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What recent changes in Thai immigration policies affect visa agents and applicants?
Thai ImmigrationVisa RegulationsVisa ExtensionsImmigration Policy ChangesCorruptionExpat AdviceVisa AgentsLegal Stay in Thailand
Oct 5, 2018
8 years ago
Tod *********
ORIGINAL POSTER[members only]
And so it begins :O
IF you are using an agency to secure your proof of funds to get a visa or extension inside the country at the immigration office let this be a warning to you.
It is not gonna work for that much longer.
And so it begins :O
IF you are using an agency to secure your proof of funds to get a visa or extension inside the country at the immigration office let this be a warning to you.
It is not gonna work for that much longer.
TLDR : Answer Summary
Recent news indicates a significant crackdown on fraudulent visa practices in Thailand, as evidenced by the transfer of two senior officials due to a visa scam. Expats using agencies to secure proof of funds for visa extensions should be cautious, as this practice may soon become obsolete. The Thai Immigration office has pledged to eliminate illegal stays and overstays, raising concerns about the future of visa applicants relying on dubious methods. Discussions among the expat community reflect mixed feelings about these changes, with some expressing concern over potential discrimination against foreigners while others hope for an end to longstanding corrupt practices.
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Robert *******
Thank you all for the comments, as this now turns into a tax debate, I close the commenting.
André ********
I have some mixed feelings about this. First of all, the country doesn't perform this poorly on international corruption rankings without reason. If, at long last, something would be done to address this, one could only be very pleased for the country. On the other hand, what is the likelihood of a Thai from a 'good family' actually being busted for these practices? From what I've heard, they're still immune. Sure, many Nigerians and Indians etc will be deported. Good publicity as usual. I've heard of people who came to Thailand decades before the tourists discovered it, long before visa's were introduced, who lived normal lives with their families and were sent home for 'overstay'. But I never heard of anyone tackling the problem of the sex-tourists, pedophiles and common criminals who come to spend their money in the Kingdom being targeted. Maybe, if the country becomes a democracy again, we will see if anything will change for the better. For the time being, all that appears to be changing is that the junta is treating non-wealthy foreigners the same as they are treating non-wealthy Thai nationals.
Jonn *********
@Stéfan *******
Hey you know how it works now. Every thing can be scanned.
This wood duck ain't putting up names.
Jonn *********
@Stéfan *******
Saw that.Lived next to a wat and complained.
Then when she was at immigration she mysteriously had visa problem.
Stéfan ********
@David ******
"it was said by someone" oh lord... you have to come up with some better bullshit than that. It's embarrassing really.Frankie *************
That reminds me of an article I read in BP this morning. The headline was "Big Joke targets foreign lady who griped about bell ringing".
Bim *******
Over 20% of the Thai economy is tourism which doesn't take into account expats. It would be crazy to think they don't want foreigners here. They economy would tank. I do think we are tolerated as long as we are not a threat to there political system.
Jonn *********
@Frankie ******
Between the hype and bar gossip, and what Thais tell me, there has to be some truth in the high price paid by certain positions. They want a return on investment obviously.
Perhaps some will stop.
But yes money and office party contribution is still rife in Pattaya especially.
End of month, school holidays..All great times not to drive here.
Frankie *************
@David ******
If by "they" you mean the upper echelons of Thai society I'm sure you're right. They probably couldn't care less.Jonn *********
@André *******
It was said by someone, they don't really want tourists here. The contribution compared to costs and income generation was minimum.
I might have to Google who said...
André ********
Your second comment was an improvement on your first. 'self-righteous' really adds some gravitas:) Besides that, I completely agree with you. The people behind the ones who rule the country now, are so wealthy they don't need any tourists. If they want the country to themselves, they'l have it, with or without farang.
Frankie *************
All those self-righteous people, who seem to be OK with this,seem to ignore the fact that they could be the next targets in a not too distant future. You never really know, do you?
Reply to
Frankie *************
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Joe ***********
Several times in the past three years Thai Immigration has publically announced that they were going to eliminate illegal stays, overstays and illegal working. And they have been progressively doing just that. I don't see how it could be a surprise to anyone.
Frankie *************
There's a nasty atmosphere in the country right now.
Robert ********
If you remain here legally, life in Thailand is great ♡♡♡
Frankie *************
There seems to be a lot foreigners on here who enjoy wallowing in self-righteous indignation.
Frankie *************
Personally, I've got no reason to be worried.
Steve **********
I can certainly see how people who paid an agent a large sum to make an extension might feel hostility. But if you're here legally there doesn't seem to be an issue.
Reply to
Steve **********
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Joe ***********
It can backfire. Ayutthaya was once known as a "cooperatative" branch office and the mere name in your Extension meant getting a closer inspection
Robert *******
So the next step may be that Savannakhet and HCMC going to introduce the minimum amount on the Thai bank. The net is closing for those without money to stay inside Thailand,
Toby ******
@Ron ******
your question is answered in the article you cited: he entered Thailand on April 16 but the warrant in Georgia was issued on May 10; so he was not yet a wanted felon.Ron *******
David Allen i believe Thailand are sick of being highlighted by the world media of having people that are convicted of rape, murder, drug offences etc coming here and being able to gain visas and permission to stay when they never should be able too.
Again this morning, the papers are running with the arrest of a US citizen absconding from the US under drugs charges and being arrested under an international warrant in Bangkok yesterday. How did he gain entry here before he went on 141 days overstay?
This PM has said so many times it's going to end and now, he's got somebody in place who really doesn't seem bothered who he upsets in giving it a go.
Everybody gets complacent thinking nothing will change. I have this inkling that this time, that may not be the case.
Again this morning, the papers are running with the arrest of a US citizen absconding from the US under drugs charges and being arrested under an international warrant in Bangkok yesterday. How did he gain entry here before he went on 141 days overstay?
This PM has said so many times it's going to end and now, he's got somebody in place who really doesn't seem bothered who he upsets in giving it a go.
Everybody gets complacent thinking nothing will change. I have this inkling that this time, that may not be the case.
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888Jonn *********
@Robert ******
I think you misinterpreted. The goose in this case are the contributors to the numerous money extracting methods.
Like pay for visa using agent with IO acceptance.
The people collecting the golden eggs as I said need to cover the ROI.
Return on investment.
They don't get the high positions because they are nice people....
Robert *******
those people who think they are the goose laying golden eggs, should have nothing to worry. They have there papers in order I assume, or do they just claim they lay golden eggs?
Jonn *********
@Tod ********
Low hanging fruit is always easy to find. But if with Prawits blessing he starts going into everything..
Watch out.
IMO I think the fat cats will reel him in before he goes too far.
Many have a return on investment to recover for their positions.
And it won't happen if the new boy starts to kill the goose laying golden eggs.
Ron *******
I like this bit from his press conference yesterday....😂😂😂
The newly appointed head of Thai Immigration had a stark warning for visa agents and their customers extending visas yesterday.
I am coming to arrest you wherever you are.
The newly appointed head of Thai Immigration had a stark warning for visa agents and their customers extending visas yesterday.
I am coming to arrest you wherever you are.
Ron *******
He even holds press conferences at 2am when most normal people have finished for the day 😂
Tod *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Ron ******
i will say he certainly picks 'hot topics' and has no problem getting the thai media to follow him around while he does what ever it is he's tryin' to do.Ron *******
He appears to be a different breed from who's been in command in the past.
He's certainly keeping busy lol
He's certainly keeping busy lol
Robert *******
He was tourist police and went after people with overstay, he is now chief of Immigration and also goes after Taxi drivers, this guy don't even care who should be in charge. But I understand you.
Tod *********
ORIGINAL POSTERwell, even with this new guy as the head of immigrations I bet he doesn't have ANY pull about the way the ministry of foreign affairs office sells visas in thai consulates in other countries. That's a whole 'nother governmental agency entirely.
He "might" as in just possibly make some positive changes to the immigration system inside the country, BUT I'm waiting to see what happens, talk is cheap and we've seen people come and go in that top immigration position and nothing has changed in eons.
He "might" as in just possibly make some positive changes to the immigration system inside the country, BUT I'm waiting to see what happens, talk is cheap and we've seen people come and go in that top immigration position and nothing has changed in eons.
Reply to
Tod *********
Reply
Ron *******
Something tells me, this isn't going away this time.
Ron *******
And now they say they are going to follow the paper trail back to those that got the visas and made false declarations 🤔
Tod *********
ORIGINAL POSTERthere was a big deal a while back in the Ayutthaya immigration office where someone got caught out issuing wink-n-nod visas via the back door. They transferred the officer to an inactive post BUT they canceled all the extension they'd done for 6 or so months. None of those people knew they were canceled until they showed up to leave the country or to get a new extension and were suddenly on overstay with a visa stamp gotten by false means in their passport.
Reply to
Tod *********
Reply
Waqas **************
They should to announce scheme to give settlement to immigrants living in thailand for long long time.
So there will be no need for visa runs and ease for families.
So there will be no need for visa runs and ease for families.
Jonn *********
David Mills
It does say all monies and income from overseas.
The TV forum has some cluey long time expats.
Plus threads don't get closed off at a whim.
They run a while and several times other good stuff is offered up, even if off topic.
It does say all monies and income from overseas.
The TV forum has some cluey long time expats.
Plus threads don't get closed off at a whim.
They run a while and several times other good stuff is offered up, even if off topic.
David *******
@David ******
this is only for tax purposes and it is only taxable if earned in thailand. Money earned outside can be used the following year but how on earth can they tell when the money as earned anyway.David ************
@Steve ******
yesJonn *********
Fffark.
Jonn *********
@Steve ******
It was in Thai visa forum.******************************************************************************************************
*****
74-youre-deemed-a-resident-of-thailand-if-you-stay-180-days/Danny *********
@Steve ******
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Steve *******
@Danny ********
Is that really true? A tax resident after 180 daysDanny *********
@Steve ******
He meant tax resident.Steve *******
@David ******
Is that really true? A resident after 180 days.Jonn *********
Waqas Ayub
If you have been here 180+ days you are deemed to be resident.
Which will probably lead into the next big area of paying tax in Thailand on income derived.
Tax resident yes.
If you have been here 180+ days you are deemed to be resident.
Which will probably lead into the next big area of paying tax in Thailand on income derived.
Tax resident yes.
Samm *****
Sure. Let Australia do that first
Waqas **************
Tod Daniels nop . What kind of visa. Don’t tell me elite one .
Steve *******
@Waqas *****
You do know that you dont "need to do visa every year"Waqas **************
@Tod ********
I do work long time having work permit but there is no automated system who qualify me for that. AnywaysWaqas **************
@Steve ******
like residence card for 10 years . No need to do Visa every year.this shit 90 days report.Steve *******
Waqas Ayub And why would they do that? Does your country have the same scheme? No, I didnt think so!
Robert *********
@Tod ********
the key word in your reply is "legally"Tod *********
ORIGINAL POSTERUmm,
@Wa***
they already have a way for foreigners who legally work here for the requisite time to get first permanent residence status and then citizenship.Reply to
Tod *********
Reply
Tod *********
ORIGINAL POSTERThe way it normally works with these 'agents' is you open a bank account with 500baht, they show up and deposit 800K baht cash, pay the branch manager to write you the bank letter (which only states the balance on that particular day) they update the bank book to show the balance, then pull the money right out of your account. :O They take the bank letter, the bank book and your passport to an immigration office (where they have previously greased the wheels) and a yearly extension is stamped into your passport.
I have seen it happen like this HUNDREDS of times but I am glad that it's hopefully comin' to an end.
I always told people it's bad to do because you're getting a stamp from an immigration office where you don't live, you have provided NO copies, documentation etc in case anyone ever checks etc.
I have seen it happen like this HUNDREDS of times but I am glad that it's hopefully comin' to an end.
I always told people it's bad to do because you're getting a stamp from an immigration office where you don't live, you have provided NO copies, documentation etc in case anyone ever checks etc.
Jonn *********
@Tod ********
And, the immigration officer in charge has the discretionary power to accept the application as presented by the agent.Without seasoning of funds.
Jomtien send some people to the agents for this service.
Perhaps the object of investigation should not be the agents who work in with immigration, but the discretionary power the IO office boss has to take the extra money and process the visa application.
Bim *******
@Tod ********
exactly what the guy who lives here does. Costs him 20,000 bht and extra for his 90 dayReply to
Bim *******
Reply
Bim *******
Ironically these visa agents advertise there services in the Bangkok Post
Lance *********
and on facebook
Reply to
Lance *********
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Bim *******
We have a guy here doing this. It's about time
Reply to
Bim *******
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