Nightmare visa run:
After 7 years of teaching, friend changed schools and needed a new visa. He got to Penang, found out he's missing a document that will take about 5-6 weeks to come from Canada. Tried to come back (assuming he would get 30 day stamp) and denied entry at Phuket airport. No questions, no explanation (besides "No, you go back"), just quickly stamped denied and sent back on the same plane he came on.
A phone call to HKT immigration got the explanation "Wrong purpose of entry" (determined by flipping through his passport and seeing several 1 year Non B visa extensions) and the suggestion that he stay in Malaysia until he can get non-b visa.
Without wasting time discussing how silly this is, any suggestions what to do now?
My best idea is that he get a 60 day TR visa and land at BKK with 20k cash, hotel and onward flight bookings in hand. If asked, he can say he's having a holiday in Samui before leaving Thailand for greener pastures.
Thoughts?
Alternative suggestions?
TLDR : Answer Summary
An expat faced a challenging situation after being denied entry into Thailand at Phuket airport due to a missing document for a new Non-B visa. After teaching in Thailand for 7 years and switching schools, he attempted to return without the necessary paperwork. Immigration advised that he should not enter for the wrong purpose, leading to a need for alternative solutions. Suggestions include applying for a 60-day Tourist visa to present himself as a tourist rather than a worker, along with showing proof of funds and travel plans.
