Popular Post spambot Posted July 30, 2015 Popular Post Share Posted July 30, 2015 While this is not news to many – It is just confirmation to most that it's still available. I did have chance to speak to one of the 1st stage processing staff at the consulate since he was fluent in English, helpful and had a great attitude (which was a nice change at any Consulate). Even though I knew it was a bit risky I told him that this was my third back to back application and hence could he tell me what were my chances – He said that two back to back was never a problem, the third is normally OK and the fourth is arbitrary and could be a gamble on the day. So I then asked him what did the decision for the third back to back depend upon. He said that the consulate staff in the building to his right (where you pay your fees on the final and 3rd stage of the process) they study the context of previous visits and just look to identify clear major abuse using the visa system (he did not elaborate on what this might look like) and they 'might' use data that is external to what visa stamps in the passport. But when I pushed a little further he couldn't think of anything for a while he did finally gave an example if the applicant had a criminal record. This comment about other external data and the criminal record was a bit of a surprise since I was not sure how they would determine this. I can only assume that any external data is simply limited to the information that is available on the sim chip in the passport itself. But since this is normally only used to validates the passport and in extreme cases used for Interpol checks its hence a pretty big criminal showing up for a visa application and hence this information was a bit of a divergence. However aside from this comment about external data.... Making a 3rd application is still available, but comes as no surprise that there is no fixed rules - However generally there will normally be no problem for most applications. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elviajero Posted July 30, 2015 Share Posted July 30, 2015 Thanks for the report. "they study the context of previous visits and just look to identify clear major abuse using the visa system (he did not elaborate on what this might look like) and they 'might' use data that is external to what visa stamps in the passport." There is no limit to the number of tourist visas but many people do abuse the system by working using tourist visas, which is the underlying issue. After 3 or 4 visas applicants may be asked for proof of income from abroad as that at least demonstrates the person doesn't need to work and can finance their stay. If the embassy are satisfied with this there shouldn't be an issue getting more. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spambot Posted July 30, 2015 Author Share Posted July 30, 2015 Great comment elviajero - So what you are saying is that if you simply take your Thai bank book with a history of clearly spending and using the account and there is is a reasonable amount of funds in the account sufficient for the next four months until the next double visa application - then presenting this should in fact get a tourist visa for any amount of applications made for a new Tourist Visa - Is that correct? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ldiablo Posted July 30, 2015 Share Posted July 30, 2015 (edited) @spambot. Curious as to whether or not you recieved a red stamp indicating that proof of residence in Thailand and financial proof are required next time, which seems to be the norm when it comes to a 3rd back to back tourist visa? Edited July 30, 2015 by ldiablo 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elviajero Posted July 30, 2015 Share Posted July 30, 2015 Great comment elviajero - So what you are saying is that if you simply take your Thai bank book with a history of clearly spending and using the account and there is is a reasonable amount of funds in the account sufficient for the next four months until the next double visa application - then presenting this should in fact get a tourist visa for any amount of applications made for a new Tourist Visa - Is that correct? In my opinion a Thai bank book probably wouldn't help because it's proof of income from abroad that they are looking for if trying to satisfy that the applicant doesn't need to work. If you could prove the funds in the Thai bank came from abroad it might be accepted. It's a combination of having sufficient funds and that the funds come from abroad that counts. And remember this 3+ rule is the Vientiane embassies own so worst case you can go down the road to Savannakhet or go to another country. That said, Consulates/Embassies and IO's have the right to satisfy themselves that you have sufficient funds to finance your stay at any time and with any application or entry. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spambot Posted July 30, 2015 Author Share Posted July 30, 2015 (edited) @ldiablo Good questions @elviajero Good follow up info. I did not have any red stamp from the consulate - I have just examined the Visa and it is just the same as the previous two others I have with no stamp here or on any other pages. This might be that they were extremely busy that day (over 600 applications - next day there were less than 200) I noticed while I was waiting this notice on the wall - I took picture with Camera - It says that they are looking for 20,000 Baht as proof as part of the documents required. Obviously from other peoples experiences they do not ask for this routinely, but might use this as part of process for multiple applications. Edited July 30, 2015 by spambot Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spambot Posted July 30, 2015 Author Share Posted July 30, 2015 @elviajero - Missed a good point that you made - Proof of overseas where the bank funds came from - Since as you rightly say - Their aim is to stop people using the multiple visa working in Thailand and hence if funds are arriving from overseas and being spent in Thailand that might be enough to have them feel that they have satisfied their objectives. Getting this proof from any Thai bank is fairly straight forward. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ubonjoe Posted July 30, 2015 Share Posted July 30, 2015 A Thai bank book will show that the transfers came from abroad. I think most banks use the FTT (foreign telex transfer) code for them. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spambot Posted July 30, 2015 Author Share Posted July 30, 2015 Thanks - ubonjoe Nice to get your take on this as the resident oracle - Any reports of multiple 3+ using these forms of proof successfully? - Since as elviajero points out - The objective is to prevent working while in Thailand and is not really based upon the principle that multiple visa per say should be rationed.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shiver Posted July 30, 2015 Share Posted July 30, 2015 I just checked my bankbook from Bangkok bank and it says "TRD" for deposits, which come from Hong Kong. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elviajero Posted July 30, 2015 Share Posted July 30, 2015 @ldiablo Good questions @elviajero Good follow up info. I did not have any red stamp from the consulate - I have just examined the Visa and it is just the same as the previous two others I have with no stamp here or on any other pages. This might be that they were extremely busy that day (over 600 applications - next day there were less than 200) I noticed while I was waiting this notice on the wall - I took picture with Camera - It says that they are looking for 20,000 Baht as proof as part of the documents required. Obviously from other peoples experiences they do not ask for this routinely, but might use this as part of process for multiple applications. Yes they can insist on an outbound flight and the 20k for any standard, 1st or subsequent application, but many Embassies/Consulates don't. I don't think that 20k alone would be sufficient to satisfy working concerns. But others might be able to advise further. I think most people give up with Vientiane once they get the red stamp as it's easier to go to another office. If you are planning to live here long term you should be aware that you cannot do any work, without a work permit, whilst inside Thailand even if that work is for a company, business based abroad. I only mention this because some people work here online and earn an income abroad that they transfer here. Legally they can't and disclosing such would not be accepted by immigration officers or when applying for visas. Earning a passive income from abroad is no problem. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ubonjoe Posted July 30, 2015 Share Posted July 30, 2015 My Bangkok Bangkok bank book shows FTT for my transfers. In the back of the book it shows TRD as "Transferred From Other Account". Is it coming from a Bangkok Bangkok Bank account in Hong Kong. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post ubonjoe Posted July 30, 2015 Popular Post Share Posted July 30, 2015 Thanks - ubonjoe Nice to get your take on this as the resident oracle - Any reports of multiple 3+ using these forms of proof successfully? - Since as elviajero points out - The objective is to prevent working while in Thailand and is not really based upon the principle that multiple visa per say should be rationed.. Proof of income coming from abroad is the best way to overcome any suspicion you are working. It seems from reports I have seen that they prefer the proof to be a Thai bank book showing transfers into the country because they are more familiar with them. It also serves as proof you have enough money to live on. They are not concerned about how long you are staying here. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spambot Posted July 30, 2015 Author Share Posted July 30, 2015 Thanks - ubonjoe Nice to get your take on this as the resident oracle - Any reports of multiple 3+ using these forms of proof successfully? - Since as elviajero points out - The objective is to prevent working while in Thailand and is not really based upon the principle that multiple visa per say should be rationed.. Proof of income coming from abroad is the best way to overcome any suspicion you are working. It seems from reports I have seen that they prefer the proof to be a Thai bank book showing transfers into the country because they are more familiar with them. It also serves as proof you have enough money to live on. They are not concerned about how long you are staying here. Good positioning ubonjoe - Like the way that you say it - They are not concerned about how long, but rather you are not working as it allows those making applications to at least understand what the consulate is trying to prevent - Thanks for that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shiver Posted July 30, 2015 Share Posted July 30, 2015 My Bangkok Bangkok bank book shows FTT for my transfers. In the back of the book it shows TRD as "Transferred From Other Account". Is it coming from a Bangkok Bangkok Bank account in Hong Kong. I can't be 100% sure. HK in this case is HSBC I'll have to ask the guy who takes care of admin for the company, as that could be a significant point that could cause issues for me in the future. Now that I come to think more about it, transfers do seem to be limited to exactly 50,000 baht so it has to come in as multiple transfers within seconds of each other, which suggests it might be coming from HK to a Thai holding account then to my personal account (I get SMS confirmation, but it is limited in information that I hadn't paid much attention to). If that is the case then I'll have to stop that to avoid any potential issues in the future when going for a Tourist visa (I'm considering Elite, but am reluctant because of cost/benefit unless cornered, so just seeing how far I can go with Tourist route at the moment). Thanks for pointing that out, and apologies to OP as I don't want to hijack the thread. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spambot Posted July 30, 2015 Author Share Posted July 30, 2015 My Bangkok Bangkok bank book shows FTT for my transfers. In the back of the book it shows TRD as "Transferred From Other Account". Is it coming from a Bangkok Bangkok Bank account in Hong Kong. I can't be 100% sure. HK in this case is HSBC I'll have to ask the guy who takes care of admin for the company, as that could be a significant point that could cause issues for me in the future. Now that I come to think more about it, transfers do seem to be limited to exactly 50,000 baht so it has to come in as multiple transfers within seconds of each other, which suggests it might be coming from HK to a Thai holding account then to my personal account (I get SMS confirmation, but it is limited in information that I hadn't paid much attention to). If that is the case then I'll have to stop that to avoid any potential issues in the future when going for a Tourist visa (I'm considering Elite, but am reluctant because of cost/benefit unless cornered, so just seeing how far I can go with Tourist route at the moment). Thanks for pointing that out, and apologies to OP as I don't want to hijack the thread. Not at all a problem - Glad you chipped in - All information helps in some way. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IMA_FARANG Posted July 30, 2015 Share Posted July 30, 2015 I keep telling people that your passbook clearly shows foreign funds transfers into Thailand. Each bank has a code for incoming foreign funds transfers....for Bangkok Bank, for example it is FFT for Foreign Funds Transfer. Having a consistent pattern of routine (monthly if possible) incoming funds transfers is a key to what they look for to show you are not working and have foreign income. Each time you get a FFT transaction printed into your passbook by the bank's printer and the date of that transaction it's telling a story about your income and how you live in Thailand as to where your funds come from. And the experienced immigration agents know all the incoming foreign funds transfer codes for each bank. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ubonjoe Posted July 31, 2015 Share Posted July 31, 2015 I have never seen a FFT code. My Bangkok Bangkok Bank books all have FTT which means Foreign Telex Transfer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tookwan cottage Posted July 31, 2015 Share Posted July 31, 2015 Another great post comprised purely of helpful information. Thank you Spambot! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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