Why was a Canadian man detained at Bangkok immigration after multiple visits this year?

Jul 31, 2017
7 years ago
Charlie *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Crazy!! This is copy and pasted from a friend's fb. As you can see they've locked him up because he tried to visit Thailand for just the third time this year! This is crazy, this dude is a Canadian who lives and works in Korea!! Can anyone help or suggest something, I'm up in CM.

"This is serious to everyone and not a joke.

I am in an immigration jail in Bangkok.

They have not given me any reason why . Just questioned why I have been to thailand 3 times this year

I have been beaten.

They say I must fly the same plane company that brought me here which doesn't fly until next Wednesday.

The Canadian embassy is closed

Can ANYOnE please contact anyone where can help.

This one s not a joke"
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A Canadian resident in Korea has been detained at Bangkok's immigration after attempting to enter Thailand for the third time this year. He faced refusal due to a previous overstay and confusion at the entry process, leading to aggressive questioning and unfortunate treatment by immigration officials. Friends and community members are seeking to provide assistance and understand the immigration policies affecting tourism, particularly in light of recent increased scrutiny of frequent visitors to Thailand.
Tod *********
And with that glowing account of what NOT to do when you fly into the country, I think this topic has run it's course.

Good luck to the O/P's friend :O ;) :P :/
Troy *********
So he was behaving badly toward a THAI official and got rejected. Perfect example of "Som Num Na"
Robert ********
Hope he doesn't try that in a bar, it won't be a pretty ending.
Wayne *********
Best approach I always have in any country, Smile, agree and ask politely how to fix the small issue, let them feel superior which is what they want.

I hope all goes well for your buddy
Jeremy ********
The way you write his story it sounds like he was/is heavily medicated
Jeremy ********
Bipolar people usually get themselves in these predicaments
Charlie *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Sorry Jeremy difficult to hear you over the sound of you backpeddling
David ************
This should make the major TV news Networks, at least in Canada. I'll be searching and looking forward to seeing it.
Ron *******
He is coming right back? I think he needs looking at personally. After his performance he's marked by immigration.
Charlie *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
If he is it's now sorted. The Canadian consular official arrived and found him hogtied, Wasn't impressed; matter is not finished between the countries. He's now in KL.
Robert ********
Surely his behavior was recorded by CCTV, it will be interesting to see if he is admitted back.
Charlie *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I know my buddy. He is a fiesty one alright. It sounds like he lost his temper and made them lose face.
Paul ******
Most people reach a point in their lives where they realize that throwing a tantrum will no longer get you what you want and this is especially true in Thailand.
Robert ********
Hope he is feeling a little better now.
Robert ********
He might reconsider his behavior if he wishes to remain in the kingdom for the long (or even) short term.
Robert ********
Wow, I guess yelling and screaming at the IO is not the best approach in such a situation...
Charlie *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Charlie *********
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Charlie *********
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Charlie *********
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Charlie *********
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Charlie *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Update:

Ok update I had a phone call with my friend approx 14.30 01-08-1

This is an account of what he told me;

He said that he'd visited Thailand twice already this year. The last visit he overstayed by one day. He went to somewhere, paid the fine and stayed another two weeks after that. There was one day of overstay that was paid for and sorted at the time.

Upon arrival the Officer would not accept his entry card. He has poor handwriting and apparently the officer refused it three times. The fourth time they refused to accept his accomodation address because it did not state the province. He didn't know the province. At this stage he made a scene and was shouting to the other travellers asking them if they knew their province.

He says the first few hours were a bit of a joke but after that things started to 'go south'. Because he was refused entry no other carriers would take him but the cheapo carrier he used only flew once a week. The officers were also keen to send him back to Canada and had trouble understanding that he had a Canadian passport but lived in Asia and did not want to go to Canada.

He was filming and photographing a lot of things and the officers took his phone and camera and tried to break them. He was consistently beaten and for a prolonged period was 'hog tied and lying in piss'. He felt sure that one officer had 'broken his nut' because he hit him 'right on the side of my nut' (I think he means head). He was not fed for 24 hours.

When the Canadian consulate arrived he was still hogtied and lying in his own waste. The Canadian consulate got real mad and he should be on his way now. (He has now left)

He has to leave but should be coming right back for a couple of weeks.

He is a genuine tourist who got into an argument with an officer. His overstay and the fact he was visiting for the third time seem to have been mentioned. The immigration did not contact the Canadian Consulate, his friends did that.

This is what I was told. Believe, don't believe up to you.

A big thank you to those that posted useful information like the contact details for the Canadian Embassy. Some people here need to have a word with themselves, this wasn't bullshit, it was a genuine case, and because of the actions taken, including posting here me and others have helped to get it resolved.

Just because it didn't happen to you, doesn't mean it doesn't happen.

Thanks again.
Wayne ********
Hogtied?? Like this?
Tod *********
The O/P has contacted me with more information so I opened the thread up so he can post it.
Robert ********
This should be interesting....
Troy *********
He should be calling the 24 hour hotline number for his embassy
Ron *******
Embassys dont get involved with immigration policy.
Richard *********
I just can't believe I have waisted my time reading all these random comments...
Richard *********
Living in Thailand for too long had destroyed my English lol
Wayne ********
I just can't believe you don't know the difference between 'wasted' and 'waisted'.
David **********
That's what popcorn is for.
Ron *******
Was he beaten or did he simply mean he has been beaten by the system and cannot get entry?

That was my take on 'I've been beaten'. I doubt anybody who had been beaten up would be allowed to keep there phone.
Thomas **********
And they had to beat him?....😮
Joe ***********
I have seen a few post about people in detention and noticed most could not follow up due to the confinement and the things I mentioned ...
Charlie *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I will be posting news when I have it. But I will block Byron Ch-sri first because he has been a solid troll throughout, moaning about the thread and yet he is the one who has posted the most comments.
Ron *******
If the Canadian Embassy policy is anything like the UK Embassy policy they won't be involved with a simple refusal of entry. There is nothing they can do. They are not interested. They cannot and will not get involved in a country's immigration policy.
Robert *******
If you want help you post what happened. Not just a random story, sorry
@J*
but this story for me without given extra info starts to look as an attention seaker. Why posting twice no joke, but not even the name, or an explanation of what really happened. No internet at the airport, or charger in your luggage or could borrow from others in the same area, well it could al be, but do you really believe your own excuse? And his friend could not contact the Canadian Embassy today to bring in some help?
Joe ***********
Robert - the guy being detained may not - likely is not capable of posting ... battery dead, no time left on his plan to get to the Internet, Airport WiFi may be cut off ... who knows..
Charlie *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Done. Bye bye Byron
Robert *******
After 1 day no updates, his "friend"
@Charlie ********
who repost this request on this advice page also has no new information. It keeps on going with comments of what could be the reason or it did not happen to me.
@Tod ********
, please close commenting on this post because there will be no information given by the man in jail or his so called friend and it only lead to suggestions about crack downs, terrible Immigration etc.
Kevin *********
The Canadian Embassy have an Out of Hours Emergency number like most of them do (613) 944-1310
David ************
I'm just upset with the exaggeration in the original post. I'm in a Bangkok prison, I've been beaten up, the Canadian embassy is closed, his story is on The Thailand news Then he has no name. Why post it anyway and get people worked up like that. And what help can this forum possibly offer over a guy detained or in a Bangkok prison except say good luck dude.
Charlie *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Seriously top of the post, to the right, little arrow. Press Turn off notifications.
Charlie *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Your post starts "I'm just upset".

Actually a few people have already given good advice and contact numbers. If people get 'worked up' that's up to them. My friend's being detained, they're not.
David ************
@Charlie ********
I'm not upset. Just curious of what you expected to accomplish with that post. A jail break, a helicopter fly in rescue mission or maybe a lawyer to step in. I feel bad for your friend, I really do and hope it works out but he got a lot of people worked up for sure
Charlie *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
His story isn't on the Thailand news, that's someone else. He feels he's in prison because he came on holiday and now he's in a cell with a bunch of strangers. We don't know if he's been beaten or not but yeah, sorry YOU'RE upset. Jesus.
David ************
@Robert ******
oh yea that too.
Robert *******
You forgot to mention without any reason.
David **********
I have an American passport and have entered into Thailand 22 times this year already on visa exempt without one single question. Just left this morning to Singapore.

I always have a return ticket, to the states, I have a condo that I rent, but I've started booking a cheap hotel that I can cancel after I'm granted entry.

I also have more than b20,000 in a Thai bank, but I now carry that much in cash, with the risk of losing it or getting it stolen.

I'm obviously a tourist, never spend more than a week or 10 days in country and most of the time I fly in, spend a few days, go somewhere for a few days and fly back in, couple more days before back to the states.

I'm following the rules, but it's a shame all the extra steps I have to take to ensure legal entry.

I spend a lot of damn money in Thailand, probably close to $20,000 USD per year. I'm the type of tourist they should want!
David ************
David Bradburn yea, your right I forgot your a tourist. I did my 24 in Navy. Definitely took the road less traveled but in the it worked out pretty good. Jumped right in the government sector and Can collect the navy pension but have to still wait a few years for the other and social security if I live that long. Lol
David **********
@David ***********
- That's just what I spend as a tourist in Thailand. Much more than a once a year visitor or backpacker.

I'm not old enough for a retirement visa, but my money in the bank and monthly income would easily qualify me for a retirement visa. Holding off on the prestige or thailand elite visa until I have trouble getting in.

I'm a U.S. Marine. I did my service and then got out. Regret in some ways not going all the way to retirement, but it's the path I chose and it seems to have all worked out for the best
David ************
David, that's not so huge amount. It wouldn't even qualify you for a retirement extension of stay if you went on monthly income. I live off twice that and find myself short at month end. I saw you did service. Did you retire from the military by chance.
Jim *******
@Robert ******
. Wrong, if one has 65,000 thb per month income you'll qualify for the retirement extension. It just needs to be verified by your Embassy in Thailand.
Robert ********
Hong Kong is becoming a 3rd world country, part of China.
Daniel ************
Byron Ch-sri its 2nd world country ...
David **********
Byron Ch-sri - I don't spend that all on travel, I also pay for a Thai citizens university tuition.

And I also go to Japan, Hong Kong and Singapore. Hardly 3rd world countries.
David **********
@Graham ********
- Don't hate!

I work hard and for that I'm well compensated.

Then I live life to its fullest!
Graham *********
cheap charlie..
*****
dollars..lol
Robert *******
Sorry to let you know, the extra steps that you as genuine tourist has to take is thanks to those people who sometimes abused the rules.
David ************
Since your in and out so much and often, it's clearly obvious your not working illegally here.
David **********
I've been locked up zero times. I've been questioned zero times. I've been refused entry zero times.

I'm a tourist. I don't take a job away from a Thai.

The point of Thai tourism is to generate income for thailand. It isn't to give people good feelings about thailand, broaden their mind, fill the BTS with bodies.

I pump money into the economy, I don't cause trouble, I don't do border runs, I don't stay in hostels living off b50 a day, I don't sell photographs or play guitar by the bts asking for money, I didnt seek out a bullshit TFEL degree just to extend my stay, the children be damned with a "give a shit about thier education" attitude. I follow the law and I'm not asking for any special treatment, just apply the rules as they are written.

If they don't want me or my money in their country I'll take it elsewhere.
Robert *******
To make it clear: With the exchange rate of today you need
*****
USD to get an Extension of Stay 3 months seasoned on a bank account based on retirement.
Robert *******
And how many times you have been locked up and refused entry? the amount of money spent is for me just a laugh, I'm rich and they should respect me for that is total nonsense.
David **********
I work on a ship in the U.S.

Work for a month straight and then off for two weeks off. I have a house in Texas that I spend about 2 or 3 days at every 6 weeks, the rest of the time I'm in Thailand or traveling in and out of Thailand to other countries.

So where do I really live? Pretty much nowhere I guess.
Robert ********
No idea, I remain here long term without ever leaving the country, but my visa allows for this, 555+
David **********
I should probably change that lives part time in thailand huh? 555
Robert ********
Interesting that your FB page also reads "Lives in Thailand" ;-)
Robert *******
I just wait till we know more than denied entry without any reason.
Paul ******
This is quite worrisome, I am on my second trip to Thailand this year and had planned on coming back again in November but I guess I will have to cancel that trip if we are only allowed to come here twice a year.
Lawrence *********
You can just make sure you have 20k baht in cash and get your visa before hand at a Thai embassy outside Thailand, not a visa on arrival.
Wayne *********
You can visit more than that, I visit every 2 weeks and never been asked or stopped, it's more to do with people they suspect to be working illegally in Thailand
Tod *********
Okay, there is NOTHING in the rules that says how many times you can or can't come to thailand in a defined period of time.

You will most likely have NO problem entering the country.

Let's not start jumping on the "doom and gloom" bandwagon quite yet okay?
Charlie *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
This is on the news? Please post a link. My friend was entering not leaving, and I'm not sure but I don't know of any dual nationality
Darren *********
what has he done wrong, I wonder
Tod *********
Okay, first off the guy is not in prison, he's not even at the main immigration lock up down on Soi Suan Plu. He's being held at the airport detention center.

Unfortunately, that is where they charge you money every day to stay until you fly back out. :/
Tod *********
I am not tryin' to make light of the persons plight believe me. I'm just sayin' it could be way worse..
Ron *******
Compared to some places in Khao san Rd, it's 5 star 😊
Ron *******
Anthony Evans Todd said can you unblock him as he can't see your posts. Cheers

PS He can see them but can't respond.
Tod *********
Someone tell Anthony Evans to unblock me (i can see his posts, just not respond).
Ron *******
And this is why you hardly hear about what could actually be bigger than it's being made out to be. Nobody in there right mind wants to post to be called a bullshitter.

Let's be honest, if you post and say it's white somebody will argue it's black.
Wayne ********
Instead of showing 20,000 baht in cash, can I show the immigration officer my Bitcoin holdings on my phone?
Wayne ********
It's 2017. Who uses cash anymore?? Cash is only good for street food and hookers, but oh wait, the Thai government is in the process of shutting those businesses down.
Tero ************
Please use common sense. Bitcoin is currency of criminals is what some think..
Ron *******
You can't show anything on your phone. Cash or rejected. Nice and simple.
Tony *******
This happened to me last week and I feel sickened at how many people want to call bullshit or act like they deserved it (your time may come chaps)
Nilton *****************
It's nuts at the moment people telling better come in via bus 🚌 visa tours and all that. Airport lately hell
Wayne ********
@Anthony ******
I left a couple of weeks ago. No plans to go back with the current situation. Plenty of other countries that are less hostile to foreigners. Hopefully the military steps down next year, like has been announced, and the madness ends.
Wayne ********
They're just trolling,
@Ant****
. So what ended up happening to you? Did you end up getting back in?
Terry **********
corect mate to many smug i told you so posts, not funny when people just jump to idiotic statements, and opinions,shame on you for your Thainesss ????
Charlie *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I really thought this was one of the better facebook groups, and to be fair there are some really helpful people, but also a load of know-it-all know nothings who live for the thrill of calling bullshit. The guy is in prison ok? He is a University lecturer visiting Thailand because he likes it and they've thrown him in prison for his trouble. Sorry you had to go through that
@Anthony ******
David ************
In my opinion people posting here each time they beat the system or are not asked for funds give others a false sense of security so they take unnecessary chance at the immigration points. Rules are rules just follow them and for sure you won't have problems.
Duncan *******
Something missing in the write up here...
Charlie *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
He is not in this photo. Anyone recognise the place?
Janet ***************
thank you
Janet ***************
none of them look panic stricken or beaten...just saying...
Kevin ***********
@Tod ********
it's more of a King size x5 luxury piss bed.
Tod *********
@Kevin **********
good to know (y) , so for sure he's at suvarnabhumi

I thought I'd seen a pic from DMK with them :/
Declan *****************
north KOREA looking good
Kevin ***********
Dmk doesn't have bunk beds actually. 😂
Tod *********
@Wa***
, nope seen pix posted by people at both places :)
Wayne *********
@Tod ********
ha ha similar Tod you been in there ?
Charlie *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
he called the airport 'the new one' that's why i think suvarnabhumi
Tod *********
the lock up at Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi look really similar with those bunk beds :/
Declan *****************
ask your friend to send a quick pick of his detention area

you soon know the truth
Charlie *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
ok let me look cheers
@Tod ********
Tod *********
if you know the airline he flew in on you'd know the airport he landed here at. ;)
Charlie *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I have pics but we think he's at suvarnabhumi now. Hold on see if I can blank out people's faces
Charlie *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks for positive feedback I've contacted Anglo Thai Legal, they say they are going to enquire and get back to me.
Charlie *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Wayne *********
Charlie Brennan probably the best way to get it sorted and hopefully sorted quickly
Charlie *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
You're right I won't be posting his name
Tod *********
There certainly has to be more to this than the O/P is relating about his friend.
Charlie *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
From his comments below his post is this "After asked to follow lk out my arrival card for the 3 rd time a I raised my voice and asked what more do you want?"
Tod *********
@Alex ***
It may not be anything like that, :/

I'm just sayin' there isn't enough information right now about it to know what happened when they entered the country or what is happening now
Alex ****
Agree! Not want to reveal name no one can help him. And OP have something to hide!
Wayne *********
Let's all be honest, there will be more to this than we are being told, I would be interested to know...

How long did he leave for before trying to return ?
***
days ? Maybe then asked him to prove he had funds to provide for himself and he couldn't so they suspect him of illegally working ???? So many possibilities but nothing to do with the. Number of times or I would certainly get stopped
Wayne *********
Gee 3 time a year.... how come I come every month and never been stopped or asked, in fact Friday when I arrived they joke I will need new passport soon
Saurabh *****************
"I have been beaten" ???? why the hell would they beat a tourist unless he decides to be a dick.
Ricky **************
I suspect the guys freaking out and pulled the "beaten" card to attract some sort of sympathetic attention that he thinks will bring his case to light. If he really has been beaten there's no doubt he asked for it through ill manner and conduct
Wayne ********
Maybe he doesn't mean beaten as in physically?
Saurabh *****************
Ohh okk
Erik ************
Nah, he worked at that hippyjoint Overstay
Saurabh *****************
Sexually abused ? just coz of Ostay ????
Erik ************
Remember that twat from Overstay that was 'sexually abused'....? Same same, I call bs.
Tod *********
So where is this person being held right now? Is he down at IDC lock up on Soi Suan Plu or is he still being held at the airport in detention there?
Charlie *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
he's in BBK immigration detention The new air port. I guess he means suvarnabhumi
Charlie *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
He has posted twice I just turned on fb. Hold on let me fire up my computer
Charlie *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I basically only know what I've posted. Sounds to me like they've taken him from the airport
David ************
What's his name. There was just a Canadian last week in hot water with immigration.
Charlie *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Patcharee **********
Yeah I sent a message to my wife
พัชรี **********
@Charlie ********
Get thai person call and talk to the officer then you will get all answers/doubt clearly.
Charlie *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I'm not going to post his name. He arrived on Saturday night I think. He's a professor at a Korean University.
Ian *********
I just checked and plenty of ways to contact Canadian Embassy

Telephone: +66 (0) 2646-4300

Email:
**********************************


You can also contact our Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa anytime after our business hours, from Thailand:

dial 001-800-1-562-20-0142 (toll free)

call collect where available to +1 (613) 996-8885

TTY: +1 (613) 944-1310

after business hours: you may also contact the Embassy and your call will be transferred to the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa (follow the prompt "Canadian in need of assistance")

Email:
***********************
Charlie *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
This is great thank you. I've rung the embassy but just got an answerphone
Jeremy ********
what airline flies in once a week? Why won't they let him take any airline out of Thailand? I call BS on this post
Ron *******
It's all a bit like a coach mystery tour we used to go on when I was a kid.
Tod *********
Sometimes on these denial of entries they make you go back to country of passport origin OR they make you go back to where you flew in from OR they let you go to any country you can get into with your passport. It's totally a crap shoot, :/
Ron *******
We have no idea why he has been denied entry. We have no idea if he even has at least 6 months left on his passport. That alone will dictate he's going back to Canada on a direct flight. There is nowhere in the region he can enter.

Apart from Thailand, there isn't many country's that allow entry with less than 6 months passport validity full stop.
Jeremy ********
if he has a Canadian passport he can enter what 100+ countries without a visa so I don't see why they would stop him from departing
Ron *******
@Jeremy *******
that's up to immigration I'm afraid. They call the shots not us.
Jeremy ********
@Ron ******
that's crazy...as long as you buy a ticket to depart the country it should be no circumstance where you go
Ron *******
If they are sending somebody back it's not unusual that it has to be a National carrier of the person's passport country.
Jeremy ********
I doubt it
Charlie *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
It's genuine and if you haven't got anything constructive to add then please feel free to ignore the post. Thanks
Sander ***************
Canadian embassy isn't closed...
Ryan *********
It would be closed on the weekend.
Declan *****************
even if closed they have a 24 hour consular guy/lady
Daniel ************
they got an emergency number ....
Charlie *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Then I don't know. Maybe they aren't telling him the truth
Sander ***************
Was closed July 10th, and will be closed again August 14th.... Was open yesterday
Charlie *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
From yesterday
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