What to expect when entering Thailand on a Non-Immigrant Business Visa amid strict immigration checks?

Jun 21, 2019
6 years ago
Mint ****
ORIGINAL POSTER
Interesting experience just had at immigration at BKK airport, flew in first class with China Airlines so they gave me a VFS fast track pass that I used, 6 IOs 4 of them female 2 male, was trying to walk slowly as the male IOs had one person each being processed, so got waved over, she looked at my passport and didn't like what she saw, I was coming in on a non immigrant business visa, however she called one of the supervisors over, then fun and games started, they asked me "you work?" I reply "yes on this visa I start working" but they were more interested in my past visas, as I have 5 metv back to back and about 7 visa exempt on my passport, they kept on asking "you work before? and I kept on saying "No! Non-work before, holiday!, But now start work as I have business visa, Anyway half an hour later they stamped me in, what a nightmare, I knew DMK was bad but BKK I think are cracking down or questioning people who have been here on tourist visas for extended periods of time, just thought I would share
1,064
views
8
likes
21
all likes
8
replies
1
images
7
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
A traveler shares a challenging experience at Bangkok's BKK airport while arriving on a Non-Immigrant Business Visa. Despite having the fast-track pass, they faced intense questioning about their past visas and employment status from the immigration officers. This situation suggests a possible tightening of entry checks for travelers with extensive tourist visa histories, leading to concerns among expats regarding immigration scrutiny. Other comments reflect similar experiences among expats regarding increased questioning at immigration.
FAST TRACK RESOURCES / SERVICES
Daniel ************
Phuket asked me last time - that they want see my work permit ...
Mike **********
Phuket had gotten so bad a while back when I was still working outside Thailand, I started flying into BKK then domestic flight over to HKT. Was constantly grilled asking about if I worked in Thailand. Retired now and not flying in/out so much.
Steven ***************
Ive never had an issue in 10 years of coming and living here. Never been asked for proof of funds, etc

But ive also never done back to back entries and always had the appropriate visa, exemption or extension.

Strange ๐Ÿค”
Bob **********
My girl has had back to back TVโ€™s for 5 years now on ED visa get hassled everywhere but at BKK last month not a question from female IO
Christopher ***********
I know many Farang that are leaving and not coming back.
Steven ***************
Thats one very long holiday you had there buddy ๐Ÿ˜‰.

Back to the working life to pay for it.
Mint ****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Steven **************
yeah something along those lines lol
A-I-*****
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
... members ยท 60% approval rate
The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.
Join the Group
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
View the Conversation
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else