Visa runs banned after Aug 12

[Big Boy]

Penalties for overstay can be viewed here:

http://bangkok.immigration.go.th/popup_anounce.html

[Bristolian]

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/4 ... e-launched

Foreigners overstaying their visa in Thailand likely will face bans of up to 10 years starting Aug 25.

The warning of the new regulation is posted on the website of the Immigration Bureau's Division

''It is expected to take effect on Aug 25

Currently, overstayers face a fine up to 20,000 baht and/or a jail term of up to two years no matter the duration of their illegal residence in the kingdom, according to the 1979 Immigration Act. But in practice, they are fined 500 baht a day with the maximum topping out at 20,000 baht.

The new regulation targets overstayers of more than 90 days. They will be banned from re-entering Thailand for a period two or three times their period of illegal residence.

All immigration offices have been instructed to promote the new rule ahead of the planned enforcement.

''The main objective is to stop foreigners exploiting our visa-free agreements with other countries"

Edit. Please repost to correct thread if this is incorrect

[lomuamart]

Forbidden.
That's a good, pretty final word.

[StevePIraq]

What I don't understand is people complaining about these rules. Do you really expect to be able to come and go without the required legal documentation, you certainly cannot do that in Europe. And why should anyone be able to hop across a border and get a new visa just like that.

I am frustrated with the one year limit on stays and then having to renew but is it really a problem, it takes a short while once per year, that's all. Other countries have different rules, Malaysia for example where you can get a ten year visa, but this is Thailand so get the correct visa, comply with the rules and there is no problem.

Anyone who thinks this is tough should try living in the Middle East and the visa requirements and other restrictions in that region.

Would you expect anything less in the UK, Germany, USA etc.

[Big Boy]

Unfortunately Steve, its custom and practice. I agree the rules should be adhered to, but they have been very relaxed for a long time.

[Dannie Boy]

What I don't understand is people complaining about these rules. Do you really expect to be able to come and go without the required legal documentation, you certainly cannot do that in Europe. And why should anyone be able to hop across a border and get a new visa just like that.

I am frustrated with the one year limit on stays and then having to renew but is it really a problem, it takes a short while once per year, that's all. Other countries have different rules, Malaysia for example where you can get a ten year visa, but this is Thailand so get the correct visa, comply with the rules and there is no problem.

Anyone who thinks this is tough should try living in the Middle East and the visa requirements and other restrictions in that region.

Would you expect anything less in the UK, Germany, USA etc.

This is oh so true and like Steve I worked in the ME for a good number of years and the immigration requirements are much more demanding that they are here and that's with a white skin - people from the sub continent are treated like (worse than) animals and made to queue for hour on end in the fierce summer sun to renew their paperwork.

[lomuamart]

Exactly. IMHO, it's to make sure people pay tax on income.
That can't be a bad thing, can it?

[lomuamart]

I don't live in the ME and have no desire to.
No, it's not a big thing to make myself legal every year and truck around to Imm every 90 days. I've been making myself legal for 16 years.
However, taking my passport everywhere and having the chance of losing it or having it nicked is simply crazy. A stamped copy of the passport would be messed up immediately if it rained on the beach or at golf or anywhere outside really.
If the police have a problem with me, then what's more simple than to ask me to present details wherever within a couple of days? (Probably without any ID - just realised that).
It's always worked this way in HH. I was checked at lunchtime years ago in a bar. "No problem, do you want me to get my passport?" Which I did. There was never any problem. And all the police were doing was to check on people they felt had been here a "long time". I was just one person that they passed by
I don't have a driving license as I'm doing my best to save the planet!!

[Takiap]

On my recent trip to Malaysia last week I was speaking to an English teacher from Cameroon. He had over stayed just over a year, and on his way to Malaysia he was fined 20,000 at the airport. He was expecting it so he had the money on him, but he was really doubtful that he would be able to get a visa and return even. Nonetheless, he applied for a visa and was given one, and he had no problem returning to Thailand. I'm not sure what visa he applied for, but I think he might very well have been turned away if he had tried to enter at a land crossing.

There were a few of them in and they had all over stayed but not as long as him. Strangely enough, they are all qualified teachers with contracts from schools in Khon Khen (spelling?) but what amazes me is the fact that they have obtained contracts despite having no valid visa.


On a slightly different note: The consulate in Penang are now asking to see 400K in your bank when applying for 1 year Non-O visa based on marriage.

[sateeb]

If the police have a problem with me, then what's more simple than to ask me to present details wherever within a couple of days? (Probably without any ID - just realised that).


I guess that wouldn't present a problem for your average here legally Joe/Joanne, but do you really think that an illegal/overstayer would return in 2 days to hand himself in?


If you don't have a driving licence as a form of id why don't you do what I used to do prior to me getting a licence. Take your passport down to the copy shop. Have your details page and current valid visa page copied and reduced to credit card size, then laminated and hey presto you have a convenient wallet sized ID

[Nereus]

A stamped copy of the passport would be messed up immediately if it rained on the beach or at golf or anywhere outside really.

If you do not have a drivers licence, then a stamped copy of your passport, plasticsed for about 10 Baht, would be the way to go. Even if you have to give Immigration a tip to stamp it, you do not risk losing much.

[Nereus]

A stamped copy of the passport would be messed up immediately if it rained on the beach or at golf or anywhere outside really.

If you do not have a drivers licence, then a stamped copy of your passport, plasticsed for about 10 Baht, would be the way to go. Even if you have to give Immigration a tip to stamp it, you do not risk losing much.

posts crossed there.

[StevePIraq]

The way I see it is simple, we can all bitch about the laws and regulations here and the enforcement of them but the answer is simple,

"DO THE RIGHT THING"

Get and carry some photo ID, driving license, copy of passport, company ID card (yes they will accept this), wear a crash helmet, abide by the law and you have few problems, just like any other country. I had hassles some time ago mainly because I had the usual stupid Farang attitude, ride a motor bike with no helmet, didn't carry my driving license, drink and drive. I changed my attitude, now have no problems !

Why some people seem to think this is a place where you do not have to abide by laws is beyond me.

[lomuamart]

Advice noted. I've been told about the laminated stuff for a million years. Maybe about time I did it?
And BTW, a long time overstayer is simply going to try and go away as best they can at the moment and I'm not trying to condone their overstay.
Hell, I used to be able to walk across the road without any form of ID. Did it an hour ago as well and despite screaming at the traffic that didn't know how to drive and probably didn't have a license and definitely overloaded with no insurance - guess what? I wasn't arrested for no ID.
Practice something like what you preach, Thailand.

[Big Boy]

But we see Thais and Farang alike pulled over daily, and penalised for just those offences. Yes, Thais - I was on the Airport bus 2 weeks ago, and we were stuck on top of a flyover looking down at a police check where Thai after Thai was being pulled off the busy motorway below. Look at any police check in Hua Hin - always more Thais than Farangs being pulled over.

IMHO, it is personal choice if you want to break the rules, but don't complain if/when you are caught.