@Manfred *********

not necessarily. I answer as someone currently serving a ban.

@Jae ******

fair play. Well done. Very kind. I wonder if they answer and can just check like that. I will try tomorrow. I take back what I said before.

@Jack ********

yes, a good and well connected agent should be able to run the name, but we might just get back what we know already, banned, ban expired and it's down to the officer on the day. They may give a little more, maybe say there is nothing showing on the system, so can relax.

@Jeremy *******

agreed. What phone number will you call ? "Hello this is thai immigration, how may we help you,,......" It.just doesn't happen. I found it was virtually impossible to get a lawyer to even draft an appeal letter. I tried 6,7 different firms, I even drafted a draft for them to go on. I stated it was a chargeable service and expecting to pay. So frustrating, I gave up as time to appeal was running out.

@Charlie ******

Really ? bad advice, you'll never be a good international fugitive, just get real one for fucks sake, for the sake a few thousand baht. And accomodation booking, and funds in cash. And all.paperwork you can carry.

@Michael *********

and my first point, environmental impact.

@Michael *********

2200 Ringit ? £370 GBP ? And travel cost to the airport and back ? Possibly some airport food at airport prices ? And the flight takes 1 hour perhaps. And the travel time to the airport doesn't count ? I don't know in your case. Maybe an hour each way ? Time spent in the airport ? It is an international flight. Maybe an hour each way ? So what time did you leave home, and return home ? Total journey time. Yes I do live in thailand. As for the van drivers, you think Malaysian pilots or engineers/technicians/groundstaff are any better ? Flight MH370 ? The van drivers have actually been impressively professional, they also push us through immigration, hand holding all the way. I've seen one get behind the counter and showing the immigration staff what's what and where their bonus is coming from. Another time immigration didn't want to let me re-enter, the drivers got on the phone infront of me, passed the phone over to immigration, and they immediately stamped me in and passport returned with a bottle of chilled water and an apology. And they've never asked for a baht in tips in anyway. And it's me that is high on drugs and alcohol, thats why I'm paying someone else to drive. I get in the van at 5am, fall asleep. Wake up at 11.30, already at immigration. Get back in the van maybe 12.30, wake up 5pm when we get back. Any time not asleep I'm catching up on life admin on my phone. 3000 baht, £75 GBP. I'd be stuck in Malaysia right now.

@Michael *********

and again, no, you'd surely use a visa tour agency and jump on a minibus with 8-12 others, so spreading the cost of a driver and fuel. I pay 3000-3500 from Samui and back in around 12-14 hours including the 1.5 hr ferry both ways.

@Michael *********

yeah, don't even consider the environmental impact of your movements ? Do you know/care the carbon emissions of a plane just on take off, alone ? Jesus. Surely there aren't many people like you left on the planet. Additionally, To fly out and back in will take just as long as the drive, and cost considerably more.

@El ****

yes, what you read is true. I hear of some even refused entry for minor matters. There is a push by immigration to use agents, after all the lost income during covid.