First time in Thailand, I have the new 6 month tourist visa (multiple entry). I have now been in Thailand 65 days (overstayed by 5 days) (long story-won't go into details-mostly stupidity / not paying attention).

I have been getting conflicting advice so I thought I would ask here. I have a return flight home to the US in 2 weeks. I am training Muay Thai and want to stay and finish my time training and not make a visa run. I'm not too worried about paying the 500 baht / day.

Some folks have advised going to the immigration center (I am in Chiang Mai) and paying for an extension, others have said that's not possible now that it's past 60 days and that I should keep a low profile and pay the fine at the airport when I leave.

So my questions: If I go to the immigration center, will they detain me and/or make me leave the country within 7 days? Or should I just stay until my fight on the 14th, and pay the fine in BKK at the airport when I leave?

I understand this is probably a pretty basic question to ask, but I get different opinions.

Thank you. I appreciate your time.

You need to exit the country very soon before the overstay becomes any worse.

I doubt an immigration office will deal with your overstay or allow you an extension.

You will be fined 500 Bht/day but if your visa is valid you can immediately return having first entered another country. At the most this should not take more than a day.

You can exit by land or air.

For your own sake, please do as suggested by sunnyjim5 and go immediately for a border run.

For your own sake, please do as suggested by sunnyjim5 and go immediately for a border run.

Thanks for your reply. My return flight to the US is in 2 weeks, I am training for a fight and would rather not interupt that training for a border run. I have already overstayed by 5 days.

Would I not have more chance of getting arrested / detained on my way to the border, than if I just stay around my gym training for 2 weeks and then going directly to the airport?

Edited February 29, 201610 yr by NYCNakMuay

For your own sake, please do as suggested by sunnyjim5 and go immediately for a border run.

Thanks for your reply. My return flight to the US is in 2 weeks, I am training for a fight and would rather not interupt that training for a border run. I have already overstayed by 5 days.

Would I not have more chance of getting arrested / detained on my way to the border, than if I just stay around my gym training for 2 weeks and then going directly to the airport?

I have provided you with good advise.

What you now do is a matter of personal choice.

So my questions: If I go to the immigration center, will they detain me and/or make me leave the country within 7 days?

The immigration officer will have the right to detain you, if he so chooses, or he can stamp your passport with an order to leave within 24 hours, or he can give you a 30-day extension of stay. Nobody can tell you with any degree of certainty what will happen. Some officers have an itchy trigger finger, others have not.

if you get caught without a visa you maybe get a 5 year ban regarding they new overstay rules.

if you get caught without a visa you maybe get a 5 year ban regarding they new overstay rules.

From what I can tell, the new regulations go into effect March 20.

if you get caught without a visa you maybe get a 5 year ban regarding they new overstay rules.

From what I can tell, the new regulations go into effect March 20.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?/topic/899028-Major-new-crackdown-on-visa-overstay-in-Thailand-starts-today

Yes. But who knows. Maybe starts today or in a few days later or even never. Do you really want to try your luck and get banned? You say you even want to wait 2 weeks longer. That is just a few days before the official deadline. Right now you are one of the "bad guys" the immigration is talking about. If you like it here then please respect the visa laws. You have the financial requirements to do a visa run.

So my questions: If I go to the immigration center, will they detain me and/or make me leave the country within 7 days?

The immigration officer will have the right to detain you, if he so chooses, or he can stamp your passport with an order to leave within 24 hours, or he can give you a 30-day extension of stay. Nobody can tell you with any degree of certainty what will happen. Some officers have an itchy trigger finger, others have not.

What is this ? I have never heard of it or seen it reported before ?

if you get caught without a visa you maybe get a 5 year ban regarding they new overstay rules.

From what I can tell, the new regulations go into effect March 20.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?/topic/899028-Major-new-crackdown-on-visa-overstay-in-Thailand-starts-today

Yes. But who knows. Maybe starts today or in a few days later or even never. Do you really want to try your luck and get banned? You say you even want to wait 2 weeks longer. That is just a few days before the official deadline. Right now you are one of the "bad guys" the immigration is talking about. If you like it here then please respect the visa laws. You have the financial requirements to do a visa run.

That's fair. Though as I said, my return ticket is March 14 and I plan on using it. So, essentially we are talking about the difference between a 5 day overstay, and a 19 day overstay. A visa run will cost about the same as paying the fine. I would prefer to spend the time training and not in transit, but this thread is persuading me otherwise. I am looking at flights to KL and Vietnam, and also the Green Bus to Mae Sai.

As far as the "bad guys" in the linked article, they are talking about 90 days and above, no?

Is there any danger I won't be allowed or return after paying my fines at the border (whether in the airport or at the border)?

thanks again.

Edited February 29, 201610 yr by NYCNakMuay

Personally I'd wait the 2 weeks then leave if it costs the same as the visa run.

You're not one of the 'bad guys' if you're not overstaying to commit crimes in the Kingdom, and for an overstay of significantly less than 90 days.

Even after March 20th an overstay of under 90 days is the same punishment as before - no blacklisting, 500b/day fine.

It's really not that serious if it's under 90 days and you're not here to work illegally, deal drugs etc.

The chances of being caught on overstay are extremely minimal, I just recently overstayed 2 years and went out clubbing, checked into hotels, rented condos, flew domestic, everything. If you're laying low at your condo and just going to the gym it's even safer.

The chances of being caught on overstay are extremely minimal, I just recently overstayed 2 years and went out clubbing, checked into hotels, rented condos, flew domestic, everything. If you're laying low at your condo and just going to the gym it's even safer.

Yes the chances are minimal but what about long term consequences? You know that you made your contribution to the new visa overstayed ban rules with your 2 years overstay. If you like Thailand and want to be here then respect the laws. Visa is always a hassle in every country. You sound like you are living here for a long time. If you want yourself a right to stay here then go legit and fight your way to the residence permit....

The chances of being caught on overstay are extremely minimal, I just recently overstayed 2 years and went out clubbing, checked into hotels, rented condos, flew domestic, everything. If you're laying low at your condo and just going to the gym it's even safer.

Yes the chances are minimal but what about long term consequences? You know that you made your contribution to the new visa overstayed ban rules with your 2 years overstay. If you like Thailand and want to be here then respect the laws. Visa is always a hassle in every country. You sound like you are living here for a long time. If you want yourself a right to stay here then go legit and fight your way to the residence permit....

There are no long term consequences for him waiting another 2 weeks and leaving around March 14th.

People have overstayed for decades, the new rules only happened when an extremely authoritarian military government took over. They may have been implemented regardless.

... I am looking at flights to KL and Vietnam, and also the Green Bus to Mae Sai. ...

Both have cheap(ish), same-day, round-trip flights. Last I looked flying Ethiopian gets you out of Bangkok around 3 PM, then a 3 hour turnaround at KUL and back in Bangkok around midnight. Costs about 5000 baht. Turkish and Egypt Air are a bit more expensive, more comfy and clean but with a shorter turnaround at KUL or SGN. Thai Air are more expensive but their short, 90-minute turnarounds aren't viable.

Edited March 1, 201610 yr by NanLaew

That's fair. Though as I said, my return ticket is March 14 and I plan on using it. So, essentially we are talking about the difference between a 5 day overstay, and a 19 day overstay. A visa run will cost about the same as paying the fine. I would prefer to spend the time training and not in transit, but this thread is persuading me otherwise. I am looking at flights to KL and Vietnam, and also the Green Bus to Mae Sai.

As far as the "bad guys" in the linked article, they are talking about 90 days and above, no?

Is there any danger I won't be allowed or return after paying my fines at the border (whether in the airport or at the border)?

thanks again.

As it stands you will be allowed to return.

I think an immediate border hop is your best option. If you were to go to an immigration office within 7 days at the latest there is a chance that they would let you clear the overstay, but only because you qualify for an extension of stay. But as already pointed out the IO would be in their right to arrest/detain and put you through the deportation process. I wouldn't take the chance.

op

i think you will be ok waiting until your booked departure date, why would immigration worry about someone just ignoring the petty rules of the country, when they have an important fight to prepare for. i think all the other posters do not realise the importance of your fight, when compared to a silly immigration rule.

failing that the fighting practise will do you some good in the immigration detention centre,

Edited March 1, 201610 yr by steve187

I had a one day overstay about 2 months ago and they made a big deal about it at the border on the way to Cambodia. Hard to tell what they will do right now with March 20th coming up. They will certainly fine you and they could deport your right away, but who knows for sure. Not tourist friendly on overstays.

op

i think you will be ok waiting until your booked departure date, why would immigration worry about someone just ignoring the petty rules of the country, when they have an important fight to prepare for. i think all the other posters do not realise the importance of your fight, when compared to a silly immigration rule.

failing that the fighting practise will do you some good in the immigration detention centre,

Well done "Steve". Appreciate the sarcasm. Hope you got a chuckle out of that one. Cheers.

OK thanks to all the sincere people here. Going to Hong Kong tomorrow for a night. And "Steve", don't be such a Steve. Lol. The only thing you're 187ing is your keyboard fella. Bless you.

As it's my first time here, I was just looking for others to help me gauge the severity of my situation, and weigh my options accordingly. Thanks again.

Edited March 1, 201610 yr by NYCNakMuay

I had a one day overstay about 2 months ago and they made a big deal about it at the border on the way to Cambodia. Hard to tell what they will do right now with March 20th coming up. They will certainly fine you and they could deport your right away, but who knows for sure. Not tourist friendly on overstays.

They are not but there are not many reasons that would be a valid excuse for over staying

...and call me crazy, but it seems counterintuitive to grant six month tourist visas only to require people to leave and come back every 60 days. Now I'm going to go spend money in China instead of keeping it in Thailand. But I guess that's just the way it is. Fair enough.

Edited March 1, 201610 yr by NYCNakMuay

You need to exit the country very soon before the overstay becomes any worse.

I doubt an immigration office will deal with your overstay or allow you an extension.

You will be fined 500 Bht/day but if your visa is valid you can immediately return having first entered another country. At the most this should not take more than a day.

You can exit by land or air.

Wrong. Max fine is 20000 which he has reached already.

You need to exit the country very soon before the overstay becomes any worse.

I doubt an immigration office will deal with your overstay or allow you an extension.

You will be fined 500 Bht/day but if your visa is valid you can immediately return having first entered another country. At the most this should not take more than a day.

You can exit by land or air.

Wrong. Max fine is 20000 which he has reached already.

Your math is way off. I have overstayed so far a total of 7 days, I have absolutely not reached 20000 Baht, nor would I reach it 2 weeks from now. Seems you didn't read the original post.

Edited March 1, 201610 yr by NYCNakMuay

Personally I'd wait the 2 weeks then leave if it costs the same as the visa run.

You're not one of the 'bad guys' if you're not overstaying to commit crimes in the Kingdom, and for an overstay of significantly less than 90 days.

Even after March 20th an overstay of under 90 days is the same punishment as before - no blacklisting, 500b/day fine.

It's really not that serious if it's under 90 days and you're not here to work illegally, deal drugs etc.

The chances of being caught on overstay are extremely minimal, I just recently overstayed 2 years and went out clubbing, checked into hotels, rented condos, flew domestic, everything. If you're laying low at your condo and just going to the gym it's even safer.

The chances used to be minimal, they are becoming less so. Immigration police are becoming much more active in some areas.

The consequences of being caught as far as the arrest, detention, and deportation are not something that anyone would call "not that serious" and can take quite a few days even if you have money.

If it were me in the situation I would be looking for the fastest round trip I could get so I could comeback and train without any worries.

Personally I'd wait the 2 weeks then leave if it costs the same as the visa run.

You're not one of the 'bad guys' if you're not overstaying to commit crimes in the Kingdom, and for an overstay of significantly less than 90 days.

Even after March 20th an overstay of under 90 days is the same punishment as before - no blacklisting, 500b/day fine.

It's really not that serious if it's under 90 days and you're not here to work illegally, deal drugs etc.

The chances of being caught on overstay are extremely minimal, I just recently overstayed 2 years and went out clubbing, checked into hotels, rented condos, flew domestic, everything. If you're laying low at your condo and just going to the gym it's even safer.

The chances used to be minimal, they are becoming less so. Immigration police are becoming much more active in some areas.

The consequences of being caught as far as the arrest, detention, and deportation are not something that anyone would call "not that serious" and can take quite a few days even if you have money.

If it were me in the situation I would be looking for the fastest round trip I could get so I could comeback and train without any worries.

OK, just to clarify: I can pay my overstay fine at the airport in Chiang Mai, fly to Singapore or Hong Kong, stay for a night or two, and return, with no visit to the Thai embassy while abroad, is that correct? (Given that I have a valid 6 month, multiple entry visa issued in December)

Thank you again for your advice.

Personally I'd wait the 2 weeks then leave if it costs the same as the visa run.

You're not one of the 'bad guys' if you're not overstaying to commit crimes in the Kingdom, and for an overstay of significantly less than 90 days.

Even after March 20th an overstay of under 90 days is the same punishment as before - no blacklisting, 500b/day fine.

It's really not that serious if it's under 90 days and you're not here to work illegally, deal drugs etc.

The chances of being caught on overstay are extremely minimal, I just recently overstayed 2 years and went out clubbing, checked into hotels, rented condos, flew domestic, everything. If you're laying low at your condo and just going to the gym it's even safer.

The chances used to be minimal, they are becoming less so. Immigration police are becoming much more active in some areas.

The consequences of being caught as far as the arrest, detention, and deportation are not something that anyone would call "not that serious" and can take quite a few days even if you have money.

If it were me in the situation I would be looking for the fastest round trip I could get so I could comeback and train without any worries.

OK, just to clarify: I can pay my overstay fine at the airport in Chiang Mai, fly to Singapore or Hong Kong, stay for a night or two, and return, with no visit to the Thai embassy while abroad, is that correct? (Given that I have a valid 6 month, multiple entry visa issued in December)

Thank you again for your advice.

If you have a VALID multi-entry visa you can return without any problem.

There would be no need to visit the Embassy.

Removed a troll post and the reply to it.

Personally I'd wait the 2 weeks then leave if it costs the same as the visa run.

You're not one of the 'bad guys' if you're not overstaying to commit crimes in the Kingdom, and for an overstay of significantly less than 90 days.

Even after March 20th an overstay of under 90 days is the same punishment as before - no blacklisting, 500b/day fine.

It's really not that serious if it's under 90 days and you're not here to work illegally, deal drugs etc.

The chances of being caught on overstay are extremely minimal, I just recently overstayed 2 years and went out clubbing, checked into hotels, rented condos, flew domestic, everything. If you're laying low at your condo and just going to the gym it's even safer.

The chances used to be minimal, they are becoming less so. Immigration police are becoming much more active in some areas.

The consequences of being caught as far as the arrest, detention, and deportation are not something that anyone would call "not that serious" and can take quite a few days even if you have money.

If it were me in the situation I would be looking for the fastest round trip I could get so I could comeback and train without any worries.

OK, just to clarify: I can pay my overstay fine at the airport in Chiang Mai, fly to Singapore or Hong Kong, stay for a night or two, and return, with no visit to the Thai embassy while abroad, is that correct? (Given that I have a valid 6 month, multiple entry visa issued in December)

Thank you again for your advice.

You can even turn around and fly back to Thailand on the same day, if the airline schedule has flights for it. Just keep the boarding passes for both flights, in case Thai immigration wants to see them upon your return, and have THB 10,000 cash in your pocket in case immigration wants to see it for proof that you are not planning to work in Thailand to cover your living expenses.

For your own sake, please do as suggested by sunnyjim5 and go immediately for a border run.

Thanks for your reply. My return flight to the US is in 2 weeks, I am training for a fight and would rather not interupt that training for a border run. I have already overstayed by 5 days.

Would I not have more chance of getting arrested / detained on my way to the border, than if I just stay around my gym training for 2 weeks and then going directly to the airport?

You don't want advice. Why ask?