What could cause a Ghanaian visitor on a TR visa to be denied entry to Thailand despite having necessary documentation?

Feb 7, 2024
9 months ago
Manuel ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
PTP Admin.

A friend of mine from Ghana was denied entry into the Kingdom last night, reasons still unclear. However, according to the document issued, which I believe was a deportation one written by the immigration officer, the reason cited was that of not having an address in Thailand. Meanwhile, his brother who legally resides here and has a valid work permit, provided all the necessary documentation the immigration might need to establish the truth about his purpose of entering the Kingdom, including his valid house registration (Yellow Tabien Baan). I understand he was coming to see his brother, but did he really need a hotel booking to match the TR visa he was traveling on? I am asking this because that was the information we got from the tourist police at the airport, that he needed a hotel booking even if he was not going to stay there.

Moreover, he had enough funds to cover his one-week stay and a genuine return ticket too. What could probably be the cause of his deportation? When soon can he return to Thailand? How likely is he to escape a short ban? Any advice will help, please.

Thanks in advance ๐Ÿ™ .
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A Ghanaian traveler was denied entry into Thailand despite holding a valid TR visa and sufficient documentation, including financial means and a return ticket. His brother, a legal resident with a work permit, attempted to provide support by submitting all necessary papers, such as a house registration document. The immigration officers cited the lack of an address in Thailand as the reason for denial, which has raised questions about the actual requirements for entry and the possibility of needing a hotel booking despite having family support. Discussions suggest potential factors influencing the decision, including the visitor's nationality and previous travel history, alongside a broader context of racial profiling in Thai immigration practices.
Graham *******
Thailand does discriminate against people who enter and stay in the country legally and those that don't. Hence, I am a racist a homophobe, islamophobias and antisemite.
John **********
He wouldn't need a hotel booking if he had a letter of invitation from his brother. He would also need 20k baht in cash and a return flight along with a tourist visa (don't think people from Ghana get visa exempt entry)
Manuel ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi John, thanks for your contribution. He had a valid visa plus more than the minimum amount of money required.
John **********
@Manuel *******
in that case there's something else going on. Negative previous history of some description most likely
Graham ******
@John *********
people from Ghana get nothing on arrival, you are correct, they need to purchase a Visa
Jonathan **************************
Wouldn't surprise me in the slightest if racial profiling played a role here.

Thailand is notorious for discriminating against nationals of African countries.

Like "Operation Black Eagle" (which was just a short few years ago) when they proudly crowed to the moon that they were targeting black people.

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Manuel ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Frank **********
Seems like there may be more to it. Was he ever in Thailand and got into trouble? Did he say something wrong to the Immigration Officer?
Manuel ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Frank *********
I wish I knew the answer to the latter, but I can confirm for a fact that this is his first international travel.
Brandon ************
Denied entry and being banned are 2 completely separate things. They are not banned, and can try to return any time they want. But a denied entry stamp in the passport can lower the odds of getting in
Manuel ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
Thanks! I hope his book wasn't stamped at all. I will get to know once he lands.
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