Advice re unexpected Overstay Problem please [Forced 24-hour absence from Thailand before return?]

[roykeanz]

Hi folks,

I have a 60-Day "Wife Visit" visa which expired Aug 13th. Being ill, I missed the deadline date went to Poi Pet border yesterday (Aug 15th). This meant a 2-day Overstay.

I was expecting to pay a B1,000 fine for the 2-day overstay but not expecting further issues.

However, at the Overstay Counter, the Thai Immigration Officer said I could leave Thailand but could not come back for one day at least (his English wasn’t great so I did not know if this meant that one could not return to Thailand until after a strict 24-hour absence or that one could return anytime the next day (which could mean much less time outside Thailand).

I had to get back to BKK to take my daughter to an appointment, so I did not exit at Poi Pet.

I had a brief overstay on a visa once before - late last year - but there had been no issue whatsoever at Poi Pet Immigration so I was shocked at this turn of events. Further, I had not seen any notice of changes made to the rules.

I would greatly appreciate is someone could please advise as to the following;

1. Have the Overstay rules been changed recently to enforce this rule?

2. If so, does this enforce a strict 24-hour absence from Thailand [or could one return anytime the next day]?

3. Does this rule apply only to land borders?

4. Could I travel by air to a nearby country and return on the same day without issues?

5. If I travel by air to a nearby country and return the same day, what is the best (i.e. least hassle / cheapest visa/ etc.) nearby foreign airport to fly to?

6. The overstay will now increase to 5 days before I get travel arrangements sorted - does this new overstay duration pose any extra problems?

Thanks in advance.

[Mario2008]

1. No. not in force yet.

2. Don't know of that rule. It might be wise to return with a visa anyway. Savanakhet (Laos) now has same day visa service and you can get a multiple non-O there without the need to show money. Depending on your further plans this might be a very good option.

5 day overstay is 2,500 baht.

[96tehtarp]

1. No. not in force yet.

2. Don't know of that rule. It might be wise to return with a visa anyway. Savanakhet (Laos) now has same day visa service and you can get a multiple non-O there without the need to show money. Depending on your further plans this might be a very good option.

5 day overstay is 2,500 baht.

I would take the Savanakhet advice. It's an easy trip to Mukhdahan and over the bridge to Savanakhet. Keep in mind with a one year non-imm multi "o" visa you will be given a 90 entry stamp when you return which can then be extended at Thai immigration for an additional 60 days for 1900 baht. The visa itself costs 5000 Baht. A single entry visa is less expensive.

If you need info on how to do the Savanakhet trip search for topics on that here, or ask.

Edited August 16, 2014 by 96tehtarp

[roykeanz]

Many thanks indeed, Mario2008 and 96tehtarp.

That’s a great option and one I had never been aware of.

I will give it a shot on Monday and hopefully be able to get same day visa service.

BTW, for readers who want to find out more about this option, there's a great post at

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/697299-worry-free-non-o-visa-savannakhet/

Just 2 final questions on this one, if I may, please …

1. When I depart Thai border Control at Mukdahan, I assume they won’t enforce some 24-hour absence from Thailand rule or something similar?
2. Can someone with a short overstay on their Thai visa travel on domestic flights (a trip to Ubon tomorrow, in my case) without risk of getting into trouble with the Immigration Police? The ticket counter, of course, always check your passport but do they also check visa status and report an overstay to the Police or/and refuse permission to fly?

Thanks

[Mario2008]

Airlines do not check your visa/permission to stay, only your ID.

Question 1 you can ask at the border.

[96tehtarp]

Many thanks indeed, Mario2008 and 96tehtarp.

That’s a great option and one I had never been aware of.

I will give it a shot on Monday and hopefully be able to get same day visa service.

BTW, for readers who want to find out more about this option, there's a great post at

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/697299-worry-free-non-o-visa-savannakhet/

Just 2 final questions on this one, if I may, please …

1. When I depart Thai border Control at Mukdahan, I assume they won’t enforce some 24-hour absence from Thailand rule or something similar?
2. Can someone with a short overstay on their Thai visa travel on domestic flights (a trip to Ubon tomorrow, in my case) without risk of getting into trouble with the Immigration Police? The ticket counter, of course, always check your passport but do they also check visa status and report an overstay to the Police or/and refuse permission to fly?

Thanks

1. Not sure. If I were you I'd plan to spend a night in Savanakhet and relax! If you try to do it all in one day you are going to get stressed unnecessarily.

[roykeanz]

Many thanks indeed, Mario2008 and 96tehtarp.

That’s a great option and one I had never been aware of.

I will give it a shot on Monday and hopefully be able to get same day visa service.

BTW, for readers who want to find out more about this option, there's a great post at

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/697299-worry-free-non-o-visa-savannakhet/

Just 2 final questions on this one, if I may, please …

1. When I depart Thai border Control at Mukdahan, I assume they won’t enforce some 24-hour absence from Thailand rule or something similar?
2. Can someone with a short overstay on their Thai visa travel on domestic flights (a trip to Ubon tomorrow, in my case) without risk of getting into trouble with the Immigration Police? The ticket counter, of course, always check your passport but do they also check visa status and report an overstay to the Police or/and refuse permission to fly?

Thanks

1. Not sure. If I were you I'd plan to spend a night in Savanakhet and relax! If you try to do it all in one day you are going to get stressed unnecessarily.

That overnight stay makes a lot of sense, now I know the bus situation from BKK to MUK!

Thanks.

[roykeanz]

Airlines do not check your visa/permission to stay, only your ID.

Question 1 you can ask at the border.

That's what I guessed re airlines - but you never know in Thailand.

Thanks again.

[96tehtarp]

Many thanks indeed, Mario2008 and 96tehtarp.

That’s a great option and one I had never been aware of.

I will give it a shot on Monday and hopefully be able to get same day visa service.

BTW, for readers who want to find out more about this option, there's a great post at

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/697299-worry-free-non-o-visa-savannakhet/

Just 2 final questions on this one, if I may, please …

1. When I depart Thai border Control at Mukdahan, I assume they won’t enforce some 24-hour absence from Thailand rule or something similar?
2. Can someone with a short overstay on their Thai visa travel on domestic flights (a trip to Ubon tomorrow, in my case) without risk of getting into trouble with the Immigration Police? The ticket counter, of course, always check your passport but do they also check visa status and report an overstay to the Police or/and refuse permission to fly?

Thanks

1. Not sure. If I were you I'd plan to spend a night in Savanakhet and relax! If you try to do it all in one day you are going to get stressed unnecessarily.

That overnight stay makes a lot of sense, now I know the bus situation from BKK to MUK!

Thanks.

Overnight VIP buses are comfortable. I recommend them. Your can book your seat online and pay at 7/11.

Never use a bus from a "tour company" Kao San Rd, etc.

[roykeanz]

Many thanks indeed, Mario2008 and 96tehtarp.

That’s a great option and one I had never been aware of.

I will give it a shot on Monday and hopefully be able to get same day visa service.

BTW, for readers who want to find out more about this option, there's a great post at

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/697299-worry-free-non-o-visa-savannakhet/

Just 2 final questions on this one, if I may, please …

1. When I depart Thai border Control at Mukdahan, I assume they won’t enforce some 24-hour absence from Thailand rule or something similar?
2. Can someone with a short overstay on their Thai visa travel on domestic flights (a trip to Ubon tomorrow, in my case) without risk of getting into trouble with the Immigration Police? The ticket counter, of course, always check your passport but do they also check visa status and report an overstay to the Police or/and refuse permission to fly?

Thanks

1. Not sure. If I were you I'd plan to spend a night in Savanakhet and relax! If you try to do it all in one day you are going to get stressed unnecessarily.

That overnight stay makes a lot of sense, now I know the bus situation from BKK to MUK!

Thanks.

Overnight VIP buses are comfortable. I recommend them. Your can book your seat online and pay at 7/11.

Never use a bus from a "tour company" Kao San Rd, etc.

Thanks again, man!

The missus booked something from Mor Chit, travelling overnight tonight. I've no idea how VIP - or otherwise - the thing is though!

[phuketrichard]

Many thanks indeed, Mario2008 and 96tehtarp.

That’s a great option and one I had never been aware of.

I will give it a shot on Monday and hopefully be able to get same day visa service.

BTW, for readers who want to find out more about this option, there's a great post at

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/697299-worry-free-non-o-visa-savannakhet/

Just 2 final questions on this one, if I may, please …

1. When I depart Thai border Control at Mukdahan, I assume they won’t enforce some 24-hour absence from Thailand rule or something similar?
2. Can someone with a short overstay on their Thai visa travel on domestic flights (a trip to Ubon tomorrow, in my case) without risk of getting into trouble with the Immigration Police? The ticket counter, of course, always check your passport but do they also check visa status and report an overstay to the Police or/and refuse permission to fly?

Thanks

1. Not sure. If I were you I'd plan to spend a night in Savanakhet and relax! If you try to do it all in one day you are going to get stressed unnecessarily.

That overnight stay makes a lot of sense, now I know the bus situation from BKK to MUK!

Thanks.

One thing u must be aware of;

if you take the bus an the bus is stopped an they check your passport an see your overstayed ( ie your visa has expired) u have a good chance of being arrested.

MY suggestion, fly somewhere

[Mario2008]

On the way to the border with only a few days overstay not much chance. Immigration will not want the extra paperwork for such a case.

[96tehtarp]

That overnight stay makes a lot of sense, now I know the bus situation from BKK to MUK!

Thanks.

One thing u must be aware of;

if you take the bus an the bus is stopped an they check your passport an see your overstayed ( ie your visa has expired) u have a good chance of being arrested.

MY suggestion, fly somewhere

Last year I got stopped by immigration police on my way to Mae Sot (Myanmar border) and they spotted my overstay of 1-2 days. They didn't arrest me, and told me to continue on, proceed to the border, and clear my fine.

That's not suggesting your suggestion isn't a valid one.

Edited August 17, 2014 by 96tehtarp

[phuketrichard]

ok;

but all it takes is an over zealous officer.....

is it worth the risk?

[SiggiCM]

I not believe you have to stay 1 day outside thailand if you are married to a thai or you have thai kid, so you travel with your kid out of thailand and u return within 24 hours Immigration will tell you, your 3 years old child can go into thailand but you have to stay outside?

will never happend!

[paz]

I not believe you have to stay 1 day outside thailand if you are married to a thai or you have thai kid, so you travel with your kid out of thailand and u return within 24 hours Immigration will tell you, your 3 years old child can go into thailand but you have to stay outside?

will never happend!

It has happened at Sadao too. Even if wrong, people has to deal with it.

[chingching]

If your original overstay was due to illness, why didn't you get a note from your doctor or hospital, stating so?

[Theo007]

Last week when I did my 90 day report in Jomtien I was asked to read the new overstay regulations and then to sign a form in Thai. The officer explained that it stated that I had read and understood the new rules. Apparently if one overstays one has to leave the Kingdom for at least a year. The period increases according to the length of the overstay and the highest penalty is banned for life.

[Sophon]

Last week when I did my 90 day report in Jomtien I was asked to read the new overstay regulations and then to sign a form in Thai. The officer explained that it stated that I had read and understood the new rules. Apparently if one overstays one has to leave the Kingdom for at least a year. The period increases according to the length of the overstay and the highest penalty is banned for life.

Not quite accurate. You are only blacklisted if you overstay more than 90 days, and you will not be banned for life. Banning for life was in the original proposal but was taken out later.

Sophon

[brewsterbudgen]

Many thanks indeed, Mario2008 and 96tehtarp.

Thats a great option and one I had never been aware of.

I will give it a shot on Monday and hopefully be able to get same day visa service.

BTW, for readers who want to find out more about this option, there's a great post at

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/697299-worry-free-non-o-visa-savannakhet/

Just 2 final questions on this one, if I may, please

• When I depart Thai border Control at Mukdahan, I assume they wont enforce some 24-hour absence from Thailand rule or something similar?
• Can someone with a short overstay on their Thai visa travel on domestic flights (a trip to Ubon tomorrow, in my case) without risk of getting into trouble with the Immigration Police? The ticket counter, of course, always check your passport but do they also check visa status and report an overstay to the Police or/and refuse permission to fly?

Thanks

1. Not sure. If I were you I'd plan to spend a night in Savanakhet and relax! If you try to do it all in one day you are going to get stressed unnecessarily.

That overnight stay makes a lot of sense, now I know the bus situation from BKK to MUK!

Thanks.

One thing u must be aware of;

if you take the bus an the bus is stopped an they check your passport an see your overstayed ( ie your visa has expired) u have a good chance of being arrested.

MY suggestion, fly somewhere

If you have the money, you can fly direct to Savannakhet from BKK on Lao Airlines.

[Theo007]

Sorry, Sophon, your information may be correct however I was only stating what was on the printed card shown to be at Jomtien. I even questioned it and the officer said that he anticipated catching many farangs. From his tone of voice one could imagine he was talking about some kind of vermin!

[nealthewheel]

I have a looming overstay problem due to HMPO delays at returning newly issued passports to Trendy House in Bangkok. My Tourist Visa extension expires on the 3 September and I will probably report to Chiang Mai Immigration to see what they can do for me. Technically I can't leave Thailand because I don't have a passport as my old one is not in the system anymore. Does anyone know what happens in these circumstances?? I have been waiting 7 weeks now for my new passport and the 3rd of September is the 9 weeks quoted. I have also read that the strike action in the UK is only for applications made in the UK. Overseas passport applications are dealt with in a different manner and kept separate from UK base applicants. Does anyone have any further information on this?

I'm keeping my fingers and toes crossed.

[ubonjoe]

I have a looming overstay problem due to HMPO delays at returning newly issued passports to Trendy House in Bangkok. My Tourist Visa extension expires on the 3 September and I will probably report to Chiang Mai Immigration to see what they can do for me. Technically I can't leave Thailand because I don't have a passport as my old one is not in the system anymore. Does anyone know what happens in these circumstances?? I have been waiting 7 weeks now for my new passport and the 3rd of September is the 9 weeks quoted. I have also read that the strike action in the UK is only for applications made in the UK. Overseas passport applications are dealt with in a different manner and kept separate from UK base applicants. Does anyone have any further information on this?

I'm keeping my fingers and toes crossed.

Hopefully you will have your passport by the 3rd. About all immigration can do is offer you a 7 day to leave the country that you would have to pay 1900 baht for.

[nealthewheel]

I have a looming overstay problem due to HMPO delays at returning newly issued passports to Trendy House in Bangkok. My Tourist Visa extension expires on the 3 September and I will probably report to Chiang Mai Immigration to see what they can do for me. Technically I can't leave Thailand because I don't have a passport as my old one is not in the system anymore. Does anyone know what happens in these circumstances?? I have been waiting 7 weeks now for my new passport and the 3rd of September is the 9 weeks quoted. I have also read that the strike action in the UK is only for applications made in the UK. Overseas passport applications are dealt with in a different manner and kept separate from UK base applicants. Does anyone have any further information on this?

I'm keeping my fingers and toes crossed.

Hopefully you will have your passport by the 3rd. About all immigration can do is offer you a 7 day to leave the country that you would have to pay 1900 baht for.

thanks for that ubonjoe -- 7 days may be all I need with any luck. I will do my best in the next few days to contact the Chiang Mai consulate by phone and see if I can get any further assistance and see if I qualify for an Emergency Travel Document. It would be so easy if they would just reinstate my old passport as it has 2 years left on it but only 2 empty pages. I never realised that this would be such a gamble to obtain a new passport while here in Thailand.

[nealthewheel]

I have a looming overstay problem due to HMPO delays at returning newly issued passports to Trendy House in Bangkok. My Tourist Visa extension expires on the 3 September and I will probably report to Chiang Mai Immigration to see what they can do for me. Technically I can't leave Thailand because I don't have a passport as my old one is not in the system anymore. Does anyone know what happens in these circumstances?? I have been waiting 7 weeks now for my new passport and the 3rd of September is the 9 weeks quoted. I have also read that the strike action in the UK is only for applications made in the UK. Overseas passport applications are dealt with in a different manner and kept separate from UK base applicants. Does anyone have any further information on this?

I'm keeping my fingers and toes crossed.

Hopefully you will have your passport by the 3rd. About all immigration can do is offer you a 7 day to leave the country that you would have to pay 1900 baht for.

thanks for that ubonjoe -- 7 days may be all I need with any luck. I will do my best in the next few days to contact the Chiang Mai consulate by phone and see if I can get any further assistance and see if I qualify for an Emergency Travel Document. It would be so easy if they would just reinstate my old passport as it has 2 years left on it but only 2 empty pages. I never realised that this would be such a gamble to obtain a new passport while here in Thailand.

well wonders never cease - I just heard from HMPO at Trendy House in Sukhamvit and they have told me I can get an emergency travel document/passport -- cost 5320 Baht -- more bloody expense but it is a solution at least to a very sticky problem. Now I would like to know if I can get a Thai Tourist visa on an emergency passport - it will allow you travel to up to 5 countries.

[ericthai]

I not believe you have to stay 1 day outside thailand if you are married to a thai or you have thai kid, so you travel with your kid out of thailand and u return within 24 hours Immigration will tell you, your 3 years old child can go into thailand but you have to stay outside?

will never happend!

Cambodia has a rule that you must stay 24hrs after entering. So the Thai office might be saying this. Due to the issues late last week Cambodia side might be getting strict on their rules as pay back. Typically you can pay a small fee so you dont have to stay 24hrs. However it is the rules of Cambodia that you need to stay 24hrs, no in and out.

[ericthai]

Sorry, Sophon, your information may be correct however I was only stating what was on the printed card shown to be at Jomtien. I even questioned it and the officer said that he anticipated catching many farangs. From his tone of voice one could imagine he was talking about some kind of vermin!

You should do some searches. This topic has been discussed in length several times. If you do a search a picture of the actual announcement from Immigration has been posted. The following is the notice details.

The aliens who violate The Immigration Act, B.E.2522 by overstaying more than 90 days in the Kingdom of Thailand will be forbidden from re-entering the kingdom for a certain period of time as follow ;

Overstay more than 90 days forbidden 1 year

Overstay more than 1 year forbidden 3 years

Overstay more than 3 years forbidden 5 years

Overstay more than 5 years forbidden 10 years

In the case that alien is being apprehended

Overstay less than 1 year forbidden 5 years

Overstay more than 1 years forbidden 10 years

[hopdafru]

So how did it go roykeanz? Supposing yo are in Savanakhet by now or have you returned safely to LOS?

[roykeanz]

So how did it go roykeanz? Supposing yo are in Savanakhet by now or have you returned safely to LOS?

Hey hopdafru

Back in one piece! A lot of bus time but, thankfully, all went well!

Seems that the overstay complications are specific to Cambodia as ericthai pointed out above.

It seems that, right now - for some reason - the CAM side are strictly enforcing the rule he referred to [..."Cambodia has a rule that you must stay 24hrs after entering." ...]

At the Thai departure area in MUK, the staff were real friendly and helpful [which, for me, was a rather bizzarre phenomenon to encounter!] After they confirmed the overstay would have no repercussions on returning to Thailand or on the processing of a 1-year Non-IMM O visa application at Savanakhet, I just paid the overstay fine [by then, a sum of B2,500], signed a couple of forms and that was that!

It was such a relief!

A short summary of the logistics of the trip ...

I caught a VIP bus from Mor Chit [@ B600?]. We departed 8pm Sunday and got off around 5AM Monday, close to Amnat Charoen [approx 1 hour before MUK] at the wife's relatives' place.

The bus was full but reasonably comfortable [aside from the few hours of screaming ear assault - first from some Thai movie they showed, then from the shrieking Thai music they played afterwards!], although, as usual, I wasn't able to sleep on the thing.

I got a lift that afternoon to the Friendship Bridge. I was the only person passing across at that time so the process was real fast. The only headache is that, in order to then traverse the bridge, you have to wait for the "Friendship Bridge" bus to come from MUK. By luck, the timing was perfect and the bus just arrived a few minutes later [around 3.30 PM] You get the ticket at a counter right before the Thai exit and costs B50.

On the Laos side. I was the only farang. There were some cop chicks in a booth but no forms etc and no assistance fortcoming as to what I should do, until some minutes later, some guy opened a nondescript window behind me and gave me the entry card to fill out.

I got a tuk tuk form the Laos side to Leena guesthouse for B150. Man, that place is a dirty and extremely basic dive - replete with crappy aircon and broken fan! [the room I was first given was even worse and I promptly had the guy give me another room] - although, I guess it is cheap [well, by Thai standards anyway @ B380].

It's not a good sign when, on arrival, you see a maid with a massive net bag full of live cockroaches outside some room.

Nothing at all to do in Savanakhet by night [and indeed by day too]. I walked around many streets but it seems the place almost shuts down after 7pm! Lots of stray angry dogs on every dark soi too ... always nice! Decamped to room early with a few Lao beers.

Got to the the tiniest consulate in the world around 915 next morn. Short queue and things sorted ok. handed over the B5,000 fee. The staff are not overly friendly there though - when I asked the guy about the likely collection time, he just pointed vaguely at something outside the window {though there was no information or indeed any sign there!}

Went back around 2.20pm. Quite a few folk were waiting there but the place was still closed! It opened at 2.40 [well, only 40 mins late!] I picked up the passport pretty fast and the 1-year Non-IMM O visa visa was fine.

I took a tuk tuk straight to the border and passed through Laos immigration real fast. The a short wait for the bus, which was packed [lots of farangs included.]

The Thai side was a nightmare. Slow as **** and hot as hell! Definition of inept.

First, when completing the entry card, some crazy cop was going from farang to farang, 'checking for Ebola' with a non-contact thermometer!

Next, I queued for long time at the counter marked Foreigners and eventually reached the counter only to be told it was closing! I did the same at the adjoining counter they tole me to go to, only to again to be told again that it was closing! Another lovely queue finally at the counter marked ASEAN [what?] before I got through at last!

I got picked up by the relatives outside and off to MUK for a few beers and food.

Overnight at relatives place and night bus back to BKK next evening.

Arrived home 4.30AM Thursday!

Such fun!!!

-

Edited August 24, 2014 by roykeanz