Back to back, Multi entry non-immigrant O's, a "loophole"

**Spin** · 09-04-2010, 02:01 PM

Lots of folks use these as a way of living in Thailand "indefinitely" by simply returning to their home country or Oz if you're a Brit and getting another one.

I've been doing this for 5 years now, I'm not married, am not of retirement age so couldn't get either of those types of visas.

I don't "work" in Thailand as such so would not have a work permit via my non O and get the one year extension "permission to stay" that way.

Beadle recently had this to say....

Originally Posted by Beadle

You should only plan for what you know is possible, and planning on staying here on a Non-Immigrant visa, or even tourist visa forever is a pipe-dream that will only cause you heartbreak in the end.

Now I'm no Thaiophile, with Thailand, I can take it or leave it, but I am interested in what people think regarding staying here on back to back non - O's.

Do you think it is a "loophole" that immigration might at some point slam shut?

**jandajoy** · 09-04-2010, 02:12 PM

Callard and Bowsers Liquorice Toffee is my favorite.

**Fondles** · 09-04-2010, 02:15 PM

Originally Posted by jandajoy

Callard and Bowsers Liquorice Toffee is my favorite.

Im more of a Fry's turkish Delight man myself.

**jandajoy** · 09-04-2010, 02:17 PM

Originally Posted by Fondles

Im more of a Fry's turkish Delight man myself.

Are you gay ?

**DrAndy** · 09-04-2010, 02:48 PM

Originally Posted by Spin

to their home country of Oz if you're a Brit

definitely toffee

**Norton** · 09-04-2010, 02:57 PM

Originally Posted by Spin

Do you think it is a "loophole" that immigration might at some point slam shut?

Soon after newbie, ImmOfficial votes here.

Originally Posted by Spin

Lots of folks use these as a way of living in Thailand "indefinitely" by simply returning to their home country of Oz if you're a Brit and getting another one.

"Home country of Oz, if your a Brit". Please explain.

When you apply for a Non Immigrant visa, you must state reason for visit. Business, Employment, Study, Volunteer, Spouse/Family.

I legitimately came to Thailand for years on Business and was never questioned when applying for back to back visa. It is not really a loop hole but rather a judgment call by the issuing Embassy.

"You should only plan for what you know is possible, and planning on staying here on a Non-Immigrant visa, or even tourist visa forever is a pipe-dream that will only cause you heartbreak in the end."

Beadle sums it up for me.

**Spin** · 09-04-2010, 03:37 PM

Originally Posted by Norton

"Home country of Oz, if your a Brit". Please explain.

Sorry typo, Home country or Oz" as Brits can get non-O's easily there.

Originally Posted by Norton

When you apply for a Non Immigrant visa, you must state reason for visit. Business, Employment, Study, Volunteer, Spouse/Family.

I've used "extended visits of Thai girfriend and her family" as the reason for my application for the last 5 years.

A quick look in my passports shows I've spent maybe 5 or 6 months outside Thailand during the last 5 years.

I'm not convinced Thai immigration would class that as exactly how they intended non-Os to be used, but then again I might be wrong.

**Reniak** · 09-04-2010, 04:00 PM

^I think that is the point. If they do class this as to be used this way they dont stop it, if not there might be a change sometime in future. There are a lot of visaruns everyday. Part of everyday life at the borders.

Voted toffee.

**DrAndy** · 09-04-2010, 04:16 PM

every time you apply, they make a judgement on whether they want you to return

if there have been no problems, then they will issue a new visa

why not?

**jandajoy** · 09-04-2010, 04:37 PM

Originally Posted by DrAndy

every time you apply, they make a judgement on whether they want you to return

I rather doubt the clerk in the consulate in Hull, UK. gives a toss, as long as your check doesn't bounce.

There seems little or no connection between the more accommodating consulates and Thai immigration in Thailand.

I may well be wrong, but it's the impression I've got.

**Spin** · 09-04-2010, 04:43 PM

Originally Posted by DrAndy

they make a judgement on whether they want you to return

What would the criteria be? First time I've heard this said, please elaborate...

**Mr Earl** · 09-04-2010, 04:51 PM

I would prefer a nice Key Lime pie to toffee anyday of the da week.

**crippen** · 09-04-2010, 04:52 PM

Somewhere in the 'application for visa' papers,it states:--

a visa does not entitle the holder to enter Thailand.This is at the discretion of the immigration officer in Thailand

**Thetyim** · 09-04-2010, 05:07 PM

Originally Posted by crippen

a visa does not entitle the holder to enter Thailand.This is at the discretion of the immigration officer in Thailand

Correct.
A visa for thailand is only a confirmation that certain checks have been done.
The entry stamp is up to the immigration officer

**jandajoy** · 09-04-2010, 05:09 PM

Originally Posted by Thetyim

The entry stamp is up to the immigration officer

A very bright bunch.

I'm curious, does anyone believe that the data base in Hull or Perth or wherever, is linked to the Thai Immigration Police date base at Swampy?

You'd think it would be,

but................. ?

**buriramboy** · 09-04-2010, 05:15 PM

I had a mixture of Non O's and B's continuously over 9 years, never had a work permit and never had a problem and also used to utilize them to the max as in get 15 months out of them before getting another.

**Thetyim** · 09-04-2010, 05:18 PM

^^
Embassy and Consulates come under the MFA
Immigration come under the RTP
so there is room to doubt they share a database

**crippen** · 09-04-2010, 05:32 PM

Originally Posted by jandajoy

Originally Posted by Thetyim

The entry stamp is up to the immigration officer

A very bright bunch.

I'm curious, does anyone believe that the data base in Hull or Perth or wherever, is linked to the Thai Immigration Police date base at Swampy?

You'd think it would be,

but................. ?

I think Hull Consulate told me ''We have no connection with Thai Authorities'' what ever that means.

**Norton** · 09-04-2010, 05:32 PM

Originally Posted by Thetyim

so there is room to doubt they share a database

Even if they don't the immigration officer at swampy could forbid your entry.

Two hoops where after looking at your Thai entry/departures a judgment is made if you are abusing the intent of the visa. First at the embassy and then upon entry.

So far neither has objected but one never knows.

**Norton** · 09-04-2010, 05:35 PM

Originally Posted by crippen

I think Hull Consulate told me ''We have no connection with Thai Authorities'' what ever that means.

Originally Posted by Thetyim

Embassy and Consulates come under the MFA Immigration come under the RTP

What Thetters said. Different organizations. MFA (Ministry of Foreign Affairs. RTP (Royal Thai Police).

**jandajoy** · 09-04-2010, 05:36 PM

So, if, for arguments sake one held two passports ????

**Marmite the Dog** · 09-04-2010, 07:04 PM

Thai Immigration have no access to the visa information for visas issues by Hull Consulate.

**Marmite the Dog** · 09-04-2010, 07:05 PM

Originally Posted by jandajoy

So, if, for arguments sake one held two passports ????

Many people do and you can use one then the other if you wish.

**jandajoy** · 09-04-2010, 08:05 PM

I'll let you know what happens, next week.

**harrybarracuda** · 10-04-2010, 12:38 PM

Somewhere in the 'application for visa' papers,it states:--

a visa does not entitle the holder to enter Thailand.This is at the discretion of the immigration officer in Thailand

Yep,

Sandra Gregory can testify to that.

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