Working 28 days and 28 days off in Thailand.

[sateeb07]

Hi all

I have had problems in Phuket airport immigration lately. I work in Africa in oil and gas on 28 days on/off rotation. I live in Phuket on my 28 days off and rent an apartment here. I enter every time as a tourist because i will be back to work again before the 30 day visa expires. The last 2 times i have been stopped and questioned by immigration. I need to show my ticket to leave the country (understandably). Yesterday i was taken for questioning, they asked me what i do here. I explained i work abroad and spend my time off here and i do not work. I am worried i will be refused entry at some stage. I am not doing anything wrong am i?

Anyone else in the same position?

[jacksam]

How do you enter Thailand. You mention VISA. These are 60 day. Are you entering every other month and obtaining visa exempt stamp?

[Maestro]

You are doing nothing wrong. Too play it safe, have 20k Baht in your pocket on every visa-exempt arrival or the equivalent in a foreign currency as proof that you have money to pay for your expenses during your visit, ie that you will not be working in Thailand.

[ubonjoe]

You have been getting visa exempt entries not a visa.

By the written rules you are doing nothing wrong. They cannot deny entry for doing it. Entry can only be denied under sections 12 of the immigration act. Having your ticket out and the equivalent of 20k baht in cash would overcome any denial under section 12.

Phuket is the worst airport for pulling people to the side for questioning after doing several exempt entries.

[sateeb07]

How do you enter Thailand. You mention VISA. These are 60 day. Are you entering every other month and obtaining visa exempt stamp?

Sorry to confuse you. I mean i enter as a tourist which is a stamp for 30 days. I am back to work after 28 days so it works well. I don't need an extension. In the event of having 5 weeks off work instead of 4 i fly to Malaysia and then get another 30 day stamp on re entry.

[sunnyjim5]

You have been getting visa exempt entries not a visa.

By the written rules you are doing nothing wrong. They cannot deny entry for doing it. Entry can only be denied under sections 12 of the immigration act. Having your ticket out and the equivalent of 20k baht in cash would overcome any denial under section 12.

Phuket is the worst airport for pulling people to the side for questioning after doing several exempt entries.

I think Phuket have much experience of those who arrive visa exempt and never leave !

[sateeb07]

You have been getting visa exempt entries not a visa.

By the written rules you are doing nothing wrong. They cannot deny entry for doing it. Entry can only be denied under sections 12 of the immigration act. Having your ticket out and the equivalent of 20k baht in cash would overcome any denial under section 12.

Phuket is the worst airport for pulling people to the side for questioning after doing several exempt entries.

Ok i thought it was a 30 day tourist visa, thanks for clarification. I will start carrying the 20 thousand baht with me from now on. I have a Thai bank account too, would it be wise to carry or just the cash?

[Maestro]

The immigration computers have been programmed to raise a flag when a traveller has had six or more visa-exempt entries, even of not back to back, with instructions to interview the traveller about the purpose of his visits and to exclude the possibility that he may want to enter to work illegally in Thailand. In this context, your experience at Phuket airport was routine.

[sateeb07]

When filling in the arrival card should i put my apartment address or a hotel address? Yesterday i just put the soi because i could not remember my exact address and the immigration guy just gave it back to me saying " more detail". Sorry for my naivety but i never had problems before as i used to get the 1 year multiple entry non immigrant O visa's

[sunnyjim5]

When filling in the arrival card should i put my apartment address or a hotel address? Yesterday i just put the soi because i could not remember my exact address and the immigration guy just gave it back to me saying " more detail". Sorry for my naivety but i never had problems before as i used to get the 1 year multiple entry non immigrant O visa's

Yes they are now asking for more precise address detail to be entered on the arrival card.

My son who visited us a few weeks ago had to telephone us from the airport because he had forgotten the detail of our address !

[ubonjoe]

When filling in the arrival card should i put my apartment address or a hotel address? Yesterday i just put the soi because i could not remember my exact address and the immigration guy just gave it back to me saying " more detail". Sorry for my naivety but i never had problems before as i used to get the 1 year multiple entry non immigrant O visa's

You need to put your complete address now on the TM6 form. They will want the full address now for a hotel also.

FYI if you need to stay more than 30 days you can get a 30 extension at an immigration office for a fee of 1900 baht.

[KhunBENQ]

Sorry for my naivety but i never had problems before as i used to get the 1 year multiple entry non immigrant O visa's

No chance to get another 1 y Non-O multiple now?

[sateeb07]

Sorry for my naivety but i never had problems before as i used to get the 1 year multiple entry non immigrant O visa's

No chance to get another 1 y Non-O multiple now?

No i don't think so. I am a British citizen and i used to send the form off to the consulate in Hull and get the visa within a week. It all changed and i have just turned 50 so i think the only visa i could get is a education visa but the schools i contacted would not entertain me because i would be here 1 month and then going back to work for 1 month. I am earning my living in Africa and then spending some of that money in Thailand. I have 2 passports and i can show i have visa stamps for my work in Africa every other month. It has been worrying entering the last 3 times in case i got refused entry with all my belongings in my apartment.

Thank you all for the sound advice to my post. I have recently been thinking of getting a Thai privilege elite card for 500.000 baht.

[Namplik]

Turned 50 and you can get non imm based on retirement?

[ubonjoe]

Sorry for my naivety but i never had problems before as i used to get the 1 year multiple entry non immigrant O visa's

No chance to get another 1 y Non-O multiple now?

No i don't think so. I am a British citizen and i used to send the form off to the consulate in Hull and get the visa within a week. It all changed and i have just turned 50 so i think the only visa i could get is a education visa but the schools i contacted would not entertain me because i would be here 1 month and then going back to work for 1 month. I am earning my living in Africa and then spending some of that money in Thailand. I have 2 passports and i can show i have visa stamps for my work in Africa every other month. It has been worrying entering the last 3 times in case i got refused entry with all my belongings in my apartment.

Thank you all for the sound advice to my post. I have recently been thinking of getting a Thai privilege elite card for 500.000 baht.

You could apply for an extension of stay based upon retirement and still do your trips for work by getting a multiple re-entry permit after you get the extension. Many people are doing it. You will need 800k baht in a Thai bank for 60 days or proof of 65k baht income, You could get proof of income by getting an income letter from the UK embassy by post.

You could make a trip to Penang while your are here after having the money in the bank (60 days not needed) or the income letter to get a single entry non-o visa for being 50 or over. You would then need to get a single re-entry permit for the 90 day entry and then apply for the extension after your return the next time since you cannot apply for the extension until the last 30 days of the 90 day entry.

[jacksam]

I've always been confused with offshore workers doing the month in month out thing using visa exempt. The very experts that are saying that this is all fine are implying that can be done ongoing.

Yet in other threads so quick to remind folk that more that 6 will cause big troubles. What's to stop someone calling themselves offshore workers and spending 30 in los and 30 say other Asian countries

[ubonjoe]

I've always been confused with offshore workers doing the month in month out thing using visa exempt. The very experts that are saying that this is all fine are implying that can be done ongoing.

Yet in other threads so quick to remind folk that more that 6 will cause big troubles. What's to stop someone calling themselves offshore workers and spending 30 in los and 30 say other Asian countries

Most people I warn are people that are spending less than 30 days out of the country or are contemplating doing it. Some also think they can do out/in trips for infinity to stay here.

It is a bit hard for offshore workers to get tourist visa since they are often not where they could get one while out of the country.

[sunnyjim5]

I've always been confused with offshore workers doing the month in month out thing using visa exempt. The very experts that are saying that this is all fine are implying that can be done ongoing.

Yet in other threads so quick to remind folk that more that 6 will cause big troubles. What's to stop someone calling themselves offshore workers and spending 30 in los and 30 say other Asian countries

Genuine Off Shore Workers usually will have no difficulty in explaining themselves to immigration. They can evidence cash, tickets out of Thailand and overseas employment .

A friend of mine is one such worker, he was stopped once, he explained his situation and has never been stopped again.

These people are not the usual "border hoppers" attempting to live in Thailand by using inappropriate means.

[jacksam]

I've always been confused with offshore workers doing the month in month out thing using visa exempt. The very experts that are saying that this is all fine are implying that can be done ongoing.

Yet in other threads so quick to remind folk that more that 6 will cause big troubles. What's to stop someone calling themselves offshore workers and spending 30 in los and 30 say other Asian countries

Genuine Off Shore Workers usually will have no difficulty in explaining themselves to immigration. They can evidence cash, tickets out of Thailand and overseas employment .

A friend of mine is one such worker, he was stopped once, he explained his situation and has never been stopped again.

These people are not the usual "border hoppers" attempting to live in Thailand by using inappropriate means.

Point taken but this seems to imply that the main concern about abuse if stamps is that people are working in los.

I fail to see difference between someone obtaining a stamp and 30 days after it expires another. Ongoing. If they can demonstrate substantial funds in bank or whatever how are they different to off shore workers.

[sunnyjim5]

I've always been confused with offshore workers doing the month in month out thing using visa exempt. The very experts that are saying that this is all fine are implying that can be done ongoing.

Yet in other threads so quick to remind folk that more that 6 will cause big troubles. What's to stop someone calling themselves offshore workers and spending 30 in los and 30 say other Asian countries

Genuine Off Shore Workers usually will have no difficulty in explaining themselves to immigration. They can evidence cash, tickets out of Thailand and overseas employment .

A friend of mine is one such worker, he was stopped once, he explained his situation and has never been stopped again.

These people are not the usual "border hoppers" attempting to live in Thailand by using inappropriate means.

Point taken but this seems to imply that the main concern about abuse if stamps is that people are working in los.

I fail to see difference between someone obtaining a stamp and 30 days after it expires another. Ongoing. If they can demonstrate substantial funds in bank or whatever how are they different to off shore workers.

I very much doubt that 30 day border hoppers can "demonstrate substantial funds" or they would not need to hop !

The TE and other visas are available to those with "substantial funds"

[jacksam]

I've always been confused with offshore workers doing the month in month out thing using visa exempt. The very experts that are saying that this is all fine are implying that can be done ongoing.

Yet in other threads so quick to remind folk that more that 6 will cause big troubles. What's to stop someone calling themselves offshore workers and spending 30 in los and 30 say other Asian countries

Genuine Off Shore Workers usually will have no difficulty in explaining themselves to immigration. They can evidence cash, tickets out of Thailand and overseas employment .

A friend of mine is one such worker, he was stopped once, he explained his situation and has never been stopped again.

These people are not the usual "border hoppers" attempting to live in Thailand by using inappropriate means.

Point taken but this seems to imply that the main concern about abuse if stamps is that people are working in los.

I fail to see difference between someone obtaining a stamp and 30 days after it expires another. Ongoing. If they can demonstrate substantial funds in bank or whatever how are they different to off shore workers.

I very much doubt that 30 day border hoppers can "demonstrate substantial funds" or they would not need to hop !

The TE and other visas are available to those with "substantial funds"

I also know few gas/oil workers. Don't want to say where they live but rhymes with udon thani. They go off to Vietnam or even sth Africa, return and let's say have work commitments here. Not all come on stamps. Couple do. Don't see why offshore workers should get any slack with stamps.

[Bredbury Blue]

You have been getting visa exempt entries not a visa.

By the written rules you are doing nothing wrong. They cannot deny entry for doing it. Entry can only be denied under sections 12 of the immigration act. Having your ticket out and the equivalent of 20k baht in cash would overcome any denial under section 12.

Phuket is the worst airport for pulling people to the side for questioning after doing several exempt entries.

Ok i thought it was a 30 day tourist visa, thanks for clarification. I will start carrying the 20 thousand baht with me from now on. I have a Thai bank account too, would it be wise to carry or just the cash?

If you have a Thai bank with ATM card, why not draw out 20k on arrival and then you have the cash plus you have an ATM slip to show your accessible Thai funds...then once through immigration, go to a bank in the airport and deposit the money back in to your account.

[sotsira]

Turned 50 and you can get non imm based on retirement?

The OP is working off shore, so how can he apply for a non-o based on retirement?

I thought retirement meant that you no longer are working.

[sateeb07]

I've always been confused with offshore workers doing the month in month out thing using visa exempt. The very experts that are saying that this is all fine are implying that can be done ongoing.

Yet in other threads so quick to remind folk that more that 6 will cause big troubles. What's to stop someone calling themselves offshore workers and spending 30 in los and 30 say other Asian countries

Genuine Off Shore Workers usually will have no difficulty in explaining themselves to immigration. They can evidence cash, tickets out of Thailand and overseas employment .

A friend of mine is one such worker, he was stopped once, he explained his situation and has never been stopped again.

These people are not the usual "border hoppers" attempting to live in Thailand by using inappropriate means.

I can produce a ticket out of the country and i can produce a work contract for my job in Africa. I also have my 2nd passport with my Angola work visa and stamps in and out of the country. I can show them my Thai bank book too and prove i have means for each visit. If i can prove all of the above will i still get trouble next time i attempt to enter Thailand. I only just realized i am eligible for a retirement visa and its something i can look in too.

[elviajero]

It is possible that, in the future, you are denied entry. If that happens you can appeal. You wouldn't be blacklisted and would be free to fly anywhere. So just have a plan B to fly to a nearby country and get a tourist visa.

You should also be aware that visa exempt entry is meant for tourism and I doubt very much if many IO's would consider someone living here as a tourist.

[elviajero]

Turned 50 and you can get non imm based on retirement?

The OP is working off shore, so how can he apply for a non-o based on retirement?

I thought retirement meant that you no longer are working.

• You don't need to be retired to get a retirement visa. It, like every other visa, prohibits working in Thailand.
• Although it is commonly referred to as a retirement visa the qualification is that you are over 50.

[lonewolf99]

I personaly did 28/28 rotas for 5 years and did other rotas - 6 weeks 2 weeks 10 weeks 2 weeks and latterly 8 weeks and 2 weeks.

I always came through BKK. Never once was I asked about onward flights, etc etc.

I always had a complete address written on the card and I am talking about over the last 11 years.

Not all my time off was in LoS. I went to Laos, Malaysia, Australia, UK, Hong Kong etc. But as long as I was in and out withing the 30 days no problemo.

As for flying into Phuket ......as mentioned maybe they are different.

Bottom line is you are not doing anything wrong. As far things go for the moment ... BUT who knows what they have planned for foreigners sooner or later ?

[sateeb07]

It is possible that, in the future, you are denied entry. If that happens you can appeal. You wouldn't be blacklisted and would be free to fly anywhere. So just have a plan B to fly to a nearby country and get a tourist visa.

You should also be aware that visa exempt entry is meant for tourism and I doubt very much if many IO's would consider someone living here as a tourist.

Thank you for your input. Yesterday the immigration lady asked me what i was doing here and i explained to her i was working 1 month then coming on holiday to Thailand every other month. Now i will worry about returning the next time.

[ubonjoe]

It is possible that, in the future, you are denied entry. If that happens you can appeal. You wouldn't be blacklisted and would be free to fly anywhere. So just have a plan B to fly to a nearby country and get a tourist visa.

You should also be aware that visa exempt entry is meant for tourism and I doubt very much if many IO's would consider someone living here as a tourist.

Thank you for your input. Yesterday the immigration lady asked me what i was doing here and i explained to her i was working 1 month then coming on holiday to Thailand every other month. Now i will worry about returning the next time.

They would have no basis under section 12 to deny you entry if you have financial proof and proof you are working outside the country.

I would not worry about it. In my opinion you are not living here since you are staying less than 30 days.

[sateeb07]

Any suggestions on agents that can process the retirement visa application for me? Prices etc?