Answered5 years ago
What can I do if my Thailand Pass didn't work as a visa and I received only a 30-day entry stamp?
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.
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.
92 repliesnewest first
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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.
Richard *******
OP@Clark *********
I actually got my vaccinations in Thailand - but I guess that a photo of your Cambodian vaccination card would serve to upload.
Steve *******
@Clark *********
You should be able to get a vax certifitcate/passport from Cambodia
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.
Immigration is a pain.. Not know the rules and terminology makes it worse.
Richard *******
OP@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.
Ted ********
@Richard ******
FB groups for tourists and expats in Thailand attracts an incredible number of angry self-righteous jerks. Best to ignore them.Terary **********
@Richard ******
The whole confuses people. That is the reason for this group. You are safe to ignore the sarcastic criticism.
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
Richard *******
OP@Ian ****
okay well now I know -
Teik ************
What a joke, please stay at home and just do state traveling...
Richard *******
OP@Teik ***********
I hope you receive similar compassion for your problems - of which you seem to have many. Maybe you should stay home tooTeik ************
@Richard ******
Thailand is my home already my dear, LMAOTed ********
@Teik ***********
Well then don’t leave Thailand.
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…
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…
Marc ********
You are lucky and even complaining.
She could have demanded a onward ticket within the 30 days.
She could have demanded a onward ticket within the 30 days.
Richard *******
OP@Marc *******
I mean - I thought Thailand wanted tourists? 🤷♂️Marc ********
@Richard ******
If she would have been badminded she could have denied entry unless you buy a next ticket
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.Richard *******
OP@Dean ********
Once I get past the bureaucracy, Thai people are very friendly and hospitableDean *********
@Richard ******
do the right thing by following the rules in the country you’re visiting and you’ll be welcomed with open armsRichard *******
OP@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.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.Richard *******
OP@Marc *******
right, okay, whateverMarc ********
Richard *******
OPLike I said - doesn’t seem very welcoming
Richard *******
OPMarc ********
Richard *******
OP@Marc *******
I have oneMarc ********
@Richard ******
What you think is not relevant SirRichard *******
OP@Marc *******
same to you
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
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
Sammy *******
@Nadine *****
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.Richard *******
OP@Sammy ******
blocked useless troll
Steve ********
Why does anyone think the Thailand Pass is a visa?
Wayne **********
Thats normal, should have applied for the Visa in Cambodia first, would have got your 60 days
Marta *********
If you didn't get a re-entry nonb stamp (1000thb) before leaving Thailand you might lose your work permit
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.
Myra ********
Username checks out.
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?
Zap **********
Believe so for tourist visa have no idea education have never had education visa
Azim ********
@Michelle ***********
do they have right to see proof of onward travel for tourist visa? What about ed visa?
Ivan ************
@Az**
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.Zap **********
@Azim *******
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.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.David *******
@Azim *******
yes and yesDavid *******
@Azim *******
yh, you keep telling that to yourself.Azim ********
@David ******
I will ignore you now. You have been exposed enough. No more free lessons for your anymore. PeaceAzim ********
@David ******
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.David *******
@Azim *******
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…Azim ********
@David ******
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.David *******
@Azim *******
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!!!
David *******
@Azim *******
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.
Azim ********
@David ******
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.David *******
@Azim *******
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!!! HahahahahahAzim ********
@David ******
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. PeaceDavid *******
@Azim *******
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…
David *******
@Azim *******
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!!!Azim ********
@David ******
so you believe that we are born into slavery and that we are not sovereign beings. Not meDavid *******
@Azim *******
I believe we don’t get to choose what laws to follow and what laws to ignore… we need to follow all the laws…Azim ********
@David ******
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.David *******
@Azim *******
depends on what the law says… illegal is illegal…Azim ********
@David ******
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...David *******
@Azim *******
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.Azim ********
@David ******
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...David *******
@Azim *******
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.Azim ********
@David ******
lol i disagree that the US is the free world when they incarcerate more people than the rest of the developed world combined.David *******
@Azim *******
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 lolAzim ********
@David ******
lol it is more productive and better for society to check if i have clean underwear on rather than an onward ticketDavid *******
@Azim *******
only that they have the right to ask for itDavid *******
@Azim *******
I didn’t say it was logical or it made perfect sense…Azim ********
@David ******
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.
Max **********
Americans 🤦🏻♂️
Chris ****
@Max *********
don’t out that shit on this yankee I’m sorted.
Braulio *********
555
Srini ******
@Max *********
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
Mark ******
@Srini *****
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.Srini ******
@Mark *****
Well lucky for you Thailand is a lot easier... other countries have same problems of overstaying but are not as ridiculous.Mark ******
@Srini *****
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.Srini ******
@Mark *****
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 originSrini ******
@Mark *****
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.
Tim *******
@Srini *****
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.
Martin *********
@Tim ******
...no they do it on a UK visa application too... LolPlus what group you were a member of and for how long.
Srini ******
That's normal.. what hoops are you talking about?
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.
Steve ********
Not to start an argument, but “them” don’t make the rules so…
Steve *******
If dont have a valid visa then all you'll get is a 30 day visa exemption. What hoops did you jump through?
Richard *******
OP@Steve ******
I had to get the requirements for the Thailand Pass. How is it any better than a visa on arrival?
Jonathan *******
@Richard ******
Thailand pass is a Covid prevention program, not a visa. It has nothing to do with Visas
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
Thai ******
Richard Rants and why did U ever think it was a visa ?
Richard *******
OP@Jonathan ******
well now I know.
Garrett ***********
What?
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