What are my options for returning to Thailand after being denied entry?

Sep 1, 2019
5 years ago
Rodd ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hello, new to this group but I have read a lot of helpful and useful info. WARNING -- LONG. Last paragraph sums up what i need.

I will try to make this quick and to the point but it is a bit complicated and i apologize if too much back story..but it may (or may not) be important and help understand my dilemma.

BACKSTORY:-- My story is i have worked in Thailand for about 6 years teaching. My last teaching job was at a major university where i gave my resignation last year Sept 2018 because mainly, I had another outside Thailand short term job lined up to start in Jan of 2019. Thought i could use some visa runs to keep in in Thailand until then..which i did with no problems. The "new" outside Thailand job contacted me to later around start of 2019, long after i already resigned, and said they could only offer me a freelance position to work remotely. As you know, that would be difficult with staying in Thailand as I wouldnt have the proper visas and i had to decline the freelance.

MAIN---Since my teaching job was very niche (I taught animation) and hard to find a new position quickly, I decided to take some time off in 2019 and work on my reel, portfolio and update my CV, etc for future work.

I read up on visa rules and asked around. I was told the acceptable ways to do visas was via border run 2 times/yr and a tourist visa. This is based on information from many and I did that and had no problems until that tourist visa ran out this Aug. It used to be that then you could fly out an return and get a visa because it wasnt land based. Well that has all changed..

I was denied entry because of "too many stamps" in since 2019. I had never recieved any warning stamps, i had never had anyone at any immigration before say otherwise about this and as far as i knew it was acceptable because companies were doing it for you..and still. Yet i was denied entry and most my things from 6 years in thailand is stuck in my apartment with my fiance. I had worked all those years and took 1 break and it didnt matter about any of my past work....i have a Thai bank book with money that shows 4 years of steady deposits from the uni to prove i was employed, the old ID card from the school, and my work permits before should be in the system to be verified (assuming immigration or IO actually have the ability to check that).

In any case, I am looking for options to return to at least get my stuff, talk with my fiance about getting a new place just for her etc...because i think i am done trying to teach and be of value to Thailand. But i do need to tie up loose ends. I maybe may have to teach again (English this time) to get a job just to get those permits while do that , idk.

Anyone have some idea about my options? I am not married, though we want to be, so i cannot do the marriage visa. I have a Thai bank accnt with over 400k bht that has has that or more since like 2015. So i can prove there is ample money there (but enough for requirement?). I dont know about the type O visa as i dont know what i need to qualify. Also my work documents are stuck in Thailand such as tax info, so i cant even show that.

Any help is is much appreciated.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A user outlines their complicated visa situation after previously being denied entry to Thailand due to having too many immigration stamps. They had been living and working in Thailand for six years before resigning to pursue a job opportunity that fell through. After visa runs and using a tourist visa, they got denied entry at the airport and are now seeking advice on how to return to Thailand to retrieve their belongings and resolve loose ends. Suggestions from the community include applying for a Non-O visa based on age or marriage, trying for a tourist visa in a nearby country, or utilizing land border crossings.
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Tod *********
I'd say go to the thai consulate in Phnom Penh's website, LOOK at their requirements for a single entry tourist visa and if you can meet them get one. you shouldn't have a problem entering by land WITH a valid tourist visa in your passport.

OR

You could try your luck at Vientiane (which requires an appointment) or Savannakhet if you feel those places would be easier for you to meet the requirements for a single entry tourist visa.

As I said you're NOT gonna have a problem getting IN to the country by land once you have a valid tourist visa in your passport.
James ********
Rodd Miller we wish you well. There is no crystal ball which can predict success or not with your obtaining a Tourist Visa.

You can try PP...its closer to where you are now.

Currently the Thai Consulates do not have access to your entry history. Thai Immigration does. If you do get a visa....

Do not fly back in ...and pick the land crossing borders carefully.

Returning to teaching ...this time English...may be the only way to return. But logistics of how is difficult.

Frankly, a return to your home country may be best now....Or stay in Cambodia til years end. Enter visa exempt at land border in 2020. Get married and start anew non 2020.

I close commenting.
Rodd ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Tod Daniels I do worry a bit about PP Thai consulate as i have heard so many talk about getting rejected. Should that happen, can i go try at a different consulate such as Vientienne or Savannakhet or is it a strike that shows up in the system everywhere? Does each consulate have different requirements or do you mean some are less strict than others?Also, i last did the tourist visa at Savannakhet so dont know if same place twice in a row is problem. Also it was packed with queue way around outside. Seemed everyone knew about it and I got the feeling it would be quickly changed in how strict they were next time.
Tod *********
Okay, enough of the viable but hare brained ideas (thanx one and all for offering out, O-A's from their own country, getting married, buying an elite visa, etc).

How about we dial back in on the problem the O/P is facing right now.

They were denied entry by air and are currently in Phnom Penh.
Ferdie ********
Try flying and using chiang mai airport..it worked for me..flew from kl to cnx. Used. The express lane and no problem
Tod *********
So you were sent back to where you flew in from right?

I'd BUY a single entry tourist visa from the thai consulate in that country the enter by land on it. That way you're not flying in to DMK or Suvarnabhumi and won't run the risk of being questioned again.
Rodd ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tod ********
Does that denial entry show up in computer database too or is it strictly in passport? They seemed to have done a lot of paperwork with me, signed some things, took my photo several times and also have the biometric scans from entry as well. They seemed surprisingly thorough ..other than speaking with me about available funds. Dont know if all this is matters.
Tod *********
@Jeff ********
BUT then they're going to face the same thing flying in. It's the enter by air that we're trying to avoid, whether they have a visa or not, IF they have a denial in their passport they're put under much more scrutiny when they fly back in.
Jeff *********
@Rodd *******
If the Thai Consulate at Phnom Penh doesn't work out, try HCMC, Vietnam, not far, but you may need a visa (depending on country of origin/passport). You can do online eVisa if needed.
************************************************************************
Rodd ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tod ********
I am in Phnom Penh currently. I dont know how good the Thai consulate is here. i havent heard good things about them approving visa to Thailand. Maybe Vientienne or Savannakhet is better place to try. I think this may be the best thing to try so i truly appreciate all the help. Been some good suggestions and learned a lot.
Tod *********
Sadly the back story when you were here on valid visa extensions and work permit and what not doesn't count for much.

Let's see if I was able to data mine the information that is relevant out of your story

You said you burned your two 30 day visa exempt entries allowed by land this year,

you got a tourist visa from Savannakhet and then tried to fly out and back in to get a new 30 day visa exempt entry stamp when you were denied entry right?

Where are you now?
Rodd ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tod ********
Right....i used that tourist visa from Savannakhet and thats when I flew out and back and got denied. Sorry for the long story and maybe confusing details. I know to Immigration all that doesnt matter. I thought it may help to know i did diligent visa matters with proper work permits before this happened.
Marty *********
You could try to get an O-A visa from the US. However you cannot work inside Thailand for the one year term of the visa. Look at the requirements on the Los Angeles Thai Consulate website.
Marty *********
Rodd Miller The O-A Visa is a long stay multiple entry visa. Nothing has changed about this visa. Earlier in the year there’re was much discussion about a health insurance requirement but it has never come to pass. There are a bunch of requirements to get it but it is what you want to get if you are over 50 years old.
Rodd ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Marty ********
Thailand has been cracking down on enforcing old laws to the T is what i am hearing because of a lot of abusing the system....which is loosely enforced most of the time. Not sure if those ways are still valid and work....also seems to be random in some cases. But again, i dont know and will look at as much info as i can find and figure this puzzle out. A lot of it is based on money, showing money, incoming money, monthly money...money money.. as far as i can tell. I have lived in Thailand for almost 10 years total. Things always changing ...not sure for the better
Marty *********
@Rodd *******
Search this site for info about an O-A visa. If you use it right you can get up to two years of entry on this visa.
Rodd ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Marty ********
Thanks for the info...i will check into that.
Joe ***********
The Exemption Entry allowed by Land Border crossing is two per calendar year. But no official limit by air. In reality 3 to 4 by air could get you pulled aside and denied.
Rodd ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Joe **********
You speak the gospel there...aint that the truth. Maybe part of entrance to Thailand should be test to see how much incompetence and disorganization can you handle before giving up and living elsewhere
Joe ***********
@Rodd *******
- Unfortunately - individual airport and border I/Os and their Supervisors can make the rules strict or loose depending on their local interpretation. There does not appear to be a list of standardized rules - a check list to allow a traveler to be able to predict with some degree of accuracy what they will face. Standardization, consistency and predictibility are not known concepts in the world of Thai Immigration.
Rodd ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Joe **********
Thats exactly what I thought and why i flew. I did my 2 land borders and a tourist visa via Savannakhet. then i thought i could fly out and get entry...as that was what i was told and read could be done. It isnt true apparently
Benjamin ******
Here's the options (I think)

1. NON-O based on marriage. You can get a three month visa in most places.

2. attempt to get a 60 day tourist visa in Vientiane. They may give you a transit Visa that is good for 30 days.

3. Fly in? You can get a 30 day visa exampt stamp.

4.if you haven't used up your two land crossing, cross into Thailand from Laos.

5. NON-O based on being over 50. That will also give you 90 days.
Rodd ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
John Stanners Yes there is ...i just didnt know the reasons for denying me. Had they told me, i gladly and easily would have been able to withdraw plenty more than 20k. They just didnt tell me why or explain. They made it sound like "too many stamps" ..exact words. I had one IO girl who was helpful and good English but i was constantly interrupted by the old "tom" lady supervisor with her bad English and saying "I lie" and i couldnt explain to the other lady with good English. it was messed up
John **********
@Rodd *******
no ATM airside of immigration.
Rodd ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
John Stanners Good to know, thanks. Dont like making a habit of walking around with 20k+ in cash but if thats what it takes...ok. Wish they would be more specific about that and just flat out say "Do you have 20k baht or can you get it out of ATM?". That would have been a lot easier. Thanks for the info
John **********
Money in the bank won't get you through immigration. It needs to be 20k Baht (or equivalent in another currency) in hard cash. What ever visa you manage to sort out you will need the cash
Rodd ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Robert ******
Thanks for the info and the explanations. Makes sense onthe money.....and 20k is not problem...but i dont carry that much in cash. I guess i should have shown more and my bank book and maybe they would have been ok. I am starting to sort things out with how this works..but it still seems arbitrary on some of the things they require or care enough to pursue. I think they just had it in their head that they want to get me. They wouldnt let me speak much or defend..."the law is the law" and " you must know for yourself" is what was repeated.
Robert *******
if asked you have to show 20.000 Thb or equivalent currency in CASH. We can have a total different discussion if that is having the means to live for 90 days inside Thailand as a foreigner. But I agree with you, Thai Immigration uses these numbers often to deny entry.
Rodd ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Robert ******
I assume the "means/money" is just an excuse because they never asked about how much i had in the bank...they did ask how much was in my pocket and asked to see it. IF i knew it mattered, i would have shown them my bank book but... i was worried they were gonna take some corruption money
Robert *******
Best bet at the moment, apply for the Single Entry Non Immigrant O visa based on being over 50 years of age at the Thai Consulate where you are. Check their website for the requirements and come back, get 90 days and make plans for the future.
Robert *******
@Rodd *******
Not sure why they do, but it does mean that you are denied entry for not having the means (money) to life inside Thailand, see point 2 and 9 on this list
Rodd ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Robert ******
Yes...that is the one i got..the 2 and the 9 etc. They buried the stamp in the last page of my passport..not sure why when there is half a book of free pages. Is there a reason for that you think and does it mean anything or just "thai style"?
Robert *******
it is a stamp with the text like this example: And the numbers 2 and 9 in line 4 are in this example the reasons of being denied
Rodd ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Robert Lagas As far as i can see...there is only 1 stamp they gave me and they put it back the laast pages of my passport. it doesnt say anything in English and seems small like a normal stamp. I dont see any stamp saaying DENIED or whatever is they do
Robert *******
@Rodd *******
What does the stamp says as being denied entry? There is no reason as using your limit.
Rodd ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Benjamin *****
Heres the thing, Benjamin. i was never warned or got the red stamp saying dont do again,...nothing. I have followed as best i could how to do these legally. Yeah, i know its a work around the system...but companies do it and IO allow it...but it never is consistent
Benjamin ******
Rodd Miller. I never heard of anything being flagged in the computers.
Benjamin ******
Rodd: not true at all. You can get an unlimited amount of tourist visas (until immigration says it's enough)
Rodd ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Benjamin *****
Also, i am worried that I will show up/flagged in the computers any time i try to enter. I was escorted out of DMK all the way to immigratin inn Phnom Penh. they held my passort all the way until i actually went through immigration at PP
Rodd ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Benjamin *****
I got one in Savannaket and use that..ws the last one i used. I havent tried for another because i was told 1 per year
Rodd ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Benjamin *****
I was denied entry at DMK because of using my limit. I was really scolded and detained by IO about why. I have always tried to be honest and do what I thought was ok because of the businesses booking and the IO allowing the stamps. Seems that is not true. I have used my 2 land border and a tourist visa. They said i need to wait another year to enter using any of those again...calender year or since last visa used..im not sure
Benjamin ******
You can try for another tourist visa. Did you get rejected for trying to get an actual tourist visa yet?
Ryu ****
Im not sure if you already reach your 2 times a year exemption limit or not. But if you dont, you can try to go to vientienie airport and use nongkhai land border and use the 30 days exemption. Or fly to yangon and use myawaddy land border , or malaysia. Try to avoid Thai airports.
Rodd ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tod ********
Yes, i have used those 2 30 days and 1 tourist visa. My exact reasons are in the original post so i wont repeat. But, i had intended to only take some time off...and then return to find new work. I thought i was ok doing visas the way i had done them based on all the info i had found and the visa businesses advice as well as border IO never acting like anything was wrong or warning me with stamp or verbally. Well, this wasnt exactly true.... it can be a problem as i found out. Perhaps my problem was that they thought i didnt have sufficient funds as i only had about 8k baht in my pocket which they asked to see. Had they asked about my Kasikorn accnt...that would have been easy to show as i had my bank book with me...but they didnt ask.

I know there is an influx of S African people coming and working internet teaching and doing the visa runs (i ran into many many doing Savannakhet visa)...and they maybe thought i was working online as well. idk, but they came down hard on me
Tod *********
@Benjamin *****
it seems like they used their two 30 day visa exempt entries this year.
Ryu ****
@Rodd *******
the immigration service has been there for few years back, not a thing that can blacklist you from the kingdom. But like I said, think of this as your very last solution if all of your possibilities become impossible.

As other suggested, ED visa or any kind of visa might be able to help you a bit.

Hope the best for you
Rodd ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ryu ***
I open for any suggestions. I want to do this the right way though and not have it show up later as something i did wrong and get me black listed. I have never overstayed. I have always had my school s help in taking care of things or made sure i was on time. like i said, i have been working for 6 years and this is the first time since then that i needed to do visas myself.
Ryu ****
Benjamin Hays the latest one is myawaddy, now they all reroute from nongkhai / savanakhet to myawaddy. Few of my friends is going there today as recommended by the agent.
Ryu ****
Rodd Miller based on my experiences, you wont get any issue if you successfully enter the kingdom, no fine or anything else as long you are not overstaying.

If entering the kingdom is your issue, I might know someone that able to help you with that. They said they can help with the immigration process with cost few thousand baht. Im not advertising but this might be a solution for your case, enter the kingdom, pack your stuff and get ready to move from LOS or maybe obtain any visa
Benjamin ******
I thought Malaysia was becoming strict on the border. I recommend the Thai-Loas border.
Rodd ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ryu ***
Your English is fine. I appreciate the help. I am too worried to try again because even if i get in...what about leaving? they will see my "too many stamps" and maybe try to fine me or something. i have been trying to do everything the right way...but it seems "the right way" depends on the IO
Rodd ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Yeah, I did use them already. I was denied entry at DMK. I am worried to try again. I was scolded pretty good by IO at the airport and made to return back to place of origin.
Ryu ****
And sorry for my bad english. Im just trying to help
Jeremy ********
You can buy the EV and not worry for 5-20 years
Jeremy ********
@Rodd *******
it’s survived 2 coups and regime changes...the rules have stayed the same...
Rodd ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jeremy *******
Pay the Elite Visa .....and wait until they again change the rules/laws ..long after they got your money,,only to find you need to do more things. No thanks
Jeremy ********
@Rodd *******
it’s only money
Rodd ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
yeah...but 500k.... oof. ouch
Robert *******
If you are under the age of 50, do not work, not married, not want to study or do volunteer work, the only option to live inside Thailand is to apply or the Thai Elite visa or take the gamble to get denied entry one day.
Rodd ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Dan Hunt Yeah, i have a friend who did it and hes a navy dr and somehow she got hers approved. She was young, no where near proficient in English and seemed a tough candidate..maybe the fact he was military and Dr...but i hear what youre saying.
Dan ******
@Rodd *******
Yes visa approval issues, as well as her personal adaptability to USA, such as English proficiency, ability or interest in working, etc, etc. The list is long.
Rodd ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Robert Lagas I was afraid i would run into these kind of non answers and why I was hesitant to even post a legit question that Im sure others may find useful at some point.. Helpful info, i appreciate... but theres plenty of other places you can be sarcastic. I dont need it
Robert *******
@Rodd *******
Just let her walk in an out the us for about 8 months without a visa or a tourist visa.
Rodd ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Dan *****
"issues" meaning paperwork, money etc or issues with her ?
Robert *******
You must be over 50 years of age, for the rest it all depends on the Thai consulate where you like to apply for this visa. The name is Non Immigrant O visa and it is based on being over 50 years of age, there are 4 types of visa and an Extension of Stay from Immigration all called retirement visa, please stick with the correct name, so everybody understand what you are talking about.
Rodd ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Robert ******
Do you mean as far as documents and etc..or talking about cultural differences for her a
Rodd ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Robert ******
Do you know what the criteria is to qualify for that..is that the retirement visa? if so, I qualify in the age dept but I am not retired and do not have a monthly pension coming in
Robert *******
Can not be more difficult that a us man living in Thailand.
Dan ******
@Rodd *******
I don't recommend taking a Thai wife to USA to live. Many "issues".
Robert *******
Apply for the Non Immigrant O visa based on being over 50 years of age. The single entry gives you 90 days to clear up your loose ends and to plan your move back to the us
Rodd ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I am 52. I dont plan on staying in Thailand much longer. Its charm is gone.....but i do want to visit and tie up loose ends and have time to do it. I will stay and work for another year if needed, but long term, i rather marry and return to US or teach somewhere else
Rodd ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I understand that.. which is why I asked what are my options for gaining entry again. ie i could try to find work again and get a work permit to return etc. But the laws are not easy follow at times and dont seem to hold true for every situation or person...i know this from experience. My question was are there some other options for me to acquire a visa that i dont know about?
Richard *******
for the 5 year one yes, longer ones are more expensive.
Rodd ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Arent those like 500k?
Krzysztof *********
Can your fiancee fly to you? You can do marriage registration in Thai embassy, get single entry 3 months Non-O visa from the same embassy and get back with her.
Rodd ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I have been very honest about everything even to the IO...and they dont care...its very black and white with them. "The law is the law" and "you have to know for yourself" when i mentioned that if what i did was wrong why was stamped previously and never told that i cant do it again by other IO. I know the answer...but being truthful didnt help and maybe hurt me. sometimes ...just better to shut up when dealing with IO
Krzysztof *********
@Rodd *******
Talk honestly to people from Thai embassy of your choice. Usually they are very helpful.
Rodd ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Yes, she can. And we have talked about that but dont know the details of if it will work. ...and thank you for giving a possible solution
Robert *******
You worked in the past in Thailand and that is nice, but it is the past. You have a bank book, rent an apartment and have a Thai girlfriend all nice but these things has not much to do with meeting requirements to enter Thailand.
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