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Is it possible to be flagged by Thai immigration if they suspect that I'm working while on a tourist visa?

Thai immigration Visa regulations Visa problems Work visa Tourist visa Visa Exempt (VE)Entry Denial Police scrutiny Visa extension Thai Elite Visa

Jan 22, 2019

6 years ago

Christopher *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Just stamped out at DMK. Immigration lady said, "Next time come back with work visa!" Leaving aside the fact there is no such thing as a work visa, the message I got is that they believe I'm still working in Thailand, even though I walked off my job in November and my latest entry was by VE with an extension, and not with a Non B. I'm still trying to make sense of it but I have a sneaky feeling she's flagged me and any future entry as a tourist will be denied. That is, as long as they believe I'm working. Luckily I have no actual need to return to Thailand. But it's a bit of a riddle - I am wondering if I'm screwed as a tourist visitor for a long time to come.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

A user expresses concern about being flagged by Thai immigration after a comment from an immigration officer suggesting they should return with a work visa, despite claiming such a visa doesn't exist. They detail their past entry on a Visa Exempt (VE) and the pressures of exiting and re-entering Thailand. Multiple comments suggest that new scrutiny at immigration is leading to questions about travelers' visa types, with various experiences shared regarding being flagged or questioned upon entry or exit. Overall, many users are anxious about returning to Thailand, fearing they may be denied entry if perceived as flouting visa regulations.

Saurabh *****************

Yes , some IO are really skeptical about BACK 2 BACK visa stamps on your passports and question why would u come IN Thailand back to back. My close friend was SENT BACK in November 2018. I did consult

about it. The drama was all about 180 days stay / year on T visa ( which I know is NOT A WRITTEN RULE).Despite he having FUNDS and return tickets , they spoke to his GF on LINE and grilled her with many many tricky questions. He got a new pport and came BACK this month.

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Terry **********

Same shit happend to me last time to...

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Christopher *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Two or three months, but not if there's a one percent chance of being denied.

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Liam *****

The key question is probably 'when do you plan to come back'? Next week, you might have trouble, next year, you probably won't....

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The ********

Spending 20k to get a Elite visa, must follow the rules...

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The ********

Peter Frekkas Wow thanks Pete didn't know that but will do it!

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The ********

Yep, breathing space till 50years old.

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Tod *********

500K baht is the price of the entry level 5 year Thai Elite Visa, 1million baht gets you a 20 year Thai Elite Visa...

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Benjamin ******

@Jeff ******************

The minimum for a Thai Elite Visa is 5 years, the last time I checked :\

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The ********

Not for 5 years (aud)

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Robert *******

The Thai Elite Visa is a little more expensive than 20k.

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Robert *******

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Christopher *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hold on... Is that a stylized I/O at the top of the page?

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Christopher *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

okeledokely

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Robert *******

No, that is just number 1 as in your first Visa Exempt by land border that calendar year.

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Robert *******

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Robert *******

So people now get questions and remarks about their visa options when leaving Thailand for next time they want to come to Thailand?

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Christopher *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

So the country you just came from would have to offer VOA or VE or else you couldn't fly back, right? Unless you have a multi entry visa with time still on the clock.

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Robert *******

Christopher Haslett Depending on airline used and Immigration, you have no part in this. You wait and an airline representative will inform you how you can book a flight to back where you came from or back home country.

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Shannon *************

@Christopher ********

I’ve heard that it’s the choice between home country or where you just came from

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Christopher *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

If people are denied entry at an airport are they forced to buy a ticket all the way to their home country? That is what would make it an unacceptable risk for me. If they let you fly to the country you just came from and it's a question of a $100 ticket then that is an acceptable gamble, for me at least.

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Christopher *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

I hope you'll keep us posted.

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Samm *****

I’ve got all my ducks in a row ready for entry

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Robert *******

With about 30 million arrivals a year and some posts about people getting denied entry, more people pass immigration without problems than people get denied entry. Don't worry to much if you are a genuine tourist.

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Samm *****

You’re on

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Adele *****

well if we both get denied let's head to Indo or somewhere together instead lol!!

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Samm *****

Hmm I had a remark too when I left Thailand 2 months ago. Customs said ‘you can’t come back’ I have been in Thailand twice in a year, I want to come back as a tourist to hit a couple of festivals, am arriving in a couple of days. Am a little nervous. What’s going on! I don’t want to work nor stay for an extended amount of time.

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Adele *****

I also was scrutinised and questioned when leaving BKK just a couple of days ago and I suspect I have been flagged in their system, even though I am doing a lot of travelling in and out on the country on a valid METV.. which is exactly what a tourist is supposed to do on a METV ffs... I return to BKK next week and I am really concerned about getting denied now, even if I have the 3 proofs.. I don't understand why they are cracking down on genuine tourists who are definitely not working in Thailand, just spending a lot of time here travelling and spending money. Seriously IOs give us a break! We are bring money INTO your country!!

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Shannon *************

I got my remark when I was entering as a warning

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Christopher *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Apparently. And she was most helpful in telling me to get a visa that doesn't exist.

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Shannon *************

@Rowan ********

but like I said he entered the next day and just stamped in as usual. As always it depends on the IO

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Rowan *********

Jesus....

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Shannon *************

my friend was questioned what he was doing here whilst leaving yes.

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Shannon *************

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Rowan *********

Seems they're cracking down on things at the moment.

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Shannon *************

The IO recorded this for me on file on the computer not passport, She told me though. I went to get an extension and the IO read it out to me. However I left for 2 months and entered with a ED visa yesterday - nothing got asked. I know I entered on a visa which wasn’t a TR but I expected a few questions if they saw that ..i assumed it would create more scrutiny. A friend of mine was questioned leaving too.. but he entered the next day and nothing got said.

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Christopher *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

My passport is an inky mess but I haven't been able to see any stamp like that.

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Christopher *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Jet lag before I even fly.

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Christopher *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

gotcha.

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Christopher *********

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