Answered8 years ago

What should I do if I had a worrying experience at Thai immigration after switching from an ED visa to travel plans?

ED Visa Thailand Immigration Visa Rules Visa Exemptions Traveling in Southeast Asia Border Bounce

Eugenie ***************

asked May 3, 2018

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Would like some feedback please...worrying experience yesterday: 

We were on a so called year ED visa and this came as one 90 day visa and then one 60 day stamp (5 months). Our school then told us we would need to border bounce via minivan to get an additional 30 days...they clearly meant an exemption, so because this didn't fit in with plans and meant that the year we paid for was a farce, we decided to fly to KL and back yesterday. My husband was stamped in fine, but I was held back, saw 'the immigration manager' and then their manager. Questioned why I wasn't studying anymore (plans changed want to travel around SE asia not just stay in Phuket), was I working, when am I leaving, where's my onward flight booking etc. Very scary and I felt as though they very nearly said no...I am back in but NOT fun. 

Question: what have I done wrong? This is the first exemption I have got and before that was on a visa. 

Our plans were to travel for a few months around SE asia and then come back to Thailand in July....but now worried they won't let me :-(

Fyi - DID have ED visa cancelled and DID have a letter from the school

Answer summary

The individual shared a troubling experience at Thai immigration while transitioning from an Education (ED) visa to travel plans in Southeast Asia. After flying to Malaysia for a visa run, the person faced scrutiny from immigration officers regarding their change of plans and path to travel, especially after their ED visa had been canceled. They sought feedback on their situation and expressed concerns about future re-entry into Thailand, despite feeling they had not done anything wrong.

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Robert *******

It seems to me you did nothing wrong. But lots of others did abuse their ED visa and the Immigration and Tourist Police announced they would take action against abuse. You where just unlucky and stopped, your husband was lucky and went in without problems.

8 years ago

Tod *********

@Eugenie **************

take a picture of the stamp and the thai and post it or message it to me

I can read thai inside outside upside down in a box with a fox ;)

8 years ago

Robert *******

5555 I can speak enough to get by and understand a lot more if the speak slowly. Normally the Thai text on an ED visa is the name of the school. Only with papers of that school you can apply for an Extension of Stay. I don't think you will have a problem to re-enter Thailand next time, but always make sure you can provide the 3 proofs if asked: Proof of funds in cash, accommodation and onward travel.

8 years ago

Eugenie ***************

Would you think based on this be that we will have probs coming back to thailand? Are land crossings easier?

There is quite a bit of Thai handwritten over my original ED stamp that seemed to be queried both leaving and entering Thailand...if I snap a pic, would you know what it says? My Thai never did progress that far, though I was ready to spill out every word I have ever learnt if asked lol :-)

8 years ago