Safe to get consecutive visas from Laos after 2 years on TR visas?

[parrotfish]

Hello, 

 

I have been traveling in the Kingdom for just over 2 years as a tourist. I am not working and have been living off savings that were gifted to me after my grandfather's passing. I am in my late 20s and from a G7 country. 

 

My current visa (TR + 30 extension) is about to expire and I will be needing to exit. I am a little nervous after reading all of the news lately, and am wondering if a second visa in a row from Laos is OK. I have no history of overstay. The only hang up I've ever had was at the Poipet border in August 2016. I was denied entry for too many visa exempt entries. They told me to go to Phnom Penh and get a TR, which I did, and then entered without issue. Since then, I have always entered on TR visas. 

 

I obtained a fresh passport at the end of last year. I have two TR visas in it since. The first from Yangon, and the second from Vientiane. This upcoming trip, I would like to return to Vientiane, as I would like to do some more traveling in Laos (VV and LP). The last visa in my previous passport was also from Vientiane. If I go again this time, that would make 3/4 of my most recent visas from Vientiane.

 

I am also wondering if I am safe to do a visa exempt entry again at this point. It has been about a year since being denied at Poipet, so that would mean I haven't used the 2 permitted visa exempt entries within one calendar year, correct? If it seems Laos again is a risky option, I will most likely look towards Penang, as I have never obtained a TR visa from Malaysia, only some short trips to Langkawi and Penang in the past (re-entering on visa exempt 30 days). I have read that Jim's Place services might be useful for someone with a history like mine, or maybe doing it myself is OK too. 

 

Looking for constructive advice. Thank you very much.

 

EDIT: I'm am definitely planning on carrying 20k baht on me this time. I also am curious what my situation would look like should I be denied entry to the country. I have quite a bit of my life set up here at the moment (condo, motosai, etc). If they tell me my time is up, is there at least some way to come in for a week or something and settle all of my contracts/dealings? Would I need to spend a month or so outside the country and then try again? Just trying to gain some understanding of what things would look like for me at a point like that. I did not originally intend to stay as a tourist in Thailand for so long, but one thing has led to another and I became comfortable and fascinated with life here. I know what I've been doing is not sustainable, and don't plan to do it much longer. Thanks for your help. 

-pf

 

[JackThompson]

The Tourist Visa in your Old Passport will not affect your next one at Vientiane.  They will count a new one as #2.  They will almost certainly give you the visa, based on reported policy, and are unlikely to add the extra "This person travels to Thailand frequently on Tourist Visas" extra stamp on your second (again, based on reports to-date).  That extra-stamp will block you from further TR Visas at the consulate that put it there, plus some others (Vientiane will not issue a TR Visa if they or any other consulate has put that extra-stamp in).

 

If it were me, I would continue using different consulates, and Penang would be one option.  HCMC Vietnam is another.  Note that unlike Vientiane, most consulates require additional paperwork - a flight out of Thailand and/or bank balance showing 20K Baht (or $1000 USD, in some cases), and/or a Hotel booking or Rental-contract.  But since you have only 2 Visas in your current passport, and depending how long you intend to stay, I would suggest using the "more difficult" consulates, first - if only to get as many TR Visas as possible before getting the "This person travels to Thailand frequently on Tourist Visas" extra stamp, which requires you get a new passport from your embassy to be assured future TR Visas.

 

As to entering the country - this is another thing entirely.  Immigration will have a full-record of your stays here.  Currently, only Airports and Poipet are creating problems for people who have stayed here longer on TR Visas in the past- to spite this being entirely permitted by law.  The 20K Baht and, sometimes, proof of where you will stay, is all that is required from every other point of entry, because the others Are Following The Laws / Rules on the Books.  Crossing from Laos is one of the best points of entry.  From Cambodia, Ban Laem, Ban Packard, and the point across from Koh Kohg  are OK. From Malaysia, the primary difference is a more consistent request to see the 20K Baht.  By entering at a land-crossing, even if denied, you could try again at a different crossing, or a week later at the same one, etc.

As we never know when things might change at any crossing, it may also be a good idea to have copies of bank-records showing you are "loaded" and don't need to work here.  Also, records showing the transfer of funds here can erase all doubt about where the money you spend here originates.

[bill38]

14 minutes ago, JackThompson said:

Also, records showing the transfer of funds here can erase all doubt about where the money you spend here originates.

 

Can you clarify what you mean by that? I'm a bit confused as what to show other than a bank statement showing lots of money.

[parrotfish]

24 minutes ago, JackThompson said:

The Tourist Visa in your Old Passport will not affect your next one at Vientiane.  They will count a new one as #2.  They will almost certainly give you the visa, based on reported policy, and are unlikely to add the extra "This person travels to Thailand frequently on Tourist Visas" extra stamp on your second (again, based on reports to-date).  That extra-stamp will block you from further TR Visas at the consulate that put it there, plus some others (Vientiane will not issue a TR Visa if they or any other consulate has put that extra-stamp in).

 

If it were me, I would continue using different consulates, and Penang would be one option.  HCMC Vietnam is another.  Note that unlike Vientiane, most consulates require additional paperwork - a flight out of Thailand and/or bank balance showing 20K Baht (or $1000 USD, in some cases), and/or a Hotel booking or Rental-contract.  But since you have only 2 Visas in your current passport, and depending how long you intend to stay, I would suggest using the "more difficult" consulates, first - if only to get as many TR Visas as possible before getting the "This person travels to Thailand frequently on Tourist Visas" extra stamp, which requires you get a new passport from your embassy to be assured future TR Visas.

 

As to entering the country - this is another thing entirely.  Immigration will have a full-record of your stays here.  Currently, only Airports and Poipet are creating problems for people who have stayed here longer on TR Visas in the past- to spite this being entirely permitted by law.  The 20K Baht and, sometimes, proof of where you will stay, is all that is required from every other point of entry, because the others Are Following The Laws / Rules on the Books.  Crossing from Laos is one of the best points of entry.  From Cambodia, Ban Laem, Ban Packard, and the point across from Koh Kohg  are OK. From Malaysia, the primary difference is a more consistent request to see the 20K Baht.  By entering at a land-crossing, even if denied, you could try again at a different crossing, or a week later at the same one, etc.

As we never know when things might change at any crossing, it may also be a good idea to have copies of bank-records showing you are "loaded" and don't need to work here.  Also, records showing the transfer of funds here can erase all doubt about where the money you spend here originates.

Thanks for the thorough response JackThompson. What about entering at this point on a visa exempt 30 days? Do you think it would be OK? I haven't done it in the past 12 months, but during my first year I did it quite a few times. Is it riskier now since I've been here so long? Or maybe okay since I haven't done it anytime very recently? I think I'm planning on leaving the country again within 30 days of rearriving, so the TR is really not necessary from that standpoint. Thanks. -pf

[Essecola]

Penang may give you a red stamp if you try them for the next TR visa. But maybe worth a try. You should have no problem getting a TR Visa from Vientiane. Or even entering on exempt could be ok , so long as not at Poipet , since u have none this year. I got my last TR from Vientiane recently and was shocked to see a guy pick up his passport in hippy clothes and an unlit cigarette hanging out of his mouth when he was at the pickup window. Doubt it would hurt to at least try to appear neat but I guess you probably would anyway. :)

[JackThompson]

1 hour ago, parrotfish said:

Thanks for the thorough response JackThompson. What about entering at this point on a visa exempt 30 days? Do you think it would be OK? I haven't done it in the past 12 months, but during my first year I did it quite a few times. Is it riskier now since I've been here so long? Or maybe okay since I haven't done it anytime very recently? I think I'm planning on leaving the country again within 30 days of rearriving, so the TR is really not necessary from that standpoint. Thanks. -pf

So far, since they began the "2 per calendar year" rule, entering on Visa Exempt through friendly border-points has been easier - though I would use Laos - not Malaysia.  If that plan failed (unlikely, based on recent reports), you could always turn around and go get a TR Visa.

 

1 hour ago, bill38 said:

Can you clarify what you mean by that? I'm a bit confused as what to show other than a bank statement showing lots of money.

Proof that the foreign-money is what you are spending here.  Bank-transfers or account-statements showing withdrawals.  I always carried a Bangkok Bank book showing foreign-transfers coming in - but if you don't have a Thai bank-account, then your foreign-account statements showing the money going out.  Maybe a few ATM slips that match the foreign-statement - hopefully showing the acct# on the slip.

 

 

 

[Cletus]

16 minutes ago, Essecola said:

Penang may give you a red stamp if you try them for the next TR visa. But maybe worth a try. You should have no problem getting a TR Visa from Vientiane. Or even entering on exempt could be ok , so long as not at Poipet , since u have none this year. I got my last TR from Vientiane recently and was shocked to see a guy pick up his passport in hippy clothes and an unlit cigarette hanging out of his mouth when he was at the pickup window. Doubt it would hurt to at least try to appear neat but I guess you probably would anyway. :)

Why?

He has never been there for a TV, and got a new passport now.

Why give him a red stamp?

Did you read his post?

[Essecola]

19 minutes ago, Cletus said:

Why?

He has never been there for a TV, and got a new passport now.

Why give him a red stamp?

Did you read his post?

I have heard about Penang sometimes giving a red stamp if they see a passport with 2 TR visas previously from anywhere. Is it wrong info do you think? I read his post. 

[Cletus]

9 minutes ago, Essecola said:

I have heard about Penang giving a red stamp if they see a passport with 2 TR visas previously from anywhere. Is it wrong info do you think? I read his post. 

 

I think it's wrong info but I may be wrong.

 

Let's wait for some more knowledgeable member comment.

[parrotfish]

In the current climate, how likely do you think it is that I will be stopped and questioned?

[Essecola]

3 minutes ago, parrotfish said:

In the current climate, how likely do you think it is that I will be stopped and questioned?

Probably not to be honest. But have the 20000 baht and some info about where u stay is a good idea.

[elviajero]

Given your time in the country as a 'tourist' I would recommend you avoid visa exempt entries by land or air as given your age they will be very suspicious of what you are doing in the country. In the current climate you have a high chance of being questioned at any entry point.

 

Showing condo leases, money in a Thai bank is the last thing you should be showing if questioned on entry. Flights out, hotel bookings and 10/20K in cash are what they are looking for.

[JackThompson]

1 hour ago, elviajero said:

Given your time in the country as a 'tourist' I would recommend you avoid visa exempt entries by land or air as given your age they will be very suspicious of what you are doing in the country. In the current climate you have a high chance of being questioned at any entry point.

 

Showing condo leases, money in a Thai bank is the last thing you should be showing if questioned on entry. Flights out, hotel bookings and 10/20K in cash are what they are looking for.

When this first started, it seemed to be about proving you weren't working and had your own money.  Now it seems to be more about "here too long" / xenophobia - at least at Airports - maybe not where the IOs are not adverse to foreigners staying here longer.

 

Given the current climate, I can see the logic in your angle.   A condo-lease and bank-acct do imply a long-stay plan (at least as long as the lease).  OTOH, they already know he's been here a long time (immigration computer), so can't really pretend otherwise.  A flight out could help - especially coming in Exempt.

But if they aren't satisfied with the 10/20K Baht (I'd say just carry 20K even if Exempt), that's when being able to prove you "don't need a job," because you have lots of money elsewhere -  money that you can prove you have been spending here - could be the key to getting in.   Maybe better with the foreign-account statement showing money taken out - preferably matched with recent Thai ATM-slips.

[reenatinnakor]

So you were denied at PoiPet on an old passport and not your new passport so that means you still are allowed 2 border runs this year.

I have 3 tourist visas in my passport and loads of visa exempts and but when I used a visa run company that took me to another border post not PoiPet, Ban Pakkad, I didn't have a problem. Stamp in and out and everything done in 30 mins. You can do this twice in a calendar year.

[tomwct]

You are the type of Tourist the Immigration Officers are looking for since you are living in Thailand. At your age

you will be uncovered, so I would try, but plan on exiting Thailand in the very near future.

[tryasimight]

Perhaps the Elite Visa is for you.