run every 90 days at all, if the answer to that question is yes, then you're also on the list unless you have a visa based on marriage, retirement or dependenets / being a dependent.

The B visa is primarily designed for people to stay in Thailand temporarily while doing business, it's not for people who want to live here full time.

Thanks for the heads up, and no I didn't read about the guy. Which thread was that posted in? Obviously things are getting lost in the pages and pages of comments. EDIT: And I apologize if I came off as sanctimonious, that's just the way I write.

Edited July 16, 2014 by gray42

[fozzy58uk]

I love the self righteous holders of various 'legal' visas slagging of other members or folk because of the way they perceive themselves to be in the right and others to be in the wrong.

I lived in Thailand for 16 years and was a member of all 3 of the perceived groups.

I was a tourist for 3 years, only 35 but had a very large amount of cash from a redundancy and a house sale. There was no visa to cover that situation, so I was a border runner.

Later I worked legally for 11 years with WP and Visa extensions on a non imm B. I didn't exit Thailand for 11 years.

I changed teaching positions to find that the rules had changed and my WP and visa extensions had been covered by the so called grandfather rule, but on changing jobs I could no longer get a work permit.

I became a visa runner again hoping for a relaxing of the rules, unfortunately this did not happen in time and I was finally refused a tourist visa at Vientiane.

I decided this was the final push for me and returned to the UK.after 16 years total in Thailand.

A word of warning to those of you who are on visas today, just because you fulfil the visa rules today that does not mean that will be the case in the future and you could be left having to return home.

So a little bit less of the attitude of, 'Why don't people follow the EASY rules' and just be thankful that you are still allowed to stay.

First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Socialist.

Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Trade Unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.

[gray42]

I love the self righteous holders of various 'legal' visas slagging of other members or folk because of the way they perceive themselves to be in the right and others to be in the wrong.

I lived in Thailand for 16 years and was a member of all 3 of the perceived groups.

I was a tourist for 3 years, only 35 but had a very large amount of cash from a redundancy and a house sale. There was no visa to cover that situation, so I was a border runner.

Later I worked legally for 11 years with WP and Visa extensions on a non imm B. I didn't exit Thailand for 11 years.

I changed teaching positions to find that the rules had changed and my WP and visa extensions had been covered by the so called grandfather rule, but on changing jobs I could no longer get a work permit.

I became a visa runner again hoping for a relaxing of the rules, unfortunately this did not happen in time and I was finally refused a tourist visa at Vientiane.

I decided this was the final push for me and returned to the UK.after 16 years total in Thailand.

A word of warning to those of you who are on visas today, just because you fulfil the visa rules today that does not mean that will be the case in the future and you could be left having to return home.

So a little bit less of the attitude of, 'Why don't people follow the EASY rules' and just be thankful that you are still allowed to stay.

First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—

Because I was not a Socialist.

Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out—

Because I was not a Trade Unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—

Because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.

From what you've seen in your 16 years, are marriage and retirement visas the only ones that have remained somewhat stable? (Aside from a work permit, of course.)

[fozzy58uk]

Visa running was also stable for many many years, that is my point. Just because it is stable today is no guarantee it will be so in the future.

I hold no ill wishes to anyone, I would just like some members of TV to come down off their high horses and just be thankful that their circumstances allow them, at present, to live as they choose.

Edited July 16, 2014 by fozzy58uk

[bkkjames]

Visa running was also stable for many many years, that is my point. Just because it is stable today is no guarantee it will be so in the future.

I hold no ill wishes to anyone, I would just like some members of TV to come down off their high horses and just be thankful that their circumstances allow them, at present, to live as they choose.

I think those that do things legally and say have a WP and pay taxes don't need to come down from anything. It's those that skirt the rules that need to step up.

Sent from my LG-P970 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[NanLaew]

....

I became a visa runner again hoping for a relaxing of the rules, unfortunately this did not happen in time and I was finally refused a tourist visa at Vientiane.

...

So after a pretty good and totally legal immigration history in Thailand, YOU chose to become a visa runner because THEIR visa regulations didn't cut you the slack you wanted? This is the lax enforcement that you maybe still have some misguided feeling of entitlement to?

I don't have a horse but you willingly took advantage of the lax regulations as it was the path of least resistance for your continued stay in LOS and you are 'suffering' the consequences.

It's not that bad back in UK now is it? Most of the whining buggers are in Thailand right now but I think there's more than a few may be coming back. That will be the ones that can't hack afford Cambodia.

[p_brownstone]

First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—

Because I was not a Socialist.

Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out—

Because I was not a Trade Unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—

Because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.

I really believe I have read that somewhere else.

Patrick

Edited July 16, 2014 by p_brownstone

[mangotime]

i stop being suprised here years ago.... ..buy a legal visa from a THAI consul (WHO HAVE THE POWER TO REFUSE) and then be refused entry at teh border...idiotic to say the least

Indeed. Where do they think they are? Australia perhaps?

[jack71]

get a new passport with blank pages and start again..

[Oorinara]

Unsure if the ultimate target of the current ruler is i) just visa runners or ii) those who are working without work permits and in LOS by visa running or on TR/ED visa.

Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

[Straight8]

that is FAR MORE than I require to support myself.

Why do you keep trying to compare your home country or the UK to a developing country? Is the UK or your home country one?

Developing countries encourage long term tourists because the capital inflow benefits their economy. As I said every single dev country in s.e asia apart allows people with a valid visa to come in, back to back or not. some like Malaysia with their MM2H go a step further and offer extra incentive if you can show you have enough money to sustain yourself.

thailand has decided that they want to use the same criteria many other countries use. its not up to you or me to decide what level of development they have achieved and at what point they will change their criteria! you dont agree with their decision? let them know.

Is that so?

Then why are we not allowed to buy land or run a registered business without employing 4 lazy Thais just to name but a few inconsistencies? What happened to an equal level playing field ??

Your comments are one eyed, remove those glasses for a change and see it from a different perspective for once instead of beating on the proverbial thai drum.

One would start to think you are a Thai national.

[AYJAYDEE]

that is FAR MORE than I require to support myself.

Why do you keep trying to compare your home country or the UK to a developing country? Is the UK or your home country one?

Developing countries encourage long term tourists because the capital inflow benefits their economy. As I said every single dev country in s.e asia apart allows people with a valid visa to come in, back to back or not. some like Malaysia with their MM2H go a step further and offer extra incentive if you can show you have enough money to sustain yourself.

thailand has decided that they want to use the same criteria many other countries use. its not up to you or me to decide what level of development they have achieved and at what point they will change their criteria! you dont agree with their decision? let them know.

Is that so?

Then why are we not allowed to buy land or run a registered business without employing 4 lazy Thais just to name but a few inconsistencies? What happened to an equal level playing field ??

Your comments are one eyed, remove those glasses for a change and see it from a different perspective for once instead of beating on the proverbial thai drum.

One would start to think you are a Thai national.

like i said, thailand will decide how they want their country to develop. i see no need to copy everything yours or my country does. i like it fine in thailand and that is why i continue to be there. and as per your perspective, ive seen it before and it doesnt interest me much.

[Straight8]

Why do you keep trying to compare your home country or the UK to a developing country? Is the UK or your home country one?

Developing countries encourage long term tourists because the capital inflow benefits their economy. As I said every single dev country in s.e asia apart allows people with a valid visa to come in, back to back or not. some like Malaysia with their MM2H go a step further and offer extra incentive if you can show you have enough money to sustain yourself.

thailand has decided that they want to use the same criteria many other countries use. its not up to you or me to decide what level of development they have achieved and at what point they will change their criteria! you dont agree with their decision? let them know.

Is that so?

Then why are we not allowed to buy land or run a registered business without employing 4 lazy Thais just to name but a few inconsistencies? What happened to an equal level playing field ??

Your comments are one eyed, remove those glasses for a change and see it from a different perspective for once instead of beating on the proverbial thai drum.

One would start to think you are a Thai national.

like i said, thailand will decide how they want their country to develop. i see no need to copy everything yours or my country does. i like it fine in thailand and that is why i continue to be there. and as per your perspective, ive seen it before and it doesnt interest me much.

Of course it interests you. hence your replies. Your post smack of one-sided arrogance. Did you not say and i quote "thailand has decided that they want to use the same criteria many other countries use"??

Instead of your fellow man uniting together, us as foreigners people like you revel in the fact so many will unjustly suffer from this.

You know that karma is a bitch right?

Edited July 17, 2014 by Straight8

[AYJAYDEE]

Of course it interests you. hence your replies. Your post smack of one-sided arrogance. Did you not say and i quote "thailand has decided that they want to use the same criteria many other countries use"??

Instead of your fellow man uniting together, us as foreigners people like you revel in the fact so many will unjustly suffer from this.

You know that karma is a bitch right?

i think you should probably stop the personal attacks. i was talking about the criteria of tourist visas. and are you seriously equating foreigners and my fellow man? are thais any less my fellow man than foreigners?

[Straight8]

Of course it interests you. hence your replies. Your post smack of one-sided arrogance. Did you not say and i quote "thailand has decided that they want to use the same criteria many other countries use"??

Instead of your fellow man uniting together, us as foreigners people like you revel in the fact so many will unjustly suffer from this.

You know that karma is a bitch right?

i think you should probably stop the personal attacks. i was talking about the criteria of tourist visas. and are you seriously equating foreigners and my fellow man? are thais any less my fellow man than foreigners?

Personal attacks? Check out some of your blatant but well disguised posts. Don't start with that crap. Anyone with half a brain can see the angle your coming from. Your last line clearly says it all for anyone reading between the line.

Go check out a famous quote by a well know author about your fellow Thai man. I'd say he know Thailand much better than someone like yourself who thinks he is living a dream.

[AYJAYDEE]

Of course it interests you. hence your replies. Your post smack of one-sided arrogance. Did you not say and i quote "thailand has decided that they want to use the same criteria many other countries use"??

Instead of your fellow man uniting together, us as foreigners people like you revel in the fact so many will unjustly suffer from this.

You know that karma is a bitch right?

i think you should probably stop the personal attacks. i was talking about the criteria of tourist visas. and are you seriously equating foreigners and my fellow man? are thais any less my fellow man than foreigners?

Personal attacks? Check out some of your blatant but well disguised posts. Don't start with that crap. Anyone with half a brain can see the angle your coming from. Your last line clearly says it all for anyone reading between the line.

Go check out a famous quote by a well know author about your fellow Thai man. I'd say he know Thailand much better than someone like yourself who thinks he is living a dream.

i don t believe jack ever met my family and friends so his views probably wouldnt mean much to me. as for a dream? nope, I'm wide awake and enjoying it !

[Straight8]

Of course it interests you. hence your replies. Your post smack of one-sided arrogance. Did you not say and i quote "thailand has decided that they want to use the same criteria many other countries use"??

Instead of your fellow man uniting together, us as foreigners people like you revel in the fact so many will unjustly suffer from this.

You know that karma is a bitch right?

i think you should probably stop the personal attacks. i was talking about the criteria of tourist visas. and are you seriously equating foreigners and my fellow man? are thais any less my fellow man than foreigners?

Personal attacks? Check out some of your blatant but well disguised posts. Don't start with that crap. Anyone with half a brain can see the angle your coming from. Your last line clearly says it all for anyone reading between the line.

Go check out a famous quote by a well know author about your fellow Thai man. I'd say he know Thailand much better than someone like yourself who thinks he is living a dream.

i don t believe jack ever met my family and friends so his views probably wouldnt mean much to me. as for a dream? nope, I'm wide awake and enjoying it !

Of course he hasn't!!!!

[AYJAYDEE]

Of course he hasn't!!!!

then he interests me not

[NanLaew]

thailand has decided that they want to use the same criteria many other countries use. its not up to you or me to decide what level of development they have achieved and at what point they will change their criteria! you dont agree with their decision? let them know.

Is that so?

Then why are we not allowed to buy land or run a registered business without employing 4 lazy Thais just to name but a few inconsistencies? What happened to an equal level playing field ??

Your comments are one eyed, remove those glasses for a change and see it from a different perspective for once instead of beating on the proverbial thai drum.

One would start to think you are a Thai national.

like i said, thailand will decide how they want their country to develop. i see no need to copy everything yours or my country does. i like it fine in thailand and that is why i continue to be there. and as per your perspective, ive seen it before and it doesnt interest me much.

Of course it interests you. hence your replies. Your post smack of one-sided arrogance. Did you not say and i quote "thailand has decided that they want to use the same criteria many other countries use"??

Instead of your fellow man uniting together, us as foreigners people like you revel in the fact so many will unjustly suffer from this.

You know that karma is a bitch right?

So foreigners like yourself that feel they have been so wickedly disenfranchised by the Thais by nature of the latter not being from mankind should unite against what injustices? Suffering exactly what now?

I am not at all sure which has more merit here, Thai xenophobia or farang bigotry.

[NanLaew]

Maybe those that qualify to stay long-term in Thailand by falling neatly into the current pigeonholes come across as smug to some who don't qualify. The point those who don't should take onboard is that the only constant is change and things seldom go back to the way hey were before. For those that do, it is a distinct possibility that today's immigration compliance can be grounds to be 'evicted' tomorrow.

Not that it helps those now stuck on the outside looking in but everyone should have a viable Plan B that does NOT embrace staying in Thailand long-term, regardless of your current status.

Edited July 17, 2014 by NanLaew

[DerekMarshall]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

I have stayed in Thailand for 1 and a half years on tourist visas in the past (an indefinite tourist) without working here. I am now on an education visa as I am studying Thai. My girlfriend is pregnant at the moment and I am worried about when my education visa runs out. I make enough money back home to support us but not to qualify for a non O visa. What can I do? I realize they won't have any sympathy for splitting up a young family and I am worried I am going to have to leave my wife and young child here. Any ideas would be much appreciated.

Option 1) Well, you can MARRY your girlfriend then start doing the paperwork to take her and your child back to your home country.

You may have to move in with family back in your home country - but it can be done. Luckily - as you said, you make enough money back home while sitting here in Thailand. Chances are, there is additional public assistance in your home country to help you get your life together.

Option 2) Get MARRIED, then go back to your home country, save up enough for the non-O requirement (400k baht) then return. Might take up to a year and a couple months (depending on what you claim you already earn) - but staying with family will help minimize your spending while trying to save.

Additionally - taking a year away from your wife and kid might seem like forever - but military folks do this ALL THE TIME. It can be done.

Option 2..not obliged. Get a non o visa 90 days and legalise yourself as the childs father can take 6 weeks to 2 months. Take such documents to immigration if you can show you have earnings of over 40k THB pe rmonth or more than 400K THB in a Thai bank account you will get an extention of stay for visiting family...every time you enter Thailand! (Thus is you have to leave get an exit visa!) To do the legitimisation of your child go to local court in the province capital ASAP and ask around there or hire a lawyer. I am currently under going such process check my profile and the responces by Mario 2008 and Udon Joe for reference. Documents required, babyñs Thai birth certificate with your name as The father, your passport and a copy (you may need a translated copy in to Thai) and your GF´s ID card, birth certificate and house book. We took copies of too many documents but the more the better rather than being 50 KM from home and having to go back for copies or orignals!)

[Mahdrek]

Must meet the financial requirement

Security deposit of THB 400,000 in a Thai Bank Account for at least 2 months prior to the visa application.

Monthly income of at least THB 40,000. A letter from the foreigner embassy has to be shown to verify this income.

Combination of the Thai bank account and yearly income with the total of 400,000 THB.

Marriage requirements above , do I have to meet all 3 ? my income from Canada is only 20 000 THB

I have enough to make security deposit

I got screwed on my triple entry tourist visa, would of lasted until Oct 16th with 30 day extension, but when at the Malaysian border last week they stamped it 30 days < Aug 8th

I Don't want to go back to Canada, I'm 45 and was going to do the education visa soon to learn Thai ( which I need to look into still ) then work visa, then retirement.............I have a Thai girlfriend whom I live with and basically support but marriage was not in my radar until all this border crap

PS she also has 17 and 24 year old sons.......maybe that will help if I need to adopt to stay

any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated

this is so unfair, im not working illegally, I have income coming from Canada and money in the bank and am supporting a Thai national

any advice on education visa to learn Thai would be helpful too; problem is im in Khanom which is a small town so doesn't have a school to learn Thai, but guess I can do online É

Thank you

Edited July 17, 2014 by Mahdrek

[Thighlander]

Are you saying you are 45 and can't come up with 400,000 thb in the bank? About 13000 usd?

[DrTuner]

PS she also has 17 and 24 year old sons.......maybe that will help if I need to adopt to stay

The adoption process is far more difficult than getting a non-imm visa/extensions. It's because of the Hague rules about international adoption.

[fozzy58uk]

I have read some interesting replies to my previous posts. It is indeed true that I hoped that there would be a relaxation in the rules and took advantage of a laxness in those rules at the time.

When the rules were enforced I went home. No problems there. My problem exists with those members of this forum who believe that because they neatly fit into today's pigeon holes they are morally superior to those who no longer do.

While the loopholes existed people were perfectly at liberty to take advantage of them. Make no mistake that the Thai establishment also benefited massively, economically and educationally, from the previous situation.

My argument is with those now taking advantage of hugely lax immigration laws at the present re: the monetary contribution and age limitations on marriage and retirement visas claiming a moral superiority.

They have closed one loophole, next will come increases in the money required to be held in the banks and the age necessary to apply for retirement visas.

The present 'crackdown' is the thin end of the wedge. Mark my words.

Stop being smart arsed about your superior status and make plans for the day you are no longer able to meet the requirements of a never stable system.

Again I wish no ill will to anyone. It would be nice to see a similar response from other posters.

[JLCrab]

Again I wish no ill will to anyone Sure you do you -- you just said (in effect) Mark my words -- you're next.

[hawker9000]

Again I wish no ill will to anyone Sure you do you -- you just said (in effect) Mark my words -- you're next.

'Need to work on your english comprehension. Telling someone "they're next" doesn't mean you wish it so. Telling someone "I hope you're next" would be the expression of ill will you're trying to pin on this poster, but that's not what he said.

The self-righteous, sanctimonious, all too commonly heard around here "go get a proper visa [like me]" actually comes a little closer to the expression of ill will you're talking about...