Major new crackdown on visa overstay in Thailand starts today

[alwaysrainsinUK]

Right they are i agree totally ........

Those ignoring their overstay for long periods must have something to hide as naturally u dont forget about it too long

[p_brownstone]

I foresee the establishment of a whole new self contained self serving financial industry off shoot specialising in overstay matters looming on the horizon.

Helpful officials who will assist you to navigate this minefield and a small group of advisors emerging who will also assist and advise you on how to lessen any impact that this law may have on any individual it may affect for a modest or perhaps not so modest fee..

Certainly the grass roots economy will boom due to this matter as will the white envelope production industry too.

Actually I already provide such a Service ; Free of Charge too :

"Don't Overstay"

Patrick

[lust]

I was on overstay for 2 years. About 5 months in, I was caught by immigration police at the airport while returning to Bangkok from Phuket. Took my dog to the ocean for her first time.

I paid a fine to the 4 immigration officers who were waiting for me, to avoid going to IDC and having to spend a load of cash buying another flight. After, I was escorted to a taxi and went home. I was told that I will need to pay the fine again when I decide to leave the country legitimately. I figured since I paid the fine, I might as well get my money's worth and stayed for an additional 20 months.

I cleared my overstay yesterday. No problems. No interrogation. The guy was whistling a song while writing my receipt.

I feel that Thai people really don't care about overstay, but they are told to care so that it can generate revenue for the country while also getting their affairs in order.

It's nice to clear up the overstay though, and now I qualify for a long term visa for when I return.

Which "long term visa" will you qualify for ?

I have a Thai son, and will be married next month.

[theoldgit]

Offensive comment removed.

[seedy]

Derogatory / Bickering / link to Phuketwan Removed

[MadDog2020]

It will be interesting to see what happens to people who accidentally overstay by just a day or two ,

It would be quite severe if a person was heading to a border and didnt make it in time before the border closed and they left first thing the next morning and they then faced a ban from re entering Thailand .

I would imagine that there would be a certain amount of grace before bans were implemented , I would imagine that the grace period would be between 1-90 days, but, only time will tell

Accidentally? They have 30 days grace period on a stamp on entry or 60 days or 90 days on certain visa's. They have a lot of time to make it to the border.

From the dead centre of Thailand it only takes one day to get to the closest border.

But sometimes buses are full, they crash or they break down .

Some borders close at 7 PM , so, you may be on the way to the border and you get delayed and miss the crossing time

So give yourself a "grace period" and leave a day early. Why expect any government to give you more?

Do a bit of planning for the future in your life.

[MadDog2020]

I was on overstay for 2 years. About 5 months in, I was caught by immigration police at the airport while returning to Bangkok from Phuket. Took my dog to the ocean for her first time.

I paid a fine to the 4 immigration officers who were waiting for me, to avoid going to IDC and having to spend a load of cash buying another flight. After, I was escorted to a taxi and went home. I was told that I will need to pay the fine again when I decide to leave the country legitimately. I figured since I paid the fine, I might as well get my money's worth and stayed for an additional 20 months.

I cleared my overstay yesterday. No problems. No interrogation. The guy was whistling a song while writing my receipt.

I feel that Thai people really don't care about overstay, but they are told to care so that it can generate revenue for the country while also getting their affairs in order.

It's nice to clear up the overstay though, and now I qualify for a long term visa for when I return.

You are the type of people that give the rest of us a bad name.

Why don't you "man up" and follow the laws of this nation?

[DavisH]

Has anyone noticed immigration offices being more busy than normal the last couple of weeks?

[sunnyjim5]

Has anyone noticed immigration offices being more busy than normal the last couple of weeks?

Why would any immigration office be busier than normal during the last two weeks ?

[mihalis]

good news, no other country would allow it either.................. Australia constantly is looking for overstayers, illegal workers and so on..

[Kru Baa]

The real agenda here is to discourage foreigners from trying to live in Thailand. The Junta does not want foreigners as they see them as a threat to their absolute rule. They will start messing with people ant trying to make you overstay so they can kick you out.

[brewsterbudgen]

The real agenda here is to discourage foreigners from trying to live in Thailand. The Junta does not want foreigners as they see them as a threat to their absolute rule. They will start messing with people ant trying to make you overstay so they can kick you out.

There is little evidence to support that.

[sunnyjim5]

The real agenda here is to discourage foreigners from trying to live in Thailand. The Junta does not want foreigners as they see them as a threat to their absolute rule. They will start messing with people ant trying to make you overstay so they can kick you out.

"They will start messing with people ant trying to make you overstay so they can kick you out."

Who are "They" and how will "They" try to MAKE people overstay ?

Details please !

[Moti24]

It will be interesting to see what happens to people who accidentally overstay by just a day or two ,

It would be quite severe if a person was heading to a border and didnt make it in time before the border closed and they left first thing the next morning and they then faced a ban from re entering Thailand .

I would imagine that there would be a certain amount of grace before bans were implemented , I would imagine that the grace period would be between 1-90 days, but, only time will tell

I think the infographics tell you all you need. Under 90 days and hand yourself in = no ban. Under 90 days and get arrested = ban

What would happen if you are on the way to a border with a one day over stay and there was a Police check, would they arrest you and just let you be on your way to the border?

Now that there are constant police checks, I've been breathalised 5 times in the past 6 months; the police have gotten more aggressive on each occassion. If you think they would give you a free pass to the border, think again. "Out with the bad"? It appears that all foreigners are included in that statement. They will drain every last baht from you. If you have to do a border run, do it the day before visa expiry.

[luke000]

It will be interesting to see what happens to people who accidentally overstay by just a day or two ,

It would be quite severe if a person was heading to a border and didnt make it in time before the border closed and they left first thing the next morning and they then faced a ban from re entering Thailand .

I would imagine that there would be a certain amount of grace before bans were implemented , I would imagine that the grace period would be between 1-90 days, but, only time will tell

Accidentally? They have 30 days grace period on a stamp on entry or 60 days or 90 days on certain visa's. They have a lot of time to make it to the border.

From the dead centre of Thailand it only takes one day to get to the closest border.

But sometimes buses are full, they crash or they break down .

Some borders close at 7 PM , so, you may be on the way to the border and you get delayed and miss the crossing time

So give yourself a "grace period" and leave a day early. Why expect any government to give you more?

Do a bit of planning for the future in your life.

I ve alreaty planned my life around my next visa rum , as its problematic getting visas, I dont want to lose a day .

[MadDog2020]

It will be interesting to see what happens to people who accidentally overstay by just a day or two ,

It would be quite severe if a person was heading to a border and didnt make it in time before the border closed and they left first thing the next morning and they then faced a ban from re entering Thailand .

I would imagine that there would be a certain amount of grace before bans were implemented , I would imagine that the grace period would be between 1-90 days, but, only time will tell

Accidentally? They have 30 days grace period on a stamp on entry or 60 days or 90 days on certain visa's. They have a lot of time to make it to the border.

From the dead centre of Thailand it only takes one day to get to the closest border.

But sometimes buses are full, they crash or they break down .

Some borders close at 7 PM , so, you may be on the way to the border and you get delayed and miss the crossing time

So give yourself a "grace period" and leave a day early. Why expect any government to give you more?

Do a bit of planning for the future in your life.

I ve alreaty planned my life around my next visa rum , as its problematic getting visas, I dont want to lose a day .

So why ask the Thai government to give you a grace period? You know the rules live by them.

[Moti24]

I was on overstay for 2 years. About 5 months in, I was caught by immigration police at the airport while returning to Bangkok from Phuket. Took my dog to the ocean for her first time.

I paid a fine to the 4 immigration officers who were waiting for me, to avoid going to IDC and having to spend a load of cash buying another flight. After, I was escorted to a taxi and went home. I was told that I will need to pay the fine again when I decide to leave the country legitimately. I figured since I paid the fine, I might as well get my money's worth and stayed for an additional 20 months.

I cleared my overstay yesterday. No problems. No interrogation. The guy was whistling a song while writing my receipt.

I feel that Thai people really don't care about overstay, but they are told to care so that it can generate revenue for the country while also getting their affairs in order.

It's nice to clear up the overstay though, and now I qualify for a long term visa for when I return.

You are the type of people that give the rest of us a bad name.

Why don't you "man up" and follow the laws of this nation?

Well said!

[sunnyjim5]

" I ve alreaty planned my life around my next visa rum , as its problematic getting visas, I dont want to lose a day "

I hope you have factored in the risk now associated with overstaying.

[luke000]

So why ask the Thai government to give you a grace period? You know the rules live by them.

I havent asked the Government to give me a grace period , I asked whether they would be giving people a grace period if they overstay by a day ot two .

It wasnt a question about myself, just a general enquiry

[luke000]

I hope you have factored in the risk now associated with overstaying.

Yes, it has actually crossed my mind

[sunnyjim5]

So why ask the Thai government to give you a grace period? You know the rules live by them.

I havent asked the Government to give me a grace period , I asked whether they would be giving people a grace period if they overstay by a day ot two .

It wasnt a question about myself, just a general enquiry

Why would any "grace period" be offered ?

The "admitted until date" is clearly stamped in passport. The vast majority of people understand they must leave on or before that date.

[little mary sunshine]

To bad it took so long to start the crackdown...throw the illegals out for good.

We will have a nicer Thailand!..... I support Trump too!

Edited March 20, 2016 by little mary sunshine

[phutoie2]

Nice to see the Sunday morning do gooders out early, "you know the rules, live by them", "show me your papers". Must be a laugh a minute in their houses.

Edited March 20, 2016 by phutoie2

[FritsSikkink]

I was on overstay for 2 years. About 5 months in, I was caught by immigration police at the airport while returning to Bangkok from Phuket. Took my dog to the ocean for her first time.

I paid a fine to the 4 immigration officers who were waiting for me, to avoid going to IDC and having to spend a load of cash buying another flight. After, I was escorted to a taxi and went home. I was told that I will need to pay the fine again when I decide to leave the country legitimately. I figured since I paid the fine, I might as well get my money's worth and stayed for an additional 20 months.

I cleared my overstay yesterday. No problems. No interrogation. The guy was whistling a song while writing my receipt.

I feel that Thai people really don't care about overstay, but they are told to care so that it can generate revenue for the country while also getting their affairs in order.

It's nice to clear up the overstay though, and now I qualify for a long term visa for when I return.

You are the type of people that give the rest of us a bad name.

Why don't you "man up" and follow the laws of this nation?

If you want to learn how to read English, my rate is 1,000baht/hour.

work permit?

[FritsSikkink]

The real agenda here is to discourage foreigners from trying to live in Thailand. The Junta does not want foreigners as they see them as a threat to their absolute rule. They will start messing with people ant trying to make you overstay so they can kick you out.

what a load of nonsense

[luke000]

So why ask the Thai government to give you a grace period? You know the rules live by them.

I havent asked the Government to give me a grace period , I asked whether they would be giving people a grace period if they overstay by a day ot two .

It wasnt a question about myself, just a general enquiry

Why would any "grace period" be offered ?

The "admitted until date" is clearly stamped in passport. The vast majority of people understand they must leave on or before that date.

Because it seems a very harsh punishment to ban someone from Thailand for a whole year, just because they over stayed for ONE day .

If they were on the way to the border and for some reason there was a delay and they had to cross the border the next day, IMO, it would be extremly harsh to arrest them, prosecute them and ban them for a year

[hobobo]

It will be interesting to see what happens to people who accidentally overstay by just a day or two ,

It would be quite severe if a person was heading to a border and didnt make it in time before the border closed and they left first thing the next morning and they then faced a ban from re entering Thailand .

I would imagine that there would be a certain amount of grace before bans were implemented , I would imagine that the grace period would be between 1-90 days, but, only time will tell

Accidentally? They have 30 days grace period on a stamp on entry or 60 days or 90 days on certain visa's. They have a lot of time to make it to the border.

From the dead centre of Thailand it only takes one day to get to the closest border.

But sometimes buses are full, they crash or they break down .

Some borders close at 7 PM , so, you may be on the way to the border and you get delayed and miss the crossing time

More pathetic excuses. Don't leave it till the last minute, you can go a day or two earlier!

[djjamie]

But sometimes buses are full, they crash or they break down .

Some borders close at 7 PM , so, you may be on the way to the border and you get delayed and miss the crossing time

then don't wait until the last day, pretty simple

For people not on long term visas, everyday counts

Goodness me. Petition to lengthen the 30 day stamp on entry to 31 days then. When asked why you want this explain to them "everyday counts and I simply won't make it to the border in 30 days"!!!

The sad thing is it will be these types of excuses the police will hear all the time.

It ain't hard. We are adults. I can understand a small child not being able to do it, but we are adults.

Edited March 20, 2016 by djjamie

[lust]

I was on overstay for 2 years. About 5 months in, I was caught by immigration police at the airport while returning to Bangkok from Phuket. Took my dog to the ocean for her first time.

I paid a fine to the 4 immigration officers who were waiting for me, to avoid going to IDC and having to spend a load of cash buying another flight. After, I was escorted to a taxi and went home. I was told that I will need to pay the fine again when I decide to leave the country legitimately. I figured since I paid the fine, I might as well get my money's worth and stayed for an additional 20 months.

I cleared my overstay yesterday. No problems. No interrogation. The guy was whistling a song while writing my receipt.

I feel that Thai people really don't care about overstay, but they are told to care so that it can generate revenue for the country while also getting their affairs in order.

It's nice to clear up the overstay though, and now I qualify for a long term visa for when I return.

You are the type of people that give the rest of us a bad name.

Why don't you "man up" and follow the laws of this nation?

Well said!

How is it, "well said"? The guy can't even comprehend English.

Who are you really angry at? The overstayers, or the police that don't care?

I was caught red-handed in the airport by immigration police. 4 of them. If they don't care, why should I?

Does it also make you angry that I have many Thai police friends who were also aware of my visa status but they didn't care and would invite me over for bbq dinner with all their friends and family?

Thai law, and Thai reality are very different.

[Bobotie]

The real agenda here is to discourage foreigners from trying to live in Thailand. The Junta does not want foreigners as they see them as a threat to their absolute rule. They will start messing with people ant trying to make you overstay so they can kick you out.

LOL...a typical "nanny state" response....blame some else for their own lack of responsibility

BUT you are correct in some respects...they do want to discourage foreigners who are temped to live in Thailand illegally, so you nearly got it right, you just missed the "illegal" bit out