How many people do you know in Phuket who are stuffed due to visa situation?

[KarenBravo]

I know one guy. Really good bloke that has been here for years using visa exempt stamps and the occasional tourist visa.

He has a daughter here, though he is estranged from his wife. No money, no qualifications, no work prospects.

As soon as his present tourist visa expires, looks like he has to return to his own country. The future is bleak there, too.

Feel very sorry for him.

[ClutchClark]

KB,

Whats best for him?

Remain here on overstay and hopefully under the radar?

Or go home and hope this thing blows over with future elections in a year?

[pagallim]

Given the circumstances that you describe, returning to his home country to find work and raise enough capital for his eventual return here, is probably the best thing for him.

Sent from my GT-I9500 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[KarenBravo]

KB,

Whats best for him?

Remain here on overstay and hopefully under the radar?

Or go home and hope this thing blows over with future elections in a year?

He will probably go home. He's in his late fifties with no job skills, so, chances of him coming back are slim. Even if he does come back, it can only be temporary as he doesn't have enough money to go the retirement visa route.

I hope he doesn't try to overstay. I think he has more sense than that.

Business failed, common law wife left. Oldest story in the book.

A real shame as he's a thoroughly decent bloke.

[simon43]

Business failed, common law wife left.

Even without the recent visa clampdown, his future here would have been very bleak.

[stevehaigh]

Business failed, common law wife left.

Even without the recent visa clampdown, his future here would have been very bleak.

true, here is not a cheap place to live. he could try cambodia or lao i guess.

[glassdude007]

"I know one guy. Really good bloke that has been here for years using visa exempt stamps and the occasional tourist visa.

He has a daughter here, though he is estranged from his wife. No money, no qualifications, no work prospects.

As soon as his present tourist visa expires, looks like he has to return to his own country. The future is bleak there, too.

Feel very sorry for him."

What does this have to do with the Visa situation??

Sounds more like the poor guy has not got the funds to leave the country to get a proper Visa or re up his entry stamp.(if there is such a thing anymore).

Suppose he did have a job say working offshore in and out of Thailand every 30 days. What visa options are there now since 30 day stamp not valid and immigration officials turning back valid tourist with valid visa's??

Not everybody coming to Thailand is Married to a thai or over 50 with a fat bank account.

What options are there now for horny young guys to come to Thailand drink and spend money 3 or 4 times a year???

do they have a special visa for that???

just wondering....

[NamKangMan]

KB,

Whats best for him?

Remain here on overstay and hopefully under the radar?

Or go home and hope this thing blows over with future elections in a year?

He will probably go home. He's in his late fifties with no job skills, so, chances of him coming back are slim. Even if he does come back, it can only be temporary as he doesn't have enough money to go the retirement visa route.

I hope he doesn't try to overstay. I think he has more sense than that.

Business failed, common law wife left. Oldest story in the book.

A real shame as he's a thoroughly decent bloke.

How does one reach late 50's with no assets to show for their working life? What was he actually living on here?

As another member mentions, he may have to go to Laos, Cambodia or Vietnam, where it is considerably cheaper, for maybe 6 months of the year, or even full time.

To my knowledge, the Thai Immigration Department has not stated what is the acceptable period of time between tourists entering Thailand, again, after an exemption stamp or 60 day visa.

This is the question everyone wants answered - what, EXACTLY, is "back to back?" What is an acceptable time period away, outside of Thailand, for Thai Immigration?

I may also be "stuffed." Currently, I've been using two passports and 60 day tourist visas. It creates the appearance that I come to Thailand every 3 months, and stay for 3 months, when in fact, I'm living here full time, minus maybe a week whilst on a visa run and catching up with friends.

I have no business, property, or romantic ties here, so, to be denied entry is not a big problem for me. Thailand is an unstable country, and it's possible the day may come when all foreigners may have to leave the country, for whatever circumstances may occur.

There are many other great places in South East Asia. Of course, I will always come back to Thailand, when allowed to, or if/when all of this crack down fades away. Who knows, many may end up using Thailand as ntheir visa run country.

Many on TV keep saying, "Get the proper visa." Basically, if you are under 50, self funded, not married, don't want to go to school and don't want to set up a sham Thai Company - there is no visa class for this individual. Yes, there is also the Thai Elite Card, but I am not comfortable paying that sort of money for something they can just cancel, with no refund.

Many on TV also say, "Good riddance" to those in a similar situation as myself. I would say, only a small portion work illegally and/or are criminals and scammers. I note that the many saying "Good riddance" have a business and/or property here. I would say, if this visa crack down is real, and permanent, your business will be less profitable, and your property value will decrease, as a large slice of the market has been taken away from Phuket.

Rather than a broad sword crack down on all visa runners, most of who are under 50 years of age, I would have thought the adding of a visa class, with similar criteria to the retirement visa, for those living here on considerable passive income, earnt abroad, would have keep those under 50 who can afford to reside here, and those that couldn't, denied under the tourist visa crack down. Thus, keeping the money spending foreigners in Thailand, and rejecting the money earning foreigners.

Anyway, time will tell, and whilst it's no big deal for me, I feel for those who will be heavily impacted by this, such as your friend.

Edited July 17, 2014 by NamKangMan

[stevenl]

This is the question everyone wants answered - what, EXACTLY, is "back to back?" What is an acceptable time period away, outside of Thailand, for Thai Immigration?

That question will never be answered. It will depend on the individual circumstances.

[HooHaa]

KB,

Whats best for him?

Remain here on overstay and hopefully under the radar?

Or go home and hope this thing blows over with future elections in a year?

He will probably go home. He's in his late fifties with no job skills, so, chances of him coming back are slim. Even if he does come back, it can only be temporary as he doesn't have enough money to go the retirement visa route.

I hope he doesn't try to overstay. I think he has more sense than that.

Business failed, common law wife left. Oldest story in the book.

A real shame as he's a thoroughly decent bloke.

how does one get to 50 with no skills?

[KarenBravo]

KB,

Whats best for him?

Remain here on overstay and hopefully under the radar?

Or go home and hope this thing blows over with future elections in a year?

He will probably go home. He's in his late fifties with no job skills, so, chances of him coming back are slim. Even if he does come back, it can only be temporary as he doesn't have enough money to go the retirement visa route.

I hope he doesn't try to overstay. I think he has more sense than that.

Business failed, common law wife left. Oldest story in the book.

A real shame as he's a thoroughly decent bloke.

how does one get to 50 with no skills?

Same question I asked him.

Anyway. does anyone know others in the same situation, or, am I the only one?

[ignis]

KB,

Whats best for him?

Remain here on overstay and hopefully under the radar?

Or go home and hope this thing blows over with future elections in a year?

He will probably go home. He's in his late fifties with no job skills, so, chances of him coming back are slim. Even if he does come back, it can only be temporary as he doesn't have enough money to go the retirement visa route.

I hope he doesn't try to overstay. I think he has more sense than that.

Business failed, common law wife left. Oldest story in the book.

A real shame as he's a thoroughly decent bloke.

how does one get to 50 with no skills?

Easy, your skills are in the area 'reserved for Thais only'

[NamKangMan]

This is the question everyone wants answered - what, EXACTLY, is "back to back?" What is an acceptable time period away, outside of Thailand, for Thai Immigration?

That question will never be answered. It will depend on the individual circumstances.

It's the lack of such answers, in law, that sees ambiguity, thus confusion, reign supreme here, which is constantly producing bad publicity for Thailand.

[keestha]

This is the question everyone wants answered - what, EXACTLY, is "back to back?" What is an acceptable time period away, outside of Thailand, for Thai Immigration?

That question will never be answered. It will depend on the individual circumstances.

In due course, the situation will sort out itself. The whole crackdown was not very well thought out, and immigration officers have no clear guide lines. So right now like oil rig workers who very obviously do not work in Thailand illegally and also do not reside here permanently are at risk of not being admitted, it is up to the individual immigration officer.

Remember the short lived rule you could make max I believe 2 visa free entries in any 6 month period? After numerous complaints, that one was soon cancelled.

I am sure 1 year down the road, the rules and their interpretation will have been adjusted. But I am very sorry for the people falling through the cracks right now.

[NamKangMan]

KB,

Whats best for him?

Remain here on overstay and hopefully under the radar?

Or go home and hope this thing blows over with future elections in a year?

He will probably go home. He's in his late fifties with no job skills, so, chances of him coming back are slim. Even if he does come back, it can only be temporary as he doesn't have enough money to go the retirement visa route.

I hope he doesn't try to overstay. I think he has more sense than that.

Business failed, common law wife left. Oldest story in the book.

A real shame as he's a thoroughly decent bloke.

how does one get to 50 with no skills?

It's not so much he may have no skills, it's very difficult for someone in their late 50's to even gain unskilled employment in most western countries now.

Edited July 17, 2014 by NamKangMan

[EBlair48]

NO country, especially a developing one wants foreigners that are not contributing taxes. Supporting prostitutes does not count as that income is not taxed, nor is the pimp's collecting that bar-fine.

There seems to be a lot of self entitlement issues coming to light under this latest crackdown- one has a right to spend money here. Well no, you don't. Seems to be all based in having access to sex, frankly. Does Thailand really want to be global hub for sexpats, " horny young guys"? (usually not so young...) Maybe not any longer.

As I have played by the rules since day one, always having a B visa, always paying correct taxes, I have grown to resent those who didn't and got away with it year after year. They have enabled and benefited from this system of ignoring laws and rules. I cannot see how they can now expect sympathy.

I wish they would crackdown on the Education " study" visa holders who are working P/T teaching English at sub standard wages-they are supposed to be studying, not teaching. Not only do they not pay taxes but spend as little as possible. Genuine, diploma'd accredited teachers face a diminished job market and less attractive benefits because of them.

IMO The rest of us face myriad petty scams like charging for residency certificates because these visa cheats are too afraid to stand for their rights.

[stevenl]

So right now like oil rig workers who very obviously do not work in Thailand illegally and also do not reside here permanently are at risk of not being admitted, it is up to the individual immigration officer.

The purpose of the present 'crackdown' is very clear. Oilworkers will not be affected, and I really don't understand why they keep popping up. Looks to me that people who are hesitant about this keep on hammering about this without justification.

The only way oil workers could be affected is if they are on longer than 1 month rotation, are younger than 50 and don't have Thai family. That would mean visa exempt is not an option for them and they can not apply for a visa extension based on marriage or retirement.

[stevenl]

KB,

Whats best for him?

Remain here on overstay and hopefully under the radar?

Or go home and hope this thing blows over with future elections in a year?

He will probably go home. He's in his late fifties with no job skills, so, chances of him coming back are slim. Even if he does come back, it can only be temporary as he doesn't have enough money to go the retirement visa route.

I hope he doesn't try to overstay. I think he has more sense than that.

Business failed, common law wife left. Oldest story in the book.

A real shame as he's a thoroughly decent bloke.

how does one get to 50 with no skills?

Same question I asked him.

Anyway. does anyone know others in the same situation, or, am I the only one?

I see quite a few people on a regular basis working illegally, I would presume they are also on tourist visa, so they will be affected. In my friends and family I don't know anybody though.

[NamKangMan]

NO country, especially a developing one wants foreigners that are not contributing taxes. Supporting prostitutes does not count as that income is not taxed, nor is the pimp's collecting that bar-fine.

There seems to be a lot of self entitlement issues coming to light under this latest crackdown- one has a right to spend money here. Well no, you don't. Seems to be all based in having access to sex, frankly. Does Thailand really want to be global hub for sexpats, " horny young guys"? (usually not so young...) Maybe not any longer.

As I have played by the rules since day one, always having a B visa, always paying correct taxes, I have grown to resent those who didn't and got away with it year after year. They have enabled and benefited from this system of ignoring laws and rules. I cannot see how they can now expect sympathy.

I wish they would crackdown on the Education " study" visa holders who are working P/T teaching English at sub standard wages-they are supposed to be studying, not teaching. Not only do they not pay taxes but spend as little as possible. Genuine, diploma'd accredited teachers face a diminished job market and less attractive benefits because of them.

IMO The rest of us face myriad petty scams like charging for residency certificates because these visa cheats are too afraid to stand for their rights.

"NO country, especially a developing one wants foreigners that are not contributing taxes." - what taxes should the millions of retirees here pay?

They are not working - they are retired. Are you suggesting "No country" wants them?

Edited July 17, 2014 by NamKangMan

[KarenBravo]

Like many people who live here, why should I pay income tax if I don't work here?

Like everyone else, I pay VAT on everything that I buy.

[NamKangMan]

So right now like oil rig workers who very obviously do not work in Thailand illegally and also do not reside here permanently are at risk of not being admitted, it is up to the individual immigration officer.

The purpose of the present 'crackdown' is very clear. Oilworkers will not be affected, and I really don't understand why they keep popping up. Looks to me that people who are hesitant about this keep on hammering about this without justification.

The only way oil workers could be affected is if they are on longer than 1 month rotation, are younger than 50 and don't have Thai family. That would mean visa exempt is not an option for them and they can not apply for a visa extension based on marriage or retirement.

Your posts are contradictory stevenl.

Most rigpigs are young, single and cashed up.

You have stated in a previous post, "That question will never be answered. It will depend on the individual circumstances."

Then you state, "Oilworkers will not be affected.,"

Basically, rigpigs will be living in Thailand for 6 months of the year - not exactly tourists, are they?

If viewed by an individual Immigration Officer that way, they may also be refused.

Edited July 17, 2014 by NamKangMan

[KarenBravo]

On the site we can't mention, it explicitly says that oil workers are not the target. Read it.

Please don't make this thread like the zillion others on TV, speculating on the who and the why.

Read the thread title to remind yourself what it is about. If not, there are plenty of other threads that you can add your assumptions to.

Edited July 17, 2014 by KarenBravo

[stevenl]

So right now like oil rig workers who very obviously do not work in Thailand illegally and also do not reside here permanently are at risk of not being admitted, it is up to the individual immigration officer.

The purpose of the present 'crackdown' is very clear. Oilworkers will not be affected, and I really don't understand why they keep popping up. Looks to me that people who are hesitant about this keep on hammering about this without justification.

The only way oil workers could be affected is if they are on longer than 1 month rotation, are younger than 50 and don't have Thai family. That would mean visa exempt is not an option for them and they can not apply for a visa extension based on marriage or retirement.

Your posts are contradictory stevenl.

Most rigpigs are young, single and cashed up.

You have stated in a previous post, "That question will never be answered. It will depend on the individual circumstances."

Then you state, "Oilworkers will not be affected.,"

Basically, rigpigs will be living in Thailand for 6 months of the year - not exactly tourists, are they?

If viewed by an individual Immigration Officer that way, they may also be refused.

No they are not, they are very clear. Why do you feel the need to make 'that question will never be answered' here in connection with oil workers?

Why don't you just open a thread in the visa section and and ask your questions there, and leave the threads here on topic?

[Jubes]

KB,

Whats best for him?

Remain here on overstay and hopefully under the radar?

Or go home and hope this thing blows over with future elections in a year?

He will probably go home. He's in his late fifties with no job skills, so, chances of him coming back are slim. Even if he does come back, it can only be temporary as he doesn't have enough money to go the retirement visa route.

I hope he doesn't try to overstay. I think he has more sense than that.

Business failed, common law wife left. Oldest story in the book.

A real shame as he's a thoroughly decent bloke.

how does one get to 50 with no skills?

It's not so much he may have no skills, it's very difficult for someone in their late 50's to even gain unskilled employment in most western countries now.

if he can get himself a driving license in which country he returns to and has decent knowledge of the area, city etc. He should be OK. Edited July 17, 2014 by Jubes

[keestha]

So right now like oil rig workers who very obviously do not work in Thailand illegally and also do not reside here permanently are at risk of not being admitted, it is up to the individual immigration officer.

The purpose of the present 'crackdown' is very clear. Oilworkers will not be affected, and I really don't understand why they keep popping up. Looks to me that people who are hesitant about this keep on hammering about this without justification.

The only way oil workers could be affected is if they are on longer than 1 month rotation, are younger than 50 and don't have Thai family. That would mean visa exempt is not an option for them and they can not apply for a visa extension based on marriage or retirement.

Wouldn't count on that......take a look at this one http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/743437-furious-refused-entry-at-suvarnabhumi-airport/

[NamKangMan]

On the site we can't mention, it explicitly says that oil workers are not the target. Read it.

Please don't make this thread like the zillion others on TV, speculating on the who and the why.

Read the thread title to remind yourself what it is about. If not, there are plenty of other threads that you can add your assumptions to.

"it explicitly says that oil workers are not the target" - so who is "the target" and who will be collateral damage?

In relation to the thread title, who knows who will be "stuffed" because they have not confirmed what is the acceptable time period between entering Thailand as a tourists.

Is it, like you suggest, one month in, and one month out? Can you quote an official source for this?

That's still living in Thailand for 6 months. What is the difference between oil workers, and allowing someone a back to back 60 day tourist visa for their 6 months in Thailand?

Maybe they work in the home country for 6 months and holiday in Thailand for the other 6 months.

Edited July 17, 2014 by NamKangMan

[Thai at Heart]

This is the question everyone wants answered - what, EXACTLY, is "back to back?" What is an acceptable time period away, outside of Thailand, for Thai Immigration?

That question will never be answered. It will depend on the individual circumstances.

In due course, the situation will sort out itself. The whole crackdown was not very well thought out, and immigration officers have no clear guide lines. So right now like oil rig workers who very obviously do not work in Thailand illegally and also do not reside here permanently are at risk of not being admitted, it is up to the individual immigration officer.

Remember the short lived rule you could make max I believe 2 visa free entries in any 6 month period? After numerous complaints, that one was soon cancelled.

I am sure 1 year down the road, the rules and their interpretation will have been adjusted. But I am very sorry for the people falling through the cracks right now.

One year.

Well when it comes to the particular group of say oil workers, if they all leg it at once, that takes some pretty serious spenders out of the equation.

I would hope this would get solved in less than a year.

[stevenl]

So right now like oil rig workers who very obviously do not work in Thailand illegally and also do not reside here permanently are at risk of not being admitted, it is up to the individual immigration officer.

The purpose of the present 'crackdown' is very clear. Oilworkers will not be affected, and I really don't understand why they keep popping up. Looks to me that people who are hesitant about this keep on hammering about this without justification.

The only way oil workers could be affected is if they are on longer than 1 month rotation, are younger than 50 and don't have Thai family. That would mean visa exempt is not an option for them and they can not apply for a visa extension based on marriage or retirement.

Wouldn't count on that......take a look at this one http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/743437-furious-refused-entry-at-suvarnabhumi-airport/

Yes, saw that as well, 4 things about that:

1. thread has been closed due to suspicion of a fraudulent OP;

2. I very much doubt, if this story is true, he is the first off shore worker to enter the country like that, so many others have passed without problems;

3. a refusal for somebody who should be admitted undoubtedly will happen, misinterpretation of rules is not uncommon, but that will be the exception;

4. we're going off topic here.

[EBlair48]

So right now like oil rig workers who very obviously do not work in Thailand illegally and also do not reside here permanently are at risk of not being admitted, it is up to the individual immigration officer.

The purpose of the present 'crackdown' is very clear. Oilworkers will not be affected, and I really don't understand why they keep popping up. Looks to me that people who are hesitant about this keep on hammering about this without justification.

The only way oil workers could be affected is if they are on longer than 1 month rotation, are younger than 50 and don't have Thai family. That would mean visa exempt is not an option for them and they can not apply for a visa extension based on marriage or retirement.

Any worker who uses tourist visa to reside here on a temporary basis will now be affected. Not sure how you can exclude oil workers. In fact they seem to be the one group who are not abusing the visa rules- technically that is, just visitors, not working in Thailand illegally and who WILL be affected adversely. They'll get one Tourist visa, 3 entries and then no more...

However any monied person can get a investor visa, renews every year for 10 mil baht about 330,000 $ in a Thai bank that even draws interest. You get that back too, AND can work on it. Not sure why anyone would consider the Elite car which is more expensive and not reliable , as it's been cancelled before.

Less than 50, less than 330 g., no spouse or no job, , then no you are not welcome. Seems reasonable to me.

Edited July 17, 2014 by EBlair48

[stevenl]

So right now like oil rig workers who very obviously do not work in Thailand illegally and also do not reside here permanently are at risk of not being admitted, it is up to the individual immigration officer.

The purpose of the present 'crackdown' is very clear. Oilworkers will not be affected, and I really don't understand why they keep popping up. Looks to me that people who are hesitant about this keep on hammering about this without justification.

The only way oil workers could be affected is if they are on longer than 1 month rotation, are younger than 50 and don't have Thai family. That would mean visa exempt is not an option for them and they can not apply for a visa extension based on marriage or retirement.

Any worker who uses tourist visa to reside here on a temporary basis will now be affected. Not sure how you can exclude oil workers. In fact they seem to be the one group who are not abusing the visa rules- technically that is, just visitors, not working in Thailand illegally and who WILL be affected adversely. They'll get one Tourist visa, 3 entries and then no more...

However any monied person can get a investor visa, renews every year for 10 mil baht about 330,000 $ in a Thai bank that even draws interest. You get that back too, AND can work on it. Not sure why anyone would consider the Elite car which is more expensive and not reliable , as it's been cancelled before.

Less than 50, less than 330 g., no spouse or no job, , then no you are not welcome. Seems reasonable to me.

No, why do you conclude this? They can keep coming in visa exempt. Plus of course many can, and should really, be on non-immigrant extensions anyway because of marriage and/or retirement.