Answered4 years ago
What challenges do former holders of the Thai Volunteer Visa face when applying for other visas like the Elite Visa?
Hi all. I'm reaching out to any previous holders of the dreaded Thai Volunteer Visa. Mine expired recently (after 2.5 years) so came back in as a tourist last month for 30 days. Extending this week for another 30.
I was considering the Elite Visa but have been told they are rejecting all applicants who previously held a volunteer visa during the pandemic. Nice. That's that then.
So, I was wondering if anyone else had experienced any difficulty with other visa applications of any kind for the same reason? I'm now pondering other options (METV, Ed-Visa etc) but worried I don't have any if they are unfairly punishing us for previously holding the Volunteer Visa. Thanks for your help.
I was considering the Elite Visa but have been told they are rejecting all applicants who previously held a volunteer visa during the pandemic. Nice. That's that then.
So, I was wondering if anyone else had experienced any difficulty with other visa applications of any kind for the same reason? I'm now pondering other options (METV, Ed-Visa etc) but worried I don't have any if they are unfairly punishing us for previously holding the Volunteer Visa. Thanks for your help.
Answer summary
The post discusses the difficulties faced by a former holder of the Thai Volunteer Visa when trying to apply for new visas, particularly the Elite Visa. The poster is concerned about being rejected due to their previous visa status, especially after hearing from agencies that applications from former Volunteer Visa holders are frequently denied. Multiple comments share experiences and advice, indicating uncertainty and frustration regarding the visa application process for individuals with a history of holding a Volunteer Visa in Thailand.
38 repliesnewest first
Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.
Patrik ********
Are there any other experiences on this topic? Has anyone recently got a Thai Elite Visa after having a volunteer or education visa?
Darren ********************
OP@Patrik *******
I got rejected 2 weeks ago with a new passport.Patrik ********
@Darren *******************
I'm sorry that it didn't work out for you. I hope you found another solution.
John *****
Hi everyone, this is copied from my Thailand Elite approval email from last week. It may help clarify some of the misunderstandings in this thread about volunteer visas and approval validity "Package: Elite Easy Access
Remittance in THB: 600,000 (exclusive of any bank charges)
***Non-refundable in any case***
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
****PLEASE DO NOT MAKE THE PAYMENT**** If you fall under the following conditions:
- Please check if the entry stamp permission on your passport, If you have an outstanding overstayed record on your current stay, you will not be able to obtain a Thailand Elite visa under any circumstances.
- Please check if you have a history or currently hold a Non-Immigrant type O (Volunteer), you will not be able to obtain a Thailand Elite visa under any circumstances.
- Please check if you hold a Non-Immigrant MT (Medical Treatment) without the patient reports from the hospital, the medical certificate, and a Non-Immigrant ED* (an education visa without an official document from the Office of Basic Educational Commission: OBEC), you will not be able to obtain a Thailand Elite visa under any circumstances.
Once again, if you fall under the condition above Thailand Privilege Card Company Limited company reserve the right not to refund the membership fee under any circumstances.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A remittance of membership fee must be completed in a single transaction to comply with the Anti-Money Laundering Act, B.E. 2542 (1999) (AMLA) and its amendment, such as a mobile banking remittance shall be equivalent to the membership fee in a single transaction only.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
** This approval letter email is valid for 30 Days. All Payments submit in compliance with the above conditions, will not be eligible for the promotion. For all expired applications and an approval letter will be required to resubmit all documents. "
Darren ********************
OP@John ****
So this confirms what I've been told and saying. Thanks John.
Charles ********
@Darren *******************
I highly encourage you to walk into the elite office and talk to them.. Not email. Sometimes (often) they give wrong information and "sales agents" online really do not know...Steve ********
Which border did you cross back into Thailand? I'm in the exact same situation and afraid of get a denied entry at the airport... Thanks
Garrett ***********
ONE person reported not being able to be issued the elite visa after being on a vollenteer visa. ONE person, and there could have been other issues he didn't tell us.
When you submit an application, immigration does a background check and approves or denies the elite visa application. Only way to know is apply. It's free to apply and the acceptance letter is valid for 1 year so no reasons not to apply and see what happens.
When you submit an application, immigration does a background check and approves or denies the elite visa application. Only way to know is apply. It's free to apply and the acceptance letter is valid for 1 year so no reasons not to apply and see what happens.
Darren ********************
OP@Steve *******
Who sent you this reply Steve?Darren ********************
OP@Steve *******
Ok thanks Steve. Will look out for that.Steve ********
@Darren *******************
one of the Thailand Elite representatives.. I send a mail with my question to the main email address on their website..I also send you a pm Darren.
Darren ********************
OP@Steve *******
It's just madness they are doing this. No logic behind it. Elite must be pissed off too.Garrett ***********
@St***
BullshitGarrett ***********
@Dar***
No reason to wait, just put the application in today. It doesnt cost anything and you don't need to write anything, just fill in your details. Better to know sooner than later so you have more time to figure something else out if it doesn't workout.Darren ********************
OP@Garrett **********
Yep that's the plan. Not getting my hopes up but might as well try. I have a friend who is already talking to her direct contact in the Elite office about my case and that contact says to try. Suprised he said that with all the blanket nos I've been getting recently. But ultimately it's immigration who decide right.Garrett ***********
@Dar***
Apply through the official site, it's online and 1 page long. No reasons to wait, it takes 4-6 weeks for the application to be approved and it valid for 1 year.Darren ********************
OP@Garrett **********
I hope you're right. I'll be trying to apply soon.Garrett ***********
@Dar***
There's absolutely no reason a legitimately issued volunteer visa would be a disqualifier for the elite visa. There's plenty of NGO's and even government offices (translator's in the police offices in Bangkok?). That agency just doesn't want to deal with it.Darren ********************
OP@Garrett **********
Why do you think it's bullshit? Genuine question.Darren ********************
OP@Garrett **********
Who is this one person Garreth? How many volunteer visa holders have reported they have recently been approved? I've been told by the two main Elite Visa agencies that ALL their Volunteer Visa holder applications have been rejected this year and they have had so many. They've lost so much business because of this. Like you say, I may as well try but have been told I probably won't be approved based on that fact only. It's crazy.
Shayne **********
@Darren *******************
it was the fake Pran foundation the fake Visa center volunteer visa that has made it very difficult and annoying for all real volunteers. @Garrett **********
there are a couple of foundations who have been able to assist people off that visa at a premium.Shayne **********
Darren ********************
OP@Shayne *********
Hi Shayne. I assume the foundations assiting people off volunteer visas can help only those who volunteered for them?Garrett ***********
@Dar***
It's Garrett, not Garreth. And there's no such thing as an "Elite visa agency." There is 1 government owned company that manages the Elite Visas. Some visa agencies can submit the application for you and collect a referral fee if you end up buying it, but that's it. Whatever agency's you talked to probably wanted to sell you something more profitable to them.Darren ********************
OP@Garrett **********
It's ThailandEliteVisas.com who told me this. They seem like an agency to me but I could be wrong. All the prices are the same as the Elite website. And also my friend asked their contact in the actual Elite office about the Volunteer Visa situation and they confirmed it's true.
Russell *******
I thing is good for them to make there own rules. 🙏
Ch**
how about applying ed visa (language school) ?
Darren ********************
OP@Ch**
Hi yes that's what I'd like to do. I was just wondering if anyone had applied and been rejected for having a volunteer visa like me.Ch**
@Darren *******************
aww i see..sorry i have no exp for this 😅Darren ********************
OP@Ch**
No worries 😀
Steve ********
Was it a genuine volunteer visa or one of those bogus agency visas? There is a difference
Darren ********************
OP@Steve *******
Bogus. But at the time of applying I naively didn't know that 😕 I did some volunteering but not nearly enough to justify the visa.Steve ********
@Darren *******************
I understand these visas were being sold for around 50,000 baht, so no-one will believe you thought you were getting a genuine 2000 baht visa from an immigration office. As you probably know, a new chief was installed in the Immigration Department who put a stop to these and to the bogus ED visas, and to subsequently punish those who bought them (unfairly you claim, but I think if you're honest about, you'll accept that it's not so). Your best strategy would be to slowly rebuild your immigration record with proper visas, and to steer well clear of agents. Elite visa will probably be out of bounds for you for some years, if not forever. However, there's nothing to stop you trying with a new passport. Failing that, think about either working here, or engaging in genuine study. Other than marriage, there's no other real long-term option until you reach 50, as the STV appears to have run its courseDarren ********************
OP@Steve *******
Thanks Steve. That will be my plan providing it's only the Elite Visa i'm banned from. I do have a new passport and seeking help from a friend with a contact inside the Elite office so we'll see if it's worth me applying. Failing that, I'll most likely learn some Thai (if I'm allowed). I have been wanting to learn anyway after living here for almost 4 years. Until i get something sorted I'll go back to tourist visas/runs. Fingers crossed the Thai Consulates in other countries aren't singling us out too when applying for tourist visas. Thanks again.
Brandon ************
The ED would probably be fine. The METV is generally only available in your home country, and not every country even sells it.
I've seen anecdotal evidence that the Elite Visa might be possible if you get a new passport without any volunteer stamps in it. I know it doesn't make sense since they have records of all that, but I've seen people say it.
I've seen anecdotal evidence that the Elite Visa might be possible if you get a new passport without any volunteer stamps in it. I know it doesn't make sense since they have records of all that, but I've seen people say it.
Brandon ************
@Steve *******
this is Thailand. You don't ask, you do. It's free to apply for Elite and find out if you're approved. You don't pay until after they. If you're set on trying, get the new passport then apply and see what happens.Activity
11 joined11
people
Related
25Is "Employment Prohibited" a standard remark for the Workcation visa category in Thailand?
4.1k41321mo
What are the upcoming changes to Thailand's Unilateral Tourist Visa Exemption?
7k471132mo
What should I expect during the immigration interview for the Thailand Elite Bronze Visa?
2.4k20272mo
Why did my girlfriend receive a METV instead of the DTV she applied for, and is it possible to change it later?
4.3k35512mo
What is the best visa option for retirees who want to spend 5 months in Thailand each year?
9.8k551796mo
Is it easy to apply for a DTV visa from Bali?
1.5k1546mo
How can I help my partner from Thailand obtain a visa to the USA or other countries?
3.2k21421y
Can I put my real exit date when filling out the TDAC for my stay in Thailand?
1.8k1181y
What challenges did you face when applying for the DTV visa in Taipei?
3.4k27311y
Is the Thailand Privilege Card worth the cost for retirees?
5.4k36722y
How long can you stay in Thailand, and is it true you can do border runs for a year or longer?
2.9k17252y
How often can I extend my visa in Thailand with a British passport?
3.7k33273y
Is it easier to obtain a retirement visa than a spousal visa in Thailand?
5.6k48553y
Do I need an arrival card when landing in Thailand?
4.8k37423y
What are the new prices and details for the Long Term Elite Visa in Thailand?
4.9k40493y
Can I apply for a multiple-entry visa to Thailand with my UK passport after using my Australian passport?
3.8k33293y
Is it safe to rely on multiple 30-day visa-free entries in Thailand, or should I consider getting a multiple-entry tourist visa?
6.1k201364y
Is the Thailand Elite Visa still a good long-term option for expats?
16.1k1311885y
What is the best way for my family to switch from tourist visas to Non-B and Non-O visas in Thailand?
843535y
Can I apply for a Thailand Elite Visa if I was discharged from bankruptcy twelve years ago?
2.5k20196y
Do we need to re-register our TM30 in Samui after traveling to Bangkok?
1.4k8176y
What is the Thai government's stance on foreigners using back to back visas?
5.2k42556y
What is the current status of visa on arrival and visa exemption for Thailand?
3k13537y
What have the recent changes been to Thai visa rules for long stays, especially for those crossing from Vientiane?
2k14147y
What are the new requirements for converting a 30-day visa-exempt or 60-day tourist visa to a Non-O visa in Bangkok?
4.9k39509y
Resources
Need help with your Thai visa?
#1 visa agent · 4,000+ reviews · 100,000+ expats served