Answered5 months ago
Why did I experience extra scrutiny while departing Thailand with my weak passport?
Got "held up" while departing
I use the manned IO booths for departing, not the e-gates, as I have a weak 3rd world passport which doesn't have the NFC chip. Normally I'm just stamped out in like 30-seconds or so. But this time the lady took maybe 2 or 3 minutes just starring at her screen or my passport, before finally stamping my departure stamp and letting me go. Afterward, she seemed to call what I assumed to be her supervisor, who gave me a head-node for some reason but didn't say anything else. This has left me anxious about my return. I've been in and out MULTIPLE times with this DTV with absolutely ZERO issues (literately never been questioned). What could she have been doing? I've got tonnes of in and out DTV stamps. Was that her concern? Hope I'm just overthinking.
I use the manned IO booths for departing, not the e-gates, as I have a weak 3rd world passport which doesn't have the NFC chip. Normally I'm just stamped out in like 30-seconds or so. But this time the lady took maybe 2 or 3 minutes just starring at her screen or my passport, before finally stamping my departure stamp and letting me go. Afterward, she seemed to call what I assumed to be her supervisor, who gave me a head-node for some reason but didn't say anything else. This has left me anxious about my return. I've been in and out MULTIPLE times with this DTV with absolutely ZERO issues (literately never been questioned). What could she have been doing? I've got tonnes of in and out DTV stamps. Was that her concern? Hope I'm just overthinking.
Answer summary
A user shares an experience of being delayed while departing Thailand, noting unusual scrutiny from immigration officers. Despite having a valid DTV visa and a history of hassle-free travels, anxiety ensues from the interaction, especially as it involved an officer looking at the screen for longer than usual before approving the departure. Community comments suggest it may be due to increased scrutiny of certain passports and advise the user to not overthink the situation, emphasizing that carrying proper documentation should alleviate concerns for future travels.
18 repliesnewest first
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Chris **********
IO to work bestie - "Yo, look at this goober"
Nongluk *************
You have to be thinking to be over thinking hon.
Andy *****
Have you spent over 180 days in Thailand in the year?
SunnyLob********
Don't worry about it. I got once questioned at departure (leaving Thailand) through land border to Malaysia why I don't bring a 20 kg suitecase and if I plan to come back. IO then also asked me when I plan to come back, which I replied with 5 days.
On my way back I flew into DMK & got stamped into the country within 1 min without any questions asked.
You will be fine✌🏽
On my way back I flew into DMK & got stamped into the country within 1 min without any questions asked.
You will be fine✌🏽
James ********
What is your passport nation?
For what purpose for the DTV visa were you approved?
Workcation or Soft Power Activity?
If soft power activity, which one?
For what purpose for the DTV visa were you approved?
Workcation or Soft Power Activity?
If soft power activity, which one?
YU**
Sure overthinking.
Dany ********
just bring all your documents and fresh proof for your next entry. shouldnt be a problem as you have a legit dtv and ongoing activity, right?
Elías ********
You literally weren't hold, tho
Ray *****
Over thinking
Dani ******
I think head-node is more of a sign that everything is tip-top. If it wasn't, they wouldn't let you out so easily anyways.
Chris *********
Try to stop making a name for yourself.
SincereL********
Certain passports are getting more scrutiny than others at the moment. Anutins government has said there is a crackdown on certain types of crime. Arrests are up and so many are just caught up in scrutiny, innocent or not. My friend had a nightmare with Burmese passport for years until he got Singapore citizenship. Needed visas for everywhere.
LongTimeLivi************
Maybe their intranet was slow.
A. ************
Obviously they almost realized you are the known international hitman Carlos "The Jackal." It is time for you to trash that current passport and assume a new identity.
Seriously, quit worrying. And honestly, if there is an issue it obviously wasn't big enough to pull you aside to be questioned, and there is nothing worrying about it will solve. All you can really do is have your paperwork ready to show the next time you arrive.
Seriously, quit worrying. And honestly, if there is an issue it obviously wasn't big enough to pull you aside to be questioned, and there is nothing worrying about it will solve. All you can really do is have your paperwork ready to show the next time you arrive.
Positive********
Immigration officers can perform checks at borders or within the country. Nothing new but you’re usually the one claiming the opposite, aren’t you? 😅 You’ve been stamped so all good for now.
Anonymous ******************
PositiveLynx7934 Don't be so judgemental you clown 🤡
Robert *******
So without any communication you got a stamp.
Another officer lifted his head and said nothing.
And now you are afraid to come back.
People do tend to move, stick out a hand to collect your passport, do it again to hand it back, move their head, shoulders or even a leg.
If you want to visit Thailand again, bring your passport, your printed DTV and the TDAC with you, hand it over AND do not sh,,, your pants if a question is asked.
Immigration Officers on a checkpoint are not there to carry your bags or offer Champange on ice.
Another officer lifted his head and said nothing.
And now you are afraid to come back.
People do tend to move, stick out a hand to collect your passport, do it again to hand it back, move their head, shoulders or even a leg.
If you want to visit Thailand again, bring your passport, your printed DTV and the TDAC with you, hand it over AND do not sh,,, your pants if a question is asked.
Immigration Officers on a checkpoint are not there to carry your bags or offer Champange on ice.
DTV_Be*******
You’re overthinking
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