"As humans, we have a right to the earth as a planet. Or at least, that's how it should be." - if you are a religious person, perhaps a Christian or Muslim, possibly some other religions, you would know the 'story' of Adam and Eve, that because of the first sin against God, they were booted out of The Garden of Eden and lost the 'right' to A PERFECT world. After that, as those first two humans procreated, sin took over, hate and division became part of life. People became territorial and didn't want 'outsiders' in their territory. That's what led to 'dividing up' the earth and Borders between groups - again, if you're of those religious beliefs.

So here we are, as much as many, maybe even most people would like otherwise, we are divided, by beliefs, by borders and more.

"If someone was twice in Thailand and can't apply for long term visa as nonO, then they cannot enter Thailand. Isn't it ridiculous?" - This is the result of a 'divided world' as much as we would like it to be a free world, without hate, divisions, borders and more that separates people. As such, countries have made their own rules to live by, most of them imperfect, just like every person that makes them up. I'm sure that just about every country, if not all, has rules and requirements for foreigners if they want to live there for longer than a short visit. Not financially rich enough to buy Visa designed for wealthy people? Ohh that's a bummer isn't it - I know the feeling. Not old enough for a 'retirement' Visa? Ohh that's not good either, is it? What about having a partner in the country that you want to live in? There's a Visa available if you marry that person, so what's the problem applying for that Visa? Not actually married yet? Ohh, what's stopping you if you're so desperate to live in their country, in this case, Thailand?

"Isn't it against of human rights?" - without reading or knowing much about the United Nations charter on Human Rights, that is about trying to make sure that people are protected from abuse, that people have food and water to be able to live and other rights, not rights to live in any country we want to. Also, Imagine how overpopulated Thailand would be if all the people that loves the country could freely move there without restriction. How about this scenario; I don't like where I'm living now, but I like where you live. I like your house. How about I will pay a small annual fee and I'll move in with you? Like the idea? What if I have some secrets - that I might be a violent criminal, a drug user and trafficker, or maybe a rapist with a liking for your partner? Can I still move in? NO, you say, why not? Ohh, you have certain standards or requirements to move in where you live? So do countries. Unfortunately, I too would like to be free to live in whatever place on Earth that I would like to, but it's not a perfect world.

"This isn't a thread for arguments or trolling. It's a philosophical discussion." - if one has read the details of what this group's purpose is, they would know it's about helping people with Visas and other matters, like banking and more, related living in Thailand. Nowhere does it say that it's a place for" philosophical discussions", which can lead to differing opinions and arguments. There may be Facebook groups for that, and if not, then the general Facebook platform.

I hope that's philosophical enough.

@Mauro ********

your advice should also have included 'provide the name, address and phone number of the Thai lady', because Immigration officers wouldn't be stupid enough to just accept it and not check that the woman is real and the relationship was real 🙄

They're not going to accept 'future plans' for 2026 either, unless there's conclusive evidence, such as legitimate flight bookings and accommodation bookings.

@Greg **********

what are the chances of Thai Immigration allowing someone in who's had an ED Visa approved, when they have a history as Samuel described? I've seen numerous posts, probably in the period of 2023-24 about a crackdown on ED Visas, because people were abusing them to live in Thailand, while rarely, if ever, attending classes.

You mentioned you have your own "visa-advice" group. Can you tell me it's name or provide a link to it please? I might be interested in joining it.

@Shea ******

if Samuel were to apply for and be approved for an ED Visa from his own country, do you think that upon arrival at Immigration in Thailand, an officer isn't going to look at his history and deny him entry? I remember reading numerous posts, maybe in 2023 or 2024, about a crackdown on people obtaining ED Visas, because there were many using this Visa type to live in Thailand, rarely, if ever, attending classes.

@John *********

thanks for that. I was searching for something official from my own country, but unsuccessful

@Frank *********

"probably"... while my handwriting is always legible though I don't have 'style' like a lot of others, as much as I try, my signature is NEVER the same. Put two, three, four, or more documents in front of me to sign and all signatures will be slightly different 🤣🤷🏼

@Eriq ******

Ok, I understand now what you meant by "wrong people" which originally wasn't clarified with any detail originally. I agree with you on what's been 'reported' and stand by my opinion that I think some who have negative experiences, conveniently leave out some details to come across as 'poor me'. You've likely aware that it's minorities that often 'shout the loudest' get the most attention, even when they might be way off the mark. Could be part of the problem maybe comes at times from a little bit too much discretion allowed by individual IO's who choose to be 'aggressive' in their denial of entry too.

I have read the 'outline' by at least a couple of Thai news outlets maybe a couple of the same ones as you. I've also watched videos covering the announcement put out by a couple of YouTube channels that I've found very reliable over the past three years. They all seem to be of the opinion that genuine tourists, who do the right thing, shouldn't be affected, especially if they're flying in from their home country.

I'm pretty sure that Thailand hasn't actually changed any Laws though, rather it being a stricter enforcement of longer standing ones.

@Eriq ******

one response to your responses to me: If you read my comment properly, you would see that I didn't accuse you of defending anyone particularly, particularly scammers. to quote your own words, "Thailand is targeting the wrong people". What do you mean by "wrong people"? If you mean genuine tourists then that is wrong, and knowing some of the 'behavior' on Facebook, I'd guess that some, if not quite a few, complain about being refused entry, but don't tell to full story (conveniently). I've tried searching for the "official" announcement without luck today, so if you are so sure that I am wrong and you are right, please post the link to the "official" announcement . If I see that official announcement again and I'm wrong in what I said, that the ones that are being targeted are scammers (or illegal workers) and those who's use of the "Visa Entry" system to stay in Thailand for more than half a year (60+3+60+30 days), I'll happily apologise. As is usual, decisions on entry or not, will be at the discretion of the individual IO and genuine tourists shouldn't be affected.

@Eriq ******

NO, Thailand is NOT targeting the wrong people. If you care to search, there was an announcement by the Chief of Immigration in November, that with the new policy on Visa Exempt entries and Extensions of them, that they are clamping down on scammers who are abusing the free entry system, and also those who are trying to live in the country without the correct long term Visa.

@Raymond ********

going to Immigration isn't going to get anything sorted out. If you had read all the previous comments in a post that's grabbed your attention, like I do, then you would see that

@Brandon ***********

, Moderator and very knowledgeable person in regards to Thai Visa matters, has told the OP the answer to his problem.