Just a note to inform others

 

Tried to submit application today for my 6th SETV (3rd from Savannakhet)

 

Got to the window - after much longer queuing time than previous  - passports being scrutinised more.

 

He appeared to count my SETVs then asked what am I doing in Thailand.

 

I told him, I dont work, I'm on an extended holiday

 

Ok, show me bank statement and 'holiday plan'

 

As I had nothing prepared, and no data signal (to show a bank balance) I left to consider my next move.

 

P.S 2 russian girls got the same treatment ahead of me

it was coming

 

8 minutes ago, surinderek said:

it was coming

 

 

Will be interesting what other open doors will start closing in the future.

18 minutes ago, jonw8uk said:

Tried to submit application today for my 6th SETV (3rd from Savannakhet)

I think that was the reason they asked for the additional requirements.

I think it is time for a new passport.

14 minutes ago, ubonjoe said:

I think that was the reason they asked for the additional requirements.

I think it is time for a new passport.

 

For sure thats the reason, and if I'd prepared some paperwork, it would've been ok.

 

Probably wise to have these proofs for any SETV application going forward

Where were the other 3 SETV's from?

13 minutes ago, elviajero said:

Where were the other 3 SETV's from?

 

Phnom penh x 2 and Penang (Penang my most recent)

 

If I had on onward ticket, and printed bank statement - do you think I'll get 30 day stamp on the bridge tomorrow (G7 passport)?

Edited December 15, 20169 yr by jonw8uk
add text

6 minutes ago, jonw8uk said:

If I had on onward ticket, and printed bank statement - do you think I'll get 30 day stamp on the bridge tomorrow (G7 passport)?

Unless you a lot of visa exempt entries you will not have a problem getting a 30 day entry at the bridge. They like most other crossing from Laos are friendlier than some other ones.

3 minutes ago, ubonjoe said:

Unless you a lot of visa exempt entries you will not have a problem getting a 30 day entry at the bridge. They like most other crossing from Laos are friendlier than some other ones.

 

 I have 9 visa exempts from 2014/15

 

will find out tomorrow I guess....

3 hours ago, surinderek said:

it was coming

 

3 hours ago, overherebc said:

Will be interesting what other open doors will start closing in the future.

 

Getting a fresh passport before one's 7th tourist visa isn't difficult. One can apply by mail near Soi Nana. 

You can print off confirmed hotel reservations on booking.com (linked above on Thaivisa menu) without paying, you only have to pay at the hotel if you go. No credit card required. That works for 'holiday plan' proof. 

 

I'd get to an internet cafe, print those off along with some bank statements, and try again. 

Just now, jspill said:

 

 

Getting a fresh passport before one's 7th tourist visa isn't difficult. One can apply by mail near Soi Nana. 

 

Yes, thats what i'm thinking.  Slight worry about the turnaround over the xmas period.  Generally under 2 weeks, but could be delayed this time of year.

 

I've only ever replaced them when full or have been lost.  This passport still has lots pages left.  Am I assuming correctly that if i want a new passport I can just apply, even though my current one is ok, or do I need to damage it?!

7 minutes ago, jonw8uk said:

I've only ever replaced them when full or have been lost.  This passport still has lots pages left.  Am I assuming correctly that if i want a new passport I can just apply, even though my current one is ok, or do I need to damage it?!

I think you will find lots of people have gotten new US passports because of to many visas and stamps.

If you submit the application and pay the $110 fee you will get it.

I have heard of people applying for a new passport because they did not like the photo on the old one,

My Embassy asked me why I want a new passport since the old one still had plenty of empty pages and valid for many years. I told them I plan travel a lot and don't want that the passport gets full while on traveling.

 

The next time, my passport fell in to water. Can happen. This was reason enough to get a new passport.

You can also just state your appearance changed significantly so need new passport .

But could someone explain to me what is the purpose of staying in Thailand for the whole year or even for many years if you don't have any family or business in the country? I mean if someone really likes the country and want to stay here it would be so damn easy to get an ED Visa and actually study those few hours every week, or am I wrong?

Savvanakhet used to have a reputation for being the most relaxed place to get visas in the region.  Would it seem that this has changed? Perhaps there is a new boss in town.

1 hour ago, SoFarAndNear said:

But could someone explain to me what is the purpose of staying in Thailand for the whole year or even for many years if you don't have any family or business in the country? I mean if someone really likes the country and want to stay here it would be so damn easy to get an ED Visa and actually study those few hours every week, or am I wrong?

Some people really do have a lot of time on their hands and like to stay in Thailand.  Personally, if I were a Thai official I would welcome somebody that comes to the country and spends money and was not working illegally nor being a bum and just hanging out.  Many people take sabbaticals, do walk abouts, take a break from life, etc.  Unfortunately many people have abused the SETV and other Thai Visas over the years.  Somebody hanging out in a country with no visible means of support is not supported by most countries and to me that is completely understandable.  After one year or multiple years, a person going to a country should expect to be scrutinized and heck, the particular country may not allow such a thing since it most likely isn't being done for touristing reasons.   Bite the bullet and marry the girl, get a job and the proper work permit, open a proper business, get the Elite Visa, apply for residency, etc.   Thailand has been clearly moving towards watching these frequent visits more closely.

2 hours ago, SoFarAndNear said:

But could someone explain to me what is the purpose of staying in Thailand for the whole year or even for many years if you don't have any family or business in the country? I mean if someone really likes the country and want to stay here it would be so damn easy to get an ED Visa and actually study those few hours every week, or am I wrong?

 

An ED Visa used to be a way to relax in Thailand and learn the language while exploring the country, etc - but they wrecked that.  For starters, plan to spend 2 hrs/day, 4 hrs/wk (not including home-study, so that it actually does some good) as part of your retirement/vacation plan. 

 

How long you wish to stay on ED Visas and extensions depends on how many languages you wish to learn, because after 18 months on that schedule, you are considered "done" with learning Thai (as far as immigration is concerned), so need to start a new language. 

 

Also, be prepared for hassles for extensions every 3 months (depending on the office) or paying extra (~$3500 baht per extension) to not be hassled. 

 

And don't even think of getting a re-entry permit, and leaving and returning, or you will face hassles upon entry (evidently "real" students never travel to other countries, so this indicates illegal working in Thailand) - and possibly denied entry with your valid visa + re-entry permit. 

 

Also, be prepared to get a new passport if you want to get a Tourist Visa at a Thai consulate after this, because those dispensing visas have been told that "ED Visa" means, "works in Thailand illegally."

 

What I have outlined does not occur to every person in every case, but all of these cases have been reported here.  Sad but true.

 As I  stated yesterday there  seems  to be  a more  heavy handed approach to visas in general.  On arrive from  Phnom Penh recently  the immigration was asking lots of questions.I was asked  what hotel I will be staying  something that I was never asked before.The que  was slow  because   every passport  was carefully checked out. I think  a directive  has been issued from above to tighten up.

 I can see in the near future   that  people on just an old age pension will not be welcomed in Thailand as long term residents.

10 hours ago, JackThompson said:

 

An ED Visa used to be a way to relax in Thailand and learn the language while exploring the country, etc - but they wrecked that.  For starters, plan to spend 2 hrs/day, 4 hrs/wk (not including home-study, so that it actually does some good) as part of your retirement/vacation plan. 

 

How long you wish to stay on ED Visas and extensions depends on how many languages you wish to learn, because after 18 months on that schedule, you are considered "done" with learning Thai (as far as immigration is concerned), so need to start a new language. 

 

Also, be prepared for hassles for extensions every 3 months (depending on the office) or paying extra (~$3500 baht per extension) to not be hassled. 

 

And don't even think of getting a re-entry permit, and leaving and returning, or you will face hassles upon entry (evidently "real" students never travel to other countries, so this indicates illegal working in Thailand) - and possibly denied entry with your valid visa + re-entry permit. 

 

Also, be prepared to get a new passport if you want to get a Tourist Visa at a Thai consulate after this, because those dispensing visas have been told that "ED Visa" means, "works in Thailand illegally."

 

What I have outlined does not occur to every person in every case, but all of these cases have been reported here.  Sad but true.

I presume you mean the govt when you say"they ruined it".Constant abuse and joke status visa is what ruined it by farang rorters.

The ED visa is still popular by Russians for working illegally here. They pay for the extensions a few thousand Baht more for not get checked if they attended the school.

I'm sitting in a bar in Savanaket right now waiting for the 2pm pick up (multi non O). Everything seems perfectly normal, I didn't see anyone turned away yesterday. 

26 minutes ago, RayD said:

I'm sitting in a bar in Savanaket right now waiting for the 2pm pick up (multi non O). Everything seems perfectly normal, I didn't see anyone turned away yesterday. 

 

Was it busy yesterday? I went there Tuesday. Was a long queue. But the pick up process was done in 15 Minutes. I went there at 1:30pm.

Very. It's been recommended here not to go on Tue/Thur  if you can avoid it because thats when the groups go, and like a mug I didn't listen, I could easily have gone a day earlier.

It never busy if don't turn up early, trick is don't turn up 9am for drop off, come around 10am and you lucky if see 3 people. Same with collection, don't be silly and queue in sun at 1.30pm, come around 2.30pm to 3pm and and you out in 5 minutes regardless of day. Everybody in a hurry and no need, you got take bus over bridge same so rushing back gains little.

Good to know BuckBee. Next time i will follow your advise.

 

Would you say that's valid for Vientiane as well?

 

Another question: At the border (Laos side) I recognized that ASEAN people paid 200 Baht. I wonder for what they have to pay.

Edited December 16, 20169 yr by alocacoc

3 hours ago, RayD said:

I'm sitting in a bar in Savanaket right now waiting for the 2pm pick up (multi non O). Everything seems perfectly normal, I didn't see anyone turned away yesterday. 

 

I'm sat in a van heading to Ubon airport.  We'd have been in the same queue yesterday.  The queue was much slower than on my previous 2 visits - before I would hand the application to someone who appeared to be a security guard or helper - he wouldn't scrutinise how many visas, just check all was in order and take the visa fee.  The guy yesterday was looking through passports more intently, hence my standing inline for 1:20h.  Unless you was close behind them, how would you know they'd be turned away, or asked for further documents?

 

Was yours a SETV application?

 

Regardless I got 30 days at the bridge without any questions, so all is good for now

You can see whether someone has a raffle ticket or still has ther docs from a way back up the queue.

1 hour ago, alocacoc said:

Good to know BuckBee. Next time i will follow your advise.

 

Would you say that's valid for Vientiane as well?

 

Another question: At the border (Laos side) I recognized that ASEAN people paid 200 Baht. I wonder for what they have to pay.

Vientaine does have a more continuous flow so doesn't help as much. Savanakhet is more a case of everyone turning up before consulate opens so 95% of that days customers are at the door together, go little later and it a completely different experience :-) I have no idea why people queue outside from 1:30pm or earlier, they in such a rush then grab a tuk-tuk for silly money and sit at bridge as got use bus when turns up, I grab some late lunch near bus station and use wifi to catch up on mail and download some youtube channel material for use on the bus haul. I aim around 2:30pm  pickup and see same faces at border normally looking for pens to fill arrival cards etc, I carry spare and done it while on bus to border so jump straight to immigration queue and use newly supplied arrival card for next trip .

When going laos also no need rush, I been sat waiting bus after laos immigration at 8am-830am and people panicking won't get to consulate for 9am, who the hell cares turn up 10am it better, wait for a bus save yourself money and tuktuk hassle and also get a vip dropoff experience at the consulate, it win win sabi sabi ...