Answered8 years ago

What is the importance of understanding visa regulations in Thailand for expats?

Visa Regulations Non-Immigrant Visas Visa Responsibilities Expats in Thailand Visa Status Tracking Immigration Issues

Darren *********

asked Dec 25, 2018

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I joined this forum because about eighteen months ago and despite making every effort, and doing everything correctly, a sudden rule change took place the day I was going to Penang. I decided then that my visa status was not to be taken for granted. I’ve done my best to educate myself and sourced most of the information from here since then. I’ve tried to keep my friends and colleagues up to speed - not always taken seriously. I’ve seen people lose their visas, I visited a Thai jail to take food and water for my dive instructor, who fell foul on the withdrawal of non imm b multi’s (unless a director) and a bad employer. He’s a great guy. Your status in Thailand is YOUR responsibility and you should track it every step of the way.  Merry Christmas 🎄

Answer summary

The post emphasizes the importance of understanding and managing one's visa status as an expatriate in Thailand. It recounts a personal experience with sudden visa rule changes, highlighting the responsibility individuals have for ensuring their visa compliance, rather than relying on employers. The message encourages vigilance in tracking visa status to avoid severe consequences, as illustrated by a friend's unfortunate situation.

8 repliesnewest first

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Tod *********

And on that note we're done. Moral of the story. the visa or extension in YOUR passport is YOUR responsibility. It's not your employers, and if you end up on overstay it's YOU that takes the hit, not anyone else.

Good Luck one and all.

8 years ago

Anthony **********

What happened to your dive instructor??

8 years ago

Tod *********

@Anthony *********

The BEST place to stay up to date on the visa rules (which BTW: don't change all that fast) at the immigration offices inside the country and at the thai consulates scattered around the world in other countries is THIS group :P

You won't find more timely and accurate information on any other website or f/b group.. :)

8 years ago

Anthony **********

What's a good resource for reading up on last minute changes to visa laws? The laws change so fast I cannot keep up, I hear about something a month later then a month later it changes again. I'm also not sure about the politics with employers, I may be naive in this regard.

8 years ago

Darren *********

@Anthony *********

if you read between the lines you’ll see the politics there. Everyone has quotas to meet. The reality is that you can’t drop your guard.

8 years ago

Anthony **********

Eight month overstay due to paperwork mix up? How did nobody notice? That sounds like a nightmare.

8 years ago

Darren *********

A voluntary hand-in, which stands you on good stead as far as the penalty (length of ban/fine) goes. Problem was there was a ‘mix’ up in the paperwork and he got a five year ban for an eight month overstay. His employer could not provide his passport.

8 years ago

Darren *********

14 days in the local police station then Shipped up to the IDC in Bangkok. Zero funds. About 10 days there before flight to the UK.

8 years ago