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What consequences can arise from inadvertently overstaying a retirement visa in Thailand?
overstaying visaThailand retirement visaimmigration consequencesvisa rules Thailanddeportation and blacklist90-day report
Jun 23, 2023
3 years ago
Paul ********
ORIGINAL POSTERGreetings all,
a story to act as a warning.I have a good friend who is here on a retirement visa. Nice guy and a bit forgetful. Apparently, he checked his passport a few months ago and mistakenly thought his visa ran out in July (that was his 90-day renewal not visa).
His visa expired for 30 days and immigration came to his house and arrested him. He spent the night in the local jail and went to court in the morning. The judge deported him and now he's in IDC at Suan Plu and will be there until they get him a flight back to Canada. The law states that a person who overstays more than one day and is apprehended, they are blacklisted for 5 years. He has money and is OK but this is an expensive lesson for him.
NEVER let your visa expire!
a story to act as a warning.I have a good friend who is here on a retirement visa. Nice guy and a bit forgetful. Apparently, he checked his passport a few months ago and mistakenly thought his visa ran out in July (that was his 90-day renewal not visa).
His visa expired for 30 days and immigration came to his house and arrested him. He spent the night in the local jail and went to court in the morning. The judge deported him and now he's in IDC at Suan Plu and will be there until they get him a flight back to Canada. The law states that a person who overstays more than one day and is apprehended, they are blacklisted for 5 years. He has money and is OK but this is an expensive lesson for him.
NEVER let your visa expire!
TLDR : Answer Summary
A cautionary tale was shared regarding a friend who overstayed his retirement visa in Thailand by mistakenly thinking his visa expired when it was just his 90-day renewal. After being apprehended by immigration and spending a night in jail, he was deported and faces a five-year blacklist from re-entering Thailand. The conversation emphasized the importance of maintaining awareness of visa renewals and the repercussions of oversights in immigration matters, including the potential for stricter enforcement of visa rules.
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Christopher *************
If they decare to become UN Refugee they won't be deported or blacklisted and when their lives in in danger for religious, political and social problems. Anyone can call to UN call center they are available before and after working hours. There is bail money that can pay to get released from IDC. Are you trying to scare people with incomplete info??
There is big UN organization in Bangkok and 35 offices throughout Thailand.
There is big UN organization in Bangkok and 35 offices throughout Thailand.
Autumn ***********
30 days is a lot but Isn’t it fine if you overstay a couple of days or so, like it doesn’t really matter you just have to pay the fine? I’ve done so in the past and never had a problem 🤷♀️
Jorge ****
Say, Paul, do you mind if I copy and paste this story on other groups (as needed, of course), will name you as the author for credit. There are still a few who cannot make it indelible in their hippotalamus that every country has laws that differ inmensely from others. I used to live in a country where people routinely got decapitated (for seroius crimes, and with no 9th dist court of appeals). Thanks for sharing with us this story. Hopefully we will all learn a thing or two. Peace. 🙂
Paul ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jorge ***
Sure be my guestJorge ****
@Paul *******
ok, thanks. I'll be careful and discrete.Reply to
Jorge ****
Reply
Tulip ********
Thai visas are generous compared to many countries. You apply for a visa, you break the rules, what did you expect, congratulations. Talk about a sense of self entitlement.
Ron *********
One California friend on Koh Tao got arrested on 28 day overstay. Still in jail. So dumb. She's still posting social media from jail so not to harsh...
Jorge *****
He "forgot"
Paul ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jorge ****
shit happens!Reply to
Paul ********
Reply
Tohksic ******
Not being able to come back to T is an annoyance. Being retarded is a lifelong illness. Tell your pal to go to the Philippines. Just as nice as T, way easier to communicate with the indigenous, and mental deficiencies are not as noticed.
Greg *********
The worst part of this story is that he will have to be back in Canada again 😒
Chris ****
Should stay in the Philippines or Malaysia for 5 years and then back.
Nontiya ***********
sad for him but foreigners have only 1 thing to care when abroad, THEIR VISA ! so if you cannot do it just stay in your homecountry...
Jeff *********
@Nontiya **********
and you have no idea what you are talking aboutJeff *********
@Nontiya **********
you’re rude, leave the guy aloneDan ********
No its really not a concern, and shouldn't have to be. Sadly this case won't be looked into and this mans genuine and minor mistake will recieve punishment far greater than an intenional overstayer of up to 3 years - over 1000 days. So stop it with the "go back to your own country" because I maybe missed a visa expiry by any amount of time, while 'your' (Thailand's) immigration and police departments are the most flagrant abuse of power, and corruption and supported by the govt. For every dickhead like you, there is a decent and reasonable Thai, experiencing immigration issues somewhere in the world, and i hope nobody is shouting 'go back to your own country'
Murray *********
@Dan *******
well saidReply to
Murray *********
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Jorge ****
I tell people that the cheapest ink is more reliable than the most powerful memory. Yet, surprisingly enough, they, in a defiant way, say, "I will remember, it's in my head". A post-it note on the fridge door could have saved this poor man from an untimely deportation and 5 yr banishment. How sad for a retiree! 😧
Ruth *******
@Jorge ***
a post it would not help meJorge ****
@Ruth ******
it is about recognizing one's own weaknesses and doing something to mitigate the possible tragedies. Am no longer young and sadly.enough, I've seen that the "free spirits" are the ones to go down first.Ruth *******
@Jorge ***
I do find the phone works best of all the options though. Everyone needs their own method; I agree. We do what we can, but mistakes can still happen. All the judgement is not necessary.Jorge ****
@Ruth ******
"The unexamined life is not worth living"-Socrates. Judgements are a daily necessity. We hope to have all the facts and the clarity of mind to make them. We do not want to rush to a premature judgement. We still have to judge. Am well aware that notes become part of the environment. Myself have been taking notes for decades, the result of technical work, yet seldom go back to them, and as you said, become part of the environment. Still better than "I will remember, it's on my head". Calendars on phones are fine till we lose the phone, calendars on the wall are fine till we throw them after new year's, post-it notes are fine till 10 min after we see them. Still, one has a personal duty to recognize one's own failings and inabilities and take proper measures. Get an admin assistant, a valet, a reminder company, but for goodness sake, do not let immigration remind you. I still think it is horrible to be *forced* to the airport departure lounge, without one's luggage. The IO does not care about one mental's state either. As far as they are concerned, "good riddance". Peace.Ruth *******
@Jorge ***
Socrates did not mean random strangers on the internet 🤣🤣🤣Jorge ****
@Ruth ******
I regret if I sounded like it was ok to judge others, specially random strangers on the internet, but I do state that is is a brutal necessity to judge ourselves, as separate individuals, responsible for ourselves, and take proactive action to prevent tragedy, the result of our own defiance. I personally make it the business of my life to avoid a situation where IO comes to my home to tell me am on overstay. I assume 110% responsibility on that.Ruth *******
@Jorge ***
Of course one needs to be responsible. The OP was simply warning people of what happens.Ruth *******
@Jorge ***
my problem is that I find that when I post notes, they simply become part of my environment. The same is even true of phone notifications. I set the reminder. I’m reminded, but then 10 minutes later I still forget. Young people don’t understand. Someday, they will if they’re lucky(?).Reply to
Ruth *******
Reply
John ******************
@Jorge ***
I like your post. Thank you. I'm going to buy cheap ink.....Reply to
John ******************
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Russell *******
The problem is, I don't think he will get to choose his own flights.
VaiAna **********
Well that sucks . I bet he won't do that again
Todd *********
I think it's important that people understand that your address is registered with your visa at immigration. Their simply allows them to actively see anyone in their area whom is on overstay. And pay them a visit. The olden days of overstay and disappear are winding down.
Dan ********
@Todd ********
yeah, always give a previous address, just in case.Reply to
Dan ********
Reply
Wayne *****
I honestly don't know why some people don't get their shit together and make sure they are on top of all the important stuff in their life. FFS take charge of your life.
Dan ********
@Wayne ****
drug and alcohol addictions ? There's two reasons you patronizing prick. Thank the buddha you are not cursed with either of these mental illnesses.Oliver **********
@Wayne ****
you've never made a mistake?Wayne *****
@Oliver *********
plenty, but not on an important issue. Oh I just made one by replying to your comment 😜Oliver **********
In your entire life you haven't made a mistake as serious as getting a simple deadline wrong? Maybe you're an AI?
Wayne *****
@Oliver *********
correct 😂Wayne *****
@Oliver *********
😁☺️😅😜😆Reply to
Wayne *****
Reply
Sam ********
@Wayne ****
right. I mean who doesn’t have a cell phone with a calendar and alarm at this point in life. Seriously.Sharon *******
@Sam *******
I know 2 women who don't. They are terrified of being scammed the instant they get a smartphone. There is no helping them.Dan ********
@Sam *******
I got a phone with a cracked screen.Sam ********
@Dan *******
what’s your point here?Wayne *****
@Dan *******
Don't drink or do drugs idiot!!!!!!!Dan ********
@Wayne ****
like I say, thank the buddha you aren't cursed by the mental illnesses of addictions. Your naive and dismissive response suggest you have not even experienced addiction in others. You are probably the type to tell a manic depressive to 'snap out of it'.Wayne *****
@Dan *******
you sure make a lot of assumptions.Sam ********
@Dan *******
so your defending the fact that this person could not input a date 90 days in advance because he was drunk the entire 90 days…. That’s your defense here? Your not making any sense. What addiction are you currently battling?Reply to
Sam ********
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John **********
My immigration office never gives a 90 report date beyond the validity of my extension so my last report was only 60 after the prior one.
Andy ********
@John *********
that is a great way to do it. Hats off to your immigration office. 👒Reply to
Andy ********
Reply
Shayne **********
Does he have a phone or calendar? You need to really check and understand what people are doing in your passport and whether it is the expected stamp or date. Check it straight away, so that it doesn't need to be fixed later.
You put every date that immigration make in your passport into your calendar.
My 90 days goes in my phone and 2 weeks before my phone says do you 90 days online. The next day it also says do your 90 days online.
When I get approved back from immigration I put the next date 2 weeks before the expiry date.
Life is simple if you set up your own procedures and follow them.
You put every date that immigration make in your passport into your calendar.
My 90 days goes in my phone and 2 weeks before my phone says do you 90 days online. The next day it also says do your 90 days online.
When I get approved back from immigration I put the next date 2 weeks before the expiry date.
Life is simple if you set up your own procedures and follow them.
Mark *********
@Shayne *********
But so speak young people, the very ones least vulnerable. Mobile phones are the invention of the devil to older people, myself included. Would he even know there's a calendar in there, would he remember to put the dates in if he understood the availability and process of the calendar on a smartphone - if he has a smartphone.David *********
@Mark ********
I used to put a notice on my fridge to remind me.Ruth *******
@David ********
did you remember to check your fridge? Seriously! When I put any signs up to remind me of things, I just get accustomed to the signs. I need to make a conscious effort to check them, which kind of defeats the point, lol.David *********
@Ruth ******
yes. I get that. but I dont need to do reporting any more.Reply to
David *********
Reply
David ********
Mark Azavedo Some older people like me at 72 have no problem with technology. My electronic calendar is full of events which remind me what I need to remember. I primarily access the calendar on one of my two iPhones. I also have a MacBook (laptop), a Mac Mini desktop and a iMac which is also a desktop. I don’t stop learning about new technology just because I am “old”. Add: I just looked at your Facebook profile - if you can earn a MBA and PhD in BA, you certainly can learn how to use a smartphone.
Mark *********
@David *******
It's not learning that is the issue. It's lack of desire/interest, especially when the old ways like diarising (meaning hard copy in a pleasant desk diary work perfectly well). No turning on. That is the key - and not a technological one. So no exposure to unwanted calls, messages and advertising. My dislike of digital routes has nothing to do with technology and everything to do with intrusion. Fascinating revelation though that in this discussion people have jumped to technology fear without at least considering technology dislike. Perhaps I will conduct some research on that, using my multiple Macs and pcs - whilst mostly having my smartphone resolutely turned off. That preserves an atmosphere that is conducive to the levels of thought required. Go out and I reluctantly turn the smartphone on. Worth reading Tchaikovsky (I think the nephew) on Tchaikovsky the composer - loss of concentration so loss of thought trains and possible great work through minor interruptions that were totally unnecessary. With age I think he had the reputation of rather an irascible old man. But I, for one, perfectly take his point. I don't think I've ever totally lost work but losing half a day to a whole day is pretty easy. For what - someone screaming at me in a foreign language I don't understand to buy something I don't want. Yet if I turn off the tones why have the thing on, because I sure as hell am not going to look at it. Always remember that with age we have the great privilege of not having to be on-trend, don't have to do as the next guy, but do as closely as possible exactly what we want. OMG! I still wear deck shoes!!! I like them. I'm not trying to fit with a youthful set, not trying to form relationships, etc.Reply to
Mark *********
Reply
Nontiya ***********
Mark Azavedoif he doesn't know he should ask to people who know. Stop finding excuses to foreigners mistakes when most of you are a,ways blaming Thai when they are wrong... Remember, you went to good schools where most Thai did not go : you should have a brain...
Mark *********
@Nontiya **********
Indeed. And that is why I 1. Recognise choices. 2. Make decisions without hesitation. 3. And decisions made will always protect my freedom from intrusion as best possible.Reply to
Mark *********
Reply
Shayne **********
@Mark ********
I have seen things that you can put on the wall, they look like a book type of thing. They show months and numbers and can remind you of things that happen. You can even right things on them with something called a pencil because it can write stuff when things are not horizontally flat.Wayne *****
@Shayne *********
ha,ha,ha, love it 😆Mark *********
@Shayne *********
You are so far in the space of not being aged there is absolutely no point talking with you eg "now where is the pencil - I remember having a pencil"................... "Oh bugger, I put it in the fridge". I doubt you've even the slightest grasp of any of that. And likewise the young person in the mobile shop, so a total inability to understand what might be of use to an older person and so explain those features. That includes can they see the phone (bright red is good), can they see what is on the screen properly? Unlikely, but a tip is that dark background works best. Would they know there is a choice of backgrounds, would they be able to change, would they be told by that salesperson - resoundingly NO.Reply to
Mark *********
Reply
Wayne *****
@Shayne *********
I do the same. Some people amaze me.Reply to
Wayne *****
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Frank **********
Sorry about what happened to your friend. I have a feeling Immigration will be doing crackdowns periodically.
Reply to
Frank **********
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