Re-entry to Thailand Questioned

[Kerouacaurus]

Hi all,

 

To keep story short, I firstly entered Thailand this year via Suvarnabhumi Airport on the 15th of January making a 15-day visa on arrival and left at the end of January back to my home country.

I spent 2 months back home and returned back to Thailand granted a 60-day tourist visa on the 1st of April, I had one 30-day exempt and I left on the 23rd of June back home.

I spent over a month home again in Europe and decided to return to Thailand in August. I wanted to make a visa, but my country was granted a 30-day exempt rule, so I didn't bother about it. The main mistake I did was when I flew to Suvarnabhumi on the 1st of August, I totally neglected the fact to have an outward ticket and the equivalent of 20,000 baht with me. The officer looked at my tourist visa and an exempt, they asked me to show the outbound ticket, but I told them I hadn't bought one yet, and I'm still on an exempt, so I hadn't known this. She lead me to another officer. She started questioning me what I was doing in Thailand. I told her that I had a girlfriend here and I came to visit her, but I'll be making a proper visa later on, since I heard such stories when they start questioning you at the airport. She was very pleasant and said me not to worry and they will let me in.

Only when I passed the immigration, I was terrified: didn't have ticket/cash/anything. But I didn't expect it: I never did a visa run. It's my third time now in Thailand and all the times I spent over a month or two at my home, so I didn't expect to be questioned for a total of 3 months 10 days in 7-month period. However, this made me really worried. I am going to make an extension now and I still have one month off. I want to do a visa run, make a visa in Laos, come back and in 2 months get a proper non-immigrant visa.

What worries me, however, if they started questioning me just because of 1 tourist visa and an extension in my passport, may I be denied if I get a visa on my first-ever visa run? I mean, I read so many people had 4 or more tourist visas and were fine, but it really shocked me when they were so suspicious just for 1 visa and 1 extension, the first lady called it 'staying for so long'.

That's the whole story. My main questions are if anyone could please suggest me:

 

1. In 2019, is it a good idea to go to Laos to get a visa? Do you think there might be a better country to go for it? I'm flexible regarding this.

2. I didn't use the two border runs that are allowed within a calendar year: is it worth it/higher likelihood to avoid denial than the run via airport?

3. However, the main concern is: if I get denied, in the worst case scenario, can I try to enter any other border or another airport expecting not to be denied? I mean, they will still see denial in my passport, won't it affect the decision at another entry point? That's what I can't find on any forums. How long would I actually need to wait until I can try to re-enter? I heard if you are denied at the border, you might try the airport. But what if you get denied at the airport as well? And is their decision influenced by the border denial? If you get denied by both, what would be the next step to try to get back to the country and how long would it take?

 

Thanks everyone for your suggestions. It wouldn't be so tough, but I have two big bags of stuff with me. I can leave it here where I am renting the flat, since I don't want to carry all the heavy stuff always with me, but in case I get denied, it will just be hanging here. I am just about to start my business and I need some time before I can legally live here, so I need another visa before I can truly move forward to a more legal way to stay here longer.

[observer90210]

Maybe that's why many people chose to stay and spend their money in Vietnam, Indonesia or Malaysia. More welcomed there and not treated the same way as by Thai Immigration.

[NCC1701A]

31 minutes ago, Kerouacaurus said:

I told her that I had a girlfriend here and I came to visit her,

mistake. tourist don't have girlfriends.

31 minutes ago, Kerouacaurus said:

Only when I passed the immigration, I was terrified:

yes this is the new Thailand. spread the word.

31 minutes ago, Kerouacaurus said:

I read so many people had 4 or more tourist visas and were fine, but it really shocked me when they were so suspicious just for 1 visa and 1 extension, the first lady called it 'staying for so long'.

sounds like they just wanted you to know they know you are not a tourist and this will not go on for long.

31 minutes ago, Kerouacaurus said:

I have two big bags of stuff with me. I can leave it here where I am renting the flat, since I don't want to carry all the heavy stuff always with me, but in case I get denied, it will just be hanging here. I am just about to start my business and I need some time before I can legally live here, so I need another visa before I can truly move forward to a more legal way to stay here longer.

yes get your visa in order because the new Thailand does not cut anyone any slack. don't make long term plans for family and a job or business in Thailand because you can't get away with it any more on a tourist visa.

 

And don't forget that you or your hotel or landlord must file your TM 30 form every time you go somewhere for more than 24 hours. 

Edited August 24, 2019 by NCC1701A

[RJRS1301]

Make sure the TM30 has been lodged

Start a business?? without proper visa??? mmmmmmm

[baansgr]

Im suprised you were allowed to board without an onward ticket or visa. BA always ask to see my extension stamp at Heathrow when Ive done the return from BKK

[Kerouacaurus]

9 minutes ago, RJRS1301 said:

Make sure the TM30 has been lodged

Start a business?? without proper visa??? mmmmmmm

My business is by no means related to my questions. It was only regarding the fact that I can't provide piles of funds needed for proper visa without actually working here or being married. I am not running it here in Thailand.

[Kerouacaurus]

20 minutes ago, NCC1701A said:

mistake. tourist don't have girlfriends.

yes this is the new Thailand. spread the word.

sounds like they just wanted you to know they know you are not a tourist and this will not go on for long.

yes get your visa in order because the new Thailand does not cut anyone any slack. don't make long term plans for family and a job or business in Thailand because you can't get away with it any more on a tourist visa.

 

And don't forget that you or your hotel or landlord must file your TM 30 form every time you go somewhere for more than 24 hours. 

Thanks for all this, I appreciate that your comment is up to the point. I will definitely do a new one, but I'd really need some time before I can actually get it due to a lot of personal circumstances. Do you by chance know what happens if you get denied, how long should you wait to re-enter?

[NCC1701A]

1 minute ago, Kerouacaurus said:

 Do you by chance know what happens if you get denied, how long should you wait to re-enter?

i can't answer that. other people here can answer that question, don't worry they will be here soon. 

[Puchaiyank]

Welcome to Thailand...place your money, passport, and departure ticket on the table...now bow...place your hands on the table...spread your legs...brace yourself...wait for it!...????

[theoldgit]

I’ll move your post to the appropriate forum, this one is for questions regarding travel out of Thailand


Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect

[theoldgit]

Troll post and measured response removed.


Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect

[SteveK]

1 hour ago, NCC1701A said:

mistake. tourist don't have girlfriends.

Rubbish. Many people met their Thai wives on tourist visas.

[FritsSikkink]

1 hour ago, Kerouacaurus said:

My business is by no means related to my questions. It was only regarding the fact that I can't provide piles of funds needed for proper visa without actually working here or being married. I am not running it here in Thailand.

It is illegal to work here for your business outside Thailand without a proper visa and work permit.

[Kerouacaurus]

2 minutes ago, FritsSikkink said:

It is illegal to work here for your business outside Thailand without a proper visa and work permit.

You think I'm not aware?

Come on, guys, out of all the posts, only one was close to answering my actual questions. I don't understand what guys like this are even doing on this forum. I came here for practical solutions, not quoting me the regulations. Commenting something totally off and not related. Giving some additional picture was a huge mistake to post here. Totally useless. You can just lock this post. I don't expect anyone to reply anything answering the actual questions.

Edited August 24, 2019 by Kerouacaurus

[Tayaout]

It is highly unlikely you will be denied entry at any land border with a tourist visa/visa exempt except Ayutthaya/Poipet. It is more likely you will be denied at any airport and they will detain you then force you to buy a last minute ticket back where you flew from. 

 

You need an appointment for a tourist visa in Vientiane and proof of funds. I think it might be more easy in HMC/Vietnam but do your research on this forum. 

 

Edited August 24, 2019 by Tayaout

[NCC1701A]

12 minutes ago, SteveK said:

Rubbish. Many people met their Thai wives on tourist visas.

clearly you don't understand and it is responses like this that get people in trouble with immigration.

 

again, tourist don't have girlfriends in Thailand. 

 

understand now?

[SteveK]

10 minutes ago, NCC1701A said:

clearly you don't understand and it is responses like this that get people in trouble with immigration.

 

again, tourist don't have girlfriends in Thailand. 

 

understand now?

Total garbage. Many people come on tourist visas and meet girlfriends. Maybe you think there should be a visa for people who are coming and *might* meet a girlfriend?

 

I met my now wife on a tourist visa. Should I be sent to the IDC?

Edited August 24, 2019 by SteveK

[lkv]

14 minutes ago, NCC1701A said:

clearly you don't understand and it is responses like this that get people in trouble with immigration.

 

again, tourist don't have girlfriends in Thailand. 

 

understand now?

Well, they bought the "girlfriend" excuse when asked why did I extend a particular SETV last year to the max.

 

To be noted, I spent way less time this year in Thailand.

 

It is quite ridiculous to question previous years, hence a new passport is coming up in about 10 days (home country, where I am).

 

Yes, I know it's "all in the system", but fresh passports invite less scrutiny, both in Thailand and other more developed Asian countries.

 

Back to the point, the gf excuse is viable, if you don't stretch stays to the max. On a tourist visa. You come, meet someone new, you stay longer to see "what's what".

Edited August 24, 2019 by lkv
Spelling

[mosan]

18 minutes ago, lkv said:

Well, they bought the "girlfriend" excuse when asked why did I extend a particular SETV last year to the max.

 

To be noted, I spent way less time this year in Thailand.

 

It is quite ridiculous to question previous years, hence a new passport is coming up in about 10 days (home country, where I am).

 

Yes, I know it's "all in the system", but fresh passports invite less scrutiny, both in Thailand and other more developed Asian countries.

 

Back to the point, the gf excuse is viable, if you don't stretch stays to the max. On a tourist visa. You come, meet someone new, you stay longer to see "what's what".

On the contrary, I think that a fresh passport invites "more" scrutiny because immigrations is now aware that many returnees are getting new passports, changing their names and doing various other tricks just to get back in.  You I think will be arriving with a target on your back.

[SteveK]

Do people really think that getting a new passport "wipes" all the data in their computers? As mentioned, getting a new passport earlier than necessary is more likely to raise suspicion if anything. Sure, you could say that you travel a lot and your passport was full, but then you're going to need to be able to answer questions about that.

[lkv]

6 minutes ago, mosan said:

On the contrary, I think that a fresh passport invites "more" scrutiny because immigrations is now aware that many returnees are getting new passports, changing their names and doing various other tricks just to get back in.  You I think will be arriving with a target on your back.

Not with my history this year I won't, totalling 50-60 days until September, when I will spend a grand total of 3 nights in Bangkok, before heading to a more welcoming destination.

[DrJack54]

46 minutes ago, lkv said:

Not with my history this year I won't, totalling 50-60 days until September, when I will spend a grand total of 3 nights in Bangkok, before heading to a more welcoming destination.

Who cares about your 60 days this year. Nonsense post especially given many previous.

BTW fresh pp does nothing at airport. Can perhaps work at some border entry. 

More so to remove Void stamp, overstay etc.

[NCC1701A]

1 hour ago, SteveK said:

Total garbage. Many people come on tourist visas and meet girlfriends. Maybe you think there should be a visa for people who are coming and *might* meet a girlfriend?

 

I met my now wife on a tourist visa. Should I be sent to the IDC?

sorry SteveK. I get triggered when people start their comment with the  word rubbish.

 

your right, many tourists come back to a country to visit their girlfriend.

 

Edited August 24, 2019 by NCC1701A

[DrJack54]

10 minutes ago, NCC1701A said:

sorry SteveK. I get triggered when people start their comment with the  word rubbish.

That's all fine. However like many folk I met my thai gf 7 year ago when I came here for first time. I was on visa exempt. Don't be so harsh. BTW still stuck with her.

NCC can you help me out of current situation. Ha!

Edited August 24, 2019 by DrJack54

[NCC1701A]

3 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

 like many folk I met my thai gf 7 year ago when I came here for first time.

so did i.

5 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

NCC can you help me out of current situation. Ha!

ok she needs to start training. i will send you a link to a porno she needs to watch. tell her it is a workout video. 

[lkv]

1 hour ago, DrJack54 said:

Who cares about your 60 days this year. Nonsense post especially given many previous.

Stop being impolite and insulting.

 

I have limited my stays to the minimum and I will be passing through Bangkok for 3 days in September with a real confirmed onward ticket (Eva Air) to a destination I am happier to stay longer in.

 

It matters in the sense that the stays are of very short duration this year.

Edited August 24, 2019 by lkv

[grego49]

The biggest mistake you made was she said,,,,,

 

 

[mike787]

YES....far better, easier countries.  NO question here.  Try just about any country.  That's the easy part.  

[lkv]

18 minutes ago, mike787 said:

YES....far better, easier countries.  NO question here.  Try just about any country.  That's the easy part.  

The only reason some still stay here is because of ties (wife/gf/kids).

 

So what if the beer costs a bit more elsewhere? (Not that it's that cheap in Thailand anymore).

 

You drink a bit less beer or you buy from supermarket sometimes, if you really can't afford to go out every time.

 

Isn't that better than being molested for passport checks outside of that Thai bar with perceived cheap beer, using national security concerns as an excuse, and making you feel like a black sheep?

 

Never mind airport troubles and visas, I'm talking about TM30's and the police state Thailand has become (checks everywhere etc).

 

Edited August 24, 2019 by lkv

[JohnnyBKK]

5 minutes ago, lkv said:

The only reason some still stay here is because of ties (wife/gf/kids).

 

So what if the beer costs a bit more elsewhere? (Not that it's that cheap in Thailand anymore).

 

You drink a bit less beer or you buy from supermarket sometimes, if you really can't afford to go out every time.

 

Isn't that better than being molested for passport checks outside of that Thai bar with perceived cheap beer, using national security concerns as an excuse, and making you feel like a black sheep?

 

Only bad stuff is cheap in Thailand, the rest is as expensive or more expensive than the west.

Yes in Thailand you can rent some dirt cheap room for 2K THB per month, but who wants to live like that ? My accommodation in Thailand is more expensive than in my own country, because if you don't pay the price you don't have any quality.

 

Harassment from IOs is too much, in other countries where I've been this was never a problem nor an issue. Only in Thailand I stress and feel afraid to pass immigration, it's the only country in the world where I feel like this.