Tough New Policy for Visa Runs

[Edge]

Tougher yet perhaps - from Thaivisa...........

 

Thai Immigration Bureau to blacklist all overstayers of more than 90 days....

 

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/740634-thai-immigration-bureau-to-blacklist-all-overstayers-of-more-than-90-days/

[furryman]

Tougher yet perhaps - from Thaivisa...........

 

Thai Immigration Bureau to blacklist all overstayers of more than 90 days....

 

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/740634-thai-immigration-bureau-to-blacklist-all-overstayers-of-more-than-90-days/

At least they seem to be trying to get the word out...

 

Today, Thaivisa.com has received a number of reports from foreigners at various Immigration offices throughout Thailand with regards to the issue of overstay.

 

According to the reports, this is the additional form individuals have to sign when applying for an extension of stay. Therefore, it appears that the new regulations regarding blacklisting due to overstay are already in effect.

 

[Faraway]

That are great news. No sympathy for overstayers.

[Oukiva]

According to the reports, this is the additional form individuals have to sign when applying for an extension of stay.

Yes, and here is the document : http://www.pattaya-addicts.com/forum/topic/237193-blacklist-for-overstay-soon/?p=2730259

[Edge]

^^^

 

I was a bit surprised to see that 10+ years Surrendered = Life, whereas 1+ years Apprehended is 'only' 10 years.

 

So if you're Apprehended with 10+ years?

 

Long time anyway, but if that's it I think I'd keep my head down and hope for the best.

 

 

Also no mention of the Fines i.e. still a flat 20k?  I'd have thought there would be a rising scale.

 

I appreciate that it might be difficult to get more than 20k out of a tourist, but an expat long term overstaying might have assets they could seize.

[cc7up]

Change your name by 'Deed Poll'.Get a new Passport in your new name and return again ,No?

[Edge]

Change your name by 'Deed Poll'.Get a new Passport in your new name and return again ,No?

 

I doubt that you could change all the stuff in the chip or its link to the database could you?

[Oukiva]

Also no mention of the Fines i.e. still a flat 20k?  I'd have thought there would be a rising scale.

 

I appreciate that it might be difficult to get more than 20k out of a tourist,

but an expat long term overstaying might have assets they could seize.

Don't forget that the law is the same for all, and not for farangs only.

Overstayers from Laos or Myanmar already are usually not able to may this 20k fine...

[cc7up]

I doubt that you could change all the stuff in the chip or its link to the database could you?

[brewster]

Don't forget that the law is the same for all, and not for farangs only.

Overstayers from Laos or Yanmar already are usually not able to may this 20k fine...

 

My Lao girlfriend's Lao brother got picked up by the BIB (before the coup) working illegally in a karaoke bar, without a passport let alone a visa.  He paid around 4,000 baht and went on his way (back to work!).  I'd estimate there are 1,000s of Laos working in Pattaya, some with passports and 30-day stamps, and some with no passport whatsoever.  If the 30-day border run option is over (so far they still get it) I'd imagine there will be a lot more overstays as returning to Laos isn't really an option!

[furryman]

My Lao girlfriend's Lao brother got picked up by the BIB (before the coup) working illegally in a karaoke bar, without a passport let alone a visa.  He paid around 4,000 baht and went on his way (back to work!).  I'd estimate there are 1,000s of Laos working in Pattaya, some with passports and 30-day stamps, and some with no passport whatsoever.  If the 30-day border run option is over (so far they still get it) I'd imagine there will be a lot more overstays as returning to Laos isn't really an option!

There is an agreement between Laos and Thailand that allows nationals of both countries to easily travel between the 2 countries. This is not the same thing as the visa waiver nationals of most western countries can get. It is not exactly one rule for all foreigners. Nationals of some countries were never eligible for the visa waiver, and can only apply for visas from their home country, no picking one up in Laos  or Cambo. for them.

[Oukiva]

... If the 30-day border run option is over (so far they still get it) I'd imagine there will be a lot more overstays as returning to Laos isn't really an option!

Except that Overstay is not really an option anymore,

except if you accept the risk to be banned from Thailand... :(

 

http://www.pattaya-addicts.com/forum/topic/237193-blacklist-if-overstay-soon/

[cc7up]

cc7up, on 08 Jul 2014 - 4:25 PM, said:

Change your name by 'Deed Poll'.Get a new Passport in your new name and return again ,No?

 

 

I doubt that you could change all the stuff in the chip or its link to the database could you?

 

 

 

Whose Data Base,UK or Thai?

[Edge]

cc7up, on 08 Jul 2014 - 4:25 PM, said:

Change your name by 'Deed Poll'.Get a new Passport in your new name and return again ,No?

 

 

I doubt that you could change all the stuff in the chip or its link to the database could you?

 

 

 

Whose Data Base,UK or Thai?

Both I think, though I know they probably aren't linked.

 

It may not be long before fingerprints are in there too I believe, according to to a Thai announcement anyway.

 

 

Google Chrome is our friend. 

[digitalbanana]

No more visa runs from 13Aug.

 

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/No-more-visa-runs-30238504.html

[Scumbag]

Looks like the tightening is coming! If I am reading this correctly even those with a doubt or triple entry tourist visas may be affected.

 

No more visa runs

 

Immigration authorities will not let visa runners return after August 12

BANGKOK: -- FOREIGNERS WHO do regular visa runs in order to extend their stay in Thailand have less than a month before a crackdown by the authorities to enforce immigration laws more strictly.

From August 13, people will not be able to re-enter the country, regardless of their choice of transport.

The Immigration Bureau has already instructed officials to deny entry to foreigners doing visa runs as a measure to stop the exploitation of tourist visas and visa exemptions to live or work here.

Visa runs have been common among foreigners in Thailand recently, given that a simple search on the Net turns up several companies offering "visa trips" for expatriates staying or working here.

Visa runners are those who leave Thailand and return immediately for the purpose of extending their stay. By exploiting 60-day tourist visas and 30-day visa exemptions, many foreigners can work illegally in language schools, or restaurants and other businesses. It is easier for some to get jobs this way, as some employers do not want to go through the complicated process of seeking work permits and like to avoid the expense if they can.

"I have done visa runs several times before, because my employers would not agree to seek a work permit until I passed their probation period. So, when you stop allowing visa runs, the lives of many foreigners in Thailand will be affected," a 46-year-old American said.

Meanwhile, the Immigration Bureau website says: "Leniency will be granted until August 12, but only for passengers arriving by air. Foreigners who come to Thailand must seek a proper visa in line with the purpose of their intended stay here."

Now, those on a visa run who are allowed back in will find an "O-I" (Out-In) mark next to their latest stamp marking entry. From August 13, nobody with an O-I sign on their passport will be allowed to re-enter Thailand if they cannot produce a proper visa.

The Immigration Bureau has instructed checkpoints on shared borders to stop visa runners from entering the Kingdom effective immediately.

Immigration Division 6 chief Pol Maj-General Tatchai Pitaneelabut, who oversees immigration affairs in the South, said visa runners come from several countries, including Vietnam, South Korea and Russia.

"They come here to work as tour guides, waiters, waitresses, etc," he said, pointing out that these visa-runners are often based in tourist centres such as Phuket and Songkhla.

However, he said the presence of the so-called "out-in" migrants in the South had been significantly reduced because immigration officials were already enforcing stricter laws.

Pol Lt-Colonel Weerawat Nilwat, an inspector at the Sungai Kolok border checkpoint in Narathiwat province, disclosed that immigration officials at his workplace had already barred more than 100 visa-runners from re-entering the Kingdom.

"We have to be strict because we have to uphold laws and properly control immigrants. Efficiency on this front will also reduce crime," he said.

Pol Colonel Thirachai Dedkhad, the superintendent at the Sa Kaew checkpoint, said officials under his supervision were not stopping visa runners from re-entering yet. "But we have been warning them to acquire a proper visa before they come to Thailand the next time."

He said immigration officials had also warned people departing that they must obtain a proper visa if they want to come back.

"We have made it clear that if they want to work in Thailand, they must seek a work permit and get the right type of visa," Thirachai said.

[Daryle]

Just returned from HK. No questions or issue upon re entry with a 60 day visa.I have been doing this for a while. Remain calm, no issues IMHO if your not doing overland visa runs.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[furryman]

Just returned from HK. No questions or issue upon re entry with a 60 day visa.I have been doing this for a while. Remain calm, no issues IMHO if your not doing overland visa runs.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Did you go out and in on the same day? This seems to be a key factor in what they are looking for.

[Dave Hedgehog]

Just returned from HK. No questions or issue upon re entry with a 60 day visa.I have been doing this for a while. Remain calm, no issues IMHO if your not doing overland visa runs.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

I think there was also something said about it not mattering on your method of arrival on a recent article, maybe they were referring to the stated August 12th crackdown.

[furryman]

I think there was also something said about it not mattering on your method of arrival on a recent article, maybe they were referring to the stated August 12th crackdown.

Yep, all indications, from the sources I feel are reliable, are saying the changes go to full effect on 12/8/13. I have one friend who just got into town, who has been coming here for a half a year every year on tourist visas, I see no reason not to call him a tourist, but this has his plans kind of up in the air. TIT. gotta jump the hops as they hold them up. 

 

The thing that bums me out is the hints that they may penalize those who were doing something that was legit previously. Hopefully this is just panic talking, no lack of that on these visa issues. I know the idea of having to go back to the USA strikes fear in my heart. I dunno if I could take it, being back there. Especially considering I'd have to first land in Idaho and stay with my Mormon family until I got some kind of game plan together. I can hardly bear to think about it.

[Daddee]

Yep, all indications, from the sources I feel are reliable, are saying the changes go to full effect on 12/8/13. I have one friend who just got into town, who has been coming here for a half a year every year on tourist visas, I see no reason not to call him a tourist, but this has his plans kind of up in the air. TIT. gotta jump the hops as they hold them up.

 

The thing that bums me out is the hints that they may penalize those who were doing something that was legit previously. Hopefully this is just panic talking, no lack of that on these visa issues. I know the idea of having to go back to the USA strikes fear in my heart. I dunno if I could take it, being back there. Especially considering I'd have to first land in Idaho and stay with my Mormon family until I got some kind of game plan together. I can hardly bear to think about it.

Cambodia!

[furryman]

Cambodia!

Yeah, that is my current backup plan. I can't say Cambodia, for me, is as attractive a place to say as Thailand, but it sure beats the fuck out of fucking Idaho. /shudder

[Daddee]

Yeah, that is my current backup plan. I can't say Cambodia, for me, is as attractive a place to say as Thailand, but it sure beats the fuck out of fucking Idaho. /shudder

Have you been yet?? SR? PP??

[furryman]

Nope, have not got around to it yet. It is something I want to do, but it just has not come to the top of my list.

[Daddee]

I spent just two days in SR, was coughing my guts out and ran back to Pattaya instead of going on to PP...  SR seemed like a pretty nice place...  could one conceivably divide up their time between Thailand and Cambodia in a way that would allow compliance with the new situation?  if so, could be a possibility to create cooperatives and rotate in and out of PP with some other monger(s), sharing an apt, eh? 

 

I would think that this situation is an opportunity for an entrepreneurial sort to set up some nice apts in PP to accommodate folks who need to leave Thailand for 30 days or more...