Unanswereda year ago
What should I do after my tourist visa application was rejected by Thai immigration?
I used to do border runs for visa free entry but in February Thai customs at bkk airport told me to stop doing visa exempt runs and apply for a DTV or tourist visa. So in April I went to Manila to apply for a DTV visa which was rejected (I posted my experience with the dtv rejection in this group around 5 days ago) and then applied for a tourist visa afterwards. Attached is the email they just sent me.
Not sure what they want from me at this point but this is beyond frustrating.
Not sure what they want from me at this point but this is beyond frustrating.
Summary so far
The user shares their frustration after being instructed by Thai customs to stop visa-exempt border runs and apply for a DTV or tourist visa, subsequently being rejected for the DTV visa. They express confusion over the latest email received from immigration and seek advice on how to proceed. The comments provide various insights on the implications of repeated border runs, reasons for visa rejection, and the overall complexity of the visa application process in Thailand.
58 repliesnewest first
Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.
Greg ********
With 2 rejections, it sounds like you have a note on your immigration file in the system. You could use an agent with contacts to find out, and if so, what it says.
Anonymous ******************
Times up then.
John *********
What I’m still trying to wrap my head around is that this country loves money yet they’re trying hard to keep a lot of people out.
Every day someone is here they’re spending money in Thailand.
They can be a backpacker or a millionaire.
The backpackers actually help the local economy the most as they’re staying and eating at mom and pop places and not resorts owned by the elite or overseas investors.
So if someone comes to Thailand and wants to stay here, not breaking laws or being a nuisance, possibly dating a Thai, possibly just enjoying everything the country has to offer including Muay Thai, hiking, nature, and weather, possibly just a pisshead who enjoys beers, whatever.
Why should anyone in brown care if they’re “living” here on Visa exempt?
It’s 30,000-60,000฿ a month the country otherwise wouldn’t have.
Every day someone is here they’re spending money in Thailand.
They can be a backpacker or a millionaire.
The backpackers actually help the local economy the most as they’re staying and eating at mom and pop places and not resorts owned by the elite or overseas investors.
So if someone comes to Thailand and wants to stay here, not breaking laws or being a nuisance, possibly dating a Thai, possibly just enjoying everything the country has to offer including Muay Thai, hiking, nature, and weather, possibly just a pisshead who enjoys beers, whatever.
Why should anyone in brown care if they’re “living” here on Visa exempt?
It’s 30,000-60,000฿ a month the country otherwise wouldn’t have.
Luit *****************
@John ********
The country tries to get people in who actually spend money, for that purpose they have attractive visa.I have no problems with backpackers, but the economy does not really profit from them, and some of them also work to pay for their living, and that is something Thailand wants to prevent. Backpackers only spending a few months don't get problems with visa exempt, but living in Thailand just is a different thing.
Heath ********
So many people think you can still do border runs, I also got pulled up after my 2nd run, I now have the dtv.
Anonymous ******************
@He***
it's easy to live in Thailand doing border runs on visa exempt stamps but you have to know what you are doing. I guarantee you got pulled up doing a border run by plane.......You have to use land borders and use the right ones. The people that get stopped and refused entry are always at airports. There used to be an official limit of only 2 land border entries per calendar year but mid last year this limit was removed. It's now easy to live in Thailand non stop on visa exempt stamps, you just have to pay a small border fee. I've lived in Thailand for years doing border runs and at the moment it's the easiest it's ever been. We only have to border run every 90 days but in the past it was every 60 days back when entry stamps were only 30 days
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous participant 692 very bad and dangerous advice your putting out there.
If you continue doing border runs and pay for agents and bribes, you may well eventually face scrutiny when it comes to applying for a proper, legal visa.
Continue at your own risk, but don’t complain when it becomes a long term issue.
Furthermore, the money is cost you every 90 days to do border bounces + the 1900 THB for an extension at immigration is already half the cost of a proper visa such as the DTV which gives you far more freedom and piece of mind. No stress about being questioned or rejected when you want to go on holiday or visit family and friends abroad.
If you continue doing border runs and pay for agents and bribes, you may well eventually face scrutiny when it comes to applying for a proper, legal visa.
Continue at your own risk, but don’t complain when it becomes a long term issue.
Furthermore, the money is cost you every 90 days to do border bounces + the 1900 THB for an extension at immigration is already half the cost of a proper visa such as the DTV which gives you far more freedom and piece of mind. No stress about being questioned or rejected when you want to go on holiday or visit family and friends abroad.
Luit *****************
@Heath *******
When you comply to the visa requirements the in country extension might be the best way to go. When you do not comply anymore doing a bordebounce yourself might have the risk questioned and checked for funds and documents, unless you pay.Heath ********
@Luit ****************
or you can do it yourself because you are a remote worker.Luit *****************
Anonieme deelnemer 953 DTV is also not a visa for living in Thailand, and to use it you either have to pay for the soft power activity the whole period, or using an agent to do the border runs, which also will cost you money.
Paying to get things done might not be OK, but it just is the way Thailand is functioning.
Paying to get things done might not be OK, but it just is the way Thailand is functioning.
Anonymous ******************
If you believe it's Thai Customs who told you to get a visa I can see why you're struggling! It's Thai immigration who deal with visas, not Customs. Perhaps you need an agent to assist with filling in your application?
Luit *****************
Anonieme deelnemer 471 It is also not Thai immigration that deal with visa application, it is MFA who decides about visa approval, and it is immigration who check you when you enter the country.
Charles **********
print this out and show immigration officer next time you come in
Steve *******
Text me, I'll help you get in on one more exemption. But you should really get a real visa if you're planning on staying here long term.
Anonymous ******************
Border runs as in how many per year?
Anonymous *************
OPAnonymous participant 676 3 total visa runs and extensions. Prior to that I used an agent to get a one year multiple entry visa
Anonymous ******************
Participante anónimo using an agent for METV can be a red flag also
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous participant you have to limit it to one per year
Anonymous ******************
Sounds like that particular officer was having a bad day, currently no limit on exemptions, I’d show that email to the next officer that stops you. Better to get a proper visa and get a new passport while you are at it, multiple Thailand stamps are not attractive to IO👍
John **********
If I were you I'd try applying for a DTV or other visa that matches your purpose of stay in Thailand. The days of multiple border runs are long gone and having a tourist visa is only marginally better. You simply can't live inside Thailand like this any longer
Anonymous ******************
He already tried DTV and got denied.
There is an upper limit on DIY border runs and airport entries before Thailand thinks you owe them more money than just 10,000 THB for the DTV.
At that point you can apply for a DTV through an agent (3-5x the price) or only re-enter through an agent, like airport fast track entry. Just no more cheap DTV (10k) or free entries. He's past the limit.
Thailand would rather get 4000 THB per entry or 40,000 THB for a DTV than let you off the hook for 10,000 THB only. And yes, agents are part of the system. That's why they never get cracked down on. It's just how it's monetized. 👍
There is an upper limit on DIY border runs and airport entries before Thailand thinks you owe them more money than just 10,000 THB for the DTV.
At that point you can apply for a DTV through an agent (3-5x the price) or only re-enter through an agent, like airport fast track entry. Just no more cheap DTV (10k) or free entries. He's past the limit.
Thailand would rather get 4000 THB per entry or 40,000 THB for a DTV than let you off the hook for 10,000 THB only. And yes, agents are part of the system. That's why they never get cracked down on. It's just how it's monetized. 👍
Wayne *******
Looks like they got fed up with you and have purposely sent you out of Thailand to use the DTV route which they were always going to deny you. Id expect if you bought a visa exemption flight from MNL you would be turned away again. Give it a shot and come back here and let us know 👍
Elías ********
@Wayne ******
But the airport people belong to Immigration, while the Embassy and those processing the visa to the Ministry of Foreing Affairs.Wayne *******
@Elías *******
Oh yeah silly me. I didnt realise Immigration have no idea how to contact their own embassies in other countriesElías ********
@Luit ****************
believe it or not, the non-cooperative approach between different ministries of a same government is very common in many countries.Luit *****************
@Wayne ******
That kind of cooperation is against Thai nature...Anonymous *************
OP@Wayne ******
I was actually never turned away. They let me in the previous time I entered bkk but asked me for a return ticket and warned me that I should apply for visa the next time I enter.Wayne *******
Anonymous participant Im only going on your OP where you said that they told you next time, apply for the DTV? You have to do that outside Thailand so they knew you would again be leaving at some point.
My take is, they waited for you to apply, thus knowing you were outside Thailand, refused you and then will wait until you try another visa exempt of a TV application which at that point, they will refuse either because they have had enough of your border runs
Im not saying thats what has happened, Im suggesting it as an answer to your question. IOs are petty people. Power hungry as they wear a uniform. Ive had it in Heathrow after I was in SE Asia for a year.
My take is, they waited for you to apply, thus knowing you were outside Thailand, refused you and then will wait until you try another visa exempt of a TV application which at that point, they will refuse either because they have had enough of your border runs
Im not saying thats what has happened, Im suggesting it as an answer to your question. IOs are petty people. Power hungry as they wear a uniform. Ive had it in Heathrow after I was in SE Asia for a year.
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous: yes, that's the final 'trial expired' warning. If you had always used an agent (border run/airport) your account would never get into that state. Now you're cooked and dependent on agents.
Either pay, or stay out of Thailand. In reality they'll always want your money. No more freebies.
And no, getting a new passport won't fix it. It's not 1997 anymore. The system is pretty watertight (until you pay). That's by design. 🙂
Either pay, or stay out of Thailand. In reality they'll always want your money. No more freebies.
And no, getting a new passport won't fix it. It's not 1997 anymore. The system is pretty watertight (until you pay). That's by design. 🙂
Anonymous ******************
Bro just needs to pay up (agent), but most don't understand the system. Watch this discussion long enough as it defaults into the NPC script: "dress nicely, bring Three Proofs: 20,000 cash, printed hotel booking, outward flight...". Get your popcorn. 🤣🍿
Anonymous ******************
After that many free entries Thailand wants you to pay the right price via an agent for a border run, or airport fast track safe entry.
No cheap DTV for you, Charlie. Too late now.
With an agent you won't have any problem, proving it's all about money. Just stop trying to do it for free. Free trial is over. Time to pay.
(thanks for your 10,000 THB donation for DTV btw, it's non-refundable for a rea$on)
No cheap DTV for you, Charlie. Too late now.
With an agent you won't have any problem, proving it's all about money. Just stop trying to do it for free. Free trial is over. Time to pay.
(thanks for your 10,000 THB donation for DTV btw, it's non-refundable for a rea$on)
Anonymous ******************
they're going to milk you Charlie
I speak from experience!
I speak from experience!
Jeremy *********
They know you're abusing the system and told.you to F off 🤷♂️
Anonymous ******************
@Jeremy ********
harsh but true, your not a tourist if trying to live hereJeremy *********
Anonymous participant 373 exactly but
Not harsh just the facts now 🤘
Not harsh just the facts now 🤘
Anonymous ******************
What’s your nationality?
Anonymous *************
OPAnonymous participant 953 US
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous participant I think you should try a different embassy and reapply for your DTV visa.
I know plenty of people with a long history of various thai visas and visa exemptions that had their DTV visas approved.
I know plenty of people with a long history of various thai visas and visa exemptions that had their DTV visas approved.
Anonymous ******************
You have a history of tourist exemption abuse, which doesn't work in your favor. I’m not exactly sure what proof you provided to obtain a DTV, but it may not have been sufficient. Authorities are now becoming very strict not only with exemptions but also with other visa types. You may have read the news about the increasing requirements for obtaining ED visas, even though the DTV is currently easier to get. I wouldn’t be surprised if the rules become stricter across all visa categories.
Anonymous ******************
Sounds like to many border bounces and not having the correct visa if you was winging it staying in Thailand, I would wait 6 months then apply again, it you have been rejected no doubt you will be refused entry and sent back so I honestly wouldn't risk it and waste money just leave it 6 months then visit again and apply for the correct visa to stay here long-term
Excelle********
You can’t live in Thailand on exempt stamp. Two 60 day exempt with extension is max per year now I was told. Apply for DTV with soft power and 500,000 in bank 6 months
If any negative history with immigration I think you will not get
If any negative history with immigration I think you will not get
Anonymous ******************
Its unlimited entries but after spending 6 months cumulative in Thailand they want you to get an appropriate visa.
If you come for a week or two at a time you can probably do way more then 2 entries
If you come for a week or two at a time you can probably do way more then 2 entries
Aneek *****
Anonymous participant 784 I’ve done about 10 entries the last year on visa free…. Each time a week/10 days and had no issues. Legit holidays for scuba diving. Don’t think I’ll have issues coming in again in a few weeks.
Luit *****************
@Aneek ****
Exactly, as long as you use visa exempt the way it is meant, as a real tourist, the number of times you can use it is unlimited.Visa exempt and DTV are both not meant to live in Thailand, then you have to look for other types of visa. With DTV the limits are different from visa exempt, but it still is a tourist visa.
Excelle********
Anonymous participant 784 ok yes
But is do 2 months with extension twice then very difficult to be let into country
I agree why not get proper visa or DTV???
But is do 2 months with extension twice then very difficult to be let into country
I agree why not get proper visa or DTV???
Nathan ****
ExcellentTravel Not too sure about that. Border near Surin the Immigration officer said unlimited but... yeah, definitely depends who you get and I think Bangkok is more difficult to enter.
I've done two land border runs this year and hoping my next two weeks in Vietnam and then return will be ok :D
I've done two land border runs this year and hoping my next two weeks in Vietnam and then return will be ok :D
Anonymous *************
OP@Nathan ***
the thing that frustrates me is that the immigration agents at bkk told me to apply dtv or tourist visa but the Manila embassy guys told me to try visa exempt.Nathan ****
Anonymous participant 953 I don't have a DTV, I am doing exempt 😃
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous participant two different entities. I’d personally just fly out to a different county like Vietnam and try reapplying for your DTV from there..
Excelle********
@Nathan ***
let everyone know what happens
Samuel *********
Maybe you applied the “standard” TV (60 days) and it’s the same of the Visa Extemption for your country.
You could try the Multiple Entry.
You could try the Multiple Entry.
Anonymous *************
OP@Samuel ********
it's true, I did apply for single entry 90 day TR not multiple entry. Either way, I guess I'll head back home to the US and try multiple entry
Wannikea *********
Anonymous participant there is no 90 day TR visa, it's a 60 day TR single entry visa that can be extended once an additional 30 days.
Luit *****************
@Wannikea ********
The TR visa is valid for 90 days, that is the period when you have to enter the country, and you get a 60 day stamp when you enter. The 60 dat stay then can eventually extended by 30 days.
Phillip ********
How can people help you when you are anonymous
Marb ********
@Phillip *******
what difference would it make knowing their name? lol
Tim *********
Anonymous ******************
@Phillip *******
you are ask wrong question my dear friend 🌹Activity
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