Criminal Record In Us..can It Affect Visa To Thailand?

[leprechaun10381]

Can a person's criminal record affect their chances of getting a working Visa over in Thailand. My best friend wants to move over to Thailand but has a criminal record..in 2004 he was convicted for possession of cocaine as well as marijuana. I tried to explain to him that I don't think he can go over. I have tried contacting the Consulate in New York and have yet to hear a response. If any one can direct me to an internet site that could help me in this search..I'd appreciate it!!

[lopburi3]

http://www.mfa.go.th/web/12.php

9. Foreigners who fall into any of the following categories are prohibited to enter the Kingdom:

(6) Having been imprisoned by the judgement of the Thai Court; or by a lawful injunction; or by the judgement of the Court of foreign country, except when the penalty is for petty offense or negligence or is provided for as an exception in the Ministerial Regulations.

[JonnieB]

Can a person's criminal record affect their chances of getting a working Visa over in Thailand. My best friend wants to move over to Thailand but has a criminal record..in 2004 he was convicted for possession of cocaine as well as marijuana. I tried to explain to him that I don't think he can go over. I have tried contacting the Consulate in New York and have yet to hear a response. If any one can direct me to an internet site that could help me in this search..I'd appreciate it!!

I do not think any Thai embassy or consulate where one would apply for a visa to enter Thailand would discover such an offense unless one volunteered the information. You also don't state if your friend was imprisoned for the offense (likely not if he is now, 2 years later in a position to consider moving to Thailand...unless he is planning ahead like 10-20 years down the road). Also, many would consider a conviction such as you describe as "petty."

[leprechaun10381]

He did serve time...almost 16 months for it. I think I am honestly more concerned with it then he is.

I know that the crimes he committed were felonies and I read somewhere on here that felonies will not allow you into another country..now my search begins.

I wrote the American Citizens service thingy at the us travel website and they suggested writing to the Thai Consulate in New York. They also said that there is a section that asks if a crime has been committed on the Visa application

Thanks for the website link..I actually found that one and it is mostly directed if you want to be a missionary over in Thailand and what "rules" you have to follow.

[fxm88]

http://www.mfa.go.th/web/12.php

9. Foreigners who fall into any of the following categories are prohibited to enter the Kingdom:

(6) Having been imprisoned by the judgement of the Thai Court; or by a lawful injunction; or by the judgement of the Court of foreign country, except when the penalty is for petty offense or negligence or is provided for as an exception in the Ministerial Regulations.

Hmmm... how does that reconcile with the Elite Card?

From http://www.thailandelite.com/member_terms.php

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THAILAND ELITE INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIP

...

6. QUALIFICATIONS OF THE APPLICANT/ THE MEMBER

1. The applicant/the Member has not been sentenced to a term of imprisonment of any country for more than six (6) months, irrespective of whether or not he/she has been imprisoned.

...

[lopburi3]

Actually, if you are talking about the link I provided, it is the official website for all types of visas from the the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (which is the same as the US Department of State) and has just been updated. It covers a lot more than missionary visas.

[JonnieB]

He did serve time...almost 16 months for it. I think I am honestly more concerned with it then he is.

I know that the crimes he committed were felonies and I read somewhere on here that felonies will not allow you into another country

Really, the only way Thai embassy/counselates would find out about prior convistions of visa applicants is if they self reported or if their computers were linked-into various national criminal databases. I doubt if this is the case. They are likely to have only information on crimes one may have committed in Thailand and any subsequent blacklisting (and even this is somewhat questionable).

What's the harm anyway, just apply for the visa you want and if it's rejected (99% unlikely) just pick another country or just stay in farangland.

[Ulysses G.]

A friend who works at immigration in Australia told me that this kind of information is not shared between countries unless there is some kind of investigation going on.

If your friend does not reveal his criminal record, there is no way for Thailand - or any other country - to find out about it.

Some countries ask for this information on entry cards hoping to bluff folks into revealing criminal records, but there is no way for them to uncover the truth if one chooses to keep the information private.

Edited September 26, 2006 by Ulysses G.

[magok naam]

He did serve time...almost 16 months for it. I think I am honestly more concerned with it then he is.

I know that the crimes he committed were felonies and I read somewhere on here that felonies will not allow you into another country..now my search begins.

I wrote the American Citizens service thingy at the us travel website and they suggested writing to the Thai Consulate in New York. They also said that there is a section that asks if a crime has been committed on the Visa application

Thanks for the website link..I actually found that one and it is mostly directed if you want to be a missionary over in Thailand and what "rules" you have to follow.

Just to be sure, make sure you include his last name, first name, any middle names or aliases, passport number (if known), social security no (if known), date of birth, place of birth and any other relevant information such as where and when his case was tried, court case number etc, in your inquiry to the Thai consulate.

[Maizefarmer]

He did serve time...almost 16 months for it. I think I am honestly more concerned with it then he is.

I know that the crimes he committed were felonies and I read somewhere on here that felonies will not allow you into another country..now my search begins.

I wrote the American Citizens service thingy at the us travel website and they suggested writing to the Thai Consulate in New York. They also said that there is a section that asks if a crime has been committed on the Visa application

Thanks for the website link..I actually found that one and it is mostly directed if you want to be a missionary over in Thailand and what "rules" you have to follow.

Just to be sure, make sure you include his last name, first name, any middle names or aliases, passport number (if known), social security no (if known), date of birth, place of birth and any other relevant information such as where and when his case was tried, court case number etc, in your inquiry to the Thai consulate.

SEnse of humour - nice one

[calibanjr.]

Two points:

1. As JonnieB said, they won't find out about it unless you volunteer the information.

2. They don't ask about criminal record on the Visa application in my experience, which includes:

Tourist Visas in NYC, LA, Vientiane, Penang.

B-visa in LA.

So just apply for your Visa, enjoy Thailand, and for sure stay away from illegal drugs while you're here!

[leprechaun10381]

Thanks for the help everyone.. I cut and pasted everyone's replies and sent it to him in an email and he is excited to go over still. I definitely told him to stay far far far away from any kinda drugs while he is there.

[MCPL]

Can a person's criminal record affect their chances of getting a working Visa over in Thailand. My best friend wants to move over to Thailand but has a criminal record..in 2004 he was convicted for possession of cocaine as well as marijuana. I tried to explain to him that I don't think he can go over. I have tried contacting the Consulate in New York and have yet to hear a response. If any one can direct me to an internet site that could help me in this search..I'd appreciate it!!

You must be joking ? It seems your friend will get along well with most Thai officials and policemen as it seems they are the persons selling drugs in this country.. Bring him over