What options do I have to stay in Thailand long term after immigration issues?

Oct 27, 2019
5 years ago
Seoirse *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi,

Just looking for some advice.

I have been in Thailand for 2 years, with the exception of going to Australia for 3 months, and back home to Ireland for 5 months.

On return to Thailand in August, the IO argued with me and told me I had to leave in 2 weeks, as I am not a ‘tourist’ when I explained to her I had a boyfriend here. She told me I cannot stay in this country long term to be with my boyfriend as it is not a valid reason.

However my passport had 60 day stamp, which I used and extended with no issues in Samui, they only mentioned that the IO in Bangkok made a ‘remark’ on my passport.

This is now up for renewal in 2 weeks, meaning I will be actually leaving and returning to Thailand for the first time after the issues in Bangkok.

I’m planning to do visa via Andaman Club.

Is this a big risk as I had problems previously in Bangkok? I really would not like to be sent to my home country in those circumstances.

Maybe going home and trying for a more promising visa such as Ed visa is better? And yes I would actually study.

I know there is no exact answer for this but any advice on other people’s experiences would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance 🙏🏼
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is seeking advice regarding their long-term stay in Thailand after encountering issues with immigration. They have been in Thailand for two years with breaks but were warned by immigration that their relationship with a Thai boyfriend is not considered a valid reason to stay. Although they have a valid 60-day visa extension, they fear returning to Thailand might lead to further scrutiny. They are considering alternative options like the Ed Visa for language study or other visas from agencies like Andaman Club, but are worried about potential risks and their status due to past immigration remarks.
Tod *********
and I don't know what the O/P is actually trying to get out of their post.

We're done.
Ed ********
Good luck.
Ahmad ********
come onnnnnn seriously?????? how come this guy is your boyfriend?????? shit
Rohan ****
@Ahmad *******
those in glass houses should not throw stones
ไมเคิล **********
Married to him
Ivan ************
You will not be sent home to Ireland from any land or sea border. Worst case, they will either not let you leave (usual at Myanmar borders) or will not let you back in to Thailand. Then you can think about plan B then. And that worst case is unlikely- if you have done under 2 visa exempt land entries this year, they will likely let you bounce for a new 30 days (which you can extend for 30).

Flying is higher risk, if you are denied at an airport, you usually will go back to the country you came from, but can be sent back to your home country depending on the specific circumstances. This CAN'T happen at a land border.

As such, Myanmar is a good idea IMO for a border bounce.
Jeremy ********
You could get an Ed Visa or you can go to Perth Australia and apply for a 6 month METV that will give you 9 months with extensions and Out/Ins...or being that you are a woman if you get married the path to Thai Citizenship is super easy...good luck
James ********
@Jeremy *******
you're correct. It's a crap shoot these days....with Thai Immigration tightening the nets.
James ********
@Jeremy *******
and reality is even with the new METV from Perth, she will be questioned again upon arrival.
George *********
I've been in Thailand for 2 years apart from 3 months and 5 months......mmmmm
George *********
James Siegel so your the type of guy that says... I'll have everything....apart from this, that and oh I don't want that one either..... 😂🤣😂
George *********
James Siegel If it makes sense to you then you need help 😂🤣
Christine ********
If you want to learn Thai on an Education Visa you need to find a language school first. They do your paperwork to take to an embassy. It's not a quick process so I'd say you need to start looking asap!
Ivan ************
Yes, and it will be easier to get this process rolling in Thailand than from back in Ireland. Look into it here. It takes typically at least a month to get the papers from the Ministry of Education. Then you take them abroad to a consulate (can go home to Ireland if you like, although it isn't necessarily the only option) and get the visa.
Greg ******
If you want to stay in Thailand long term check into the Elite Visa.

****************************
Robert *******
I wish you good luck, you have be warned by Immigration, you called it as you where lucky but you keep playing the game. Get a plan B in place, just in case.
James ********
@Robert ******
Everyone no matter what visa should always have a plan B.
Shaun *****
Why do people mention dating someone when they have issues. Seems like that would work against you as proof you aren't a tourist. 🤐
Seoirse *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Shaun ****
because I was trying to be honest. They were refusing me entry completely until I mentioned this. So it actually worked in my favour, got 2 weeks out of it 👐🏼
Robert *******
You can not get a visa at the Andaman club, you can only get a 30 day visa Exempt entry if you did not make two entries without a visa this calendar year
Seoirse *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Robert ******
yea I was going to try for 30 days only. And have only been to Burma once this year already.
D.j. **********
Goin through Bangkok when you enter the country is going to give you the most problems. My advice is to enter in via Chiang Mai and then go to Bangkok from there. The IO are more friendly in CM.
Seoirse *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Is there any specific rules about how long a person can stay in Thailand in 1 calendar year?
Robert *******
Yes, no more than the days in a year, so normal years 365 days and in a leap year 366 days
Martin *******
NO. As long as you are on the correct visa, but trying to live in Thailand on tourist visas and extensions is a bad idea.
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