FritsSikkink Posted September 1, 2015 Share Posted September 1, 2015 I just want to know what the actual rules are concerning back-to-back visa runs? As far as I know, spending two/three weeks in Thailand during the past six months does not constitute visa running, or even visa overstaying. Has anyone come across a 'maximum 3 times' rule or anything similar to my situation? stop moaning and get a visa Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elliss Posted September 1, 2015 Share Posted September 1, 2015 Am I right in thinking that they are wrong to stop me at this border? What should I do? Panic , asap. You are wrong to think they are wrong . 3 x 30 days non visa entries ok . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BritTim Posted September 1, 2015 Share Posted September 1, 2015 Please clarify. Are you currently stuck in no mans land (stamped out of Cambodia, but unable to enter Thailand)? Before Cambodia, and Siem Reap, which country were you in previously? As others have stated, it is very easy to find out which town you are in. About 80% of the other travelers around you will know. If you are not a troll, my suspicion is that the IOs are checking that travelers entering visa exempt have sufficient funds (10,000 baht) and you do not have that much cash on you, or an ATM card allowing you to withdraw that much. Am I right? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post steven100 Posted September 1, 2015 Popular Post Share Posted September 1, 2015 Just find the nearest decent bar that sells piss and get on it for a few hours. Then you'll forget all about where your stuck and why !! 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BritTim Posted September 1, 2015 Share Posted September 1, 2015 Just find the nearest decent bar that sells piss and get on it for a few hours. Then you'll forget all about where your stuck and why !! Not a bad idea, but he may be stuck in no mans land between Cambodia and Thailand. If so, the only bars will be at the casinos, and getting drunk at a casino can be a financially misguided endeavor. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robroona Posted September 1, 2015 Share Posted September 1, 2015 (edited) Anyone else? Get your sorry arse back to Siem Reap and get a return ticket to Bangkok. Costs around £100. That covers you just in case any awkward questions arrive. If you don't have the air fare, I guess you are Donald Ducked. But, from the rest of your posts, you are going to ignore my suggestion, tell me that you weren't planning to go to Bangkok and ask if I know someone else who can help you. Try the stewardess at the back of the plane. I'm sure she has heard all this before Edited September 1, 2015 by Robroona 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dabhand Posted September 1, 2015 Share Posted September 1, 2015 Based on other media reports of today I'm surprised that there are any immigration guys working on the Thai/Cambo border at the moment. A gaggle of immigration guys at Sa Kaew have been removed due to the first bombing suspect apparently paying Bt18,000 to enter Thailand with a false passport. Add this to the second suspect having just been picked up at the same border crossing I would guess that entry and exit formalities at all related border crossings will be rather more difficult for those without visas. Good luck to any border runners in the coming days. I think they will need it. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nowretired Posted September 1, 2015 Share Posted September 1, 2015 Based on other media reports of today I'm surprised that there are any immigration guys working on the Thai/Cambo border at the moment. A gaggle of immigration guys at Sa Kaew have been removed due to the first bombing suspect apparently paying Bt18,000 to enter Thailand with a false passport. Add this to the second suspect having just been picked up at the same border crossing I would guess that entry and exit formalities at all related border crossings will be rather more difficult for those without visas. Good luck to any border runners in the coming days. I think they will need it. Can you provide links to the "media reports" ? Or is this just more TV member rumour ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swampdonkey Posted September 1, 2015 Share Posted September 1, 2015 I am a UK citizen so I should be entitled to a visa free. Any help? You are entitled to nothing 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elviajero Posted September 1, 2015 Share Posted September 1, 2015 I am a UK citizen so I should be entitled to a visa free. Any help? You are entitled to nothing According to the Thai immigration website UK nationals are "entitled" to visa exempt entry. "Summary of Countries and Territories entitled for Visa Exemption and Visa on Arrival to Thailand." What he's not entitled to is entry purely on the basis of holding a visa or qualifying for visa exempt entry. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dabhand Posted September 1, 2015 Share Posted September 1, 2015 Based on other media reports of today I'm surprised that there are any immigration guys working on the Thai/Cambo border at the moment. A gaggle of immigration guys at Sa Kaew have been removed due to the first bombing suspect apparently paying Bt18,000 to enter Thailand with a false passport. Add this to the second suspect having just been picked up at the same border crossing I would guess that entry and exit formalities at all related border crossings will be rather more difficult for those without visas. Good luck to any border runners in the coming days. I think they will need it. Can you provide links to the "media reports" ? Or is this just more TV member rumour ? Being reported in the BP. No links allowed. Perhaps you should expand your news gathering sources 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sheryl Posted September 1, 2015 Share Posted September 1, 2015 From the information you provided, there is no rule that bars them from giving you another visa exempt entry. But immigration officers do have it at their discretion to deny entry to anyone they suspect is entering under false pretexts (e.g. not really a tourist). You can ask to speak to a supervisor and try your luck, but no guarantee it will help. If you do, be sure to be polite and don't take an "I'm entitled" stance. Explaining that you have a connecting flight out of Bangkok n the near future and showing that ticket would likely help a great deal. Ohtre option would be to simply go to another border crossing (there are many of them) or else fly in. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
howerde Posted September 1, 2015 Share Posted September 1, 2015 Based on other media reports of today I'm surprised that there are any immigration guys working on the Thai/Cambo border at the moment. A gaggle of immigration guys at Sa Kaew have been removed due to the first bombing suspect apparently paying Bt18,000 to enter Thailand with a false passport. Add this to the second suspect having just been picked up at the same border crossing I would guess that entry and exit formalities at all related border crossings will be rather more difficult for those without visas. Good luck to any border runners in the coming days. I think they will need it. Can you provide links to the "media reports" ? Or is this just more TV member rumour ? Being reported in the BP. No links allowed. Perhaps you should expand your news gathering sources Indeed the BBC are reporting that a second suspect has been arrested on Cambodian border, so i would believe dabhands replies are spot on. i would get a flight out, wlll be quickest solution, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kitsune Posted September 1, 2015 Share Posted September 1, 2015 From the information you provided, there is no rule that bars them from giving you another visa exempt entry. But immigration officers do have it at their discretion to deny entry to anyone they suspect is entering under false pretexts (e.g. not really a tourist). You can ask to speak to a supervisor and try your luck, but no guarantee it will help. If you do, be sure to be polite and don't take an "I'm entitled" stance. Explaining that you have a connecting flight out of Bangkok n the near future and showing that ticket would likely help a great deal. Ohtre option would be to simply go to another border crossing (there are many of them) or else fly in. You are answering 10 hours after the situation. I doubt very much that the OP is still at border waiting for your answer... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gk10002000 Posted September 1, 2015 Share Posted September 1, 2015 you already got several answers. The local border immigration officials have the authority to deny entry. Now, care to state which border visa run service you used? What type of visa did you leave Thailand with? You said you stayed in Thailand for a few weeks during the past six months. Care to explain that timeline? The most recent weeks, three weeks duration five months ago? The timeline I think you are making up doesn't seem to fit a Visa exemption on arrival. It wasn't a border run. I went on a tour to Angkor Wat. I have only used visa exemptions in Thailand. The last time I was in Thailand was a few months ago, and that was only for a few week (just over two weeks). Prior to that my stays in Thailand was in 2014. You are an obvious troll and not making any sense. 1. you now say you were on a tour and went to Angkor Wat. OK. But where did you start? Did you start in Thailand and crossed over to Cambodia? If so, when and how did you enter Thailand? You say the last time you were in Thailand was a few months ago, then how are you there now? If you are going to make up a story, at least fake it a little bit better 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ukrules Posted September 1, 2015 Share Posted September 1, 2015 Someone else has reported being put back on a plane to Europe in a similar scenario from BKK airport. I smell a new 'crackdown'. The next few days will be interesting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steven100 Posted September 2, 2015 Share Posted September 2, 2015 Someone else has reported being put back on a plane to Europe in a similar scenario from BKK airport. I smell a new 'crackdown'. The next few days will be interesting. Due to the Erawan bombing and the refugee influx into Hungary & Germany the immigration border control and airports have raised the bar a couple of notches. From now on, if I was entering Thailand by border or by the airport I would certainly make sure I had all the correct and necessary papers. Wouldn't like to be doing a twice or third border crossing at this time .... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Soutpeel Posted September 2, 2015 Share Posted September 2, 2015 Am I right in thinking that they are wrong to stop me at this border? What should I do? Go and argue your legal right to enter Thailand with them ? How dare they refuse you entry Me thinks you had better look at getting through another border or fly in Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Soutpeel Posted September 2, 2015 Share Posted September 2, 2015 Someone else has reported being put back on a plane to Europe in a similar scenario from BKK airport. I smell a new 'crackdown'. The next few days will be interesting. Predictable given the Erawan Bombing Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
emonlake Posted September 2, 2015 Share Posted September 2, 2015 Does this have any connection with Thailand's recent introduction of a six visit limit? Was the OP flagged by a computer? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steven100 Posted September 2, 2015 Share Posted September 2, 2015 OP ; how did you go at the casino ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
emonlake Posted September 2, 2015 Share Posted September 2, 2015 OP says that he/she has been in Thailand for a maximum of 5 months during the past year. If he/she maxed out his/her 30 day visa exemptions, this would be his/her sixth visit, no? I am suprised that there isn't more information on this six-times limit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dutchisaan Posted September 2, 2015 Share Posted September 2, 2015 OP ; how did you go at the casino ? I don't think the op did good. He is not responding to this treat anymore, so I think he lost his smartphone gambling. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ukrules Posted September 2, 2015 Share Posted September 2, 2015 OP says that he/she has been in Thailand for a maximum of 5 months during the past year. If he/she maxed out his/her 30 day visa exemptions, this would be his/her sixth visit, no? I am suprised that there isn't more information on this six-times limit. What six times limit ? This is the first time I've heard of it. Please explain how it works Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iian23 Posted September 2, 2015 Share Posted September 2, 2015 (edited) I just want to know what the actual rules are concerning back-to-back visa runs? As far as I know, spending two/three weeks in Thailand during the past six months does not constitute visa running, or even visa overstaying. Has anyone come across a 'maximum 3 times' rule or anything similar to my situation? Ive already told you. There's no official rule. But if they aren't going to let you in then follow the advice already given and enter another way. I have traveled to BKK every month for the last 10 years and have never had any problems. Back in 2006ish I had to get a non o visa for 2 years because they said only 3 visits in 6 months but then that rule was abolished. Last week when I entered BKK the immigration officer said "you come 6 times in last 6 months next time you need visa". On leaving Thailand I asked the immigration officer do I need a visa next time? To which he replied no. I normally only stay for 12-14 days each month but this July I stayed for the full 30 days and am now wondering if that stay took me over 90 days in the last 6 months which would may equate to three 30 day visits in 6 months. I have contacted the consulate in Hull and the Thai embassy in London and no body could give me a straight answer. I'm not sure anybody knows so your at the mercy of the immigration officer at the time of entry. So it looks like I will have to start getting the 60 day multi entry visas every 3 months and have another 4 pages in my passport filled up each year! In regards to there being no official rule I was surprised to find this on the UK Thai embassy website in reference to Tourist visa exemption:- Passport holders of the countries listed below are not required to obtain a visa when entering Thailand for tourism purposes and will be permitted to stay in Thailand for a period not exceeding 30 days on each visit. If such foreigners enter Thailand at immigration checkpoints, which border neighbouring countries (overland crossing), they will be allowed to stay for 15 days each time. The exemption to this is Malaysian nationals crossing overland from Malaysia who are granted a period of stay not exceeding 30 days each time. Since 20 December 2013,Nationals of (G7) the following countries who enter via a land crossing or enter via an airport will be entitled to a 30 day visa exemption , UK, U.S.A, Canada, Italy, Germany, Japan, France Foreigners who enter Thailand under this Tourist Visa Exemption category may only do so for 30 days at one time with a maximum of 3 times in a 6 month period. (Passport or travel document must be valid for at least 6 months after the date of first entry). Foreigners entering Thailand under the Tourist Visa Exemption category must provide proof of adequate finances for the duration of stay in Thailand at the port of entry (i.e., traveller’s cheque or cash equivalent to 10,000 Baht per person and 20,000 Baht per family). Foreigners entering Thailand by any means under the Tourist Visa Exemption category are required at the port of entry to have proof of onward travel (confirmed air, train, bus or boat tickets) Edited September 2, 2015 by iian23 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elviajero Posted September 2, 2015 Share Posted September 2, 2015 I just want to know what the actual rules are concerning back-to-back visa runs? As far as I know, spending two/three weeks in Thailand during the past six months does not constitute visa running, or even visa overstaying. Has anyone come across a 'maximum 3 times' rule or anything similar to my situation? Ive already told you. There's no official rule. But if they aren't going to let you in then follow the advice already given and enter another way. I have traveled to BKK every month for the last 10 years and have never had any problems. Back in 2006ish I had to get a non o visa for 2 years because they said only 3 visits in 6 months but then that rule was abolished. Last week when I entered BKK the immigration officer said "you come 6 times in last 6 months next time you need visa". On leaving Thailand I asked the immigration officer do I need a visa next time? To which he replied no. I normally only stay for 12-14 days each month but this July I stayed for the full 30 days and am now wondering if that stay took me over 90 days in the last 6 months which would may equate to three 30 day visits in 6 months. I have contacted the consulate in Hull and the Thai embassy in London and no body could give me a straight answer. I'm not sure anybody knows so your at the mercy of the immigration officer at the time of entry. So it looks like I will have to start getting the 60 day multi entry visas every 3 months and have another 4 pages in my passport filled up each year! In regards to there being no official rule I was surprised to find this on the UK Thai embassy website in reference to Tourist visa exemption:- Passport holders of the countries listed below are not required to obtain a visa when entering Thailand for tourism purposes and will be permitted to stay in Thailand for a period not exceeding 30 days on each visit. If such foreigners enter Thailand at immigration checkpoints, which border neighbouring countries (overland crossing), they will be allowed to stay for 15 days each time. The exemption to this is Malaysian nationals crossing overland from Malaysia who are granted a period of stay not exceeding 30 days each time. Since 20 December 2013,Nationals of (G7) the following countries who enter via a land crossing or enter via an airport will be entitled to a 30 day visa exemption , UK, U.S.A, Canada, Italy, Germany, Japan, France Foreigners who enter Thailand under this Tourist Visa Exemption category may only do so for 30 days at one time with a maximum of 3 times in a 6 month period. (Passport or travel document must be valid for at least 6 months after the date of first entry). Foreigners entering Thailand under the Tourist Visa Exemption category must provide proof of adequate finances for the duration of stay in Thailand at the port of entry (i.e., traveller’s cheque or cash equivalent to 10,000 Baht per person and 20,000 Baht per family). Foreigners entering Thailand by any means under the Tourist Visa Exemption category are required at the port of entry to have proof of onward travel (confirmed air, train, bus or boat tickets) to leave Thailand within 30 days of the arrival date (otherwise a tourist visa must be obtained). last week when I entered BKK the immigration officer said "you come 6 times in last 6 months next time you need visa". On leaving Thailand I asked the immigration officer do I need a visa next time? I think you'll find that the website info is out of date. As far as I'm aware there has not been a Ministerial Regulation change since 2008 regarding limits on visa exempt entry other than the relaxation of the 15 days rule for G7 countries. 3 x 30 in 6 months is the same as the 90 day in 6 month rule that was abolished. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iian23 Posted September 2, 2015 Share Posted September 2, 2015 But its states from 20th December 2013 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elviajero Posted September 2, 2015 Share Posted September 2, 2015 But its states from 20th December 2013 That refers to the G7 change only and is a separate paragraph. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iian23 Posted September 2, 2015 Share Posted September 2, 2015 I think you'll find that the website info is out of date. As far as I'm aware there has not been a Ministerial Regulation change since 2008 regarding limits on visa exempt entry other than the relaxation of the 15 days rule for G7 countries. 3 x 30 in 6 months is the same as the 90 day in 6 month rule that was abolished. But it states from 20th December 2013 which threw me. I don't mind getting the visas but don't want to keep getting them if its not necessary and seems like I will never know as there does not seem to be a definitive answer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iian23 Posted September 2, 2015 Share Posted September 2, 2015 Yes a separate paragraph but the 2nd paragraph is relating to the visa mentioned in the first, well that's my interpretation anyway Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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