After August 12, visa runs are over
With effect from August 13, visa runs will definitely come to an end. Just crossing the border to extend the stay by 15 days is no longer an option.
If you want to stay longer in the country, you must apply for a visa. All border posts have been instructed to monitor this strictly.
The method is often used by foreigners to work illegally in Thailand, for example in a language institute, restaurant or other company.
It is then easier for them to get a job because the employers do not want to apply for a work permit, which is a complicated procedure and costs money. Various companies advertise the visa runs in the newspaper and on the internet.
Those who still make a visa run now will get an OI (Out, In) stamp in their passport in addition to the date of entry stamp. From August 13, someone with such a stamp in their passport will be standing in front of a closed door [read: barrier], unless a visa has been obtained.
Tatchai Pitaneelabut, head of Immigration Division 6 (Southern Thailand), says visa runners often come from Vietnam, South Korea and Russia. 'They come to Thailand to work in the hospitality industry or as tour guides. The visa runners can mainly be found in tourist centers such as Phuket and Songkhla.'
But the number has already decreased because immigration has been applying the rules strictly for a long time. At the Sungai Kolok border post in Narathiwat, a hundred people have already been stopped from making a visa run. “We have to be strict because we have to enforce the law and properly control immigrants. Efficiency in this area will reduce crime," said Weerawat Nilwat, an inspector at this border post.
They are still flexible at the Sa Kaew border post, but those who make a visa run are warned and told to come to Thailand with a proper visa next time. "And we also make it clear to them that they must apply for a work permit and have the correct type of visa if they want to work in Thailand."
(Source: The Nation, July 15, 2014)
Those rules are already being applied in the south of Thailand, stranded visa runners were urged to take a flight via K and enter “by air”. Land borders refused, not even a 7-day stamp allowed.
Source Thaivisa.com
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/No-more-visa-runs-30238504.html
must be KL (Kuala lumphur)…
It is now so far that people with a tourist visa obtained at a foreign Thai consulate are also refused entry by land. After August 13, according to sources, this is also the case if you come by plane, and certainly when it comes to activating the 2nd or 3rd tourist visa. (Source: Thaivisa).
For a longer stay, the only solution is to request a non.o, it seems.
@ Jasper and David H Please do not give the wrong impression. The measure is aimed at visa runners, not at an ordinary tourist who enters with a tourist visa. Visa runners are people who abuse border crossings by extending their stay. Those who want to go on holiday to Thailand for a longer period of time can apply for a 60 or 90 day visa in The Hague or Amsterdam and have no problems.
Moderator: questions about visas should be sent to the editor.