Can my friend return to Thailand after a 5-year ban for overstaying?

July 1, 2022
2 years ago
Sarinya **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi everyone 👋👋

My friend got banned from Thailand because overstay so she got banned for 5 years(from 27 June 2017) and then can she come back again after that?? will have any issues to come back ??

Thank you for ur answer 🙏🙏🙏
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A user inquires if their friend, banned from Thailand for five years due to overstaying, can return now that the ban has expired. Several comments discuss the nature of immigration laws, the possibility of complications upon reentry, and the importance of understanding the specifics around visa applications and past immigration records. Many users emphasize the difficulties one can face when returning after a ban, suggesting they get legal advice and be prepared for potential scrutiny at the border.
Sarinya **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hey everyone 👋👋it's me again !!

So I would like to update what happened to my friend xx

She can comes back to Thailand after 29 Jun 2022 (after 5 years banned) but the immigration asked her so many things and she have to show evidence and I also gave her and invitation and guarantee that she will not overstay again and do a bad thing in Thailand . The immigration phone me and asked about relationship between me and her likes so many questions btw I would love to say don't overstay because it's so difficult to come back again 🙂🙂
Michael ************
@Sarinya *********
so your friend can return into Thailand.. well done and good for you guys.
Sarinya **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Veonic *******
For those comments:

When you are in your own country, you follow the rules and the law but why you go to somewhere else like Thailand and you say “just pay money and break the law”? Can’t you respect their own law? So why you choose to stay in there if you don’t like that place?
Mykhailo *********
Hey guys, I have a same question here. I am ukrainian and blacklisted for more 4 year as from now. So thinking of where to reffer to ask to forgive me. Hope thai authorities has some sympathy to ukrainian now
Федор ********
Here is the story.

My buddy. Fallen in love with Koh Phangan.

Overstayed for couple of years. Arrested, 2 months in prison, transferred to BKK, expelled from the country. Banned for 5 years.

After 5 years returned back with new passport.

Arrested in Phuket airport on arrival. Sent back to Russia without detailed explanation. All he got is “you not welcomed here” from the immigration officer.
Rampi ********
@Федор *******
the systems are connected. Not worth the passport hoodwinking game. Better to have a frank discussion at the embassy.
Федор ********
@Rampi *******
totally agree
James **************
I had a 1 day overstay once and she mentioned it at the airport this time!
Paul *******
Get a new passport easy
Sophie *********
@Paul ******
Everyone's travel details/visas etc. are logged and accessible to imos irrespective of how new their passports are.
Paul *******
@Sophie ********
Maybe now I think he will be okay. I don't think they would record all the records of everybody from years ago this is Thailand before covid 19 over forty million people a year.
Rob ********
@Sophie ********
you sure about that? I just got a stamp on my passport that said I overstayed. I don’t think they recorded it
Sophie *********
@Rob *******
Everything is recorded. Everything.
Rob ********
@Sophie ********
I heard the banning from overstaying only started in 2018.
Sophie *********
@Rob *******
2016. But that's a different point.
Rob ********
@Sophie ********
Oh okay. Weird. I overstayed 60 days, left Chiangmai December 2017. Then came back to Thailand through Bangkok March 2018. The immigration officer just looked through my passport, then said, "what happened here?". I said, "yeah I was stupid, my first time in Thailand and I thought I had 90 days...I'm just here for a few days to see a doctor, then I'm leaving" and showed him my outbound ticket. He let me in no problem.
Sophie *********
@Rob *******
Anecdotal evidence is important but in way conclusive. So much depends on the io in Thailand.
Maarten ****
I know people overstayed in Thailand for years and still able to apply visa inside Thailand… it’s all money games lol if you have money , those officer will serve you as a god
David ***
Over stay means: bad intention to live in any country without valid docts, so better stay away, advisable not to discuss this sensitive issue.
Kevin *******
@David **
what if you only over stay one day by mistake as I did , would you still class that as bad intention ????
David ***
@Kevin ******
one day is not an issue unless if you really concern about your good record but for own safety why not keep enough days in hand because we everyone knows about the consequence of overstay.
Juls ******
All those good thinkers giving advice, when they difficuly put a mask... Respect Thailand !

Will make me laugh if i was not so deseperated.
John-Paul ******
So a more than 2 to 3 year overstay? Hmmm.... serves her right she could have done more to stay within the law... as silly as it may be it is still the law.
Ronald *****
Overstay is a chargeable offence..even if for one day...those idiots who say just pay the fine, nothing will happen..please remember that your overstay immigration record with Thailand will be forever , they can anytime banned you from entering or obtaining a visa.
Karim ***************
@Ronald ****
you are completely wrong about that.
Rob ********
@Ronald ****
I overstayed 60 days in 2017 and they gave me a “bad boy” stamp on my passport. I got a new passport recently though. So now they can’t know, right? They didn’t electronically scan my passport or anything. How do you know the record will “stay forever”….
Quest *********
@Rob *******
doesn’t matter about passports or names anymore. They link your identity with your fingerprint. I have two nationalities and they always ask about my other passport
Rob ********
@Quest ********
They never took my fingerprint! I think I'm good :D
Quest *********
true they’ve only been doing it for a few years and I don’t think they started linking it until recently
Ronald *****
@Rob *******
when you commit an offence, does your criminal record follow you forever?
Maarten ****
@Ronald ****
Change the name and new passport , problem solved . I know quite a few did this and it works
Rob ********
@Maarten ***
Change your legal name officially?
Maarten ****
@Rob *******
yes just a deed poll then you can request a new passport from hmpo
Rob ********
@Ronald ****
I’m asking you that! You said, “please remember that your overstay immigration record with Thailand will be forever”

What are you basing this claim off of?? “Immigration record with Thailnd will be forever”
Ronald *****
@Rob *******
maybe you are special, when you flout Thailand immigration rules,they won't record your offence.
Jeffrey ************
Just apply for a visa....
Sarinya **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jeffrey ***********
she did last month while she still got banned so the visa got cancelled 😔
Quest *********
@Sarinya *********
definitely don’t show up without a visa before hand. If they don’t give one at the consulate. They won’t give one at the border

It’s possible she is no longer eligible for visa exemption. Much safer to get one beforehand
Jeffrey ************
@Sarinya *********
Well of course it was refused, she was still banned.. Apply again now the ban is over.
John ********
Get a new passport and change your name by depole
Rampi ********
Nationality? Reason for being banned the last time? Important factors. Walk up to the embassy in her country, provide true details and accept the answer. Likely to be overstay + some other problem.
Sarinya **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Rampi ********
@Sarinya *********
go through the embassy at his end. No new or fake passport will work. The systems are internationally connected.
Sarinya **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Rampi *******
she on the way to Thailand anyway I will update ,,,ty 🙏☺️
Rampi ********
@Sarinya *********
best of luck.
Sarinya **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Andrew *******
If you respected the kingdom of Thailand you would not break the law

SHAME ON YOU.
Per-e ***************
@Andrew ******
You've never accidentally broken a law before? I highly doubt it.
Phil ********
****************************
Gray ******
@Andrew ******
An overstay is not disrespectful.
Damien ********
@Andrew ******
so you have never broken the law I presume ! Your a saint ! Or a very righteous boring man
James **************
@Damien *******
be careful he's Captain Thailand, he'll be commin for ya!
Damien ********
@James *************
no he won’t…he’s so respectful of the Thai laws he refuses to leave his bedroom just in case he jay walks and would have to turn himself in
John **********
@Andrew ******
Jai yen yen :-)
Sarinya **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Andrew ******
I know and I think she shouldn't break the law for the last time 🙂
Andrew *******
Andrew *******
@Sarinya *********
When you travel to another country you should always check there laws end of.

Thailand my second home not good farang to take the piss
Joseph ****************
@Andrew ******
STFU...typical loser sycophant. Thailand is begging for people to come back and spend their money. I’m sure she can sort this out especially now given the state of the economy.
Wayne ********
@Joseph ***************
What do you expect from someone with 'I've had my covid vaccine' AND and a Ukranian flag on their profile photo?
Joseph ****************
@Wayne *******
good point.
Sarinya **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Andrew ******
Thailand is my 1st home so I know my friend made a mistake but rn I just trying to sort it out I hope someone who got experience about it can share it with me and will help me and my friend so much 🙏☺️🥰
Andrew *******
@Sarinya *********
ขอให้พระเจ้าคุ้มครอง
Sarinya **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Andrew ******
ขอบคุณค่ะ 💖
Andrew *******
Sean **********
Why would they want to come back I live here if they did that bye
Sarinya **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Sean *********
☺️☺️☺️ I think Thailand it's lit 😁
Arthur *******
Get ‘em out 😂😂
Per-e ***************
@Arthur ******
Let's kick you out. Are you in Thailand btw? 😂
Arthur *******
@Perry **************
I just think some of these posts are like the circus 😂
Per-e ***************
@Arthur ******
I'll admit there are some weird foreigners here. Some think they're actually Thai. Some newbies telling others what is really going on. Grumpy old people who were picked on in their own country. Etc. But some people have genuine problems. Sometimes it's out of our control to avoid these problems too.
Sarinya **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Arthur ******
tbh I just wanna share the thing happened to me and my friend and I think will be helpful for someone I'm sry if u think that my posts like the circus because it's already showed what type of ppl u r ,,
Sarinya **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Arthur ******
I'm pretty sure if my friend she can come this time she won't overstay 🥰
Arthur *******
Sarinya **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Sarinya **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Arthur ******
I think everyone can make a mistake but what u have learned from it and don't make the same mistake again ☺️😃
Steven **********
U can’t banned someone for 5 years let alone 2

Weeks sound like she over stay 2 years more like that
Phil ********
****************************
Stuart *********
@Steven *********
Yes you can. If you’re caught on overstay by police you’ve broken the law. You can be deported and banned. Rarely happens but it can.
Steven **********
@Stuart ********
I know u get get caught and banned but many get away with 500 fine if happened at airports they get told off but if get caught before airport banned
Steven **********
@Stuart ********
I know the new rules had change now
Stuart *********
@Steven *********
No difference in rules. That’s been the same for years.
Alan *******
The best thing to do is find a few lawyers who deal with immigration law, ask them how much it will cost to look into the case and what can be done to resolve it.

The ban is 5 years but it’s still up to the immigration officer she is dealing with when applying for a visa.

They can just say no for any reason really.

But if she can get a court to rule that she is free to enter Thailand again and show that document she should be fine.

I would estimate it would cost around 30k baht for something like that.
Sarinya **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Alan ******
I already called the immigration in Thailand but they said have to contact by herself and I said it like how dat possible she can contact by herself at the immigration office in Thailand because she doesn't even know that she got chance to entrance to Thailand 😃😅
Alan *******
@Sarinya *********
Lol. I think she can call the immigration in Bangkok.

Or find a Thai lawyer who can check on everything for her.
Shaun *******
Can that person who was banned be you by accident? I am just asking for a friend 🤣
Sarinya **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Shaun ******
so I don't think I got banned from Thailand ☺️
Shaun *******
You look stunning by the way
Sarinya **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Shaun *******
Sarinya **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Shaun ******
I'm Thai 🙂
Aaron *******
Step 1. Obtain new passport, without overstay stamp.

Step 2. After 5 years are up apply for Visa, before leaving.

Good Luck.
Alan *******
@Aaron ******
They have your face and fingerprints in their system and any ban gets recorded in the immigration system and you’ll have a criminal record.

Overstays that don’t result in a ban may or may not be recorded into the system, it depends on where and how you had it resolved.

So in some cases a new passport can help with the overstay stamps but you can’t get around it once it’s in their database.
Garfunkle *************
@Alan ******
Actually they dont have it in their system. If they did, they wouldn't of taken my fingerprints 50 different times now since I've been travelling to Thailand.
Alan *******
@Clark *********
They take it to verify the prints and photo to the passport. People get fake passports, the biometrics are a check against that.
Garfunkle *************
@Alan ******
Nah mate, they are on a dinosaur system lol
Alan *******
@Clark *********
They use the same Dermalog border security system used by over 100 other countries.

Go buy a fake passport from Kahosan and test it out yourself. Let us know how it works out lol
Stuart *********
@Aaron ******
A new passport won’t help. All entries are held on a computerised database. All previous passports and entry dates are listed. Even if you have two different nationality passports they’re linked.
Aaron *******
@Stuart ********
They usually flip through my passport looking at the stamps. One questioned me about the "Aruba" stamps. "What is Aruba?" "Where is Aruba?" Had to restrain myself from singing the old Beach Boys song.
Aaron *******
@Stuart ********
I know this. Better to have a clean passport, versus one with a stamp on it.
Stuart *********
@Aaron ******
That would work at an embassy as they don’t have the immigration database, but the guy at the airport (or elsewhere) has your entire entry history on screen.
Aaron *******
@Stuart ********
After waiting for the 5 year ban to expire. Just saying, it would be better to have a clean passport, versus a stamped one. They usually flipped through my passport looking at the stamps.
Stuart *********
@Aaron ******
flipping through a passport is the “easy” option and because they’re on a time “limit” (they’ve got hundreds of arrivals to process) that’s what they do. However if there is any sort of red flag or question about your entry they’ll take you aside and either they or another officer will scour your entry history intensely.
Aaron *******
@Stuart ********
My point is, you are more likely to be pulled aside if you have an expired "banned" or "overstay" stamp versus a clean passport. Note, I did state obtain a Visa before leaving her home country. Thus, not suggesting she try to sneak in. Just offering a suggestion to avoid extra scrutiny.
Graham ******
@Aaron ******
But the "Ban" or "Overstay" will still be very visible on the Immigration Officer's screen which is where his eyes will focus
Sarinya **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Aaron ******
ty ♥️🙏
Sarinya **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I found this ℹ️ xx
Stuart *********
@Sarinya *********
yes that’s correct. Many people are under the impression that overstaying by a day or so is of no relevance and they can just pay the fine at the airport on the way out. What they don’t realise is if they are caught by police before they get to the airport (say at a random checkpoint) then there can be huge ramifications. Locked up by immigration police, sent to court, expelled from Thailand and banned for 5 or 10 years. Rarely happens but it can and has.
Sarinya **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Stuart ********
so after 27 June 2022 my friend she can come back to Thailand is possible ?? 🥺🥺
Stuart *********
@Sarinya *********
Entirely possible. I’m not suggesting it’ll be a hassle free entry, but in theory it should be.
Stuart *********
If they were banned for 5 years from that date and now that ban has passed then they’re free to enter Thailand again. That’s the theory. What actually happens on arrival will be interesting to know.
Steve ********
@Stuart ********
i have a friend that that did not happen to. He was never banned by thais but was jailed be them at the request of uk government. After he was sent back to uk did time in uk jail. When he got out applyied for a visa to thailand

Was told he was banned for 5years and 5years as long passed every time he applies rejected now he and is thai wife to this day live in cambodia as he cant get a visa to thailand
Steve ********
Yes it was but the outcome was still the same
Brett **********
@Steve *******
that's more likely to do with the criminal record and not the overstay though
Dan ********
@Stuart ********
I did read, only on this or other fb groups that any ban is not automatically lifted on the exact expiry date of the ban, and it takes a little time to filter through to border points.
Dan ********
I dont know myself, but you'll know thai beaurocratic systems are anything but efficient. Keep applying for new visa after the date has passed if you need to be sure before you travel.
Sarinya **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Dan *******
my friend on my way atm 😅😅 but I will update
Stuart *********
@Dan *******
Yeah I am not too up on the specifics of that. That could be the case. The theory is that once the ban is over then it’s over, but this is Thailand.
Sarinya **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Dan *******
so how long does it take??
Sarinya **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Maxim ***********
I have never heard of anyone ban for 2 weeks' overstays, let alone 5 years. Your friend is not telling the full story.
Martin **************
@Maxim **********
a friend got banned for 5 years for overstaying 3 days.
Maxim ***********
OP's friend was caught at the airport upon leaving so he should not have been banned. The story is missing some parts. But yeah, 5 years for 3 days is insane. Was your friend working illegally or anything like that?
Dan ********
@Maxim **********
Upto 2 years in jail, and/or fine 500baht/day upto 20k, and which ever ban they give you.
Alan *******
@Maxim **********
If the police catch you on even 1 day overstay you can get 5 years.

Just depends on the cop, what you were doing when they decided to check your passport and if you had enough tea money or not.
Sarinya **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Maxim **********
☺️☺️
Maxim ***********
Yes, I know the law. The left side of the picture is always enforced, but not the right side. To get the 5 years for 2 weeks overstay there must be more to the story. It would be like getting jail time for ecigs.
Sarinya **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Maxim **********
my friend got caught at the airport 🙂
Maxim ***********
@Sarinya *********
There is no ban if caught at the airport for less than 90 days overstay. A 5 years ban while leaving Thailand is for a 3-years overstay. Your friend is not telling you everything, but it doesn't matter. The 5 years ban is over, he should be able to come to Thailand.
Stuart *********
@Maxim **********
it’s quite possible to be banned for that length. It depends on either the length of the overstay or whether they were caught on overstay by police for something prior to leaving.
Sarinya **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Maxim **********
actually I'm not sure about how long that she overstay last time tbh I thought she said 2 weeks I'm so sry to forgot about that information 😥🙏
Steven ******
@Sarinya *********
at least you've held your hand up. Maybe a good idea to find exactly how long they overstayed for.
Sarinya **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Steven *****
☺️☺️☺️ at least to remind everyone like don't overstay because too difficult to come back to Thailand 🥰
Steven ******
@Sarinya *********
Totally agree. It's good advice.
Nguyen *****************
That’s extreme. Banned for 5 years for overstaying?
Russell *******
@Nguyen ****************
I think it's normal 5 year ban
Sarinya **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Sarinya **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Nguyen ****************
yes she told me that 🥺
Saif ****************
Check the allien law of Thailand and it will give you the best result
Sarinya **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Saif ***************
I already phone the immigration and asked about it but I just wanna to like an experience if someone who got banned like my friend 🥺
Scott ********
@Sarinya *********
but you've already said you're not sure the exact details of why they got banned so how can anyone share their *similar* experience
Sarinya **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Scott *******
and she got banned for 5 years
Sarinya **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Scott *******
I mean I'm not sure about how long that she was overstay but she left Thailand on 27 June 2017
Scott ********
Perhaps said friend can ask this question themselves instead of via your good self and the answers can then be given knowing the full facts,
@Sarinya *********
Sarinya **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Scott *******
ty xx I just wanna know in this case as well like not many ppl ik got banned and go back to Thailand so ty again 🙏🥰
Robert ******
Best apply for a visa then you will know 100%
Sarinya **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Robert *****
she did but it was cancelled 😥😥
Robert ******
@Sarinya *********
then she cant come back
Sarinya **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Robert *****
actually she applied the visa when she still got banned so I thought that's why the visa was cancelled
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