Q & A from the TAT about reports that some tourists were refused entry to Thailand

[Jonathan Fairfield]

Q & A from the TAT about reports that some tourists were refused entry to Thailand

 

 

Popular Thailand based blogger Richard Barrow has spoken to TAT regarding the recent issue of some tourists being asked to show 20,000 baht in cash when entering Thailand.

 

It seems that reports of tourists being asked to show cash and being refused entry were due to Immigration carrying out a "random inspection of tourists’ means of living upon arrival at all ports of entry".

 

Richard believes that immigration are cracking down on people who are not genuine tourists and who may be working in Thailand illegally. 

 

Read the full Q&A here: http://www.thaitravelblogs.com/2017/07/q-a-from-the-tat-about-reports-that-some-tourists-were-refused-entry-to-thailand/

 

 

[NanLaew]

Asking the state entity that is NOT IN ANY WAY responsible for denying tourist visa holders entry to Thailand why this is happening.

 

Yes. That's what insightful, incisive and cutting-edge investigative journalism is all about.

[wgdanson]

20,000 should last about 2 nights out in Pattaya.

[Tanoshi]

42 minutes ago, wgdanson said:

20,000 should last about 2 nights out in Pattaya.

10,000 a night, wow!

Is that the cost of the women, the condoms, or the Viagra?

 

I understand the 'claps' are offered for free though.

[4evermaat]

what about at Sadao and/or Padang Besar border?  Particularly interested in non-immigrant O or B category visa.  

 

Although it is true that at best it is just a couple of isolated reports.....not quite pandemic.  

[Tanoshi]

2 minutes ago, 4evermaat said:

what about at Sadao and/or Padang Besar border?  Particularly interested in non-immigrant O or B category visa.  

 

Although it is true that at best it is just a couple of isolated reports.....not quite pandemic.  

Pandemic enough that the UK tabloid have been running stories of refusals at border crossing and airports and advising everyone to ensure they have the sufficient funds at hand, to avoid disappointment.

As already reported there are no ATM's before Immigration.

[jeab1980]

Its all very simple carry the appropriate funds stop bloody moaning about "well i like credit cards"tough immigration doesnt get over yourselfs.. Get a correct visa stop living and working here on Exempts and Tourist Visas and you wont get hassled. 

 

[jeab1980]

1 hour ago, NanLaew said:

Asking the state entity that is NOT IN ANY WAY responsible for denying tourist visa holders entry to Thailand why this is happening.

 

Yes. That's what insightful, incisive and cutting-edge investigative journalism is all about.

Lets face it we all or should all take this blogger with a pinch of salt and a laxative.

[AngryFalang]

I got in on a tourist visa today with no problem and i have many in out Thai stamps

Sent from my A1601 using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app

[chuang]

Stop whinny and cry baby..just follow the rules...

[BritTim]

People "abusing" the system by staying long periods in Thailand on tourist entries will likely be aware of the 20,000 baht requirement. The problem is that it will not occur to most regular tourists that Thai immigration is still living in the pre electronic age. Many countries want to ensure tourists can support their visit financially, but the need to withdraw large sums in cash, prior to travel, is Thailand specific, and will tend to come as a surprise, even to seasoned travelers.

[JackThompson]

58 minutes ago, AngryFalang said:

I got in on a tourist visa today with no problem and i have many in out Thai stamps

At what point of entry?  And more info on recent (last 2 years) in/out history, to put that in context, would make a great report.  Thanks.

[jeab1980]

59 minutes ago, AngryFalang said:

I got in on a tourist visa today with no problem and i have many in out Thai stamps

Sent from my A1601 using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app
 

Good for you well done

[YetAnother]

the whole thing is foolishness; i used ATMs here for many years to fund my stays

[Jai Dee]

Several troll posts (and replies) have been removed from this thread.

[jeab1980]

2 hours ago, Tanoshi said:

Pandemic enough that the UK tabloid have been running stories of refusals at border crossing and airports and advising everyone to ensure they have the sufficient funds at hand, to avoid disappointment.

As already reported there are no ATM's before Immigration.

Good at least normal joe tourists will be aware of it finally a rag in UK doing something useful.

[scubascuba3]

Interesting quote "aims at tourists who may appear as not being able to cover their travel expenses during their stay in Thailand"

Shame the person asking the questions didn't ask about the METV where bank statements have already been provided when the visa was obtained. I can understand the SETV and visa exempt but not METV

[oldgent]

should be looking for Travel/ Health Insurance Documents instead

[jimster]

1 hour ago, scubascuba3 said:

Interesting quote "aims at tourists who may appear as not being able to cover their travel expenses during their stay in Thailand"

Shame the person asking the questions didn't ask about the METV where bank statements have already been provided when the visa was obtained. I can understand the SETV and visa exempt but not METV

Maybe they should vet tourists by asking for bank statements for those seeking SETV too. In Los Angeles, they have insisted on at least US$500 for years in order to issue a tourist visa, strange that regional consulates are not asking for this proof. Much better to vet properly at the time of visa application than being asked at the border.

[jeab1980]

2 minutes ago, oldgent said:

should be looking for Travel/ Health Insurance Documents instead

Why?? Thats purley an individual choice. 

[jeab1980]

1 minute ago, jimster said:

Maybe they should vet tourists by asking for bank statements for those seeking SETV too. In Los Angeles, they have insisted on at least US$500 for years in order to issue a tourist visa, strange that regional consulates are not asking for this proof. Much better to vet properly at the time of visa application than being asked at the border.

The immigration arent bothered about average joe tourist who have a couple of exempt or s/m visa's over a few years. They are looking for mr stay in thailand on mixtures of exempt S/M Visa's spending very little time out of Thailand.

This thread  has motphed into a every tourist is at risk thread. Which is absolutley rubish ans scaremongering at its best. One look at a passport or the computer screen once passport is scanned will tell immigration all they need to know.

[williamgeorgeallen]

4 hours ago, jeab1980 said:

Its all very simple carry the appropriate funds stop bloody moaning about "well i like credit cards"tough immigration doesnt get over yourselfs.. Get a correct visa stop living and working here on Exempts and Tourist Visas and you wont get hassled. 

 

the only correct visa for under 50 is the elite visa which is too expensive for most. thailand is missing out not letting those stay who just want to spend money. a simple visa available to those who can show funds or show income would be a win for everyone.

[oldgent]

30 minutes ago, jeab1980 said:

Why?? Thats purley an individual choice. 

tell that to the hospitals who have to treat those who can not pay

[jeab1980]

39 minutes ago, williamgeorgeallen said:

the only correct visa for under 50 is the elite visa which is too expensive for most. thailand is missing out not letting those stay who just want to spend money. a simple visa available to those who can show funds or show income would be a win for everyone.

Well thats not available at present. For those under 50 who want to spend money? Please explain who these people are please. 

[scubascuba3]

56 minutes ago, jeab1980 said:

The immigration arent bothered about average joe tourist who have a couple of exempt or s/m visa's over a few years. They are looking for mr stay in thailand on mixtures of exempt S/M Visa's spending very little time out of Thailand.

This thread  has motphed into a every tourist is at risk thread. Which is absolutley rubish ans scaremongering at its best. One look at a passport or the computer screen once passport is scanned will tell immigration all they need to know.

If it was that simple the Thai representative could have stated the same but he didn't

[jeab1980]

30 minutes ago, oldgent said:

tell that to the hospitals who have to treat those who can not pay

How many of those are there then i presume you have the facts and figures readily at hand awaiting the question to be asked. I have seen inly a handfull of cases over the last few years reported.  Some of which had insurance but as usual tbe Policy suddenly didnt cover xy and z.

 

[jeab1980]

1 minute ago, scubascuba3 said:

If it was that simple the Thai representative could have stated the same but he didn't

As the one he asked was from tourist board what do you expect

[JackThompson]

28 minutes ago, oldgent said:

tell that to the hospitals who have to treat those who can not pay

The solution is everyone buys a "stabilize and evacuate" policy upon entry.  High deductible, but enough padding in the cost to fill a fund to cover any "abandoned bills" from those with minor problems.  It would be inexpensive, and would eliminate this valid concern. 

 

Proof of continuing pre-paid coverage would also be needed for extensions.   Only in rare cases would it be impossible to send the patient back to their home-country fairly rapidly - so no "extended treatment" costs.   Bulk-rate purchasing of medical-evac from carriers, under contract, would keep the repatriation-costs in budget.  Just need a good actuarial firm to make the cost/person/age calculations.

[orchis]

49 minutes ago, williamgeorgeallen said:

the only correct visa for under 50 is the elite visa which is too expensive for most. thailand is missing out not letting those stay who just want to spend money. a simple visa available to those who can show funds or show income would be a win for everyone.

That's incorrect. If you meet the requirements there are many more.

[ukrules]

I find it interesting that they insist on 6 months passport validity when it was previously stated that this isn't a requirement.

 

In fact there was another thread earlier this week discussing just this and it referred to the IATA website I think and their system which specifies requirements, the 6 months validity requirement was not required a few days ago.