No more Thai visa runs: Immigration will not let visa runners return after Aug 12

[Benmart]

When it comes down to it Thais don't really like foriegners

Our money is wanted but our persons are not

A very sweeping statement that appears to lump all Thais together. I believe there are approximately 66 million Thais and I haven't been able to talk to all of them. Therefore I can't agree that they really dislike foreigners or how they view our money as it relates to foreigners.

[ilocos]

I would work on worst case scenario 90 days in and 90 days out and being turned back at border occasionally being told that I can't be resident in Thailand on tourist visas any longer. I've factored this in to cope with the stress of being told I'm an unwelcome undesirable degenerate.

[diehard60]

Getting the proper documentaion for work permits is not all that difficult. Yes it may take time and a little effort but it can be done in short order. i have been doing that for over 18 years with no problems at all. You workplace must and can provide you with the proper documentation or you can go to the department of labor in your province and ask them for it. They will be happy to help you.

[larsjohnsson]

Wonder what will happen to all those foreigners that are married, have children, but don't have enough money to get a Non-Imm visa based on marriage.

Will Immigration start splitting up families?

It's only 40k a month that you need. Or 400k a few months on your account. It must be rather difficult to support a family and kids with less than 40k. And also having money to do those visa-border runs all the time.

Married with children is at least 4 people. And the children need money for their education.

[AYJAYDEE]

I assume the Out/In that takes place on a double or triple entry tourist visa will not fit the criteria for refusal

I wouldn't be so sure about that because the intend with double or triple entry tourist visas are to allow TOURISTS to leave Thailand for a holiday stay in a near by country, e.g. Siem Reap, and then return again for more tourism in Thailand. These tourists do not do in-outs on the same day.

tourists at cambodia casinos do

[ilocos]

When it comes down to it Thais don't really like foriegners

Our money is wanted but our persons are not

the thais in my village do

How do you know? Actually if you ask thais if they like farang most will say no but there's no malice in it generally. It's just that they feel we are alien or its just a preference.

[Iumentum]

When it comes down to it Thais don't really like foriegners

Our money is wanted but our persons are not

Way to stereotype, dude. Things are very different depending on where in Thailand you stay. Also, some foreigners are probably less welcome than others, but no wonder.

[csabo]

It would be reasonable to say that a true tourist is one who stays in the home country the majority of the time, making occasional and brief forays into other countries. Back to back tourist visas don't fit that profile.

Try pulling that b2b stunt in the UK or US for example and see what happens. Quit whingeing... what's source for the goose.

This is not the US or the UK, who have always strictly enforced their policies, so your comparison is moot. And how many "true tourists" belong to a website forum aptly named Thai Visa?? Lets face it, anyone reading or posting to this site has a long term plan for staying in Thailand either with or without a long term visa. Some people have planned for years to retire to Thailand at the advise of countless news and web articles recommending it. Some have done just that and are now faced with an unforeseen dilemma. Yes, I am all for booting the hippies and the so called English teachers who are basically extending the college life as long as possible and bleeding Thailand of opportunities for Thais. I am however opposed to booting financialy independent, responsible, law abiding adults that don't qualify for a retirement extension based entirely on their age who's sole crime is that they contribute heavily to the Thai economy. It's easy to sit perched on your high horse with your marriage visa or retirement extension because your over 50 and make snide insults. It's far better to contribute helpful insight and information or remain silent.

[kratiam]

Wonder what will happen to all those foreigners that are married, have children, but don't have enough money to get a Non-Imm visa based on marriage.

Will Immigration start splitting up families?

I hope so.

These guys should have thought about the correct visa before getting married and having kids.

A little forward planning/saving may have helped them here.

Thanks for your input Mr Perfect!

[MJCM]

A lot of people are going to lose a lot. Including Thais. This is baby with bath water on steroids. Too inflexible and done too fast. It would be OK if there were now easier "real" visas, work permits, including legalization of online freelancing, etc. But there is not. On the condo market, no kidding, this is really bad for places like Pattaya. Cause and effect clearly not well considered on this one.

having lived in pattaya for over 20 years i dont know any condo owner that is a visa runner.

Nah not sure on that one, I used to be a Visa Runner and I owned a Condo, but I think more renters are Visa Runners. I know in my Condo Building at least 2 guys who rent here are Visa Runners (One young Aussie Guy, he is scared about these new rules, and an Older American Guy, he is scraping the money together to get his Extension of Stay on Retirement in order) and both these guys are nottttttt happy.

[wilcopops]

You only need 40K/month for a visa based on marriage or a kid. Even an English teacher makes that.

the number's now 65K/month or 800K in the bank or any combo equating to that. Starting English teachers *might* get half that, but then they'd already have a WP ...wouldn't they!!

Ah Thailand, Land of Perplexities

its 400,000 for those married to a thai

Yes, I fall into the category above. Married with a son but earn a little less than 40,000. Teachers are covered by the Work Permit. If I had huge savings I could get a non immigration o visa based on that, and retire :-) wouldn't that be nice! Working visa it is then!

the problem for those woking in Thailand....married or not, if they lose/leave their job they have 7 days to get out of the country. To get back in....well how will they get back in? They won't, unless they are over 50 and have the required money/income for a long term visa.

This means is essence that Thailand offers some of the worst job security in the world.

It's going to be an employers market bonanza.........People will be taking any job at peanut rates just to stay with their family.

[Jip99]

Have you ever noticed the thousands of Russian "ladies of the night" plying theit trade in Pattaya, Phuket and up and up and down Sukhumvit? They are criminals in the eyes of Thai law. If they are stopped from entering Thailand, they have achieved their goal.

I highly doubt that thousands of women from Russia (a country with 3x higher average salary and 3x GDP per capita plus one of the lowest unemployment rates in the world) are coming to Thailand to work as street prostitutes.

With due respect, all I can say is that you have not been here long, or walking around with your eyes closed, or cannot tell a Russian hooker from a Russian tourist

Statistics deceive, and you can pick yours from any of a number of sources to prove anything you want.

Me, I'll go with the tall redhead...

That will likely be a khatoey then.......

[Iumentum]

Wonder what will happen to all those foreigners that are married, have children, but don't have enough money to get a Non-Imm visa based on marriage.

Will Immigration start splitting up families?

I hope so.

These guys should have thought about the correct visa before getting married and having kids.

A little forward planning/saving may have helped them here.

Thanks for your input Mr Perfect!

It's not about being perfect, but a question about being a responsible parent!

[MJCM]

Wonder what will happen to all those foreigners that are married, have children, but don't have enough money to get a Non-Imm visa based on marriage.

Will Immigration start splitting up families?

It's only 40k a month that you need. Or 400k a few months on your account. It must be rather difficult to support a family and kids with less than 40k. And also having money to do those visa-border runs all the time.

Married with children is at least 4 people. And the children need money for their education.

(You forgot one thing) They can get a Non-O Multiple Entry in Savanakhet without having to show any money (only the money for the visa itself (around 5000 THB). With that visa you are good for almost 15 Months.

[Jip99]

When it comes down to it Thais don't really like foriegners

Our money is wanted but our persons are not

the thais in my village do

How do you know ?

[biggles45]

Ubonjoe, I also read this in the OP

"By exploiting 60-day tourist visas and 30-day visa exemptions, many foreigners can work illegally in language schools, or restaurants and other businesses."

Now the IB clearly talk about folk using 60 day tourist visas not just visa free entry. Who can guarantee that some IO wont refuse re entry on a tourist visa....they are a law unto themselves.

[Thanet]

Looks like a lot of foreigners are either leaving or will have to get married, have a child or get a retirement visa.

Or a job with a WP ....

[csabo]

I assume the Out/In that takes place on a double or triple entry tourist visa will not fit the criteria for refusal

I wouldn't be so sure about that because the intend with double or triple entry tourist visas are to allow TOURISTS to leave Thailand for a holiday stay in a near by country, e.g. Siem Reap, and then return again for more tourism in Thailand. These tourists do not do in-outs on the same day.

I think you are right if I read your comment correctly. It would seem that if in possession of a multi entry visa and needing to do an exit it would be best at the very least to take a long weekend in a neighboring country instead of a border hop. I think this will be my plan in the future along with carrying copies of my pension checks, bank statements, long term lease agreement, muay thai class receipts, Thai language tuition receipts and any other paperwork that shows I can pay my own way and actually have a reason to be an extended tourist in Thailand. The thought of my belongings being held captive in Thailand is frustrating though in the event I cannot return due to an overzealous immigration officer. Seems to me carrying anything you can't afford to loose would be smart too.

[Jip99]

So if an Italian citizen who has absolutely no history of visa runs and arrived in Thailand obtaining a 30 day visa exempt status because he did not have time to get a proper tourist visa, wants to stay here longer than 30 days. Will he be able to travel to Vientianne, Laos get a proper Thai tourist visa from the Thai embassy, and be allowed reentry at the Friendship bridge immigration checkpoint, Nong Khai, into Thailand in order to stay an additional 30 or so days? He will be able to show sufficient funds and plane ticket back to Italy before the expiration of his newly issued tourist visa.

This applies to my son-in-law visiting with his Thai wife. They live in Italy and are staying only two months. This is not a visa run in the sense of someone doing it repeatedly in order to stay in Thailand for an indefinite period of time. Before anyone says,"He should have gotten a proper tourist visa before coming." I know, I know, but it just didn't work out this time. Last minute travel plans, etc.

To be fair, 'last minute' travel to Thailand from Italy for two months must be pretty rare.

To suddenly decide to travel 9000 km for 60 days without having to make plans (including getting a visa) cannot happen very often.

That said, I also doubt that your son-in-law will have any real problems - he/they may be best advised to take a 2/3 holiday in Vientienne or even Siem Reap or Pakse.

[ParadiseLost]

For an American, the minimum wage is 65,000 THB/month in order to hold a work permit so you will have no problem proving this income.

As for the companies that took advantage of the loop holes to pay under minimum wage to teachers, etc. now that it will be universally enforced, the work permit/visa rules should provide an increase in wages for people in this category.

There is no minimum wage for work permit, but there is for extension of stay based on employment and for Americans it's 50.000 baht / month.

To get extension of stay based on marriage or children to income is only 40.000 baht / month.

Better to employ someone married.

This brings up an important point: until now married guys have not had any advantage when it comes to competing in the few occupations open to foreigners, in fact they have been disadvantaged as illegal workers do not have the "hassle" of applying for WP and they will work for less (sometimes even less than Thai people).

One outcome of this crackdown may be that it will be easier for married guys to find employment. There will definitely be many bars going cheaply - if you are that way inclined.

I have found myself in the unenviable position that at the end of my career I find it impossible to find work here as every (ERP) IT position advertised imposes 3 things - Thai national, under 35 years, degree. I have 20 years experience consulting to large manufacturing companies so it is incredibly frustrating to sit at home doing the housework. Going to my home country is not an option.

Changing to a new profession is incredibly difficult, even more so when the lower skilled jobs are taken by illegal workers. Perhaps I will have some new opportunities next year. Money is not an issue as I have learned to live within my means and not as a permanent tourist.

Before the flamers take aim - I have been working in other countries, the most recent being Malaysia where I took a permanent position thinking my wife could join me - but I hated every minute there and only lasted 9 months. I have never done a days work in Thailand.

To all the cynical idiots out there, wishing ill fortune on others - I hope you choke on your dinner and nobody bothers to help. In fact I hope someone records it on their iphone and posts it here...

[AYJAYDEE]

When it comes down to it Thais don't really like foriegners

Our money is wanted but our persons are not

the thais in my village do

How do you know ?

after 20 years I know

[ilocos]

You only need 40K/month for a visa based on marriage or a kid. Even an English teacher makes that.

the number's now 65K/month or 800K in the bank or any combo equating to that. Starting English teachers *might* get half that, but then they'd already have a WP ...wouldn't they!!

Ah Thailand, Land of Perplexities

its 400,000 for those married to a thai

Yes, I fall into the category above. Married with a son but earn a little less than 40,000. Teachers are covered by the Work Permit. If I had huge savings I could get a non immigration o visa based on that, and retire :-) wouldn't that be nice! Working visa it is then!

the problem for those woking in Thailand....married or not, if they lose/leave their job they have 7 days to get out of the country. To get back in....well how will they get back in? They won't, unless they are over 50 and have the required money/income for a long term visa.

This means is essence that Thailand offers some of the worst job security in the world.

It's going to be an employers market bonanza.........People will be taking any job at peanut rates just to stay with their family.

Immigration policy directed at families shows how kind immigration are. Check visa policies before you marry.

[PattayaPhom]

Wonder what will happen to all those foreigners that are married, have children, but don't have enough money to get a Non-Imm visa based on marriage.

Will Immigration start splitting up families?

It's only 40k a month that you need. Or 400k a few months on your account. It must be rather difficult to support a family and kids with less than 40k. And also having money to do those visa-border runs all the time.

Married with children is at least 4 people. And the children need money for their education.

(You forgot one thing) They can get a Non-O Multiple Entry in Savanakhet without having to show any money (only the money for the visa itself (around 5000 THB). With that visa you are good for almost 15 Months.

I always likedthe visa option as was an excuse to get away for a few days and then always renew lin Penang. Only expecting to apply for citezenship swayed me to extensions. I would be a bit worried being on an 'O' year after year as it might be deemed as back-back and say that extensions are the only way. Time will tell but seriously anyone that can get extensions should really be looking at that option sooner rather than later.

[Kerryd]

Have you ever noticed the thousands of Russian "ladies of the night" plying theit trade in Pattaya, Phuket and up and up and down Sukhumvit? They are criminals in the eyes of Thai law. If they are stopped from entering Thailand, they have achieved their goal.

I highly doubt that thousands of women from Russia (a country with 3x higher average salary and 3x GDP per capita plus one of the lowest unemployment rates in the world) are coming to Thailand to work as street prostitutes.

They are referred to as "Russian" but for the most part they are (usually) from one of the former Russian republics like Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Tajikistan. Many speak Russian (and English), have fair skin and, according to various Thais in Pattaya that are in a position to know, tend to target older, single males they see sitting alone in beer bars. (Apparently a lot of old farangs have a hard time speaking to, or understanding, the local girls, so when one of these 'stan girls starts talking to them in English, they are so grateful they'll pay almost anything.)

As far as visas are concerned though, it used to be a regular thing (in Pattaya) that every 3-4 months "someone" would make a complaint to the police who would then do a round-up of these girls and deport them (as they didn't have passports or their visas were expired). They arrive on either Tourist Visas or Visa Exemptions, have their passports "held" by their "sponsor" and then are put to "work" until such time as their earnings start to fall off and then suddenly, bam ! The police do a sweep, the girls get busted and fined a small amount, then deported.

(This happened so often that we even had a topic about it that listed the news articles of the various "round-ups" that had happened over the previous 1 1/2(ish) years. It seemed odd at the time that it was happening on such a seemingly regular basis.)

[Alwyn]

narrithiwat crossing 4 days ago the group coming back from Penang with double entry tourist visas

link?

He's right, there was a post here a couple of days ago. If memory serves correctly it was 18 people made up of English, Russian and a couple of local countries.

[overherebc]

Wonder what will happen to all those foreigners that are married, have children, but don't have enough money to get a Non-Imm visa based on marriage.

Will Immigration start splitting up families?

It's only 40k a month that you need. Or 400k a few months on your account. It must be rather difficult to support a family and kids with less than 40k. And also having money to do those visa-border runs all the time.

Married with children is at least 4 people. And the children need money for their education.

(You forgot one thing) They can get a Non-O Multiple Entry in Savanakhet without having to show any money (only the money for the visa itself (around 5000 THB). With that visa you are good for almost 15 Months.

I always likedthe visa option as was an excuse to get away for a few days and then always renew lin Penang. Only expecting to apply for citezenship swayed me to extensions. I would be a bit worried being on an 'O' year after year as it might be deemed as back-back and say that extensions are the only way. Time will tell but seriously anyone that can get extensions should really be looking at that option sooner rather than later.

Always liked it myself but am now thinking this is my last before extensions.

Ref the stories about wait and see if they increase the amount required. I am more convinced they will be looking for proof that for retiral extensions the proof required will be that it is the applicacants money and where did it come from.

The days of the lawyers doing could be numbered.

[Pattszero]

For an American, the minimum wage is 65,000 THB/month in order to hold a work permit so you will have no problem proving this income.

As for the companies that took advantage of the loop holes to pay under minimum wage to teachers, etc. now that it will be universally enforced, the work permit/visa rules should provide an increase in wages for people in this category.

There is no minimum wage for work permit, but there is for extension of stay based on employment and for Americans it's 50.000 baht / month.

To get extension of stay based on marriage or children to income is only 40.000 baht / month.

Better to employ someone married.

This brings up an important point: until now married guys have not had any advantage when it comes to competing in the few occupations open to foreigners, in fact they have been disadvantaged as illegal workers do not have the "hassle" of applying for WP and they will work for less (sometimes even less than Thai people).

One outcome of this crackdown may be that it will be easier for married guys to find employment. There will definitely be many bars going cheaply - if you are that way inclined.

I have found myself in the unenviable position that at the end of my career I find it impossible to find work here as every (ERP) IT position advertised imposes 3 things - Thai national, under 35 years, degree. I have 20 years experience consulting to large manufacturing companies so it is incredibly frustrating to sit at home doing the housework. Going to my home country is not an option.

Changing to a new profession is incredibly difficult, even more so when the lower skilled jobs are taken by illegal workers. Perhaps I will have some new opportunities next year. Money is not an issue as I have learned to live within my means and not as a permanent tourist.

Before the flamers take aim - I have been working in other countries, the most recent being Malaysia where I took a permanent position thinking my wife could join me - but I hated every minute there and only lasted 9 months. I have never done a days work in Thailand.

To all the cynical idiots out there, wishing ill fortune on others - I hope you choke on your dinner and nobody bothers to help. In fact I hope someone records it on their iphone and posts it here...

lol - harsh - but hey - you are really seeing the mentality and bitterness of many Thaivisa members on these threads.

They should be ashamed of themselves, but I fear most of them are rather proud of the bilious crap they are posting.

[Jip99]

When it comes down to it Thais don't really like foriegners

Our money is wanted but our persons are not

the thais in my village do

How do you know ?

after 20 years I know

That is no answer

[ilocos]

For an American, the minimum wage is 65,000 THB/month in order to hold a work permit so you will have no problem proving this income.

As for the companies that took advantage of the loop holes to pay under minimum wage to teachers, etc. now that it will be universally enforced, the work permit/visa rules should provide an increase in wages for people in this category.

There is no minimum wage for work permit, but there is for extension of stay based on employment and for Americans it's 50.000 baht / month.

To get extension of stay based on marriage or children to income is only 40.000 baht / month.

Better to employ someone married.

This brings up an important point: until now married guys have not had any advantage when it comes to competing in the few occupations open to foreigners, in fact they have been disadvantaged as illegal workers do not have the "hassle" of applying for WP and they will work for less (sometimes even less than Thai people).

One outcome of this crackdown may be that it will be easier for married guys to find employment. There will definitely be many bars going cheaply - if you are that way inclined.

I have found myself in the unenviable position that at the end of my career I find it impossible to find work here as every (ERP) IT position advertised imposes 3 things - Thai national, under 35 years, degree. I have 20 years experience consulting to large manufacturing companies so it is incredibly frustrating to sit at home doing the housework. Going to my home country is not an option.

Changing to a new profession is incredibly difficult, even more so when the lower skilled jobs are taken by illegal workers. Perhaps I will have some new opportunities next year. Money is not an issue as I have learned to live within my means and not as a permanent tourist.

Before the flamers take aim - I have been working in other countries, the most recent being Malaysia where I took a permanent position thinking my wife could join me - but I hated every minute there and only lasted 9 months. I have never done a days work in Thailand.

To all the cynical idiots out there, wishing ill fortune on others - I hope you choke on your dinner and nobody bothers to help. In fact I hope someone records it on their iphone and posts it here...

would you waste your time on flies that stick to shit. Ignore mal discontented adjusted posters in the same way.

lol - harsh - but hey - you are really seeing the mentality and bitterness of many Thaivisa members on these threads.

They should be ashamed of themselves, but I fear most of them are rather proud of the bilious crap they are posting.

[AYJAYDEE]

That is no answer

my wife assures me it is