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What should South Africans know about Thai tourist visa translations?

Thai Visa Rules South African Expats Tourist Visa Visa Miscommunications Embassy Procedures Translations and Documentation

Dec 13, 2018

6 years ago

Lawrence ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

A word of advice for fellow South Africans with Thai writing on their tourist visas: make sure you get the writing translated properly before going to get any new visas. I was told the writing in my visa meant I had to go back to South Africa for a new tourist visa. Apparently it actually means I have to go back to South Africa for anything OTHER than a tourist visa. I'm currently cooling my heels in Vientiane waiting for the embassy to open on Monday so I can apply for a new tourist visa.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

A South African expat shares their experience with miscommunication regarding Thai tourist visa translations, highlighting the importance of proper translation before applying for new visas. They encountered issues due to incorrect interpretations of the Thai writing on their visa, which led to confusion about their obligations. The expat is currently in Vientiane waiting for the embassy to open to sort out their visa situation.

Ricus *********

Any update Lawrence?

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Linda *********

@Ricus ********

... yes I am updated...

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Ricus *********

@Linda ********

Fyi

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Lawrence ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Ricus ********

they haven't issued it, but if all your paperwork is in order it'll take 24 hours, just like any other embassy.

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Lawrence ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

thanks for trying. I am determined that my future lies here, so I will be doing whatever I need to in order to stay LEGALLY.

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Ricus *********

Lawrence Beck YES I am grateful for that, thank you. I just want to know how long it took them to issue your Non-B in South Africa as I have to go back there.

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Lawrence ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Ricus ********

unfortunately it doesn't matter how many exemptions and extensions you've had. Everything ties back to that original visa. Fortunately my experience should now save you the expense of a wasted trip to Vientiane.

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Ricus *********

@Lawrence *****

How long did it take them to issue your Non-B in SA?

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Ricus *********

Thank you. Very bad news.

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Tod *********

@Ricus ********

, when you go to Lao you're not on ANY visa from thailand, you're already stamped OUT of the country.

They will see the old visa and not let you apply there in Lao

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Lawrence ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Ricus ********

if you want to stay and work legally in Thailand your only option is to get your visa in SA. One more hoop to jump through, but it will definitely be worth it in the long run.

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Ricus *********

I understand.

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Ricus *********

Of course, but then I can get my Non B in Laos as I'll be here on an exemption and not the Tourist Visa anymore.

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Tod *********

The thing is EVEN if you come in on a visa exempt entry that VISA (even though it's used) is still in your passport and all the consulates would see it when you apply there for a new visa and deny you.

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Robert *******

@Ricus ********

Not if you want to work in Thailand.

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Ricus *********

It seems like I have to go back to change for any type of visa. Would it suffice to do a visa run and come back on an exemption visa?

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Tod *********

@Ricus ********

you need to see exactly what is written on your visa. There are a few different things she wrote. One is you need to go to pretoria for ANY visa, one is you need to go to pretoria for a work visa, one is something else sorry I can't remember

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Ricus *********

I am on a tourist visa with that same writing. Will get my work visa next month as I have extended the current tourist visa. Are you saying I can only get the non-imm in Pretoria?

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Tod *********

@Lawrence *****

I am so sorry for that. I complained to that consulate that some wing-nut thai was writing on the visas and making a LOT of problems for S/A passport holders but they didn't answer back :/

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Lawrence ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Any South Africans wanting to work in Thailand must NOT get a visa in Pretoria. It's better to get an exemption on arrival here. I will be getting my non immigrant B visa, but I HAVE to go to Pretoria for it.

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Lawrence ******

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Hennig *****************

But is it just the fact that u are South African?

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Somkit *********

@Hennig ****************

more likely🤔

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Ron ******************

Let me not go there, but ignorance is bliss they say.

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Lawrence ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

it's a problem when they overlook the first word and just focus on "Africa".

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John *********

Looks like you get lumped in with the rest of Africa, where there are some right dodgy countries. Shame.

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Lawrence ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Hennig ****************

it seems like it.

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Lawrence ******

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Tod *********

There is ONE person in that consulate in S/A that is really messing up a LOT of S/A passport holders who get visas from there before they come to thailand.

I don't know why she writes on the visas at all. I sent her an email and she didn't really answer why.

BUT I agree, get someone who knows thai and VISAS to read what's written on your visa if you got it from the thai consulate in S/A..

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Robert *******

Keep us updated.

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Lawrence ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

will do.

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Lawrence ******

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