Is it normal to get questioned at Thai immigration after multiple tourist visa entries?

@Jarek ***********

you can certainly make a better case for tourism if a few absences like that.

I know many who have been here for years doing it. But they like to keep a low profile lol

@Todd ********

ya that's what I was getting at, I think if you're gone for over a month it looks way better than being gone for a week.

@Jarek ***********

doesn’t really matter. 3-4 months MIGHT matter, but a day or ten won’t change anything

Since COVID? You had almost every Thai Visa? Uh huh...ok Travel Guru.

@Burnard ***********

are you daft? Read my comments again, and understand. I have had almost every visa possible in this country. There are many complexities of the visa system here, and I live them every day. Same as many far more knowledgeable posters here. But everyone has a different base of experience. Sort yourself out. Good luck with that

@Todd ********

I know that things change on a dime & on on a whim in Thailand. What you are doing is giving advice to people on how to basically live in Thailand when you, yourself, are not even on a tourist Visa.

You are the one who does not know what you are talking about.

@Burnard ***********

lol.As I clearly said, I help many here locally with their visa issues. And as you know nothing about those situations, you should put yourself on silent mode and do more learning, less yapping.

Good luck. I think you likely need it more

@Todd ********

If you have a 10 year Thai Visa. You have nothing to worry about. You didn't bring that up in your comments. Which is unfair for normal tourists that think they can do the same thing you do. You should refrain from giving Border bounce advice if you have a 10 year Thai Visa.

I said Gook luck to end the conversation. So, Good luck to you.

@Burnard ***********

i simply pointed out the obvious errors in your statement.

I want common sense and real perspective. But sometimes it seems like I’m asking too much right?

Luck? WTF would I need luck for? I have a 10 year visa. I’m covered for life. But know a lot of people who still need assistance, especially for under 50. So I stay on top of it.

@Todd ********

It wasn't an overstay. It was 11 days over their informal 180 limit (191) in 12 months.

Ok, you do what you want. You think you know everything and everybody else is amateurs. You have been doing this since COVID? That explains your attitude. They were lenient after COVID.

But do it how you want. Good luck!

@Burnard ***********

do i think this is the west lol? Umm,no. But i'm not the one worrying about an 11 day overstay 🤣! I read this forum regularly and have been here since the very beginning of Covid. I understand how to distill the posts from the new amateurs who arrive weekly. They didn't 'recently start doing anything' again, it's status quo. Immigration just doing their jobs. The yardsticks are always gently shifting in every country, one just has to stay on top of it all. For sure you need a plan B. I have on the road for 120 months now, and have never purchases a return or onward ticket yet. I did get grief at LAX on QAirlines who ultimately asked me to sign a waiver. Which i did. And yes, if you are in a dodgy visa situation avoid BKK or DMK (phuket is fine) or get visa fasttrack with Thai Visa Center and have an immigration official escort you in

@Todd ********

It is an informal Internal thing for Thai Immigration. They don't need written rules or policies. You think this is the West?

How long have you been doing it? They didn't enforce it for about a year after COVID. But if you read this forum much, you know they have recently started doing it again.

It is good you have a plan B. Does it include airfare back to where you came from when they turn you back in the terminal?

You may have better luck if you don't arrive at Bangkok or Phuket. The smaller provinces need your money more.

I was 1 step away from being booted. They noted in my Passport that I was trying to live in Thailand. They gave me 30 days to settle business and it could not be extended.

Have not been back since because then COVID happened.

Btw, it is 180 not 160

@Burnard ***********

There is no 160 OR 180 day rule. None at all. I have tried it - with easy success. And friends many more times. It's no issue. For some, it could be. There is always risk, have a plan B. But many do it. I am 72 countries in the last 120 months of vacation, have overstayed in 6-7 of those countries, sometimes for months of overstay. You say 'almost sent back' but the reality is that you were not. Perspective

@Todd ********

No, that will be a problem. You can only do 160 days in any 12 month period.

No, it is not a law but it is something Immigration does. I have gotten in trouble for that. And believe me, it was much more minor of an infraction than what you are planning. I visited 7 countries in 12 months. And they almost sent me back when I came back from Hong Kong just for inadvertently being 11 days over from March 2018 to March 2019.

Try it at your own risk.

@Burnard ***********

come in on 60 day TV, extend it once for 30. Then border bounce, extend 30 and you have done 150 days. Exit for a month, come back and repeat.

@Graham *****

Yes, that is how they see it.

@Ayman **********

This isn't like the West. It is not a Nation of Written laws. It is a nation of people. How they do things is how they do things.

I am as annoyed as you but that is the way it is in Thailand. Even in a Thai Court, the law is more of a guideline. The Judge will do what they think is correct.

Immigration, has nearly complete discretion. That is funny because people think they have a lot of discretion to give tourists a break (maybe that was once the case) but these days Immigration IOs act as if they only have discretion how much to hassle you.

@Ayman **********

That pattern of 2 months in Thailand then 2 weeks outside looks just like a Thai resident/worker taking a tourism break outside Thailand, a red flag for sure

@Ayman **********

You are right about that. It isn't a law and it isn't fair that they just spring it on people. If you read all the rules, you did nothing wrong. But it is what it is. Immigration does not allow it.

You cannot do that. Now you know.

@Ayman **********

Better to stay out more than 30 days and visit 2 countries. And don't get the extension every time.

So, you are saying you got 2 60-day visas, and applied for a 30 day extension each time before you came back? Ummm...you realize that is 6 months already and then you came back.

Ummm...no, you cannot do that.

@Todd ********

well I’m one of those people now…

I’m from Ukraine, and Thailand has an official deal with my country about extending Ukrainians, but still the immigration( my local office) rejected me since cause “oh you have extended too many times “ , me like “yes, but it was Covid and it’s the war in my country, I don’t know what to do and where to go🤷‍♀️”, they like “go to Vietnam” 🙄

I mean I don’t ask even for any sympathy of my situation , but I have the right to stay here legally !

So when and where “too many times” declared ?

And how long you can stay and how many times I can cross the border.

If you would fly every week Thailand to Singapore and back ? There are billions of cases, people live life in variety of ways( especially after Covid and global crisis).

@Viola *******

they are extremely well declared. Meet the requirements and it's all quite easy. But it's people whom have difficulties (many reasons for this) meeting the requirements that have to dance around the edges of the system. Same thing in every country

@Ayman **********

it’s kind of logical, but it’s Thailand 🇹🇭🤪 they have they own rules which are not even declared properly.

For example, the topic starter case is about visiting the country 3rd time , when (for now) you can do only twice a year ( with a land border at least ). And it’s not even declared much. I only know cause I follow carefully

@Sonja ******

It was settled and built by the British colonies yes. Without them, the country would have never existed.

@Ned *******

think Australia was first taken over by the whites actually.....

@Rodd *****

nosy af 555

@Daniel *****

exactly what I was going to post , , I was visiting gf in Cambodia and had connecting flights in BKk she held me up and questioned me for 15 minutes

It is kinda funny.

@Ayman **********

Maybe lighten up a bit mate.

@Todd ********

you look amazing for your age Todd. Lean and fit, like a 23 year old, girl. 😜

@Dan *******

beaches of Cambodia.

@Dan *******

that sounds like utopia compared to Sihanookvile.....

@Dan *******

Ever thought of travel reporting ? Your comment smashes it. And without even delving into the chaos of overseas financial intervention, human trafficking and the political one party statehood where the opposition leader is forced to live overseas in exile.

@Dan *******

and the food is bad unless you eat in nice restaurants. No idea how they do it but it just sucks. Also, average mom and pop hole in the wall restaurant is 2-3 times more expensive than in Thailand. Not a huge fan

@Kate ***********

one year extension is 1900 baht. For all extensions. What do you need? That varies widely depending on visa type and your passport

You can get a long term visa for: being wealthy, having high-demand skill set, get married, adopt a kid, get old, or get a job. Each option has it's own set of complications and requirements. There is also a medical visa but that may be limited to the time for treatment.

@Kate ***********

Short answer: Thailand doesn't have a 1 year tourist visa. If over 50, a long term retirement visa is available.

@Kate ***********

no offence kate, maybe your not so intouch with Thai visas. You cant just chose the length of time and pay and go. There are hoops to jump through, as with most countries/visas, and various reasons to need a visa - marriage, retirement(over 50years), employment or education are the more common. You'll need To prove many things, financial, criminal records, employer/educational establishment, sometimes you'll need a fixed amount of money in a Thai bank or to be able to prove a set income. There is also an Elite visa, which can just be purchased, as long as you fit the criteria, however many are tripping at the final hurdle, due to having had an Education visa previously, which are all considered to be contentious now.

@Kate ***********

best to search for the Thailand Embassy or Consulate in your country for that information. It's easy enough. Without knowing what country you're in, nobody can tell you that information

@Bonnie ******

that is ludicrous. People still coming to Thailand regardless. Maybe not for the time period they wanted but they still come. If they really want to stay for a year or so there are options.

@Colin ********

again you are forced to do that because you can't come back in again

@Bonnie ******

part of the problem, from reading many Posts in Thailand related Facebook groups, seems to be that many people only go out of Thailand to a neighbouring country for long enough to get a new Visa or Stamp. Do those going back and forth between Thailand and it's neighbouring countries spend as much time in those countries, as they do in Thailand, I wonder 🤷🏼‍♂️

@Colin ********

that's the part that doesn't make sense. If you are traveling in this part of the world going back and forth across Thailand should be easy. They should want you to come in and out. Trying to stay should be the red flag. This stance forces people to skip Thailand

@Todd ********

good to know.

@Pete *******

hahaha Cmon Pete. Do better. Looks like ur scraping the bottom of the barrel there. Holy! But I suppose at your age, wallet and genetics one can’t afford to be choosy

@Todd ********

I seen your Bargirl girlfriend . Can't you do better than that?

@Pete *******

thought so 🤣. Enjoy the craphole.

@Todd ********

lol Dickhead

@Pete *******

not me either. Which craphole did you decide to save a few pennies in Vietnam? Da Nang or worse? Easier to find a date there in Vietnam and get the wife sponsored visa too

@Todd ********

like korat? Or any other craphole in Issan. Who wants to live there? Not me

@Pete *******

let's not get carried away lol. I agree Vietnam can be cheaper, and it's generally great value. But many, many places in Thailand just as cheap

@Colin ********

believe me, Cambodia is nice, but light years behind Thailand. Siem Reap is quite a nice town, but not so many like it around the country

@Derek *********

he obviously didn’t learn much about CM the first time

@Bonnie ******

😂😂😂😂 ‘they have everything that Thailand has’ 🇰🇭…

😂😂😂😂😂😂

@Jhon ******

that coming from an Australian who lives in a shit hole where people were forced to vax and locked up for extended periods of time is just funny as fck. You have no clue what you're talking about...

@Jarek ***********

why don't you save your sympathizing for those that actually care. The Socialist Republic of Vietnam is an authoritarian state ruled by a single party, the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) led by General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung, and President Truong Tan Sang. Human rights watch flags Vietnam exactly as i have described it; in fact far worse.

@Jhon ******

you're talking out of your behind, been living in VN for over 10 years and it's insane how much one can get away with... You would have to do something really stupid to get in trouble here and even then it's usually small money to make it go away.

@Reidar *********

,

Why would you choose to go to Chiang Mai in March during the worst burning season in history?

@Sum ****

Confused ?

@Jesse ****

Too many farangs .. with zero world experience

@Franky *****

None of your business boy !

@Colin ********

it's a hole where you might be eating dog instead of beef on any given day and the toxic smog of 2-stroke motorcycle's fills the air year round. There are many reasons it's not a foreigners destination of choice for long periods

@Reidar *********

which country have you moved to? I'm positive after your hate speech you wouldn't dare stay another day in this tragic country

@Jhon ******

personally I would avoid living in a communist country too.

@Reidar *********

Why are you here ?

@Reidar *********

vietnam is also about 30%cheaper across the board. Glad I moved here from Thailand

@Reidar *********

wow that's a sad story, hope some of that might have been Covid and junta related? But on a similar note , i was surprised to see so many young backpackers in Pai during January this year, most of them partying hard, a very different picture to the chilled family /hippie memories of my several other visits over the years. I hope it doesn't become another paradise lost?

@Jhon ******

there's a law called Lese Majeste law that prohibits any from insulting the monarch in any way.

@Jhon ******

Try talking about the King in Thailand....🤣🤣

@Reidar *********

well the US ain’t doing much better I choose this system every time. They just need some sort of longer stay visa for not just retirees. Can do same requirements just no age limit. What does it matter if I’m 50 or 25 as long as I have the money and insurance etc.

@Jhon ******

Owned a health and wellness center in Chiang Mai, 14 years ago. Visited CM this year during March, witnessed the infrastructure decay and the intense air pollution and the sad faces of the street vendors, plus the "Do Not Steal" signs frequented on various businesses. 30 days was enough.

@May ***********

Vietnam is a Communist state where you will be imprisoned for even whispering anything against the state. 150 people at last count behind bars.

@Reidar *********

i agree with nearly everything you say ,however you might be going a bit far and have to clarify your remark that visitors are corrupting their ethnicity. On the contrary Thailand is one of the biggest users of social media and the internet in the world, the effect of 30 million odd visitors a year who can't even speak the language is insignificant. Thais' are fiercely proud of their Nationality and for the most part are fully aware of the issues you have raised and many are working towards attaining an honest and transparent democracy. It will take time .Lots of it.

@May ***********

True ..try evisa.org.vn. it's simple and easy, used them many times.

@Colin ********

not as good as Thailand but get you where you need to go. The boat ride was amazing

@Ayman **********

I only wish we had gone before they got rid of the elephants. Yes they have big malls in Bangkok but we can still eat pizza and ice cream. They even have Carl's Jr in Cambodia. It's gone from Thailand

Are the trains and buses (and roads) as good, or better than Thailand's? I took a train from Nakhon Sawan to Bangkok last year on my way home to Australia and the rocking of the carriages was almost enough to shake me off the seat (just a slight exaggeration, but they were bad compared to trains where I live).

@Colin ********

they have beaches bars restaurants hotels with swimming pools trains boats busses booze even gambling

@Bonnie ******

Cambodia, really? I've read comments that Cambodia is inferior to Thailand in some ways. I think I remember infrastructure being one thing mentioned.

@Bonnie ******

Cambodia don't have everything Thailand has.

The third world feeling is real there😅

@Sum ****

Cambodia was nice. They have everything that Thailand has. Malaysia is good. Easy cheap they don't treat us like criminals

@Reidar *********

Haha, your description of Thailand describes many countries in the world, even first world countries to a lesser degree on some points you mention.

@Reidar *********

agree. Much more flexible here in Vietnam although there are some problems with the online application system.

@Neo *******

is that a joke? Cambodia, Mexico, Panama, Indonesia, Myanmar, Laos, philippines, Nicaragua, Argentina, Peru, Albania, Bulgaria etc etc etc. Things any nomad should know 🙂

@Todd ********

like where?

@Neo *******

there are many countries similarly confusing or lax

@Colin ********

There isn't another country in the world where the rules are so vague as LOS, and where the visa issuing authorities don't work in tandem with immigration. Long stay limit isn't uniformly applied, and is open to misinterpretation.

@Eileen **********

I'm not interested in what you have to say

@Brown *******

wrong. See my post above.

@Brown *******

It's been this way since I first came in 1998. Nothing has changed for the worse. In them days, you had 15 days before you had to bounce.

@Ivan ***********

I think you mentioned that before and you're probably right

@Bon***

sure, but you can do that now. The basic rule of thumb they are using is if you spend more time in Thailand or out. They aren't hassling people who spend most of the time somewhere else.

OP is saying he's on his second tourist visa obtained in the region, and presumably extended his previous one and had one before that from his home country (Lebanese need a visa in advance). So that's the third visa, so two so far is six months and he's entering on a third which he'll presumably extend for nine months.

I have no issue with that and this group is here to help people but this is what I mean by stretching it. If they actually locked down on a 90 in 180 rule he'd have to have left after the first one and not be coming back for his third 90 day period back to back.

And if they do make everything black and white, as some are calling for, it's going to be locking down on this sort of thing. And while nine months back to back is long... if they lock down to the 90 days only... plenty of people who come for say 4 months, 5 months over the winter and have no real issue with that now, doing one single border run. That would the end for them too, not just OP.

This is why I suggest, careful what you wish for. OP is trying to stay here continuously for nine months on tourist visas. IF they made it black and white, it's very likely "stay nine months on tourist visas" would be in the not allowed bank, while as it is now- sure he was questioned, but they actually let him in.

@Ayman **********

Haha, I was actually responding to

@Bonnie ******

, not you when mentioning Dhurian fruit, Sir.

@Ivan ***********

but you could come and cruise around Asia for 3 or 4 months in and out of Cambodia Thailand Malaysia Indonesia take a cruise and come back in 6 months and do it again.

@Bon***

it would be more restrictive if there was a hard limit of 90 days in 180, like Schengen. This would mean once you had spent 90 days in Thailand, you would have to leave and could not "border bounce" and come right back, like you CAN now (may get hassle at airports, won't if you pick the right land border).

It was heartbreaking. They said he might try to stay and take advantage of the medical system. He said but I have a return ticket I have already paid for my stay. I can put a deposit. They cleaned him up and sent him back home

@Ivan ***********

that would not be more restrictive. It would be much better to be able to go in and out of the country but only be allowed to stay 90 days total.

@Ayman **********

Visas are legal, yes, but you didn't answer my question. I am not a frequent traveller, even in the country I currently live in, so I'm not very familiar with all these things. Maybe the problem is with a lack of communication between Thailand Immigration and Thailand Embassies/Consulates in other countries 🤷🏼‍♂️ maybe they need to communicate better, so that Visas are not issued outside of Thailand, only for tourists to be questioned about their motives for entering the country upon arrival 🤷🏼‍♂️

If you enter multiple times on short term Visas within a relatively short time period, rather than applying for a Visa that allows longer term stays, then questions are going to be asked. That sounds reasonable to me.

@Br***

if they were going to make it black and white, it would be maximum 90 days in 180. That's not law but that is what the MFA website states is the limit for visa exemptions. People calling for black and white rules... if they actually did this it would only get more restrictive.

@Colin ********

I agree in all that. And if they simply gave us a specific time line of what they consider abusing the rules then there's no excuses. At the moment you can apply for 2 60 day visas with 2 30 day extensions plus 2 border runs and 2 further 30 day extensions within a calendar year. If they don't want people spending this much time in Thailand in a calendar year they should change this.

@Bonnie ******

maybe he had been eating a large quantity of Dhurian fruit 🤣

@Brown *******

I would say that there's 'grey areas' within many aspects of life, even where there are rules. Maybe Thailand could rewrite it's it's rules to be clearer, but still, there will always be people who seek to abuse the 'system' no matter how 'black and white' the rules are. Decent, honest people don't have any trouble following the rules as they are. Sometimes they may need to seek a little clarification on some things, but they find the answers and obey the rules, or laws.

@Colin ********

I saw one of those shows. This guy had a resort he was staying at a once in a lifetime trip but he smelled really bad so they wouldn't let him into Australia

@Colin ********

that is clearly what's going on but abusing the system is breaking the rules. Thailand should re write their immigration rules so it's black and white for all travellers so there's no grey.

@Brown *******

I would say that these things are similar in many, if not all countries. I've seen on several occasions a TV series, I think called "Border Force Australia", that's about people entering through immigration. I believe that the USA also has it's own version of that series. These are real people, not actors. That program appears to show that individual Immigration Officers, often seeking an opinion from their direct superior can make a decision to allow or refuse entry, based on evidence gleaned, interviews and suspicions. Nothing new, that's the way it's probably always been, but maybe because of abuses of the system, the Thai Immigration is having a serious crackdown.

@Todd ********

Thanks for a comprehensive reply Todd. My biggest fear of the Philippines is, as you've indicated, the issue of typhoons ( and floods). Do you think the Pinays are better than Thais culturally. How about their expectations from a partner point of view?

@Kev ********

I like the philippines for sure. Incredible beaches and ocean, fun, open people, amazingly beautiful nature and waterfalls etc. But it's a bureaucratic nation for sure. Rules and rules. Although overall, the immigration issue can be easier than Thailand if you qualify for SRRV. Then it's easy. Like LTR in thailand. Where the Philippines are behind i find is infrastructure and development. And food!!! Just not good at all. I chose not to live there primarily because of that, (my gf is Filipina and strongly prefers living in thailand also). Thailand seems 10-20 years ahead on the scale of development and i'm not sure that Philippines will ever bridge that gap. And don't forget the reality of those islands suffering the worst typhoons in the world.

@Todd ********

I find comments like your's helpful Todd. Can you expand please?

@Kev ********

you will seriously reconsider after a month or two in Philippines

@Bonnie ******

so right Bonnie. Maybe 3 years back they introduced the health insurance requirement of 400k TB Inpatient and 40k TB outpatient for Non Imm O-A long stay retirement visa. When I applied today for my annual extension they now want 3million TB of cover. Thailand apparently want to ensure exclusion of people like me, retirees who spend maybe 1million TB per annum into the Thai economy. I'm seriously considering relocating to Philippines

@Bonnie ******

I did it February. It can be done

@David ****

but someone trying to do all that now wouldn't be able to and you know it

@Bonnie ******

I have a bank account

@David ****

it's not a matter of gaming the system. You have to have a bank account to get a visa. You can't get a bank account. You have to transfer money from overseas but most of the banks can't accept the transfer anymore. Endless games.

@Bonnie ******

I've been here 16 times and am moving permanently this year. I've never had a problem, but then again I'm not trying to game the system...

@David ****

try to keep up. They want you to get long term visas like retirement or education instead of letting you come repeatedly as a tourist then make it impossible to get the long term visa

@Bonnie ******

why do you need a bank account if you're a tourist?

@Ayman **********

if you are serious about study you are able to get , i believe, a 1 year visa to do so.

@Ayman **********

best of luck wherever you end up. Too bad Thailand made it so hard for you

@Todd ******

but they call everything abusing the system and they make it so hard to get all the things they want you to have. You have to stay in the country longer when what you want to do is go to other countries and be able to come back. It's impossible to get a bank account now. They don't want to issue education visas anymore. You can't come for a few weeks unless you plan on never coming back

@Bonnie ******

oh but they do. They like the smart tourists that comes stays a few weeks and then leaves. What they don't like are people that come and abuse the tourist visa system.

@Ayman **********

So tell immigration you have your own business in your own country but you're not there to operate it! If your staff are running it for you and you don't need to be there, you've obviously got lots of money, simply get an Elite Visa and you'll never be questioned again

@Ayman **********

in that case you should have been able to provide proof of the financial requirements for the longer multi entry tourist visa rather than getting single entry ones?

@Will ***********

that’s not a ‘clampdown’. It’s the same every day in every country

Anyway take it easy Will....you can let the gas out your tummy now you will feel a lot more comfortable. Don't worry we've got broad shoulders we can take the smell.

@Will ***********

hot 🔥 balls Will! You've got us shitting bricks now mate!

@Ayman **********

a visa has a period of validity before expiration. Thus allowing you time to enter the country. Be happy they don’t make the assumption that you will use the visa straight away, or they may have denied your visa

@John *********

Absolutely John, that also applies to other countries.

@Brandon ***********

I actually didn't get the whole picture until I read down. Your post was the first comment and that information was not established. In his case, yes, I agree. But when it happened to me, it was over a two year period and I visited 7 countries. Some didn't border Thailand. And I was out 30-60 days each time. It's was obvious I was not trying to live in Thailand. But technically, I was over by 11 days in a 12 month period from January 2018 & March 2019 (so March to March). They got me coming back from Hong Kong.

They let me in but scribbled a note in my passport that I was trying to live in Thailand. They worked for hours, without letting me sit, to up with that conclusion and let me in anyway.

I had a new passport (because the old one was filled) that didn't show all the exits and places I had been. Unfortunately, the old one was packed in checked luggage. But they had all that info on the computer anyway. I was one step from being turned back. I think they decided already to send me back but had to walk it back when they dug into my travel record.

@Burnard ***********

it's clear that they've already maxxed out 2 visas (180 days) and now are immediately returning for another 90 days with a new visa. That's not "short stays" that's living in Thailand.

Someone who travels around and actually behaves like a tourist isn't going to have these issues. 2 weeks in Thailand, 2 weeks in Vietnam, back to Thailand then to Singapore etc. That's fine. 90 days in Thailand, gone for 2 days to apply for a new visa and then immediately back. That's not fooling any immigration officer.

@Brandon ***********

I was with you until your last sentence. How is short stays 'trying to live in Thailand?'

Maybe someone likes to frequently visit Thailand and needs a place to pick up mail. Hardly proof of "Living in Thailand"

@Eileen **********

ok so you've proven to me you ain't the full quid with that comment. I'm in my 7th month in the last 10 months in Thailand so well within the rules. Look them up before making yourself look like a simpleton.

@Brown *******

lol. That was the second thing men like you say to women like me. It’s almost as if u have one script when u see my profile. Dyke, hate men, bitter. Just follow the rules dude and try to control that anger. 😝

@Eileen **********

Im not going to lower myself to your pathetic judgemental level. Just because you have no sense of humour clearly doesn't mean I have no respect. You called yourself a dyke and that clearly tells me you simply hate men and very bitter.

@Brown *******

a lawyer who knows the law. What are you. Facts are facts. Like your picture of the Marilyn lookalike. Shows great respect. Call me a dyke? Just getting ahead of you.

@Brown *******

agreed

@Frank *********

yes that's correct but it shouldn't come to that.

@Brown *******

I see what you are saying, unfortunately another Immigration Officer would probably let the OP in as another may so no. Officer could have had a bad night. Too much depends on the Immigration Officer you stand before and how he feels.

@JP ******

and no ganja

@Jeff ********

that's my point exactly. They should have defined guidelines instead of guidelines that are allowed from one official and not from another.

@JP ******

that would logical and the country makes money!! Thailand loves messing with people! If border bounces are so damn bad then why even have them? People come here spend lots of money and have to deal with an immigration officer you might be in a bad mood, it’s crazy

@Lynnette ******

don’t you think they had his passport on their desk?🤔

@Eileen **********

who the f*** are you to call me a scab.

@Ayman **********

they are jealous you are out having too much fun 😊

@Frank *********

well of course if they see it as fraudulent or dubious. This isn't about fraudulent or dubious circumstances though. This is them saying living in Thailand under tourist visas when the tourist is entitled to follow the official rules. If they suspect you working in Thailand and yet won't accept a bank statement on an app showing international income coming in how fair is that? If they don't want you to spend to much time in Thailand on tourist visas then restrict people to 1 tourist visa a year and scrap extensions ext. That's what I'm saying. We should not be denied when we are well within the rules, only if we are breaking them

@Brown *******

what do you think is meant by tourist visa. You are a GUEST for tourism purposes. If you violate the status by using it to substitute for proper legal status and process of asking for a different acceptable rules, then you are trying to circumvent the rules and violating the countries grace in allowing you in their country. Quick being a scab and playing border run games. Here are the rules if you want them stated: Visa applications in advance of arrival give countries a chance to consider the applicant's circumstances, such as financial security, reason for travel, and details of previous visits to the country. Visitors may also be required to undergo and pass security or health checks upon arrival at the port of entry. Many countries frequently demand strong evidence of intent to return to the home country, if the visa is for a temporary stay, due to potential unwanted illegal immigration.

@Ayman **********

"they let me in but the officer told me that if I want to stay in Thailand I must to make a different kind of visa if I’m planning to stay for a long stay""

Then you already had your answer right there.

@Brown *******

even in the United States the Immigration Officer can deny you entry even if you have a visa from an American Embassy. The Immigration Officer who falls under the Department for Homeland Security and not the State Department can deny if they feel it was obtained fraudulently or other dubious circumstances. I believe you will find that most countries IO have that authority.

@Ayman **********

What it all boils down to is that you're using tourist visas to remain in the country to live here. They don't want people doing that. If you're under 50, there are very few other options but there are options and you're not using them.

@Brown *******

not allowed

@Ayman **********

more people try to scam living long term in Thailand on short term visas and extensions than anywhere else I know. They've been tightening access lately

@Michael ***

be really careful choosing your school. Because 90% of that business is not about REALLY learning most of them have terrible curriculum and transient teachers.

@Ayman **********

Thats the normal situation for tourist. What you are doing is visa run to bordering country and abusing the tourist visa. If you really want to stay long term then find a proper visa and extension of stay in the country. 180 days in a year on tourist​ visas is logical for immigration​ to check on you.

@Milan ******************

define 'tourist' and define this mans situation..

@John *********

that's how it is. A visa issued by an embassy of Thailand does not entitle you the right to enter Thailand. When an immigration border official sees your travel history stamped into the passport, he can refuse entry (despite you hold a visa) on the grounds of suspecting that you use short-time tourist visa to undermine the permit of stay system.

@Ayman **********

That is not working anymore either

@John *********

Embassies and Immigration really should be connected though. One might assume that if Embassies issue Visas and then Immigration refuses entry, that there's a money making racket going on.

@Brown *******

I know plenty of people who had their first extension refused.in Samui they then got notice to leave the country within 7 days.

Now just because you don't know anyone doesn't mean it doesn't exist.

@Joe *****

fortunately I've never heard of anyone getting refused an extension

@Ayman **********

this is the same the world over. Having a visa does not guarantee access whether to Thailand or anywhere else

@เตเต้ *****

oh they can access the same information but issuing a visa is not approving entry. Just like with most countries

@John *********

I’m sure you meant the two are not bound by certain checks/balances re approval of entry but the two are both most definitely connected together by domestic/international databases. PIBICS, SLTD, PBX and APP are the publicly known systems of which Interpol maintains two of them.

@Ayman **********

there is no written law that says you can only enter by air x number of times. It's entirely up to the immigration officer that you present yourself in front of when you arrive. Since COVID they have become much stricter on entry. If you want to continue to live in Thailand you are going to have to get a visa that allows you to do so, a tourist visa is not appropriate

@Brown *******

It's not a rule but a policy. Same with the extension of stay for tourist visa. The policy to extension a tourist visa is supposed to be in case of an emergency not as a norm for longer stays. So if the immigration officer feels you're abusing your privileges, the policy (not a rule) is to refuse you the extension.

@Ayman **********

real nightmare, going there next month again as well. My plan is to apply for ed visa and learn Thai soon. Let’s hope all works out. thanks for your reply 👍

@John *********

I get that but there is nothing in the rule book stating you can't live in Thailand on tourist visas

@Milan ******************

yeah, get on with it. Apply for retirement, Thai Wife or work, which one is it? Otherwise a tourist visa is rolling the dice.

@Brown *******

it's that the person appears to be living inside Thailand on a visa that is not appropriate. What other countries allow you to spend 9 months or more as a tourist?

@Milan ******************

true man. The intention is clearly not tourist 😏

@Ayman **********

the embassy and immigration are not connected. Just because an embassy issues you a visa it doesn't mean immigration has to honour it

@Ayman **********

it's not up to them to check what immigration may do when you arrive. So they don't.

@Ayman **********

and did he let you inside in the end? Would be interesting to know. Thank you

@Ayman **********

clearly your are not a tourist.. get the right visa if you want to stay in Thailand

@Joe *****

does it really. I've been told there's no such written rule

@Brown *******

It clearly says you need a visa fit for the purpose of stay and if you're on many single entry tourist visa (or visa exempt) back to back, then you obviously have the wrong visa and you should have gotten a multiple entry tourist visa which would be fit to stay as a tourist for a substantial time.

@Brandon ***********

is it that it's not allowed or is it that immigration just want to make up their own rules as they go? I think it's the later right

@Ayman **********

yes because you're not acting like a tourist you're acting like someone living in Thailand without a proper visa which is not allowed.

@Ayman **********

the embassy doesn't care if you're allowed into the country or not. The only thing having a visa means is that you'll get 60 day stamp in your passport, it doesn't mean you can enter the country.

@Ayman **********

because the final decision about allowing you into the country is with the Immigration officer at the airport/border. Having a visa does not mean that you are guaranteed entry.

@Ayman **********

embassy probably didn't know how many times you've entered.