[Expelled no questions asked at Don Muang]

1 minute ago, Baerboxer said:

I think you'll find most countries allow their IO's to deny entry should they suspect the person wishing to enter. 

If they suspect you aren't a tourist, possibly therefore working illegally to finance your stays, not bothering to get the correct class of visa, they can deny entry. That isn't unique to Thailand.

Ah yes, the old "other countries have different laws, and Thailand should be following those rather than their own Immigration Act" argument. Thailand decided not to follow the common practice of giving absolute power to immigration officials. The Immigration Act specifically states that only the Minister has the power to arbitrarily admit or exclude individuals or groups. I believe this was done for good reason. Thailand has long had problems of corruption among officials. Giving them too much power makes it easy for them to corruptly monetise that power. 

[Expelled no questions asked at Don Muang]

28 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

There's no limit on the time you can visit your son with a non-o (beyond the 90 days).

I agree. Also, there is no limit on the time you can visit with a tourist visa (beyond the 60 days, or 90 days if extended).

[Expelled no questions asked at Don Muang]

3 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

up to you, whenever I enter a foreign country, I repeat the reason I gave on the VISA/application.

I'm here to visit my son, end of, 'cos that's what I wrote on the Non-o application, and the entry form.

I wonder if you are going to accept the immigration official's decision when they eventually decide you are visiting your son too often, and should get the correct visa for spending so much time in Thailand.

[Expelled no questions asked at Don Muang]

55 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

Agreed, tourist VISA but not a tourist, doesn't matter how much money you carry, you need to have the right VISA. That's no excuse for writing 'insufficient funds' on his passport though, they should have written 'wrong VISA'.

They cannot do that. "Wrong visa" is not one of the listed reasons in Section 12 of the Immigration Act for denying entry. Nor will you find anything there about the immigration official being empowered to decide if a visa has been improperly issued to someone who should not qualify.

[Visa question]

4 minutes ago, pantsonfire said:

Just to note, i was in main airport.  Are you suggesting, i would not leave and stay in bkk for the duration?

I am even more surprised if the denied entry was at Suvarnabhumi. Personally, I would risk the Hong Kong trip in your position (with a re-entry permit: do not risk a visa exempt entry). However, there are some strange decisions being made by immigration right now, and I could be misjudging your chance of problems.

[Expelled no questions asked at Don Muang]

29 minutes ago, Briggsy said:

The rules are unclear and the contradictory behaviour of different ministries (MFA vs Immigration) and different locations under the same department suggests a completely arbitrary set of decisions.

The worst of it is that he was denied entry for a bogus reason. At Don Muang, at least, it appears the immigration officials can now decide to deny entry whenever they feel like it, and just write Section 12 (2) on a form (with the real reason for the denied entry never needing to be disclosed).

[Visa question]

Don Muang seems to be getting very strict, and I hesitate to be dogmatic on this. I doubt they would treat entry with a re-entry permit in the same way as a quick visa run.

 

The 30-day extension should not be a problem.

 

Good luck. Please report back on your future experiences.

[Red stamp on 3rd SETV from Vientiane]

1 hour ago, Lovethailandelite said:

They are already linked and being used during online visa application to the Bangkok based database.

I do not claim any special knowledge, but I am confused as to why the Immigration Bureau would need access to MFA's system (which as far as I know does not have data on visa applications through embassies/consulates all in one place yet) in order to process a VOA. I am pretty sure this has never been available to immigration when evaluating applications for regular VOAs where the application is checked when you queue up at the airport. All the important information (previous visits to Thailand) is in the Immigration Bureau's system.

[Red stamp on 3rd SETV from Vientiane]

1 hour ago, mokwit said:

I thought BJ was linking the immigration database with the MFA database so that MFA have full history.

That may happen, but it has not happened yet. Also, Big Joke does not have jurisdiction over the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and I could imagine a big turf war over data ownership. We will see.

[Does Laos immigation accept old US dollars]

It will be very difficult to use that old note. The problem is that they are easily forged using modern technology, and it takes an expert to spot the forgeries. If possible, return to where you were given that old note, and argue for its replacement.

EDIT: This page shows the banknotes that will be accepted by normal currency exchange places. A few locations may be less strict, but I would be surprised if you found anyone to accept anything earlier than series 2003 notes, and they will probably be reluctant to accept 2003-2006 series notes also.

[Border Run Alternatives]

1 hour ago, Prissana Pescud said:

Thank you. So I get to the Thai border at Ban Laem, stay the night, front up at Thai border control at 8 am.

Get stamped through to Cambodia border control. (pay the $30 US for the visa)

I am still to look up any attractions in Ban Laem because I like to walk and visit the sights and sites.

So I have not decided if I will stay a night or a few days.

My Thai wife (my shadow) will accompany me on the ASEAN passport allowances (no fee, can stay for 30 days with a passport but no visa)

Then front up To Cambodian border control and pay..? for exit fees.

Go to Thai border control and be welcomed back like a long lost son.

Report to Prachinburi Immigration control within 24 hours of arrival back home?

Is that about it?

PS. Does Ban Laem in Cambodia have a golf course? I love trying to play the game. (Kabinburi has an excellent course if you play the game)

Cheers and thank you so much

In general, your understanding is good.

If looking to spend time in Cambodia after crossing at Ban Laem, you could consider going into Pailin for a quick look around and a meal, then heading to Battambang. This is not a must do trip, but perfectly OK for a change of scene. You could also consider spending a day or two in Chanthaburi which I consider rather pleasant. As I recall, there is golf in the area.

[Where to get a medical certificate required for NON O-A Visa]

36 minutes ago, donim said:

I believe that. So will change my post.

But as you said; try and find info and found a form tm86 and the following text on immigration.go.th (no notions about the sort of visa) -

 

52.Question : How could the foreigners change type of visa? And What is the relation regulations?

Answer : The foreigners could change type of visa under specific regulations required documents must be completed.

53. Question : What documents are required for changing type of visa ?

Answer : Required documents for changing type of visa are in accordance with reasons of each case as specified in the                     Requlations (Further information, please contact telephone number 0-2141-9903 )

This is a big subject. To summarise, if you would qualify for some kinds of long term extension of stay, except that you are in Thailand on the wrong type of entry (such as tourist entry or non immigrant for retirement) you can use a process often referred to as "conversion" to resolve the issue. The way this works is that you show all the requirements for the underlying extension (and often some additional documents) and receive a 90-day non immigrant entry of the appropriate type. Towards the end of that 90 days, you then apply for the extension.

 

If you are already in Thailand on an extension on the basis of marriage, an extension on the basis of a Thai child will not require a conversion. Indeed, if you cannot meet the requirements for the extension, no conversion would be possible. However, you may be able to get a Non O visa from a consulate overseas without meeting all the requirements for a conversion/extension.

[Border Run Alternatives]

8 minutes ago, Prissana Pescud said:

Thank you BritTim and Denim for your information and especially for replying. You give the Guru, ubonjoe a well earned break.

Just one more question if I may push your education.

PoiPet is close to where I live (Kabinburi).

Everyone says don't go near there for a visa run.

 I know that there are many casinos in Cambodia near the poipet border crossing and even Thais have told me it can be dangerous.

But any information as to why?

It is no longer particularly dangerous physically (assuming you are not trying to do business there).

 

Thai immigration when crossing from Poipet into Thailand frequently deny entry for reasons that would never be used anywhere else, and are certainly not according to the Immigration Act. Having denied entry, they will tell you to enter Thailand by air from Siem Reap (a terrible idea which you should ignore, going instead to a different land crossing, probably Ban Laem).

 

The reason for Thai immigration's actions at Poipet/Aran are, to some extent, open to speculation. I am nearly sure it is to set up an environment where they can operate an extortion racket. If you express sufficient distress at not being allowed to enter, you will be approached by someone on the Cambodian side of the border who will inform you that he can arrange legal entry for 20,000 baht. His claim is true, if you can call the paying of bribes "legal". Most of that money goes to Thai officials. The Thai side retains plausible deniability by keeping the number of people buying themselves in low, (but charging a lot per victim) and never being seen to take money directly from those arriving.

[Why Do So Many Overstay a Standard Visa?]

22 minutes ago, Mansell said:

How about very intoxicated (drunk) to pay attention to their passport and it just slides and slides until it is all to late.

Personally, I would regard that as one of the mental health issues that I cited in my post.

[Limit on TV Extensions B2B in Chiang Mai]

1 hour ago, ubonjoe said:

There is no written limit for 30 day extension of a 60 day tourist visa or a 30 day visa exempt entry.

Just a local office making up their own rules if a report of them doing it is factual.

There have been (rare) scattered reports of tourist entry extensions being rejected though. Also, the law says that extensions are, in principle, granted at the discretion of immigration. I could imagine this becoming more common at some immigration offices.

[Border Run Alternatives]

13 minutes ago, Scott3000 said:

Can you also get a Cambodian business visa at the border?

You can only get a single entry business visa on arrival at the border. This does not (officially) allow a same day return.

[Where to get a medical certificate required for NON O-A Visa]

I guess it will not help the OP. However, those in Thailand planning to head back home to apply for a Non O-A visa will find it easiest to get the necessary medical certificate in Thailand before going home. It is very cheap and easy to get it done in Thailand, and the embassy in your home country will accept it.

[Why Do So Many Overstay a Standard Visa?]

56 minutes ago, toolpush said:

I kind of doubt that there are many Elite Visa overstayers.

There was one Elite visa holder who overstayed by accident. He authored a thread about it.

[Border Run Alternatives]

4 hours ago, Prissana Pescud said:

Thank you. I was going to Pakse in Laos, but the thought of another 11 hours in the coach as opposed to 3 hours on a train won me over. Do I need a visa from Cambodia embassy in Bangkok or can you get one at the border, as you can in Laos? I did one run to Vientiane in January and it was easy, all that worry for nothing.

Thank you and cheers mate.

You get a visa on arrival at the border. Make sure you have clean US dollar bills to pay the $30 cost.  There is no reason to pay extra for the visa provided you have US currency plus a photo.

 

You do not reach Ban Laem by train. You can use a visa run company (minibus) or (cheaper) go by public transport. At the time I did it, I took a comfortable bus to Chanthaburi and a minibus from there to the border. According to some, there are direct minibuses from Pattaya.

 

By Cambodian law, you are supposed to stay the night in Cambodia when entering by land (exception being if you have a multiple entry business visa). The officials may want a special payment for a same day return. If you need to pay it, 200 baht should be sufficient. However, if they ask for 300 baht, it may just be easiest to pay up.

 

Obligatory warning: do not make the mistake of thinking Poipet/Aranyaprathet is an easier journey. That is the only land crossing from Thailand that should be avoided like the plague.

[Travelling by business class or turist class]

I have been curious for a while whether immigration treats business class arrivals differently. Given the respect given to people perceived as rich in Thai society, it is plausible that they might. I do not think we really know.

[Border Run Alternatives]

1 hour ago, Prissana Pescud said:

Same post but I want to go from Thailand to Ban Laem. I am prepared to stay the night. Non O multi entry on marriage visa.

Cheers.

You can stay the night if you wish, but it is unnecessary as long as you are willing (if necessary, sometimes avoidable) to pay Cambodian immigration for the same day return.

[Why Do So Many Overstay a Standard Visa?]

Based on observation, these are some of the main reasons:

• Misunderstanding the rules, and not looking carefully at stamps in your passport. Commonly, not understanding that your visa expiry date has nothing to do with your permission to stay.
• Accidentally failing to get a re-entry permit, and not realising your mistake even after returning to Thailand..
• Mental health issues that lead you to simply not care whether you are legally in Thailand or not.
• The belief that the overstay will have no serious consequences, and is easier than the alternatives. In some cases, this is arguably true.
• Financial troubles that make being here legally unfeasible, combined with the fact that you have no good alternative.
• Health issues, combined with a failure to get medical extensions for one reason or another.

With Thailand receiving millions of visitors, I do not find it so surprising that some get themselves into scrapes like violating immigration rules. Indeed, given many of the foreigners I have met in Thailand, I am almost surprised there are not more cases.

[Feedback : Vientiane visa (hell) new visa application process]

1 hour ago, sanemax said:

 What kind of "hanky panky" could they do with the new system ?

I can think of several ways of leveraging the system for financial gain. What I suspect is already happening is some visa run companies booking slots under false identities. This gives them the ability to cancel the fake bookings, immediately rebooking their customer. This prevents people from doing visa runs independently, forcing them to use visa run companies who can give them an appointment slot.

[And another issue at airport : w re-entry retirement legit visa]

2 minutes ago, onera1961 said:

How did she know that you changed places in Thailand often? Is she looking at all TM 30s in her computer? 

Speculation: Not being busy, she tried to play detective. I am guessing she looked at all the extension stamps and re-entry permits, looking at where each was issued. Immigration may also have a list of offices that are thought to allow agent assisted extensions. Maybe, one of the extensions made her try to be Columbo hoping to trip the OP up.

[And another issue at airport : w re-entry retirement legit visa]

3 minutes ago, Golden Triangle said:

In the last 8 years I have been in and out of Thailand many times, Bali, Singapore, UK etc always had a re entry permit but don't recollect ever having to write a number on the TM6 or anything else, they just stamp the re entry permit used and I went on my merry way, have things changed ??

You are supposed to fully fill out the TM6 form. When you fail to do so, immigration officials vary in terms of whether they want to make an issue over it.

EDIT: It is worth your while to put the re-entry permit number/visa number in the appropriate box because it reduces the chance of the official making a mistake.