What are the current challenges for obtaining an M visa for freelance journalists in Thailand?

May 1, 2018
7 years ago
Emma *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi all,

Is anyone aware if the procedure has changed recently for getting the M visa? The website clearly lays out how freelance journalists are welcome to apply, and says that only 5% are denied the visa. My husband works for one of the top radio stations in France, but they don’t give work contracts to any of their foreign correspondents. He had his interview today and the attaché made him sound like he had little chance of getting the visa without the contract. Can anyone assist? We are going over anyway with our son, since I have accepted a teaching job. TIA
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion revolves around the difficulties of obtaining an M visa for freelance journalists in Thailand. Concerns were raised about the recent changes and challenges in the application process, particularly for those without formal employment contracts. The conversation also touches upon the political climate's effect on visa approvals and shared personal experiences regarding visa applications and potential alternative plans.
Tod *********
Definitely report back and let us know how it goes. BUT you should also be prepared for him to apply for another visa.
Emma *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
That's where we are at this point. I will let you know. Not sure if I can pin this thread, if not I'll just start a new one. Thanks for all the help
Kel ********
Can you not both come in on different visas, then meet with immigration once here if your husband plans to continue freelance work. It’s difficult to get the M visa now, but not impossible. You do need to be prepared to do something else if you don’t get it, as working in journalism without the right visa can end up in being arrested and all of you deported. That then will affect any chances of work across ASEAN with agreements that the government has in place now.
Emma *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
That's our plan, thanks! I'm the optimist in the family and he's the pessimist ;)
Kel ********
@Em**
Foreign journalists have a bad reputation here generally unfortunately due to the strict policy the government has on reporting on certain topics, and foreign journalists who have reported regardless. Don’t lose hope, but have a back up plan and good luck!
Emma *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks for this. That is our plan, and my son is coming over as a dependent on my visa. He is DEFINITELY not doing any illegal journalism work, since we know the consequences are severe. If this doesn't work out he will either change his line of work, or try to get hired in some journalistic capacity by a company in Thailand. At the moment we are just trying to understand while they are acting like he will be denied when he is a high profile, established correspondent dedicated to one channel, and is following all the instructions they have asked for.
เดวิด **********
The M visa is not easy for us freelancers to get. But if you can show that you are actively working and provide links to your work it is possible. All applications are done through the MMOS website. Link and directions are here ->
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-Information-for-Foreign-Press.html

Also consider visiting and/or joining us at the Forign Correspondents Club. ( FCCThai.com ).
Emma *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
เดวิด ฟอสเตอร์ Thanks very much, and hope to meet you too :) That would be our next question, is how to "keep at it" in a respectful way. He hasn't been denied yet, of course, and has the contact of the attache who did his interview whom he is in touch with. We are offering to supply her with any more documents necessary. If he should be denied, does he have any options? Any channels for appeal?
เดวิด **********
@Em**
hope to meet you at FCCT.

Coming in on a different visa is a good idea. And plan b could be to open your own business, as a few other freelancers have done.

I know that there are about 600 or so applications for press credentials submitted each year but only a small percentage are granted. The government wants as much control as possible and freelancers are hard to control. They don't have a parent company that can be held accountable or penalized.

Still, there are several freelancers that are regular contributors to different news agencies that are able to get the visa and credentials. You just have to keep at it.
Emma *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks very much. This is the website he has been going off of, and has followed the instructions to the letter, including paying for more than 250 euro of required official translations. Nowhere in the instructions does it mention that a work contract is necessary (kind of a direct contradiction of what it means to be freelance, right?). I don't know about in other countries, but in France hardly any foreign correspondents have contracts anymore. He has monthly pay checks from them that are fairly substantial, and a letter from them saying that he is their committed correspondent. Basically, he has everything they ask for. I still have some hope, but he seems to think after the interview yesterday that it is done. I'm not sure if the fact that I have a job and we are going there anyway works in his favor or against him. FCC is also on our radar, thanks, and he will become a regular when we get over there.
Ron *******
That's him lol
Lloyd ********
Andrew Drummond ;-)
Ron *******
I did read an article somewhere about those visas being suspended to all apart from a very small majority of particular users.

It would of either of been in the Bangkok post or the Nation newspaper if anyone wants to search the archives. I'm sure it got really tight after that BBC Journalist Andy something and workers rights thing.
Emma *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thank you for this
Tod *********
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/thailand-tightens-visa-requirements-for-foreign-re.php
Tod *********
I saw a LOT of journalists lose their ability to hold a Type M visa extensions once the coup happened and they tightened up the requirements.

Unless I'm mistaken journalists go to the One Stop Service Center at Cham Churi Square for their extensions.
Lloyd ********
I have only ever known print journalists get the visa.
Emma *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
We know several TV and radio journalists working there.
Tod *********
I would say in the present political situation it would be doubtful he gets the visa, BUT do report back and let us know how it goes.
Emma *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
So 2014, right? Hard to believe they haven't updated their website to reflect this. Also, there is this statement put out in 2016 that says fewer than 5% of journalists will be affected
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Tod *********
@Emma ******
they clamped down right after the coup and a LOT of real journalists stationed here lost their visa extensions or couldn't renew them.
Emma *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
I will, thank you. How long has the political climate been this way (simplistic question, I know). It seems that the rules may have changed for journalists in the last few months, since the indications on the website haven't changed to reflect it.
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