Urgent: Asked for 30 day extension but got 1 year?

[easybullet3]

Yes, its the wrong stamp.
if you are planing on staying in Thailand for the next year (and NEVER LEAVING), then of course you can just leave it and stay here. BUT: when you finally leave thailand they will see the mistake...
at which point you act innocent and blame them for their mistake.. and refuse to pay any fine coz you had no idea it was supposed to be 30 days.
BUT, that is a HUGE risk,, and may cause problems and you miss your flight.

if you have been to thailand a few times before,, then they will know you know the rules. but if this is your first time,, maybe they understand why you believed it.
if it was me, I would go back and have it changed. and, unfortunately you have to go back to the SAME office that gave the wrong stamp. you cant get it changed by another immigration department. so you need to go back to the SAME office.

[stevenl]

Yes, its the wrong stamp.

if you are planing on staying in Thailand for the next year (and NEVER LEAVING), then of course you can just leave it and stay here. BUT: when you finally leave thailand they will see the mistake...

at which point you act innocent and blame them for their mistake.. and refuse to pay any fine coz you had no idea it was supposed to be 30 days.

BUT, that is a HUGE risk,, and may cause problems and you miss your flight.

if you have been to thailand a few times before,, then they will know you know the rules. but if this is your first time,, maybe they understand why you believed it.

if it was me, I would go back and have it changed. and, unfortunately you have to go back to the SAME office that gave the wrong stamp. you cant get it changed by another immigration department. so you need to go back to the SAME office.

Why do people answer posts here without reading the thread?

[In Search of Space]

I have had something similar, on 12 January 2014 the immigration officer at Swampy put an admitted until date of 7 February 2018, when I went to Jomtien immigration to get a residence certificate the officer immediately crossed it out and corrected the date. At the time I was on a work permit, so they would usually input an admitted until date which matched the expiry of my WP.

[DrDave]

Interesting to see that it appears that if Immigration has made an error in the foreigner's favor (granted permission to stay too long), they will correct the error. In my experience, they're not so eager to correct a mistake that short-changes the foreigner.

In my wife's case, the error was made not in her favor, Immigration acknowledges the error, but says that it cannot be formally corrected.

In her case, she entered Thailand on her US passport (she's a Thai citizen) with a Multiple Entry Non-O visa that expires in July 2015. The I/O at Suvarnabhumi incorrectly stamped her visa as "USED" on her first entry, but we didn't notice until several days later. We took her passport to the Phuket Immigration Office, where the Immigration Officer said that "yes, they made a mistake at Suvarnabhumi", but "no, we can't remove or invalidate the 'USED' stamp. Sorry, but you shouldn't have any trouble re-entering Thailand from your visa run in 3 months". Well, 3 months later upon re-entry, it took about 5 minutes and several officers scratching their heads before coming to the conclusion that the "USED" stamp was an error, and her visa was still good, however for a few minutes, it looked like she was going to be denied entry on her Non-O visa.

Not looking forward to our next visa run.

[stevenl]

Interesting to see that it appears that if Immigration has made an error in the foreigner's favor (granted permission to stay too long), they will correct the error. In my experience, they're not so eager to correct a mistake that short-changes the foreigner.

In my wife's case, the error was made not in her favor, Immigration acknowledges the error, but says that it cannot be formally corrected.

In her case, she entered Thailand on her US passport (she's a Thai citizen) with a Multiple Entry Non-O visa that expires in July 2015. The I/O at Suvarnabhumi incorrectly stamped her visa as "USED" on her first entry, but we didn't notice until several days later. We took her passport to the Phuket Immigration Office, where the Immigration Officer said that "yes, they made a mistake at Suvarnabhumi", but "no, we can't remove or invalidate the 'USED' stamp. Sorry, but you shouldn't have any trouble re-entering Thailand from your visa run in 3 months". Well, 3 months later upon re-entry, it took about 5 minutes and several officers scratching their heads before coming to the conclusion that the "USED" stamp was an error, and her visa was still good, however for a few minutes, it looked like she was going to be denied entry on her Non-O visa.

Not looking forward to our next visa run.

Do all was OK, and it just took 5 minutes to confer.

[ubonjoe]

Interesting to see that it appears that if Immigration has made an error in the foreigner's favor (granted permission to stay too long), they will correct the error. In my experience, they're not so eager to correct a mistake that short-changes the foreigner.

In my wife's case, the error was made not in her favor, Immigration acknowledges the error, but says that it cannot be formally corrected.

In her case, she entered Thailand on her US passport (she's a Thai citizen) with a Multiple Entry Non-O visa that expires in July 2015. The I/O at Suvarnabhumi incorrectly stamped her visa as "USED" on her first entry, but we didn't notice until several days later. We took her passport to the Phuket Immigration Office, where the Immigration Officer said that "yes, they made a mistake at Suvarnabhumi", but "no, we can't remove or invalidate the 'USED' stamp. Sorry, but you shouldn't have any trouble re-entering Thailand from your visa run in 3 months". Well, 3 months later upon re-entry, it took about 5 minutes and several officers scratching their heads before coming to the conclusion that the "USED" stamp was an error, and her visa was still good, however for a few minutes, it looked like she was going to be denied entry on her Non-O visa.

Not looking forward to our next visa run.

Why didn't she enter on a her Thai passport?

Skip the border runs by applying for a one year extension at immigration based upon being a Thai national.

[DrDave]

Interesting to see that it appears that if Immigration has made an error in the foreigner's favor (granted permission to stay too long), they will correct the error. In my experience, they're not so eager to correct a mistake that short-changes the foreigner.

In my wife's case, the error was made not in her favor, Immigration acknowledges the error, but says that it cannot be formally corrected.

In her case, she entered Thailand on her US passport (she's a Thai citizen) with a Multiple Entry Non-O visa that expires in July 2015. The I/O at Suvarnabhumi incorrectly stamped her visa as "USED" on her first entry, but we didn't notice until several days later. We took her passport to the Phuket Immigration Office, where the Immigration Officer said that "yes, they made a mistake at Suvarnabhumi", but "no, we can't remove or invalidate the 'USED' stamp. Sorry, but you shouldn't have any trouble re-entering Thailand from your visa run in 3 months". Well, 3 months later upon re-entry, it took about 5 minutes and several officers scratching their heads before coming to the conclusion that the "USED" stamp was an error, and her visa was still good, however for a few minutes, it looked like she was going to be denied entry on her Non-O visa.

Not looking forward to our next visa run.

Why didn't she enter on a her Thai passport?

Skip the border runs by applying for a one year extension at immigration based upon being a Thai national.

She used her US passport in order to be able to return to the US for a visit in the future with minimal hassle.

My understanding from the US State Department is that holders of US passports must use their US passport to enter the US, and in order to enter on the US passport, they must have exited on that same passport. Maybe some people have been able to exit and re-enter on different passports, but I believe that the official regulations require exit/entry on the same US passport. We were just trying to avoid a potential problem with US Immigration in the future.

We both have the same Thai visa type, entered the country at the same time, and make a short holiday of our visa runs together. She'll be doing a one year extension based upon being a Thai national when when her visa expires. She would have done it sooner, but then she would have had to purchase a re-entry permit in order to accompany me on my visa runs.

This seemed to be the easiest (and correct) way to avoid issues with both US and Thai immigration..... until the officer at Suvarnabhumi made the error.

[ubonjoe]

There is no rule that prevents her from using her Thai passport.

She can show both passports when checking in for the flight to here then enter using her Thai passport. On departure she shows both passports on check in to prove she does not need a visa for the US then departs on her Thai passport.

There are people doing this all the time.

[Mario2008]

You have to leave and enter the US on a US passport if you are a US citizen, But you can enter another country on a different passport without any problems.

leaving the US you use the US-passport and at check-in you show both passports to the airline to confirm no visa is needed. You than enter Thailand on the Thai passport. Returning to the US you show Thai immigration the Thai passport and at the airline check-in both passports to confirm no visa is required. At the US you enter with the US passport.

[brianp0803]

Although the stamp is clearly wrong, did he get a 30 day extension?

If he leaves within 30 days, does he need the stamp corrected?

Maybe the computer record is correct and only the stamp is wrong.

[DrDave]

Thank you, ubonjoe and mario2008. Very helpful information, and sorry, I didn't mean to hijack this thread with this special case.

The concern I had before was that US Immigration would not be able to see what country my wife had entered after leaving the US, due to no stamp in her US passport, but it seems that isn't an issue if many people are doing it.

Thanks again.

[ubonjoe]

US immigration does not look for entry/departure stamps for another country. Also you have to remember there are many countries that do not do departure stamps.

[steven100]

Many thanks for all the excellent replies. I won't post multiple thanks but I read them all.

As ubonjoe correctly identified, it was a case of the IO using the wrong stamp. Following his advice I set out for Soi 5 again to get it sorted. The interesting thing was that while on my way, I got a phone call from the IO to say they had made a mistake on my passport and could I bring it back so it could be corrected. I told them I was already on my way.

When I got there, the lady at the desk took me straight to the IO who processed it, he immediately stopped what he was doing, said he was sorry and then corrected the date for me. I was in and out in 2 minutes.

It could be they have a secondary check which picked it up, or it could be someone else had the same issue leading them to check the batch the IO was working on, but it also makes me wonder if this forum is actually monitored by Thai Immigration.

Either way, a speedy and satisfactory resolution was obtained. If I'd had my whits about me I'd have realised straight away it was a mistake, but there was a lot of background to this particular visa (I turned 50 this year and applied for a one year multi entry but the document requirements seemed to change half way through the process - the Thai Embassy web site actually changed between me submitting the docs and the application - and I got a phone call saying I needed to be 55 for what I'd applied for, or I also had to submit a medical and police report to continue the application) so they offered me a 3 entry tourist visa instead, and when this happened today I thought it might be related to that in someway.

Thanks again for the helpful comments.

oh ..lordy .lordy .. I'm so glad you got it corrected before the required date came up. I was very worried about you because you don't need any issues like that and especially an overstay bill !

oh heaven's forbid any wrong doing on your part .. I'm just relieved that it's all sorted for you and you can put your mind at ease now.

oh heavens above , I hope you check next time before leaving the IO....

[samsensam]

Its always best to double check your stamp before leaving the immi office. A few years back the officer stamped my yearly marriage extension with that days date instead of the following year. Luckily I flicked through my passport while leaving the office.

agree, always check your passport mistakes are rare but do happen and can be a pain to sort out

[smedly]

note to OP

make sure you check the expiry of the triple tourist visa (it is usually very close to the 180 days) you cannot use after that date

[Najinsky]

note to OP

make sure you check the expiry of the triple tourist visa (it is usually very close to the 180 days) you cannot use after that date

Yes, this is very good advice, it is usually 180 days after date of issue. So mine was issued 2nd Oct 14 and must be used before 1st April 15.

Triple entry tourist visas take a bit of planning ahead, especially if you have friends who visit and they also want to go see other places like Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, etc.

I have a trip planned for most of Jan so won't need (won't have enough time within the enter before date) to extend my 2nd entry.

My 3rd entry must be 'Before 1st April 15' so will take me through to late June with a 30 day extension.

After that I'm serious looking at the TE option as I like to travel, and organising trips for specific events (grand prix, concerts, festivals, etc) rarely coincide with exit dates so you can waste a lot of days.

I was considering a Multi Entry Non O through my Thai daughter but haven't figured out exactly what the requirements are, for example, from the London Embassy web site:

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS :

The applicants must submit the following relevant documents depending on the purpose of their visit.

Basic Documents requires by all types of Non-Immigrant Visa.

• Visa application form completely filled out
• Passport or travel document with validity not less than 6 months and its copy
• Two (2) recent 2 x 2 inches photographs (taken within the past 6 months)
• Evidence of adequate finance (20,000 Baht per person and 40,000 Baht per family)
• Letter of acceptance from the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare (Alien Occupational

  Control Division, Department of Employment, Tel +662-245-2745, 245-3209, 617-6578, 617-6584

  Fax: +662-6176576, 245-2593) *(Please see below)

Note: The Royal Thai Embassy reserves the rights to request for other additional documents, depending on the type of Non-Immigrant Visa

This appears to be saying quite explicitly that these are the basic documents required for all non-immigrant visa types.

That can't be right because it says you need a letter of acceptance from ministry of labour, which is definitely not a requirement for all non-immigrant visa types. However, that line does have an asterisk next to it to see below, where it refers to relevancy, so for sure this letter is not needed in my case.

It then goes on to list the additional documents for the different categories:

Additional documents requires by each type of Non-Immigrant Visa;

Non-Immigrant Type O

• Birth Certificate (applicant's child)
• Certificate of Marriage or its equivalents (if married to Thai national)
• a copy of marriage certificate and passport or Thai ID of spouse and (3 months bank statement showing monthly income of more than £1,400 anuually.)
• An official recommendation letter from organization perform voluntary job in Thailand (for volunteer job)
• Pension statement if the applicant is a pension earner.

So a litteral reading of this gives me requirements of:

• Visa application form completely filled out
• Passport or travel document with validity not less than 6 months and its copy
• Two (2) recent 2 x 2 inches photographs (taken within the past 6 months)
• Evidence of adequate finance (20,000 Baht per person and 40,000 Baht per family)
• Birth Certificate (applicant's child)

However, there is lots of advice on here that says when the visa is based on family, the evidence of finance is not required.

Lots have friends have been having all kinds of trouble with evidence of finance recently so it would be good if that wasn't a requirement.

Further, from the Consulate in Birmingham's site:

If you have a Thai child but not married to a Thai national we require copies of birth certificate, Passport/ID card and all legal documents showing you have custody.

I have a daughter, I am named as the father on the BC, she has my name and a passport so I can show all that, but I don't have custody so I appear to be screwed there.

So for me the TE route seems like it's could save me a lot of hassle and ancillary costs and may be the best way forward.

Regards

[ubonjoe]

If you were married to your child's mother you are the legal father of your child. If not you need to legitimize your parenthood.

Custody would only be needed if you were married and was granted custody during the divorce.

Legitimization documents would be enough to get the visa.

See: How To Gain Parental Rights As A Father

[Mario2008]

Not being the legal father means that you might get a single entry non-O, but likely not a multiple non-O.

[Mario2008]

1 post containing insults removed.

Keep it civil.