Ask question

What can I do if my Thailand Pass didn't work as a visa and I received only a 30-day entry stamp?

Thailand Pass Visa Waiver 30-Day Entry Stamp Immigration Visa Rules Visa Exemption Bureaucracy in Thailand Expats in Thailand

Apr 8, 2022

3 years ago

Richard *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

I arrived in BKK from Cambodia with my Thailand Pass. The immigration agent saw that my last visa was a work visa. He said the Thailand Pass is not a visa. I said I thought the Thailand Pass allows entry into Thailand. He asked to see my return ticket to the US June 3rd. He gave me a 30 day stamp that I will have to extend. Thai Immigration bureaucracy impediments. Always a new hoop to jump through. Welcome to Thailand.

10,270

views

25

likes

292

all likes

92

replies

0

images

22

users

TLDR : Answer Summary

The user arrived in Thailand with a Thailand Pass, expecting it to function as a visa; however, the immigration officer informed them that the Thailand Pass only facilitates entry and not actual visa status. Upon arrival, they received a 30-day exemption stamp and were advised that they needed to extend it if they wished to remain longer. The conversation highlights various views on immigration procedures, visa rules, and the experiences of expats in dealing with Thai immigration bureaucracy.

Garfunkle *************

@Richard ******

Hi Richard, i have a question regarding your thai pass application from cambodia. Were you vaccinated in Cambodia? And if so, how did you upload your certificates because they dont actually give those, they just give you a card? Its a bit confusing applying for the thai pass because they are asking for the certificates of each dose.

Like

Reply

Richard *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Clark *********

I actually got my vaccinations in Thailand - but I guess that a photo of your Cambodian vaccination card would serve to upload.

Like

Reply

Steve *******

@Clark *********

You should be able to get a vax certifitcate/passport from Cambodia

Like

Reply

Reply to

Steve *******

Reply

Terary **********

I believe you can turn your 30day stamp into a covid extension. If you do it right you should be good until early July.

Immigration is a pain.. Not know the rules and terminology makes it worse.

Like

Reply

Richard *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Terary *********

yeah it should be easily extended. I mean, I thought I read through the Thailand Pass descriptions, succeeded in complying with its requirements, but I somehow came away with the impression- I thought I read - that the pass granted 60 days in Thailand. Apparently that was not an accurate reading on my part.

Like

Reply

Ted ********

@Richard ******

FB groups for tourists and expats in Thailand attracts an incredible number of angry self-righteous jerks. Best to ignore them.

Like

Reply

Terary **********

@Richard ******

The whole confuses people. That is the reason for this group. You are safe to ignore the sarcastic criticism.

Like

Reply

Reply to

Terary **********

Reply

Ian *****

What's your problem. You get 30 days like the rest of us on entry And you can extend and probably extend again if Covid persists

Like

Reply

Richard *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

okay well now I know -

Like

Reply

Reply to

Richard *******

Reply

Teik ************

What a joke, please stay at home and just do state traveling...

Like

Reply

Richard *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Teik ***********

I hope you receive similar compassion for your problems - of which you seem to have many. Maybe you should stay home too

Like

Reply

Teik ************

@Richard ******

Thailand is my home already my dear, LMAO

Like

Reply

Ted ********

@Teik ***********

Well then don’t leave Thailand.

Like

Reply

Reply to

Ted ********

Reply

Dean *********

Lol typical self absorbed self and obsessed American that thinks the world revolves around them…

I was in Thailand for fir 7 weeks starting Boxing Day. After doing my research (which you should have) I went through all the steps to get the thai pass, printed out all the relevant documents, did all the tests etc and followed it to the letter and had absolutely no issue receiving my 30 day visa exemption.

Knowing full well I was staying longer than that I also went through the correct process to have my stay extended for a further 30 days and again I had absolutely no issue.

I just did what countless others have done before me who had no problem and if you had have got your shit together and done some basic research beforehand you wouldn’t have had a problem either…

Like

Reply

Marc ********

You are lucky and even complaining.

She could have demanded a onward ticket within the 30 days.

Like

Reply

Richard *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

I mean - I thought Thailand wanted tourists? 🤷‍♂️

Like

Reply

Marc ********

@Richard ******

If she would have been badminded she could have denied entry unless you buy a next ticket

Like

Reply

Richard *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

I have one

Like

Reply

Marc ********

@Richard ******

You have one yes. But not within the allowed time.

It needs to be 30 days.

Like

Reply

Richard *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

oy

Like

Reply

Marc ********

@Richard ******

So you basically got away with murder and still complaining😅

Hilarious

Like

Reply

Richard *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

right, okay, whatever

Like

Reply

Richard *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Like I said - doesn’t seem very welcoming

Like

Reply

Dean *********

@Richard ******

do the right thing by following the rules in the country you’re visiting and you’ll be welcomed with open arms

Like

Reply

Richard *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Once I get past the bureaucracy, Thai people are very friendly and hospitable

Like

Reply

Lynnette *******

@Richard ******

what country let's people in without the correct documents or a ticket out within the time permitted if visa exempt? Nothing to do with not "wanting tourists" they want people that respect the legal requirements. Just like USA require an ESTA. . Try rocking up in usa with no visa, no ESTA, no return ticket.

Like

Reply

Richard *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Lynnette ******

I had acquired the required documents for the Thailand Pass. I am aware that US visa requirements can be daunting and unfair, depending on what country you come from. Same for Thailand. Thailand is, however, more dependent on tourism for their economy.

Like

Reply

Lynnette *******

@Richard ******

thailand pass isn't a visa. Its what you get to facilitate entry when you have the correct documents to enter using one of the visas or 30 days visa exempt etc. Its not a license to roll up and expect the entry requirements to be ignored.

Like

Reply

Reply to

Lynnette *******

Reply

Marc ********

@Richard ******

What you think is not relevant Sir

Like

Reply

Richard *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

same to you

Like

Reply

Reply to

Richard *******

Reply

Nadine ******

People here are misinformed and think everything is a hoax in Thailand.

These officers just do their job. Visa excemption is 30 days you are even lucky that he counted the 60 days straight away even though it’s not guaranteed that you get the 30 day extension if something happens where you can’t get it.

Every other country has far more hoops to jump through

Like

Reply

Sammy *******

because they foolishly do no preparation or research on how to go about what they want to do-- then, when it doesn't work out, it's everyone else's fault.

Like

Reply

Richard *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

blocked useless troll

Like

Reply

Reply to

Richard *******

Reply

Steve ********

Why does anyone think the Thailand Pass is a visa?

Like

Reply

Wayne **********

Thats normal, should have applied for the Visa in Cambodia first, would have got your 60 days

Like

Reply

Marta *********

If you didn't get a re-entry nonb stamp (1000thb) before leaving Thailand you might lose your work permit

Like

Reply

Maxim ***********

Thailand Pass is NOT a visa... it's a extra layer of requirement due to Covid. You came into Thailand without a visa so because you are from the USA you get the 30 days visa exempt entry stamp.

Like

Reply

Myra ********

Username checks out.

Like

Reply

Zap **********

When arriving visa exempt they have every right to ask to see proof of onward travel (and also proof of $$$ on hand 20,000 baht or equivalent) if you think that's an impediment!? What were you expecting?

Like

Reply

Zap **********

Believe so for tourist visa have no idea education have never had education visa

Like

Reply

Azim ********

@Michelle ***********

do they have right to see proof of onward travel for tourist visa? What about ed visa?

Like

Reply

Ivan ************

theoretically they shouldn't ask for it for a long-term visa such as an Ed visa. Historically for that matter they haven't asked for that if you have a tourist visa either, they used only want it for visa-exempt entries.

Like

Reply

Zap **********

it is often the airline you are flying with that may ask for proof of onward travel when checking in to fly to Thailand. This isn't just a Thailand thing have you never been asked when traveling to other countries? It isn't so abnormal as you make it sound.

Like

Reply

Azim ********

@Michelle ***********

in my experience, it was a thailand immigration officer who demanded to see my onward ticket. It was only a pdf file on my phone and she didn't even confirm it. I don't know about you but i think it is abnormal to check for but not confirm something that can easily be only valid for 48 hours or maybe even faked. ...and i don't think anything unproductive and unnecessary should be considered normal. but hey...i just speak for myself.

Like

Reply

Reply to

Azim ********

Reply

David *******

yes and yes

Like

Reply

Azim ********

Sounds like a waste of time and money when we can easily get an onward ticket valid for 48 hours for about $10. I don't see what the point of doing this is.

Like

Reply

David *******

only that they have the right to ask for it

Like

Reply

Azim ********

lol it is more productive and better for society to check if i have clean underwear on rather than an onward ticket

Like

Reply

David *******

again you’re right… but you also need to understand, once you step outside the US, you’re outside the free world… in the rest of the world, you have reason, they have power…. Welcome to the rest of the world lol

Like

Reply

Azim ********

lol i disagree that the US is the free world when they incarcerate more people than the rest of the developed world combined.

Like

Reply

David *******

yes, this is consistent with free world, free world refers to the freedom of doing your life project, not the freedom to do what ever you want. Also free world normally attracts criminals… that’s where the money is. Finally, just because other countries don’t persecute criminals due to excess corruption, doesn’t mean US need to do the same.

Like

Reply

Azim ********

ok. I didn't know to keep corruption down we need to lock people up. And I didn't know locking up a majority of low level non violent criminals would keep the higher level people away from partaking in corruption. It seems like your definition of free world means the freedom to obey the government or else...

Like

Reply

David *******

believe me, you don’t want to try anarchy… and innocent people in general don’t go yo jail… and yes, sending corrupt people to jail keeps corruption down (can’t believe I have to explain it) … also, believe if there are places where it is either obey the government or else jail, but it is not the US… try everyone else in the world first… you will be surprised.

Like

Reply

Azim ********

ok so I guess in your perspective, someone growing or smoking some pot is guilty and deserves to be in jail. And locking him up helps guarantee that the higher level people don't partake in corruption. My question wasn't does sending corrupt people to jail stop corruption, it was does sending people to jail stop corruption. It seems you want other people to decide what's best for you. To each its own...

Like

Reply

David *******

depends on what the law says… illegal is illegal…

Like

Reply

Azim ********

ok so to you when someone enacts a statute or code, you think anyone who goes against the code, no matter how wrong or illogical the code is, deserves to be in jail. Well, not me.

Like

Reply

David *******

I believe we don’t get to choose what laws to follow and what laws to ignore… we need to follow all the laws…

Like

Reply

Azim ********

so you believe that we are born into slavery and that we are not sovereign beings. Not me

Like

Reply

David *******

like before with the thai immigration, you’re right, it SHOULD be different… but reality is not on your side… and because you’re not as free as you think, you can do nothing about it… if you were free, you could change it… good luck discovering the new world man…

Oh and if the new world order takes over… then all the freedom will be removed, and then you will wish we still had the US, even with all the arrests… just saying, it has happened multiple times in history already…

Like

Reply

David *******

hahahah you’re the wrong one, you think we’re born free!!! Hahahaha as long as there are kings and queens in the world ( pretty much everywhere except the anericas) you not be free… looks like someone didn’t understand history class in school!!! You thought it was a story? Hahahah it is the explanation why we’re not free!!!

Like

Reply

Azim ********

thanks for exposing your thought processes finally. You sound like a happy and having fun slave. Well I wont be one with you. You can loath in your own sorrow. Peace

Like

Reply

David *******

I love how the ignorant think they are free… man you let them fool you if it makes you happy, thats fine, but we have a saying where I come from… the worse blinds are the ones who can see but refuse to do so… anyway, you’re stuck in this world, complaining about how despite your immense freedom, are FORCED to follow stupid rules to fulfill the desires of a person in power… and can do nothing about it… WOW SOUNDS LIKE SLAVERY!!! Keep walking free boy, those are not shackles that you’re hearing, it is only bling bling!!! Hahahahahah

Like

Reply

Azim ********

you are the one claiming and advocating for slavery. And seem happy about it. Id rather complain and talk about something for for it is rather than look the other way and hide from my self and others what I really think, untill I come along and expose you. Oh well, god bless you.

Like

Reply

David *******

but wait, how are you complaining about something that doesn’t exist? How can you be complaining about slavery, if you think we’re all soooo free?

I don’t look away, I just aware of the problem, and realize complaining on Facebook like a spoiled one, will change NOTHING!!!

Like

Reply

Azim ********

id rather talk about the problems at hand with people online and offline. If you think its better to keep quiet and remain obedient slaves, that's on me. But im not like that. I talk about what is right vs wrong. You think if it is illegal to grow pot somewhere but no good reason for the statute, you still think they should be in jail bcuz you think we need to obey all rules of people we don't know no matter if unjust. But I see why you try to put it on me, so you can cope with being fully mentally enslaved. Talking about america is the free world because it has a lot of money.

Like

Reply

David *******

yh? How am I advocating? Am I saying it is good? Do I own slaves? Did I say you are a slave ( oh no that was you) ?

I am just stating a fact, you on the other side have committed fallacy after fallacy, you have attacked me by claiming I am a slave, not once did you counter my arguments, just went for me. You’re the only one advocating for slavery by pretending it doesn’t exist. This is Justification by omission.

Like

Reply

Azim ********

huh? You stated that we don't get to chose what to do in life. Something about which laws to follow, we don't have a choice. On the other hand, I say we do. I spoke about what is right and wrong as opposed to legal and illegal. But that seems new to a slave advocate. Maybe you should go up and read your own comments again.

Like

Reply

David *******

I said outside the US, you don’t get to do it, maybe you should read carefully what I said… you think the rest of the world is like the US, and then have the nerve to undermine it because the actually put criminals in jail like they are supposed to… I imagine you prefer Venezuela? Where you get robbed, call the police and they take what the robbers missed…

Like

Reply

Azim ********

I will ignore you now. You have been exposed enough. No more free lessons for your anymore. Peace

Like

Reply

David *******

yh, you keep telling that to yourself.

Like

Reply

David *******

I didn’t say it was logical or it made perfect sense…

Like

Reply

Reply to

David *******

Reply

Max **********

Americans 🤦🏻‍♂️

Like

Reply

Chris ****

don’t out that shit on this yankee I’m sorted.

Like

Reply

Braulio *********

555

Like

Reply

Srini ******

if you only saw the Hoops you have to jump through to get a visa to the US you will never go there. But somehow they want every other country to make it very easy for them

Like

Reply

Mark ******

In 2021, nearly 600,000 non-immigrant visa holders to the US overstayed. They often overstay for years. THAT is why there are so many hoops. The most overstays among nonimmigrant visitors were among Brazilians, Venezuelans, Colombians, Chinese, and the British. Nonimmigrant students and exchange visitors staying too long were most likely to be from China, India, Saudi Arabia, and Brazil.

Like

Reply

Srini ******

Also without the talent from places like India.. the US would be way behind... not a coincidence that the CEOs of Twitter Microsoft IBM Google are all of Indian origin

Like

Reply

Mark ******

I have no idea what you are trying to say to me now. I neither write the immigration questions nor do I dispute the fact that the US is THE preferred destination for people with skills, like those you mentioned. Btw, they immigrated legally, somehow filled in the forms, and got in. That does not take away from the fact that the US has a high rate of multi-years (decades) overstayers and hence why all the hoops.

Like

Reply

Srini ******

Well lucky for you Thailand is a lot easier... other countries have same problems of overstaying but are not as ridiculous.

Like

Reply

Srini ******

Such bs... what about all the overstay by Americans in Thailand.. US asking for social media accounts and ridiculous questions like have you been a terrorist etc are insane. It's hypocritical for Americans to expect to be greeted in other countries but act so hostile to tourists. Im an American but I see how hypocritical they are.

Like

Reply

Reply to

Srini ******

Reply

Tim *******

this is so true. Only Americans would ask on a visa application if you are a terrorist. If a terrorist was apply for a visa do you the American immigration think that they would answer yes.

Like

Reply

Martin *********

...no they do it on a UK visa application too... Lol

Plus what group you were a member of and for how long.

Like

Reply

Reply to

Martin *********

Reply

Srini ******

That's normal.. what hoops are you talking about?

Like

Reply

Srini ******

Also if you're talking hoops look at what you have to go through to get a US visa and all the questions you have to answer including giving them all your social media accounts.

Like

Reply

Steve ********

Not to start an argument, but “them” don’t make the rules so…

Like

Reply

Reply to

Steve ********

Reply

Steve *******

If dont have a valid visa then all you'll get is a 30 day visa exemption. What hoops did you jump through?

Like

Reply

Richard *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

I had to get the requirements for the Thailand Pass. How is it any better than a visa on arrival?

Like

Reply

Jonathan *******

@Richard ******

Thailand pass is a Covid prevention program, not a visa. It has nothing to do with Visas

Like

Reply

Richard *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Jonathan ******

well now I know.

Like

Reply

Peter *******

@Richard ******

Thailand pass allows entry to Thailand for ALL people, it’s got no other use, it’s been that way for almost 3 years

Like

Reply

Thai ******

Richard Rants and why did U ever think it was a visa ?

Like

Reply

Reply to

Thai ******

Reply

Garrett ***********

What?

Like

Reply

Reply to

Garrett ***********

Reply

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

... members · 60% approval rate

The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

View the Conversation

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

What are the current visa options and extension policies for tourists in Thailand?

41 comments

4 months ago

How can I validate my 60-day Thai visa after receiving a 30-day stamp at the airport?

79 comments

5 months ago

What should I do if I received a 90-day stamp when I expected a 30-day entry in Thailand?

19 comments

10 months ago

Can I get my 60-day tourist visa stamped at an immigration office if I only received a 30-day stamp upon entry into Thailand?

50 comments

a year ago

What should I do if I mistakenly received a 30-day stamp instead of my tourist visa's 60-day entry?

21 comments

a year ago

What should I do if I received the wrong entry stamp in Thailand and want to stay until December?

6 comments

a year ago

What should I do if the entry stamp in Thailand is less than the validity of my tourist visa?

25 comments

2 years ago

What should I do if I received an exemption stamp instead of my pre-approved visa stamp upon arrival in Thailand?

8 comments

2 years ago

Why did I only receive a 30-day stamp instead of my 60-day tourist visa in Thailand?

14 comments

2 years ago

What should I expect after applying for a 30-day visa extension in Thailand?

9 comments

2 years ago

Do I need to apply for a tourist visa after my work visa expires if I have a Thailand Pass?

3 comments

3 years ago

What should I do if my 60-day tourist visa in Thailand was stamped for only 30 days?

7 comments

3 years ago

What should I do if I have a 90-day visa but only a 30-day stamp in my passport after arriving in Thailand?

5 comments

3 years ago

Can I enter Thailand on a 30-day visa exemption and extend it while in the country?

8 comments

3 years ago

What to do if my Thailand Pass expires while I'm in Thailand for 4 months?

30 comments

3 years ago

What Should I Do If I Was Incorrectly Stamped on My Thai Tourist Visa?

5 comments

5 years ago

What Should I Do If My Passport Wasn't Stamped Upon Entering Thailand with a Tourist Visa?

4 comments

5 years ago

Is it possible to extend my stay in Thailand after receiving a 30-day visa-exempt entry stamp?

10 comments

5 years ago

What should I do if my 60-day tourist visa was not stamped when I entered Thailand?

0 comments

6 years ago

What should I do if immigration can't read the stamp in my passport in Thailand?

31 comments

6 years ago

Can I apply for a 30-day visa extension in Thailand after being warned about my stay?

8 comments

6 years ago

What should I do if I received a 60-day stamp on arrival but had no valid visa?

5 comments

6 years ago

Why was my entry into Thailand questioned after I declared a 55-day stay on a visa exemption?

19 comments

6 years ago

What should I do if my visa stamp in Thailand indicates a shorter stay than expected?

27 comments

7 years ago

What should I do if I was mistakenly given a 30-day entry instead of a 60-day tourist visa in Thailand?

8 comments

7 years ago

Data protection policy Terms and conditions Disclaimer Privacy policy Refund policy

The asq:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.