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Are Thai Immigration Officers at Airports Getting Stricter?

Thai ImmigrationVisa RulesAirport ImmigrationTourist VisaExpat IssuesVisa EnforcementThailand Immigration Officer Behavior
Nov 14, 2018
6 years ago
Christopher ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Has anyone noticed an uptick in Thai Immigration Officers at the airports getting more strick?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
Many expats have noticed an increase in strictness from Thai immigration officers at airports, particularly in Hat Yai and Khon Kaen. Experiences shared indicate some issues with 60-day visas issued from the Portland consulate, where officers refused further extensions at the airport but were willing to accommodate them at local immigration offices. It appears this change in attitude may stem from a new general in charge and stricter enforcement policies. Comments suggest that the scrutiny may continue to increase in the future, with many arguing that it is essential to comply with visa regulations to avoid complications.
Tod *********
AND I think on this note we can see that YES there is an "uptick" in the scrutiny people who are living here on back-2-back visa exempt or tourist visa entries are getting when flying in to the two international airports in Bangkok.

If I was a betting man, I'd bet dollars to durian that it will only get more stringent in the comin' year(s).

I think we're done. Thanx one and all for the comments. (y)
6 years ago
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Robert *******
Just my personal view: Yes, they want us here. We are more than welcome as tourist or as expat. There are rules, we use them and abuse them. And we start complaining when rules get enforced. Funny part is that if you take a look at Facebook profiles: self-employed, living in a city in Thailand or even working and all have multiple Tourist Visa and Visa Exempt entries.We are more than welcome but get the correct visa.
6 years ago
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Morgan ***********
yes
6 years ago
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Carl ***********
I notice in Khon Kaen they were strict when I extended 30days on my 60 day Visa everything was put on computer this time where before they just renewed no problem, they are keeping eye out on everyone and maybe they notify UK and other countries about you length of stay??
6 years ago
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Carl ***********
@Tod ********
 So info is not relayed back to UK? Do UK track your departures and length of time? apology to thread as its not related but needed to ask question to
@Tod ********
6 years ago
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Tod *********
all the immigration offices are on a shared data base so any office can see ALL your arrival history and your extension history anywhere in the country

BUT

At this time none of the thai consulates in other countries (which have nothing to do with the thai immigration dept ;) ) are on a shared database from anyone.

When you show up there to buy a visa all they do is look thru your passport and see how many visas to thailand you have in it.
6 years ago
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Tod *********
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Tod *********
Okay, I just deleted a bunch of off topic comments. Consider this your first and last warning STAY ON TOPIC or don't comment.
6 years ago
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Dick **********
YES :/
6 years ago
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Tony ********
Uptick? Strick? Explain.
6 years ago
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Tony ********
@Charlie ********
 It ain't grammar. It's spelling. It's either right or wrong and what does uptick mean anyway?
6 years ago
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Cha****
6 years ago
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Cha****
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Cha****
6 years ago
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James ********
@Amornrat *********
 if you say so. Recent reports show changes in admitting.
6 years ago
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Amornrat **********
@James *******
 Thai Immigration has not changed the way of operation, since 2 years a lot of people being denied entry for not having the proper coverage, nothing new. Just get your paperwork in order, I believe the person in question had over 10 years of experience and now he got denied entry.
6 years ago
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James ********
@Amornrat *********
 please read recent reports. Thai Immigration at entry are beginning to question the multiple visas or entries. Just because one has a visa issued by a Thai Consulate is not a guarantee Thai Immigration will allow the entry.
6 years ago
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Amornrat **********
@James *******
 Personaly I know this person and he has an long history entering the country under visa exempt, nothing wrong with it, but now these times coming to an end. All Thailand is asking that you get a proper visa. He can still get a Tourist Visa n enter again, but should be prepared for the 3 items.
6 years ago
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James ********
@Charlie ********
 thank you for sharing. Hope it helps others.
6 years ago
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Cha****
Simply sharing someone's experience as of last night as the op was asking.
6 years ago
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James ********
@Charlie ********
 I know you did not post it. But many are facing similar fates.
6 years ago
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Cha****
I know that. I didn't post it.
6 years ago
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James ********
@Charlie ********
 a new passport does not help. Thai Immigration has computer linked ones history of entry/exits.
6 years ago
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James ********
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Christopher ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks for your thoughts and description of your unfortunate situation. You bring up a good question. Does everything start over January 1?
6 years ago
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Tod *********
@Chris******
 if you are wanting to ask questions about other visa options (like the O-A Long Stay visa from your country) Please post your question in it's own thread.

this topic is ONLY about the immigration officers at passport control getting more strict.

Thanx (y)
6 years ago
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James ********
@Christopher **********
 your entries and departures are in Thai Immigration computers. Linked to you...btw..new passports no longer wipe the entry/exit slate clean.
6 years ago
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James ********
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James ********
Read the many shared reports on this forum. Yes Thai Immigration is enforcing rules. Times are changing.
6 years ago
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James ********
Christopher Schneider yep...the O-A multi-entry visa is the best option. For those 50+. In the meantime try a ed visa or six month METV if available to you. I am not expert. But I do forsee many US expats returning to the US to get a one year O-A so called retirement visa...so long as the rules are not changed. If obtained in the US...800,000 Thb does not have to be in a Thai bank. Just show notarized PROOF of income = to 800,000+ Thb annually. And the one year visa is extended for one year each time one enters Thailand...thereby giving you up to two years with the one visa 😊
6 years ago
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Christopher ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@James *******
 should just forget about the Retirement Visa in a year or so?
6 years ago
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Christopher ***********
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Christopher ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I have been told that until I turn 50 in less than two years I can stay in Hat Yai as long as I go back to the United States to get my visas.
6 years ago
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Mary ********
@Christopher **********
 US citizens can get METV 6 month Visas. You can stretch it out another 30. Or as mentioned go to school on an approved education visa. You know with a place that requires you to show up?
6 years ago
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Mary ********
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Christopher ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
They just didn't like the Portland Consulate 60 day visa. I asked can I extend it 29 days like all the others and they said "no". I went to the Hat Yai immigration office and they extended it with no problem. I asked the Hat Yai immigration office about the Hat Yai Airport Immigration and they said "maybe because we have new General in charge of Immigration and they can't take tips they are mad"
6 years ago
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Longy ****
on what grounds
6 years ago
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Christopher ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I have had no issues with immigration in Hat Yai or Phuket airports until just recently. The Hat Yai immigration office is still easy. But when I came into Hat Yai in September they actually got pretty heated over my 60 day from the Portland Thai Consulate.
6 years ago
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Christopher ***********
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