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Will an incident involving a damaged rental bike affect my DTV visa application?
Nov 18, 2024
a year ago
Kajetan *************
ORIGINAL POSTERI would like to apply for DTV but there was an INCIDENT during my last visit.
When returning the bike, the owner accused me of damaging it (the side was slightly scratched, it was like that when I rented it, but I didn't take any photos). He wanted 10 or 15 thousand baht from me, I refused and went to the airport to leave Thailand. The owner wrote to me, showed screenshots from the messenger, that he had notified a policeman he knew, it looked quite credible, but he also said that the Thai police wanted to arrest me and that he had submitted reports that would reach all SEA countries (xD).
Could this affect my DTV visa? How can I check if this migration has received any reports? I haven't been to Thailand since then and I wanted to apply for DTV from Europe, but maybe a better idea would be to fly to Thailand for 60 days, see if the police or migration will have any questions for me and then apply for DTV by flying to a neighboring country ?
When returning the bike, the owner accused me of damaging it (the side was slightly scratched, it was like that when I rented it, but I didn't take any photos). He wanted 10 or 15 thousand baht from me, I refused and went to the airport to leave Thailand. The owner wrote to me, showed screenshots from the messenger, that he had notified a policeman he knew, it looked quite credible, but he also said that the Thai police wanted to arrest me and that he had submitted reports that would reach all SEA countries (xD).
Could this affect my DTV visa? How can I check if this migration has received any reports? I haven't been to Thailand since then and I wanted to apply for DTV from Europe, but maybe a better idea would be to fly to Thailand for 60 days, see if the police or migration will have any questions for me and then apply for DTV by flying to a neighboring country ?
TLDR : Answer Summary
The individual inquiring wants to apply for a DTV visa but is concerned about a previous incident involving a bike rental where the owner accused them of causing damage. Despite the owner's threats of police involvement, many community responses reassure that such a minor incident is unlikely to affect the visa application. They suggest that it seems to be a common scam in Thailand and recommend continuing with the DTV application but possibly first entering Thailand on a visa exemption to assess the situation.
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Kelly ********
I don't think that would be a problem. If it happened the way you're telling us, I highly doubt he would take it that far. But then you said you were here for over 20 days... Did that all happen on the same trip? Because that could be a problem... You could go to the Thai Embassy and ask them.
Ned *******
Don’t worry about it. It’s a typical scam. It’s highly unlikely that their scam will affect your immigration status in general.
Kajetan *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Ned ******
im pretty sure he made Police report and he also had my passport copy :(Ned *******
Kajetan Michalewicz I’ve been here for 3+ years and seen this happen to many farangs. I’ve seen enough to know that it shouldn’t affect your immigration status at all since it’s not a major crime.
But if you have photos of before and after returning the bike, you should keep the photos handy in case you’re planning on coming back to the same area in Thailand. Use those photos to get a statement from Honda or Yamaha appraising the value of the damage (pay the shop keeper something for their time), go to the tourist police and get an interpreter, us their help to file a counter claim, drag it out until they’re sick of you and move on.
But if you don’t have the fight in you, I suggest don’t go back to the same area.
Good luck !
But if you have photos of before and after returning the bike, you should keep the photos handy in case you’re planning on coming back to the same area in Thailand. Use those photos to get a statement from Honda or Yamaha appraising the value of the damage (pay the shop keeper something for their time), go to the tourist police and get an interpreter, us their help to file a counter claim, drag it out until they’re sick of you and move on.
But if you don’t have the fight in you, I suggest don’t go back to the same area.
Good luck !
Paul *******
@Ned ******
Better NOT come back to the same area of Thailand and certainly not the area where the shop is located.Reply to
Paul *******
Reply
Raul ***********
Chill mate. I have overstayed 2 days in in July with tourist visa I just paid 1k bath fine and didnt affect my DTV application.
Its Thailand not USA 😉😂😂😂
Its Thailand not USA 😉😂😂😂
Kajetan *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Raul **********
2 days is not problem, i overstayed 20 in 2022 :(Reply to
Kajetan *************
Reply
Mudasser *******
Don't worry too much, nothing be happened in immigration area, because this is not a big case
Kajetan *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Mudasser ******
so even if he made report to Police i can still apply for dtv?Mudasser *******
Kajetan Michalewicz yes apply only not go front of that person
Kajetan *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Mudasser ******
why?Reply to
Kajetan *************
Reply
Michael ******
This is a classic grift from the motorbike rental shops in Thailand. I can’t tell you how many times i’ve seen it just walking by a shop.
I hightly doubt he went through all that effort when he knows he’s lying, and even if he wasn’t he most likely wouldn’t be able to go through court proceedings.
I hightly doubt he went through all that effort when he knows he’s lying, and even if he wasn’t he most likely wouldn’t be able to go through court proceedings.
Kajetan *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Michael *****
can he go to court if I am not prezent in Thailand?Michael ******
I don't know. But again, if he was just trying on a grift, he's already forgotten about it. Why don't you give your embassy a call?
Reply to
Michael ******
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Elías ********
If you've been banned (which I deem very unlikely) you wouldn't be allowed to enter as a visa exemption tourist either. I'd just apply for the DTV. If approved, it means you'll be able to enter without trouble. If there's any ongoing legal case, they won't accept the DTV application.
Paul *******
Elías Molina I'm not sure the Department of Foreign Affairs, which is responsible for visa issuance abroad, has access to databases, which check for blacklisting etc
That's why we hear of people being granted Thai visas but then refused entry at the border.
While I don't think he has been blacklisted or has any ongoing legal issues, if I were him, I'd take the risk and show up at the Thai border, arriving by land from a neighboring country.
If one doesn't want to chance it or spend the money on finding out, then better don't come at all and find greener pastures.
It's all about what risks one is willing to take.
I personally think the risk of showing up, by land, from a neighboring country is minimal.
The OP talks about not wanting to "waste money", well, a lawyer would cost good money, applying for a DTV would cost money (applying from Europe, you pay irrespective of the result) and a plane ticket costs money.
If at the end of the day, the worst happens and you're refused entry, let's say, if coming from Malaysia, then just spend a couple of weeks vacationing there and go home. No big deal.
That's why we hear of people being granted Thai visas but then refused entry at the border.
While I don't think he has been blacklisted or has any ongoing legal issues, if I were him, I'd take the risk and show up at the Thai border, arriving by land from a neighboring country.
If one doesn't want to chance it or spend the money on finding out, then better don't come at all and find greener pastures.
It's all about what risks one is willing to take.
I personally think the risk of showing up, by land, from a neighboring country is minimal.
The OP talks about not wanting to "waste money", well, a lawyer would cost good money, applying for a DTV would cost money (applying from Europe, you pay irrespective of the result) and a plane ticket costs money.
If at the end of the day, the worst happens and you're refused entry, let's say, if coming from Malaysia, then just spend a couple of weeks vacationing there and go home. No big deal.
Kajetan *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Elías *******
i dont wanna fly to thailand only to be rejectedGreg ********
@Elías *******
Are you not assuming here embassies have access to the Immigration system? From other posts it would seem they do not? That is why on the MFA website they cover their backside. They state they issue visas, can be any, but Immigration have final say. I very much doubt this guy is on a blacklist but you can pay to find out of you are through certain agents and lawyers with the right contacts.Kajetan *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Greg *******
how much it can cost?Greg ********
Kajetan Michalewicz Ask these guys but you are not blacklisted given the info you supplied
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Kajetan *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Greg *******
i think im not but i would like to know if I have legal problemsGreg ********
Kajetan Michalewicz I understand yiur concern but I really doubt you will have any issues. There is a lot more for the police to be concerned with here than a scratch on a rented motorcycle.
Reply to
Greg ********
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Brian *********
Although unlikely, I wouldn’t rule it completely out based on a story from a friend of mine. He was opening a restaurant as a chef for a big shot in Bangkok and he took some food (ingredients) from the restaurant home to his apartment. A woman working in the restaurant had it out for him, because she wanted to have a higher position in the business and reported him to the police. She was Thai and had connections, and he was arrested, detained for 60 days, and the deported with a 99 yr ban. All because he ‘stole’ some food from a restaurant he worked at…
Paul *******
Kajetan Michalewicz Then you need to ask yourself, whether you want to take the risk of coming back to Thailand at all?
Sometimes, experiences like the one you had are traumatic and are enough to turn you away from the country they occurred in for life.
If I may ask, in what city did this incident happen?
Sometimes, experiences like the one you had are traumatic and are enough to turn you away from the country they occurred in for life.
If I may ask, in what city did this incident happen?
Paul *******
@Brian ********
That seems a bit unlikely although with that said he was accused of theft.The OPs case alleges damage to a bike, not theft. Quite different.
Kajetan *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Paul ******
actually i left the bike at my home because i didnt want to contact him, so he made report about theft and when he found the bike (i told him after flight to Malaysia) he stated he withdraw this report :DPaul *******
Kajetan Michalewicz Aha...the plot thickens, but OK, it sounds like you should be alright.
Kajetan *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Paul ******
im scared af xDReply to
Kajetan *************
Reply
Charles **********
Surely Something like damage to a bike which can be argued by either side would surely be a civil case? I'm not entirely sure but I don't think they can blacklist you for something like that, maybe they can sue you though?
Paul *******
@Charles *********
Exactly my thoughts.Kajetan *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Charles *********
and can they sue me when im not in Thailand anymore?Reply to
Kajetan *************
Reply
Paul *******
I doubt something so minor could be a reason for blacklisting you.
The only thing I'd advise is to avoid that shop, the area near the shop and if you're particularly concerned, the town or city where you rented the bike from.
The only thing I'd advise is to avoid that shop, the area near the shop and if you're particularly concerned, the town or city where you rented the bike from.
Paul *******
Kajetan Michalewicz Yes I know. That's why I think you should be OK.
Paul *******
Kajetan Michalewicz Well, if you want to come to Thailand, it's going to be expensive regardless of whether you fly direct or via Malaysia.
Again, I can't see anyone being banned over something so small.
If you stole the bike, possibly a different story.
Again, I can't see anyone being banned over something so small.
If you stole the bike, possibly a different story.
Kajetan *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Paul ******
I gave it back :DReply to
Kajetan *************
Reply
Paul *******
Kajetan Michalewicz You may need to hire an immigration lawyer but for your particular case, the way you described it, I don't see an issue.
Why not come over and see for yourself? Probably the best way would be to fly into a neighboring country and attempt to enter by land. If you're refused, you get bounced back to the country you just left, no big deal. At least you don't waste a whole flight ticket that way, because then at least you can explore the neighboring country you flew into (such as Malaysia or Vietnam).
Why not come over and see for yourself? Probably the best way would be to fly into a neighboring country and attempt to enter by land. If you're refused, you get bounced back to the country you just left, no big deal. At least you don't waste a whole flight ticket that way, because then at least you can explore the neighboring country you flew into (such as Malaysia or Vietnam).
Kajetan *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Paul ******
lets assume he made report in 2022, do i have problem now with entering Thailand?Paul *******
Kajetan Michalewicz I doubt it. You'll probably be OK. Now, if it were a serious case, then you'd still have trouble entering 2 years later, but this was a minor case and he probably didn't even do any of the things he threatened. You'll be fine.
Reply to
Paul *******
Reply
Kajetan *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Paul ******
because im in Europe so its pretty expensive to fly to Malaysia to check it :-(Reply to
Kajetan *************
Reply
Kajetan *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Paul ******
thanks, do you know how can i contact immigration to confirm im not blacklisted?Reply to
Kajetan *************
Reply
Koin ******
sad..but always take picture before !
Greg ********
What did the screenshots say - was it merely text messages or an official police report - which would have been in Thai. I really doubt you will have a problem but coming in one Visa Exempt like you propose is an idea.
Kajetan *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Greg *******
screenshots from some social media (line maybe?) it wasnt official report 99% (3 years ago)Greg ********
Kajetan Michalewicz You will be fine. I would not worry about it. As I said elsewhere you can pay to find out if you are on a blacklist but yiu would be wasting your money. Apply for the DTV and enjoy your time in Thailand with it.
Reply to
Greg ********
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