Refused Entry at Bangkok Immigration

[cryan]

Looking for advice,

I was refused entry to Thailand in Bangkok.

Reason put in passport was for i was looking for work in Thailand.

From reading posts most say there is an interview process when anything arises,

now i went through no interview with senior IO.

Over last 2 years i have been entering Thailand a lot, on 2 occasions i have stayed

up to 4 months doing the Visa run every 30 days, (i work in Oil & Gas but work in last year or so is slow due to oil price,

in last 5 months back working) so i have a lot of stamps in the passport

which i think was the reasoning behind their thinking i was working or looking for work in Thailand.

I am now back in my home Country but my partner is devastated & angry at IO's.

I will get new passport but is there any advice on what i should do, stay out of thailand for a few months?

apply for multiple entry tourist 6 month visa with new passport.

wat i am afraid of is they took picture of me and is on their system, if i go back in with new passport will it flag up

about being previously refused

[BritTim]

They will know about the prior refusal. The new passport does nothing to avoid that. I am astonished if it is true that you were denied entry by a low level immigration official. I do not think any except senior officials have the power to do that. My understanding is that there is an appeal process. Perhaps, you should look into that.

EDIT: Looking for work on a visa exempt entry is allowed, although starting work without changing to a Non O visa is not.

Edited September 1, 2015 by BritTim

[ukrules]

I am surprised that looking for work was given as a reason.

What country are you from and when you were refused entry what happened ? Were you given a choice of destination ?

Also, did they ask for and could you produce the 20,000 Baht in cash that you're supposed to carry when arriving ? From what I've heard this is an often used 'excuse' to deny entrance.

[cryan]

thanks for reply

the IO at desk brought my passport to an office at Immigration area,

what i was saying is that i did not have an interview, they came out with print outs

of my entry/exits from thailand saying i stay in country to long, that i am looking for work,

that was my gist of it, there was no one on one interview, very little information was given to me, waited in Immigration area for over 90 minutes

then brought to lower level of airport where again no information came my way, just info logged in numerous books, then EK airlines rep arrived

to go through arranging flights home

[cryan]

I am surprised that looking for work was given as a reason.

What country are you from and when you were refused entry what happened ? Were you given a choice of destination ?

Also, did they ask for and could you produce the 20,000 Baht in cash that you're supposed to carry when arriving ? From what I've heard this is an often used 'excuse' to deny entrance.

I am Irish,

flew from Basra Iraq through Dubai as that is where i am currently working,

my return ticket was returning to Bangkok, although i had another booking departing Thailand on 13th this month but was never asked about that,

I was asked about cash, i had close to $400, 70 euro, 200 AED, 7000 baht on me

choice of destination was for me to fly to ireland but as i had already ticket to amsterdam for 13th just changed dates.

[swampdonkey]

What did the IO stamp in your passport

[cryan]

What did the IO stamp in your passport

i sent photo of stamp to girlfriend

and she said i was refused over that i came to thailand to work and be employee

[Furryman]

What did the IO stamp in your passport

i sent photo of stamp to girlfriend

and she said i was refused over that i came to thailand to work and be employee

Sounds like they think you were actually working in Thailand without a permit. They are pretty uptight about that recently.

[ukrules]

I am surprised that looking for work was given as a reason.

What country are you from and when you were refused entry what happened ? Were you given a choice of destination ?

Also, did they ask for and could you produce the 20,000 Baht in cash that you're supposed to carry when arriving ? From what I've heard this is an often used 'excuse' to deny entrance.

I am Irish,

flew from Basra Iraq through Dubai as that is where i am currently working,

my return ticket was returning to Bangkok, although i had another booking departing Thailand on 13th this month but was never asked about that,

I was asked about cash, i had close to $400, 70 euro, 200 AED, 7000 baht on me

choice of destination was for me to fly to ireland but as i had already ticket to amsterdam for 13th just changed dates.

You were treated very harshly and had more than enough cash on you.

Personally I would have pointed out my separately booked ticket on the 13th so they didn't think I was arriving on a one way ticket and potentially staying long term. I would also most definitely have requested to speak to a supervisor / senior officer.

Is there any reason they might think you're going to work in Thailand ?

This is all very strange. Sounds like the beginning of another crackdown to me.

[swampdonkey]

The two stays of four months doing visa runs every thirty days would raise a lot of suspicion.

They may of thought you have been teaching.

[jonaz]

I think you could probably have just flown to Laos and got a double entry tourist visa and came back instead of going back home you would have been let in.

If you apply for a visa from your home embassy in a new passport you should be ok.

It's just the back to back 30 day visa on arrivals and border runs that they're stopping.

[shirtless]

They really dislike people who dont pay into the immigration system , next time pay the 45 dollars and get a tourist visa

[OJAS]

OP - did you not have any evidence on you of your oil and gas employment which might have satisfied the IO?

[Soutpeel]

I am surprised that looking for work was given as a reason.

What country are you from and when you were refused entry what happened ? Were you given a choice of destination ?

Also, did they ask for and could you produce the 20,000 Baht in cash that you're supposed to carry when arriving ? From what I've heard this is an often used 'excuse' to deny entrance.

I am Irish,

flew from Basra Iraq through Dubai as that is where i am currently working,

my return ticket was returning to Bangkok, although i had another booking departing Thailand on 13th this month but was never asked about that,

I was asked about cash, i had close to $400, 70 euro, 200 AED, 7000 baht on me

choice of destination was for me to fly to ireland but as i had already ticket to amsterdam for 13th just changed dates.

You were treated very harshly and had more than enough cash on you.

Personally I would have pointed out my separately booked ticket on the 13th so they didn't think I was arriving on a one way ticket and potentially staying long term. I would also most definitely have requested to speak to a supervisor / senior officer.

Is there any reason they might think you're going to work in Thailand ?

This is all very strange. Sounds like the beginning of another crackdown to me.

The reason....Thailand has an offshore oil and gas industry, and there are expats who work in said industry in Thailand

[baboon]

They really dislike people who dont pay into the immigration system , next time pay the 45 dollars and get a tourist visa

Maybe. I am just wondering if in the light of the bombing, someone high up the food chain at immigration has said 'Right, I want evidence you lot are doing your jobs. I want bodies', and this poor chap was in the wrong place at the wrong time.

I could of course be entirely wrong, but it is a worrying thought...

[Jip99]

many in your industry are a month on, month off - that is a no-brainer for immigration.

Your immigration history does not reflect such a pattern and with 2 stays of over 4 months (using visa not required permissions to stay) it is not surprising that they have raised questions.

Marry the girl and get a nom-imm O visa.

[simon43]

... in the light of the bombing, someone high up the food chain at immigration has said 'Right, I want evidence you lot are doing your jobs. I want bodies'

Rather bad choice of words

[elviajero]

Sorry to read of your predicament. Had you entered with a visa this situation probably wouldn't have arisen. Since 2006 Immigration have targeted visa exempt entries due to the high number of foreigners that used, and still use, this method of entry when illegally working. There is no limit to the number of entries you can have, but your history of multiple entries puts you on the radar and obliges the IO to consider your reason for entry is genuine.

You can't be denied for "looking for work" and probably something got lost in translation. You were denied under Section 12, 3. of the immigration act.

Section 12, 3. Having entered into the Kingdom to take occupation as a laborer or to take employment by using physical without skills training or to work in violation of the Ministerial Regulations.

• Any IO can deny entry. It doesn't have to be a Senior Officer, and when the IO is considering whether or not to let you in you don't have any right to a special interview.
• The IO seems to have followed proceedure because he correctly stamped your passport and informed you (in writing) of the reason for denial.
• Having been denied you had the right to appeal within 48 hours. Too late now.
• The onus is on you to provide evidence that you work abroad.
• Getting a new passport isn't going to help because when you enter with a new passport they will link you by name, DOB and nationality.
• Getting a visa before coming back is essential.
• I doubt staying out any amount of time will matter much, but leave it as long as you can.
• Being previously denied entry does not mean you will automatically be denied in the future.

No guarantees, but if you come back with a visa you should be allowed to enter without a problem. But, just in case, you should be armed with employment contracts, payslips, emails/letters showing your work pattern/dates etc. If the IO gives any indication that you're going to get denied again then tell him you want to appeal and provide this evidence of your employment abroad.

Section 22 :In the instance where the competent official discovers that an alien is forbidden from entering into the Kingdom under the provisions of Section 12 , the competent official shall have authority to order said alien by written notification to leave the Kingdom. If said alien is not satisfied with the competent official’s order , he ( alien ) may appeal to the Minister. The order of the Minister shall be final. Appealling cases are not allowed under Section 12 (1) or (10) , but if the Minister does not have an order within seven days beginning from the date of submitting the appeal, it is considered that the Minister has ordered that said alien is not forbidden from entering into the Kingdom under Section 12. Appeal must be submitted the competent official within forty – eight hours beginning from the time of received said order from the competent official and must comply with the pattern ( and a fee must be paid ) an provided in the Ministerial Regulations. When appeal is submitted by the alien concerned , the competent official shall delay deportation of said alien until an order for said case is receive from the Minister. While processing under order of the competent official or while waiting for an order from the Minister , as the case may be , the provisions of Section 20 shall not be applied.

Good luck and I hope things work out for you.

Edited September 2, 2015 by elviajero

[tajtom]

Do not listen to these people buddy

No they will not know and there computers are rarely used !

But make sure you use the passport before entering Thai

Cheers

[NanLaew]

They barred the OP because he might be looking for work? I reckon he needs to get a picture of that stamp and post here so that the 'professionals' here can see what it says as that is a totally lame excuse and something may be getting lost in the translation. They may as well start knocking back tattoo'd guys because they look like they may get in a rumble and cause grief or latter day Lotharios because they look like they might indulge with a prostitute.

Unless the cost isn't an issue and the OP is near one of the UKPO's that do same-day processing, go ahead and get a new one AND a dual-entry TR visa and come back. However, I would be tempted to get a visa in the old passport and come back. Their own immigration rules don't specifically say that you need any sort of visa if you are looking for work do they? Most people picking up work in Thailand are doing it on the 'incorrect' visa anyway since that is allowed and then do the fly out/in or border hop to get the correct visa that the WP requires.

Bad luck indeed.

Edited September 2, 2015 by NanLaew

[yellowboat]

I am surprised that looking for work was given as a reason.

What country are you from and when you were refused entry what happened ? Were you given a choice of destination ?

Also, did they ask for and could you produce the 20,000 Baht in cash that you're supposed to carry when arriving ? From what I've heard this is an often used 'excuse' to deny entrance.

I am Irish,

flew from Basra Iraq through Dubai as that is where i am currently working,

my return ticket was returning to Bangkok, although i had another booking departing Thailand on 13th this month but was never asked about that,

I was asked about cash, i had close to $400, 70 euro, 200 AED, 7000 baht on me

choice of destination was for me to fly to ireland but as i had already ticket to amsterdam for 13th just changed dates.

You were treated very harshly and had more than enough cash on you.

Personally I would have pointed out my separately booked ticket on the 13th so they didn't think I was arriving on a one way ticket and potentially staying long term. I would also most definitely have requested to speak to a supervisor / senior officer.

Is there any reason they might think you're going to work in Thailand ?

This is all very strange. Sounds like the beginning of another crackdown to me.

Yes and the more they do, the better Cambodia looks. Plenty of people use to make Thailand their second home, but contractors and others are piling into Cambodia because you pay a small amount and you are left alone. No hassles and you can work if you want to. I am curious how many are still left in Thailand. Has anyone ditched their retirement visa and moved across the boarder ?

Sorry for your troubles,but many now are enjoying Thailand more by living in Cambodia.

[louse1953]

They really dislike people who dont pay into the immigration system , next time pay the 45 dollars and get a tourist visa

Rubbish,did somebody at Immi tell you that.Millions come in without visa,do they dislike them all.

[louse1953]

Do not listen to these people buddy

No they will not know and there computers are rarely used !

But make sure you use the passport before entering Thai

Cheers

What's that screen they are looking at as they take your photo.Do you rekon they are watching Khun Prayuth latest marathon pep talk,or what.

[dunks]

Looking for advice,

I was refused entry to Thailand in Bangkok.

Reason put in passport was for i was looking for work in Thailand.

From reading posts most say there is an interview process when anything arises,

now i went through no interview with senior IO.

Over last 2 years i have been entering Thailand a lot, on 2 occasions i have stayed

up to 4 months doing the Visa run every 30 days, (i work in Oil & Gas but work in last year or so is slow due to oil price,

in last 5 months back working) so i have a lot of stamps in the passport

which i think was the reasoning behind their thinking i was working or looking for work in Thailand.

I am now back in my home Country but my partner is devastated & angry at IO's.

I will get new passport but is there any advice on what i should do, stay out of thailand for a few months?

apply for multiple entry tourist 6 month visa with new passport.

wat i am afraid of is they took picture of me and is on their system, if i go back in with new passport will it flag up

about being previously refused

Get in touch with Interactive. Get a work permit. Problem solved.

[baboon]

They really dislike people who dont pay into the immigration system , next time pay the 45 dollars and get a tourist visa

Rubbish,did somebody at Immi tell you that.Millions come in without visa,do they dislike them all.

Given the hostile attitude of some officers I have seen in action/dealt with, yes, I would say they dislike each and every one of us, with or without visas...

[flyingdoc]

This is worrying! People entering perfectly legally for 30 days or less are being stopped solely on grounds of visiting LOS too often, even if they are well into retirement age, so the 'looking for work' reason does not even apply. Phuket Immigration seem to be one of the worst, but I will report on Suvarnabhumi next week when I return for another 30 days !

[Chivas]

They really dislike people who dont pay into the immigration system , next time pay the 45 dollars and get a tourist visa

Rubbish,did somebody at Immi tell you that.Millions come in without visa,do they dislike them all.

Did you actually read the OP at all ?? Multiple Entries the operative words

[baboon]

This is worrying! People entering perfectly legally for 30 days or less are being stopped solely on grounds of visiting LOS too often, even if they are well into retirement age, so the 'looking for work' reason does not even apply. Phuket Immigration seem to be one of the worst, but I will report on Suvarnabhumi next week when I return for another 30 days !

With respect, is it really worth taking the chance if you think you might be on the radar? Is it not worth applying for a tourist visa?

[richard_smith237]

OP: The new passport will make no difference - You are in the Immigration system under your Name, DOB and Photo. A new passport will be registered into the system on your arrival.

Do you have a Contract with your current employment?

Can you show a Work Permit from your current employment?

I always assumed this would be enough to show that you are working outside of Thailand but returning to Thailand for R&R.

[Sakeopete]

I flew in Sunday and it was the first time in 14 years I was questioned about my stay. I have been doing the month on month off the entire time. I work oil also for the same company.