Hi all, I need some advice.

I got this remark sealed on my tourist visa sticker page. "The holder of this passport travels to Thailand under a tourist visa several times which may result in the refusal of a visa in the future". It didn't seal on my tourist visa which I got it in Laos two months ago but I found it out when I extended 1 month in Thailand. I've stayed in Thailand for some years and have never seen like this remark before. I got a double-entry tourist visa last year and now I'm staying on single tourist visa with 1 month extension which expire next month. Usually I've planned to obtain another tourist visa in Laos again but, with this kind of remark seal, I need to know, can this be trouble? Has anyone experienced this? Can I still try for another tourist visa? How sure?

Regards,

Sone

sounds like they dont want you to visit as a tourist any more, maybe they have to many tourist already

They have been doing this for years. It's very doubtful that you will get another in Laos, but you should be able to get another in another country. Penang, Malaysia is recommended.

Vientiane has putting that stamp on visas for a long time now when a person reaches their limit. Most of the time they put another one with it stating you will asked for financial proof and proof of residence next time you apply.

OP how many TV's have you had from Vientiane?

OP how many TV's have you had from Vientiane?

2 double-entry last year and 1 single TV this time. But I think that stamp is sealed by ChiangMai Immigration when I extended 1 month. I thought I didn't see this stamp when I got TV in Vietiane two months ago.

OP how many TV's have you had from Vientiane?

2 double-entry last year and 1 single TV this time. But I think that stamp is sealed by ChiangMai Immigration when I extended 1 month. I thought I didn't see this stamp when I got TV in Vietiane two months ago.

CM Immigration would not have put it on there Vientiane would have, maybe you just didn't see it

OP how many TV's have you had from Vientiane?

2 double-entry last year and 1 single TV this time. But I think that stamp is sealed by ChiangMai Immigration when I extended 1 month. I thought I didn't see this stamp when I got TV in Vietiane two months ago.

"But I think that stamp is sealed by ChiangMai Immigration"

Doubtful. Immigrations doesn't have anything to do with the issue of visas from embassies or consulates.

Thailand must be losing quality tourists all the time, also a lot who would stay long time, I have said this repeatedly, they are being very unfair on a lot of the under fifties.

I can see why they don't want Farangs working here illegally, and that is the main reason for all this nonsense. Why don't the Thai authorities just use some common sense, I

know it is a big ask in Thailand, and make it known that anyone caught working for money without a work permit, will be immediately slung in prison and kept there until someone pays a large fine to get them out, and then deported, and not allowed ever back into Thailand.

If that law is made and enforced, that will soon cut out the biggest majority of illegal workers.

Then Thailand could get lots of tourists, who come to stay long time, or want to holiday here on a regular basis, instead of all the hassle with tourists visas.

Another thing, any Farang vagrants could get the same treatment as illegal workers.

Some people have a very elastic concept of what it is to be "a tourist" and to stay in a country - any country - on a "tourist visa". An elasticity understandably not shared by ANY immigration officials ANYWHERE in the world!

What hey are trying to tell you is that you are pushing the limit by trying to get repeated tourist visas from that particular consulate.

You would be well advised to find another consulate to try for your next tourist visa..... try Penang,Malaysia as a possibility.

Right now, they are just trying to give you a polite warning that you are on the edge of their patience.

They just intend it as a "word to the wise" right now.

Note: it may help if you can demonstrate a good reason and the financial means to stay in Thailand... in other words they really want to see that you can pay your way... at least that won't hurt your cause.

Edited June 23, 201610 yr by IMA_FARANG

You can easily avoid stamps like this one if you get a Non-Immigrant Visa. In addition, this one could be - provided you fulfill the requirements - extended on yearly basis. It makes live here much easier. Last time I left the country was in autumn 2007...

Some people have a very elastic concept of what it is to be "a tourist" and to stay in a country - any country - on a "tourist visa". An elasticity understandably not shared by ANY immigration officials ANYWHERE in the world!

YOU are a tourist also, just because you qualify for a visa that Immigration have kindly provided that doesn't mean you are any different from people that survive here on Tourist visas

Remember, that long term visa you are on can easily be taken away if Immigration decide to change the rules

Don't think you are any different to anybody who stays here on TV's because you are not, you can be kicked out at any time like everyone else

Edited June 23, 201610 yr by darrendsd

Some people have a very elastic concept of what it is to be "a tourist" and to stay in a country - any country - on a "tourist visa". An elasticity understandably not shared by ANY immigration officials ANYWHERE in the world!

YOU are a tourist also, just because you qualify for a visa that Immigration have kindly provided that doesn't mean you are any different from people that survive here on Tourist visas

Remember, that long term visa you are on can easily be taken away if Immigration decide to change the rules

Don't think you are any different to anybody who stays here on TV's because you are not, you can be kicked out at any time like everyone else

I agree. But at least some people go through the hoops designed for long stay. There's no way a 'tourist visa' is designed for people to stay here - or anywhere else - for years on end! Would you think that was normal & appropriate behaviour from foreigners in your home country? Would your government and its officials think that was appropriate? I think not.

... Note: it may help if you can demonstrate a good reason and the financial means to stay in Thailand... in other words they really want to see that you can pay your way... at least that won't hurt your cause.

I would very much appreciate a report from anyone who has returned to Vientiene, after receiving one of these stamps, provided documentation of residence and income (per what was stamped in my old passport), and received a subsequent visa. I could show them the equivalent of the qualifications to retire here (though I am not 50 yet).

To the OP, your only options are to try the untested method above, use different consulate (recommended), or get a new passport from your embassy so you can "start over" with the consulates - but you need not take the 'new passport' step until you have reached the visa-limit from all nearby consulates.

Some people have a very elastic concept of what it is to be "a tourist" and to stay in a country - any country - on a "tourist visa". An elasticity understandably not shared by ANY immigration officials ANYWHERE in the world!

YOU are a tourist also, just because you qualify for a visa that Immigration have kindly provided that doesn't mean you are any different from people that survive here on Tourist visas

Remember, that long term visa you are on can easily be taken away if Immigration decide to change the rules

Don't think you are any different to anybody who stays here on TV's because you are not, you can be kicked out at any time like everyone else

I agree. But at least some people go through the hoops designed for long stay. There's no way a 'tourist visa' is designed for people to stay here - or anywhere else - for years on end! Would you think that was normal & appropriate behaviour from foreigners in your home country? Would your government and its officials think that was appropriate? I think not.

I've not lived in my country for 11 years so don't care what happens there and that is not the point, the point is what happens in Thailand

If people have to go down the TV route because they don't qualify for any other visa then so be it,

As I said we are all Tourists here no matter what visa you are on which is kindly provided by Immigration, unless you have permanent residency status or Citizenship you can be kicked out or the rules for that visa can be changed at any time

People on Thai Visa who are on longterm visas seem to have this perception that they are better than those who survive here on TV's, believe me you are not better, just lucky

... Note: it may help if you can demonstrate a good reason and the financial means to stay in Thailand... in other words they really want to see that you can pay your way... at least that won't hurt your cause.

I would very much appreciate a report from anyone who has returned to Vientiene, after receiving one of these stamps, provided documentation of residence and income (per what was stamped in my old passport), and received a subsequent visa. I could show them the equivalent of the qualifications to retire here (though I am not 50 yet).

To the OP, your only options are to try the untested method above, use different consulate (recommended), or get a new passport from your embassy so you can "start over" with the consulates - but you need not take the 'new passport' step until you have reached the visa-limit from all nearby consulates.

There have been reports that those who try this are still refused another visa, they don't want to look at the paperwork

I agree. But at least some people go through the hoops designed for long stay. There's no way a 'tourist visa' is designed for people to stay here - or anywhere else - for years on end! Would you think that was normal & appropriate behaviour from foreigners in your home country? Would your government and its officials think that was appropriate? I think not.

Those of us here on Tourist Visas jump through plenty of hoops for long-stay. This is just "how it is" until they set up a different visa scheme - either legally limiting how long a person can stay on Tourist Visas (i.e. loose money for Thailand), or open up a new avenue for under 50s (who are not elite-rich) which weeds out those who cannot afford it and might "need to take Thai jobs" to survive, as the Retirement Visa system does for those over 50.

There is no logical comparison of "my country" and Thailand, given social-safety net factors, the wages paid (imigrant magnet-factor), the relative importance of tourism to the GDP, and the benefit to Thailand of Billions of Baht of foreign-currency inputs (one reason the Baht stays high, while others fall).

Thailand is also much more strict with those who break immigration laws than many others to which a comparison might be made - to their credit. Convicted criminals cannot appeal to Brussels courts to prevent their deportation, for example.

I got this stamp a year ago at Vientiane-probably mistakenly as it was my first from there-but have since gotten another 2 SETV from PP.Another embassy is definitely a better option for you,in Vientiane you will more likely than not be refused.I am wondering whether Savannakhet is still an option?Would they pay attention to Vientiane warning stamps, or do they consider themselves an "independent jurisdiction" ?

Some people have a very elastic concept of what it is to be "a tourist" and to stay in a country - any country - on a "tourist visa". An elasticity understandably not shared by ANY immigration officials ANYWHERE in the world!

YOU are a tourist also, just because you qualify for a visa that Immigration have kindly provided that doesn't mean you are any different from people that survive here on Tourist visas

Remember, that long term visa you are on can easily be taken away if Immigration decide to change the rules

Don't think you are any different to anybody who stays here on TV's because you are not, you can be kicked out at any time like everyone else

I agree. But at least some people go through the hoops designed for long stay. There's no way a 'tourist visa' is designed for people to stay here - or anywhere else - for years on end! Would you think that was normal & appropriate behaviour from foreigners in your home country? Would your government and its officials think that was appropriate? I think not.

I've not lived in my country for 11 years so don't care what happens there and that is not the point, the point is what happens in Thailand

If people have to go down the TV route because they don't qualify for any other visa then so be it,

As I said we are all Tourists here no matter what visa you are on which is kindly provided by Immigration, unless you have permanent residency status or Citizenship you can be kicked out or the rules for that visa can be changed at any time

People on Thai Visa who are on longterm visas seem to have this perception that they are better than those who survive here on TV's, believe me you are not better, just lucky

By bringing up the "better than those" thing, you're just trying to emotionalize a non-emotional issue and inject a personal animus. No, not all foreigners are "Tourists" regardless of their type visa. That's just plain ridiculous and a terminally petulant thing to say. What IS true is that foreigners are always at the mercy of IOs, who can be capricious and inconsistent, from one to the next, from one day to the next, from one place to the next. It's also true that the rules can be changed. But if you make up your mind to just "go down the TV route" to remain in the country indefinitely because you don't qualify for any other visa, then you're just trying to make a loophole for yourself out of the tourist visa - you're courting a self-inflicted wound AND making life more difficult for those playing by the rules.

And BTW - visas are not provided by Immigration. Permission to enter is provided by Immigration. VISAs are provided by the Foreign Ministry via their embassies and consulates.

... Note: it may help if you can demonstrate a good reason and the financial means to stay in Thailand... in other words they really want to see that you can pay your way... at least that won't hurt your cause.

I would very much appreciate a report from anyone who has returned to Vientiene, after receiving one of these stamps, provided documentation of residence and income (per what was stamped in my old passport), and received a subsequent visa. I could show them the equivalent of the qualifications to retire here (though I am not 50 yet).

To the OP, your only options are to try the untested method above, use different consulate (recommended), or get a new passport from your embassy so you can "start over" with the consulates - but you need not take the 'new passport' step until you have reached the visa-limit from all nearby consulates.

There have been reports that those who try this are still refused another visa, they don't want to look at the paperwork

"There have been reports that those who try this are still refused another visa, they don't want to look at the paperwork"

I met an English guy in the Highland bar in Vientiane on Christmas Eve afternoon last year, he had just got his passport back from the Thai Consulate and been denied a further visa. He said he had received the 'too many' stamp previously at Vientiane but had received his visa on that occasion and consequently had gone to Savannakhet for a further single tourist visa, which he was successful in obtaining.

When he tried for a further TR visa in Vientiane at Christmas, he said he had offered three months of bank statements from his UK bank showing a healthy balance and regular, monthly deposits but they were not taken from him when making his application. When he went back to get his passport the next day, his number was called and he was sent to a separate window, given his passport and told that he could not get a further visa due to the 'too many' stamp.

So it would seem that despite the 'show proof of funds' mentioned on the warning stamp, once you have the stamp you are 'blackballed' in Vientiane but, at least in his case, O.K. in Savannakhet.

Edited June 23, 201610 yr by PREM-R

If possible, either damage your passport or report it stolen. When you get a new passport you will have no problem going back to Lao and getting another visa.

@hawker9000

It is NOT a loophole to try and stay here on TV's

If Embassy's keep issuing you them and Immigration keep letting you in on them how can that be a loophole? If you do get questioned at Immigration and then let in that means that Immigration are happy to have you here, no matter how many TV's you already have

The only people who think its a loophole are people like you who by the way have no say in how Immigration operates although a lot of posters on here seem to think they should be running the country

People who are on longterm visas here DO think they are better than those who are not, that is evident from the many posts we see on the subject of TV's

Edited June 23, 201610 yr by darrendsd

I travel alot to and from Bkk and last time I returned from Phnom Penh through Don Muang. A immigration officer hand wrote in my passport " Apply visa or extension for stay in Thailand" he made me sign it and he signed it. I have had eight multi entry visas in the last 9 years but it never an over stay and I take frequent trips back to my native land. I thought it strange. upon receiving my last multiple entry tourist visa from the consulate in LA. I was told I might not get another.

I don't get this country. I don't work here. I am semi retired at 47 and other than a emails and emergencies I don't work here. I own a condo and I spend loads of money when I am here. I don't want to live here full time so the Elite card doesn't appeal to me. I would however like to spend about six or seven months a year in LOS. It looks like they don't want affluent tourists unless they can off load their money then get rid of them.

If possible, either damage your passport or report it stolen. When you get a new passport you will have no problem going back to Lao and getting another visa.

I would NOT report it stolen, unless it really is. This raises the possibility you "sold" it and/or it is in the hands of criminals. Issuing officials may, in some cases, issue you a short-term passport requiring you return home for a normal one. Not sure why you might have to damage / launder a passport to get a replacement, either. Just ask for a new one, pay the fee, and they will issue it and cancel your old one.

This depends on your country's Embassy / FA policies, of course. Nations that subsidize the costs might have issues. Perhaps a list of nations which are reluctant to issue new passports absent "laundry accidents" is in order. But maybe they keep a database: "John Doe keeps having laundry accidents, almost exactly every 2 years, while living in Thailand."

You can easily avoid stamps like this one if you get a Non-Immigrant Visa. In addition, this one could be - provided you fulfill the requirements - extended on yearly basis. It makes live here much easier. Last time I left the country was in autumn 2007...

Not an easy thing to do for a person under 50, not working, married or supporting a child......................

Some people have a very elastic concept of what it is to be "a tourist" and to stay in a country - any country - on a "tourist visa". An elasticity understandably not shared by ANY immigration officials ANYWHERE in the world!

And some have a very inelastic view. One shouldn't get so hung up on the word 'tourist', it's actually a loose term. By the UNWTO definition it means any visitor that doesn't work in the country. Some countries call it 'visitor', some countries call it tourist but issue 10 year tourist visas (like the US and China). It does not mean you have to do some sightseeing, get a sun tan then leave after 2 weeks.

I travel alot to and from Bkk and last time I returned from Phnom Penh through Don Muang. A immigration officer hand wrote in my passport " Apply visa or extension for stay in Thailand" he made me sign it and he signed it. I have had eight multi entry visas in the last 9 years but it never an over stay and I take frequent trips back to my native land. I thought it strange. upon receiving my last multiple entry tourist visa from the consulate in LA. I was told I might not get another.

I don't get this country. I don't work here. I am semi retired at 47 and other than a emails and emergencies I don't work here. I own a condo and I spend loads of money when I am here. I don't want to live here full time so the Elite card doesn't appeal to me. I would however like to spend about six or seven months a year in LOS. It looks like they don't want affluent tourists unless they can off load their money then get rid of them.

I think it is more a lack of a clear and coherent policy, than a concerted effort to push people like you and me out of Thailand. IOs and Consulate personnel seem to have no more of an idea than we do what is "ok" versus what is not. This results in fear of the unknown, for all concerned.

Not sure if it would help in LA, as it does at nearby Thai Consulates, but a fresh passport might be a good idea so that your next application for an METV in the States would not bring all that baggage to the fore. You could also use a different consulate in the States, perhaps applying by mail.

No, not all foreigners are "Tourists" regardless of their type visa.

Most are in some kind of weird limbo between living here and tourist. A tiny fraction have really immigrated here, been granted a citizenship and a passport. In developed countries that could be easily obtained after a few years. Your status is under review every year.

Tourist visa runners really aren't that different.

If possible, either damage your passport or report it stolen. When you get a new passport you will have no problem going back to Lao and getting another visa.

I would NOT report it stolen, unless it really is. This raises the possibility you "sold" it and/or it is in the hands of criminals. Issuing officials may, in some cases, issue you a short-term passport requiring you return home for a normal one. Not sure why you might have to damage / launder a passport to get a replacement, either. Just ask for a new one, pay the fee, and they will issue it and cancel your old one.

This depends on your country's Embassy / FA policies, of course. Nations that subsidize the costs might have issues. Perhaps a list of nations which are reluctant to issue new passports absent "laundry accidents" is in order. But maybe they keep a database: "John Doe keeps having laundry accidents, almost exactly every 2 years, while living in Thailand."

"Not sure why you might have to damage / launder a passport to get a replacement, either. Just ask for a new one, pay the fee, and they will issue it and cancel your old one."

I've never heard of an Embassy replacing a perfectly good passport that is neither expired or that has empty pages left in it, unless there is only 6 months validity left on one's passport.