Major new crackdown on visa overstay in Thailand starts today

[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?

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.

so why ask here, ask 1 of your many Thai police friends

[luke000]

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.

I am talking about if theres an unexpected delay, like a car accident or something .

If you are on a continuous long term visa, then the odd day will mean nothing to you, but , if you are on short term visas and they are restricting them then every day does count

[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.

so why ask here, ask 1 of your many Thai police friends

Why ask what? I didn't ask anything. Did you know that Thai police are not immigration police? Educate yourself, mate.

[Bobotie]

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.

so why ask here, ask 1 of your many Thai police friends

I do suspect reality is a very different some posters heads...

One suspects his idea many police friends is buying the local plod on his honda wave a bootle of lao kow from 7/11

Edited March 20, 2016 by Bobotie

[DaveinAsia]

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?

Not sure if you will be arrested but there will be a huge shaming campaign in all newspapers/websites/billboards, lol.

[mercman24]

perhaps the best place to start would be the Russian Mafia in Pattaya (oops sorry, no Mafia here) probably to scared of them.you cant tell me all these 30+ something age group Ruskies, strolling around Pattaya are all school teachers lol !!

[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.

so why ask here, ask 1 of your many Thai police friends

I do suspect reality is a very different some posters heads...

One suspects his idea many police friends is buying the local plod on his honda wave a bootle of lao kow from 7/11

Not sure what a plod is, or lao kow...

Again, in your mind they use Honda Waves. In reality, they have brand new big bikes. Mate, I imagine you live in Isaan and over 60. Am I correct?

[bbbbooboo]

Major clack rown.....I suggest will cause major proplems

[Bobotie]

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.

so why ask here, ask 1 of your many Thai police friends

I do suspect reality is a very different some posters heads...

One suspects his idea many police friends is buying the local plod on his honda wave a bootle of lao kow from 7/11

Not sure what a plod is, or lao kow...

Again, in your mind they use Honda Waves. In reality, they have brand new big bikes. Mate, I imagine you live in Isaan and over 60. Am I correct?

Live in Isaan ?...no

Over 60 ? No not even close ?

And funny other than the police on the motorway, never seen a Thai copper on a big bike, but seen plenty on " small" bikes, such as Honda waves

Forgive me, but when people start bragging about their "police contacts" are usually living a little fantasy in their heads, those who do have real "police contacts" normslly dont brag about it

[luke000]

You are the "Bad Guys OUT" that immigration is talking about.

I'm sure that your son will grow up proud that his criminal father is now able to stay with him in Thailand.

That isnt very nice, is it ?

No need for that

[lemonjelly]

I have a feeling that people on visa run buses today are going to be hassled at checkpoints before they reach the border crossing.

[PremiumLane]

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!

I look forward to the day when they make a new law that makes you an illegal, and then watch you squirm and protest that it is not fair

Edited March 20, 2016 by PremiumLane

[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!

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.

"I figured since I paid the fine, I might as well get my money's worth and stayed for an additional 20 months."?

It's because of people like you that the rest of us have to jump through hoops in order to extend our annual visas.

[MadDog2020]

You are the "Bad Guys OUT" that immigration is talking about.

I'm sure that your son will grow up proud that his criminal father is now able to stay with him in Thailand.

That isnt very nice, is it ?

No need for that

Let's get real. This guy is:

1. Bragging about the police buddies he knows

2. Spouting off on the crimes he is commiting

3. Living in Thailand against all the laws

4. Giving all of us a bad name

5. Not taking responsibility for what he has done.

Now he is a father and using that as the excuse to stay here. What benefit does he provide to Thailand if he cannot even get a long stay visa?

I know that I'm not being PC but we are being real here, telling it like we read it.

Edited March 20, 2016 by MadDog2020

[striderman]

i have never dragged my passport around with me (in case of loss or at least excessive wear and tear) but it seems to me that immigration/police whatever will be keen at least in the short term to appear to be on the case.

ie a few gogo visits etc with the media in tow to show what a fine job they are doing.

with that in mind it may be worth taking your passport for a couple of weeks till they all get bored

[puukao]

I must confess:

1. I've been overstaying for 19-years

2. I have gotten over 11,000 free mango shakes

3. I have been to the hospital under 190 aliases, most thai

4. my embassy hangs up on me when i call

5. i became a monk, twice

6. i've been chased in the jungles by the police for over 2,000 kms

7. an anaconda swallowed my jade ring

8. i promise to never overstay again if someone gives me 1,000,000,000,000 baht

[luke000]

You are the "Bad Guys OUT" that immigration is talking about.

I'm sure that your son will grow up proud that his criminal father is now able to stay with him in Thailand.

That isnt very nice, is it ?

No need for that

Let's get real. This guy is:

1. Bragging about the police buddies he knows

2. Spouting off on the crimes he is commiting

3. Living in Thailand against all the laws

4. Giving all of us a bad name

5. Not taking responsibility for what he has done.

Now he is a father and using that as the excuse to stay here. What benefit does he provide to Thailand if he cannot even get a long stay visa?

I know that I'm not being PC but we are being real here, telling it like we read it.

Hes stayed and taken care of his Son .

That is more important than a stamp in your passport

[JLCrab]

Yes. Knock up a Thai Girl -- Get a Visa!

[willyumiii]

Warnings about this have been out for so long now that anyone who still has not taken care of their overstay is a fool who deserves to be punished and banned.

No excuses.

[willyumiii]

You are the "Bad Guys OUT" that immigration is talking about.

I'm sure that your son will grow up proud that his criminal father is now able to stay with him in Thailand.

That isnt very nice, is it ?

No need for that

Let's get real. This guy is:

1. Bragging about the police buddies he knows

2. Spouting off on the crimes he is commiting

3. Living in Thailand against all the laws

4. Giving all of us a bad name

5. Not taking responsibility for what he has done.

Now he is a father and using that as the excuse to stay here. What benefit does he provide to Thailand if he cannot even get a long stay visa?

I know that I'm not being PC but we are being real here, telling it like we read it.

Hes stayed and taken care of his Son .

That is more important than a stamp in your passport

Doing what is required to "get that stamp in his passport" is an important part of staying to take care of his son.

[Dan747]

Maybe we should try the Thai overstay rules in the United States. It sure would rake in lot's of extra $$$$$$$$$$$ tax money to pay for the Trump wall. "Good Luck to All!"

[NoshowJones]

About time. I hope this in enforced.

If you break the law you have to face the penalty.

If you break the law you have to face the penalty.

Of course you do, don't forget to put on your underpants.

[phoenixdoglover]

Excepting the actual criminals who overstayed, I would not think those who overstayed their visas to be a big problem. On the contrary, I would think the majority are a net positive for the Thai economy and otherwise harmless.

This whole "bad guys out" meme is misleading, as if checking visa stamps is an effective crime fighting strategy for Thailand. I will admit, it is a good way to avoid hassling locals who can fight back.

[lkv]

It's because of people like you that the rest of us have to jump through hoops in order to extend our annual visas.

Hello? Good morning.

It's not the overstayer's fault they ask you for tea money at your retirement extension or they want to see pictures of you and your wife in bed for the marriage extension or that the bank book copy is "not centered".

Stop the bashing, wake up and get a reality check of what country you're living in.

I know, it hurts.

[jucel]

Yes. Knock up a Thai Girl -- Get a Visa!

Yeh, so they can reap all those lovely benefits from the government

[NoshowJones]

About time. I hope this in enforced.

If you break the law you have to face the penalty.

there is always one ..who has never done anything THE SYSTEM says he cant

Certainly not me, I never wear underpants

[JLCrab]

Yes. Knock up a Thai Girl -- Get a Visa!

Yeh, so they can reap all those lovely benefits from the government

A visa and extension for being married to the mother of a child is an actual benefit on the books -- unlike the digital nomad visa and extension which isn't.

But it is fun to read on here of some folks who talk about overstay like it is a cool thing like extreme sports or telling someone that you are a vegan.

Edited March 20, 2016 by JLCrab

[NoshowJones]

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

As long as certain pockets are being lined things will stay the way it is.

[NoshowJones]

moti24. That's like saying shop lifting forces prices in the shops up, nonsense, prices will go up by as much as the shops think will get away with.

If all shoplifting stopped tomorrow, would prices stop going up as much? I think we all know the answer to that.

[elgordo38]

I'm waiting for the first reports of new "businesses" that can get these rules waived. For a fee of course.

Cheers.

You have made a good point I will be waiting as well. Opportunity is surely knocking. If they find and deport the supposed 100,000 it will be a miracle. This rule seems to be the flavor of the month.