What are the current experiences with immigration and visa entry in Thailand?

July 20, 2017
7 years ago
Kris **************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Okay, you can stop all your crying/worrying about visa situations. I have nothing but visa runs and extensions in my passport and I flew into BKK tonight from Hanoi, with no visa. No questions at the counter, no one asking for onward flights or proof of finances. Half an hour in the line with hundreds of people and I didn't see a single one having problems.

I'm sure the guys who have been sent on their way, have done some shit they didn't tell this group about. If you don't have problems with overstay or info that doesn't match up, I can't see how you will have problems at immigration.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion centers around recent experiences at Thai immigration, particularly regarding entry without questions or problems faced by individuals arriving without a visa. The original poster details their seamless entry into Bangkok after arriving from Hanoi, suggesting that proper documentation is key to avoiding issues at immigration. Other users share their own experiences, emphasizing the importance of having the necessary funds and compliant visa practices to ensure smooth entry, while contrasting their situations with those who have faced difficulties due to visa violations.
Darren *******
Haha
*****
5
Paulina ********
@Larisa ***
as we can see each case is different :/
Vincent *************
My gf just arrived having had problems trying to get a 60 day visa in the Thai Embassy in Cebu, Philippines. It was not denied but the officer just gave her the run around, and ended up with NO Visa so she arrived hoping to get 30 day visa exempt. This is her 3rd one this year (71 days in Thailand this year up to today) She was not asked 1 question, and breezed through immigration (Don Muang) Although she was prepared with $600 cash, a hotel Booking, return flight letter of support from me. All's well that ends well!
Robert ********
Lucky her :-)
Walter *********
Always luck of the draw inasmuch as the Migra officer makes the call.
Kris **************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Yeah, you never know if they suddenly change the rules or they change their minds. Like they did a couple of years ago, with the overstay rules.
Robert *******
Every 3 months to the border cost money, with only 20.000 Thb fine and low enforcement, it was tempting (at least lots cheaper) to have 5 years or more overstay.
Robert *******
If the fines are to low, nobody cares the rules. As we seen with ilegal labor. The employers just ignored it due to low fines hardly any enforcement. If you want a law that works the only way is to increase the fines and enforce it.
Kris **************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Robert ******
- the same as with everything else, the rule has always been there, but they started upholding the rules. I've been to visa runs years ago, with guys having up to 7 years overstay, who paid 20.000 THB, and that was it.
Robert *******
Rules do not change suddenly. The overstay rule is only adjusted with a blacklist period and was announced months before they introduced it.
Thomas ********************
I don't think anything could stop me worrying :)
Thomas ********************
Maybe he was asking me :) In which case, no to both :)
Robert ********
And "no" to both questions.
Robert ********
Adam, plenty of choices besides the Elite card.
Adam ***********
@Rob***
can I ask if you get commission on Elite visas? Are you a broker?
Robert ********
With a fool proof visa, there are no worries ;-)
Thomas ********************
Right. I remember that. And incomplete information in other cases.

Still, I worry ;)
Kris **************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Those people are not telling the entire truth. One of them was openly working in Thailand on a tourist visa, for everyone to see on his facebook profile.
Thomas ********************
There might be something to that. But I'll admit, I worried even before this latest storm began.
Kris **************
ORIGINAL POSTER
I also worry every time I go through immigration, but mostly because of all the shit people write on Facebook.
Tod *********
There are NO reports other than from the southern border crossings that people on valid Non-Immigrant visas have to show 20K baht in funds.
Joe ******
Has been done since 1979 ;-)

Groundhog day news ;-)
Rachel ************
Yes in agreement to your comment!
Tod *********
what does that mean
@Rac***
? Yes there are reports or yes what I'm saying is correct and there are no reports?
Rachel ************
Yes!
Julia ************
I've heard reports from genuine tourists (guy from Sweden) being denied and sent home from BKK. No ATM before immigration and they did not accept bank statements.

I'm going back to Penang soon for a new non-B but will bring the cash in baht with me and travel around with it, just in case. I hate to carry so much cash with me but better safe than sorry. I won't be crossing in Sadao and rather fly back to Bangkok but still.
Joe ******
I like to do border runs and quite enjoy them. Otherwise I never would get out of this place.

I have the choice.

Do I apply for a Retirement Visa but can't work.

Do I apply for an investment visa, still can't work.

I have a company but don't need 4 employees to run it.

But I like to work, for my own company. I need to make an income in order to make profit, pay shareholders and taxes. Does not mean I have to physically work for my company.

So, my company offers a services to a Thai Family business which in turn employs me and gets my WP sorted, and I pay my tax accordingly and I'm still legal. There is no universal way to comply to the law.

Lucky, throughout the years, whenever the government changed the law, they didn't apply it retrospectively.

Example, if you obtained your retirement visa 20 years ago, you will not need to comply to the new 60'000 / 800'000 THB rule. Minimum investment has gone up, doesn't mean all businesses who started before have now to reinvest to comply to minimum investment for their visas. Same applies to some extend to other visas, work permits and laws.
Robert ********
Sorry to
@Kris *************
for jacking his O/P. :-o
Michael ********
I am in full support of corruption if it makes my life easier....but even have to watch that these days. Better to follow the rules and cover the bases.
Michael ********
20k in cash is written in the conditions for a tourist visa. So they can ask any time. If they ever do and you you have no cash it would not be fun to go out again. People tell stories that they have been in many times with no problems. If they are ever asked to show 20k one time, they should tell that story to the immigration official.
Clint *********
You must be super special and proud of yourself just because you didn't have a problem that makes everyone okay talk about egomaniac
Kannika *********
Yout very nice guy barry lol
Barry *******
@Joe *****
Bell ends mate!
Barry *******
@Joe *****
Bell ends mate!
Joe ******
And again, I worry more about this group being hijacked by "ThaiVisa" attitudes. :-(
Robert ********
Actually make that Bt. 20K and common sense.
Kris **************
ORIGINAL POSTER
And I don't understand why people are complaining about having 20.000 THB on them. If you don't have the money, you shouldn't go to Thailand.
Clint *********
Things have changed. They are now enforcing the law, and everyone is complaining. The IO are doing their jobs. Have 20k, done
Kris **************
ORIGINAL POSTER
I'm just sick and tired about people blowing shot out of proportions. For 2-3 weeks now, everyone have been complaining about new rules, that aren't new rules at all. Nothing has changed...
Matt ********
Well, since you made it into the country once without a problem, I guess nobody needs to worry anymore.

Logic = flawless.
Joe ******
I worry more about this group being hijacked by "ThaiVisa" attitudes. :-(
Kris **************
ORIGINAL POSTER
"I have nothing but visa runs and extensions in my passport", I guess you chose not to read that part. Go cancel you internet connection you idiot.
Matt ********
Actually, I'd like to rephrase that. It wasn't meant as a question.

You are stupid. Please stop using the Internet without supervision.
Matt ********
Yes I did. This is what it says:

"I flew into BKK tonight from Hanoi, with no visa. No questions at the counter, no one asking for onward flights or proof of finances."

Are you stupid?
Kris **************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Once? Did you even read my post?
Mike *****
Been here 25 years if all your papers in order no problem
Joe ******
And get insurance!
Robert ********
Me too, just make sure you have adequate funds and a fool proof visa to eliminate headaches in the future.
Robert ********
Sadly, over many years, many visitors have decided to remain in Thailand for the long term and many have violated the terms of their visas. It should come as no surprise that the authorities are finally putting a stop to this practice.
Michael ********
Doesn't hurt to have cash on you in case though...it is still up the immgration officer as to what they want to ask for.....
Tero ************
Maby the reason for this experience was that at the time😉 you arrived holdingcells were full.
Robert *******
Thailand does not have an issue with ful cells, always room for 1 more.
Kris **************
ORIGINAL POSTER
More negativity.
Rachel ************
Neither did I....
Kris **************
ORIGINAL POSTER
I've been to HCMC twice, this time I did Hanoi. Plenty of nice restaurants and bars in both cities. Both are overrun by backpackers. Expect same prices as in BKK.
Adam ***********
Yeah it can get bad. I stayed over in Thao Dien - it's pretty chilled there.
Kris **************
ORIGINAL POSTER
But the traffic there is insane, it stresses the deal out of me.
Adam ***********
Amazing beer in HCMC - am planning on going back later this year.
Jeremy ********
That's good....how did u like Vietnam is it worth taking a vacation there
Noel *************
One guy was asking for advice about it last week as he was denied entry. A quick look at his profile showed that he was working as a model/actor on a tourist visa. Posts like "I'm working while I'm on holiday". Then he wondered why he was denied...
Noel *************
Worded a bit different but here it is.
Kris **************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Exactly, I'm sure the people who was refused entry, was refused for a valid reason.
Adam ***********
Stupid is as stupid does.
Kris **************
ORIGINAL POSTER
I came through DMK two months ago, no problems there either.
Wim **************
Not up to date.
Jamila *********
It was just a good day for you
Wim **************
You better ask the immo.
Kris **************
ORIGINAL POSTER
If you have your shit in order, why would they deport you?
Kevin ***********
No reason eh?
Kris **************
ORIGINAL POSTER
And all of the other people coming through. Members in this group just makes each other nervous for no reason at all.
Adam ***********
Thanks for the update but weren't most people having issues at Don Mueang?
Sam *****
Thanks for this. I have 2 stamps and 2 SETVs all extendes, i want to be here a year. I was worried about my next entrance, but like you said if your not breaking the rules...
Robert *******
Indeed, but as usual. Complaining about Thais is much more easy than to commit yourself is the one in the wrong.
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