Answered5 months ago
Has anyone successfully obtained a Thai visa after being rejected multiple times?
ANYONE BEEN ACCCEPTED A THIRD TIME????
DTV JAKARTA! Workcation: I work online with my own personal training/nutrition business.
First application; rejected. Likely as my savings weren't seasoned.
Second application; approved but for METV :( So devastated!
Meeting with an agent to discuss future options but feeling very disheartened. I think that maybe my cover letters mentioned tourism alongside my work, when I should have made it more of a "work" focus.
Anyone else been in this situation?
DTV JAKARTA! Workcation: I work online with my own personal training/nutrition business.
First application; rejected. Likely as my savings weren't seasoned.
Second application; approved but for METV :( So devastated!
Meeting with an agent to discuss future options but feeling very disheartened. I think that maybe my cover letters mentioned tourism alongside my work, when I should have made it more of a "work" focus.
Anyone else been in this situation?
Answer summary
The original poster discusses their experience with visa applications in Thailand, expressing disappointment over being rejected twice—the first due to insufficient savings and the second being granted a METV instead of their desired Non-O visa. They are now consulting an agent and seek advice from others who have faced similar challenges regarding visa applications and appeals. Several comments touch on the complexities of the Thai immigration system, the importance of proper documentation, and personal anecdotes related to the visa process, with many agreeing that clear financial proof and a focused work-related application are crucial for later approvals.
102 repliesnewest first
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FarangJ********
You just need to roll with the punches.
Nick *******
FarangJaiDee123 Oh I do buddy. Just makes you wonder why they have to be so awkward when you’re not doing anything wrong. They need to concentrate on those that are bending or breaking the rules not sticking to them.
FarangJ********
Nick Woods I've been coming here for 40 years. As a backpacker it was simple back then. You could get a 2 month tourist visa in two working days outside Thailand e.g. Penang.
No problems but back then I wasn't trying to live here. Much later (25 years ago) visa runs to Cambodia (Koh Kong) were a breeze for people working without a permit. Unfortunately Thailand is now way too popular which is funny in a way because it was better in the past before all the environmental problems got out of hand. But most tourists were backpackers then and expats who stayed behind after the Vietnam War.
No problems but back then I wasn't trying to live here. Much later (25 years ago) visa runs to Cambodia (Koh Kong) were a breeze for people working without a permit. Unfortunately Thailand is now way too popular which is funny in a way because it was better in the past before all the environmental problems got out of hand. But most tourists were backpackers then and expats who stayed behind after the Vietnam War.
Shaughan *****
Yep went through it back in Jan here in Pattaya....I bit my tongue 👅 several times but stayed calm....eventually got there
..
..
Nick *******
Shaughan Ask Same situation? Wanted to convert from the 800k to 65k pm?
Gary *******
Nepotism
Karsten **************
She can ask for proof of where the money comes from!! So you lucky she was in a good mood
Nick *******
Karsten Bo Andersen She can ask all she likes, I’ve nothing to hide.
Karsten **************
Nick Woods but it take you a very long time to get the documents. she was nice to tell you to base it on the bank deposit. she could had made your life a shit without any problems !!!! many pay 16K and get visa without a single Baht in their bank.
Nick *******
Karsten Bo Andersen Firstly, I was very polite and only asked for what Thai immigration allows. I was not requesting anything outside of their own rules. Secondly, I’m not that arsed what she does. I’m literally not married to Thailand. I stay here because I have friends here, as I do in other parts of SE Asia, which I visit frequently. Only people like you grovel because you need to stay here, I don’t. So don’t expect me to do what you would do, because I don’t have to.
John *********
It's not nice to lie
Alan **********
"She said it wasn’t up to standard but she could fast-track my application if I paid 16K baht."
I've only ever gone to Jomtien Immigration, which serves Pattaya, and I expect is one of the larger/busier ones.
Almost all the service desks are right there out in the open. Is that NOT the case in Phuket ?
I ask because you seem to be suggesting an IO asked you for a bribe right there, out in the open, where almost anybody could hear it.
Is that what happened ?
I've only ever gone to Jomtien Immigration, which serves Pattaya, and I expect is one of the larger/busier ones.
Almost all the service desks are right there out in the open. Is that NOT the case in Phuket ?
I ask because you seem to be suggesting an IO asked you for a bribe right there, out in the open, where almost anybody could hear it.
Is that what happened ?
Nick *******
Alan Rothwell Spot on. I was taken aback because there she was, in uniform, sat in the middle of the immigration office, suggesting I could fast track got 16k.
Sean ******
Have always found Phuket IO to be thorough but good and helpful. Long may that continue.
Paul **********
You all know how Thailand works but bitch and moan about it, guaranteed if any of you got pulled over going home with 1 too many Leo in your system you'll be happy to pay to avoid the monkey House.
Paul **********
If you had paid first time you wouldnt have had any further issues, now or in the future
Mark *******
I have visited often since 1997,and love the place and it's people! I really want to return soon,but unfortunately due to all this bureaucracy I'm seriously reconsidering. I've visited Laos very briefly previously,but there is many aspects I like about the place;maybe I'll consider that,and spend my money there!?
Brian ******
Mark Avery Laos doesnt want you. They don't want a bunch of foreigners living there. They take being communist seriously and don't want outsiders screwing it up
Geoff *********
Brian Nope Load of BS. Some of the nicest people in SEA. Many with their own successful businesses, just like China another successful "Communist" country.
Mark *******
I wonder where you get your information from...? They are a lovely people,whom appreciate tourist income. And communism can still work with foreign visitors,whom obey the law.
And of course being an ex French colony,and influenced greatly by an American presence in the Vietnam war, are very familiar with foreign influence! And I'm only considering visiting! Get off your high horse 🐎! 😂
And of course being an ex French colony,and influenced greatly by an American presence in the Vietnam war, are very familiar with foreign influence! And I'm only considering visiting! Get off your high horse 🐎! 😂
Kev *********
Rayong Immigration at Map Ta Phut have always been excellent with 1 exception. I had an officer tell me I didn't bring in enough monthly funds. I had my bank statement and photocopies of my bank book showing 800k for a full year. I said I don't need 65k/ month because my account was ALWAYS 800K in credit, supported with bank endorsements. She repeated, you don't have enough income per month and then proceeded to extend my visa......ah well.
Albert *******
Wait wait wait, you mean to tell me you met an official here in Thailand that wanted to get her palms greased? No way! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣.
Will ******
16k.. that’s a lot..
WhitePho********
Ya know I would put up with it if the food was as good as people pretend, the government wasn’t twice as corrupt as the cops, you weren’t strangled by air pollution half the year and you get treated like a second class citizen even though your money keeps the place alive.
Thailand is greatfor a vacation but only good to move to if you’re from a real shithole country. I’ve had the plessure of correcting immigration officers more than once and it was never well received. Couple times the inspector just pretended to read a book instead of help me after being proven wrong. 😂🇺🇸
Thailand is greatfor a vacation but only good to move to if you’re from a real shithole country. I’ve had the plessure of correcting immigration officers more than once and it was never well received. Couple times the inspector just pretended to read a book instead of help me after being proven wrong. 😂🇺🇸
John **********
WhitePhoenix5046 The Thai people hate to lose face!
Alan *****
The immigration officers want you to go thru an agent, because they get something out of it 😏
Nick *******
Alan Bow Yep, I guessed that.
Michael ********
why didn't you just go back with a new copy and carry on, trying to mess them around never works, as you noticed.
Jean ************
Many immigration officers are like that. The best is to remain extra-polite, as you did. Then one has to get used to them.
Stuart ********
Be polite at all times when dealing with any official in Thailand remember who is driving the train.
Andrew ********
Stuart Davies got advice. People just love to complain. They are choosing to be there. They don’t have to be. I hear Syria is very liberal with their immigration. lol
WhitePho********
Andrew Patron the problem comes when you catch them breaking their own laws. I’m fine with going by the book but then they need to as well. Too many rogue moron officers trying to feel important.
They need me and people like more I need this. I have plenty of money, I’m not trapped here like most retirees who can no longer hack it back home so must always work it out.
They need me and people like more I need this. I have plenty of money, I’m not trapped here like most retirees who can no longer hack it back home so must always work it out.
Andre *********
WhitePhoenix5046 then why don’t you leave? No one wants you here, maggot!
Stuart ********
WhitePhoenix5046 Thay don't need you no matter how much money you have however you can pay to stay easily if you got deep pockets.
Cris ******
I have some nightmare stories from immigration as well. To much to post but ya im pretty sure i age a few years from stress every year when it comes time to renew my marriage visa.
Brent *********
Yep , you had a little win . They will remember you . Next time , no speak English , too busy , wrong time , sorry rules Change , come back next week . Before you know it , overstayer , no visa . Crying !!!! Why did this happen to me .
Andrew ********
Brent Rothsay maybe I’m a rookie but maybe she was correct when she said that the 800k is easier to check. Does one have more weight than the other?
Andrew ********
Brent Rothsay Good point. L note he is going to complain he has to travel to immigration office in Bangkok because they test him badly at old office. lol
Charles ********
You can bet your bottom dollar that those circumventing the law, with the use of an agent and no funds, have ever had to produce that yearly bank statement!
Ian ********
A lot gets Lost in Translation 🤷
Dante **
This is why I recommend the NON-OA over the NON-O.
You do all this bullshit outside Thailand. Once you are here you never need to go to immigration.
You do all this bullshit outside Thailand. Once you are here you never need to go to immigration.
Angelo ***********
Dante Completely different visa. So no idea what you recommend there. Extension works the same as Non O ... so?
Stephen ********
Dante that's not true have to make extension every year and do 90 day
Gerar ********
If you have a Non-OA visa you can stay for almost 2 years as you are stamped into the country for 1 year on every entry.
Also when you arrive 1 day before the Non-OA used by date.
Also when you arrive 1 day before the Non-OA used by date.
Jamie ********
Dante how do you extend it ?
Dante **
Jamie Futter the same way you extend the NON-O, except that it requires insurance.
however, i recommend just getting a new visa. if you do it right, you only need to get a new visa every 2 years
however, i recommend just getting a new visa. if you do it right, you only need to get a new visa every 2 years
Ian ********
Extensions can't be applied for outside Thailand.
Stephen ********
Dante Correct
Kev *********
Stephen Howell not true. Extensions and the first 90 day after an extension OR passport renewal has to be in person.
David ********
You’re always bloody moaning about something. 😂😂. How are you mate? 🥳😘
Stephen ********
The joy of living in Bangkok is the immigration office does everything by the book. I just need to show a minimum 65k for each month, whether it arrives on the 1st or the 30th. I understand many provincial immigration offices are as bent as a nine bob note! Just the luck of the draw I guess! ✅👍
William *******
I have never been asked for money, always did all myself. There are also clean & efficient imm offices.
Some offices deal with mainly Laos & other SEA long stay visitors.
Not likely these will fork out 10 - 20 - 30 -60 thousand baht for the visa
Some offices deal with mainly Laos & other SEA long stay visitors.
Not likely these will fork out 10 - 20 - 30 -60 thousand baht for the visa
JJ ***********
They are biting the hand that feeds them. Literally how many Thai families benefit from the expat community. Eating Local and shopping locally. Getting laundry done. Taxi service etc etc..
Mark *******
Absolutely correct JJ! It's madness,and hopefully will be rescinded!
JJ ***********
Mark Avery Yea.. I think the DTV visa is bringing in a lot of bad sorts.
Younger , all trying to be YouTube vloggers or other type visas targeting the younger ones..
They make it difficult on the retirement visas freezing bank accounts and tax reports etc etc. I dont think its the over 50 crowd doing to much of the Foreigner behaving badly or illegal businesses etc etc...
Younger , all trying to be YouTube vloggers or other type visas targeting the younger ones..
They make it difficult on the retirement visas freezing bank accounts and tax reports etc etc. I dont think its the over 50 crowd doing to much of the Foreigner behaving badly or illegal businesses etc etc...
Tobben ********
JJ O Connor I bought a washingmachine and a motorbike !
Nigel *******
JJ O Connor you are full of manure
Lee ********
Nigel Wells why. He is totally correct
James ********
Nigel Wells Great comment Nige. How does it feel to know that everyone on this post thinks you are below normal intelligence. ( Trying to put it as politely as possible ).
JJ ***********
Nigel Wells How.. What did i say that wasn't true
Stephen ********
JJ O Connor The ones who benefit the most are the bar girls!
JJ ***********
Stephen Howell And thier families. Correct... Someone has to be the highest. Doesn't take away the contributions to others...
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