Mr. Chang @ VISA SERVICE IN PATTAYA
E-MAIL: changvisa@gmail.com
183/27 M.10 Soi 13/2 Nongpure, Banglamung Chonburi 20150
Mobile: 66 81 7549342
Tel: 66 38 711 145
Fax: 66 38 710 163
www.visacentergroup.com, www.visa2britain.com
Failing visas
Q. I realize that all countries have different regulations, but what are the most common reasons why a Thai woman fails to get a visa to visit her boyfriend in Europe or Australia? I’m really looking for bottom-line advice here.
A. There are really three bottom lines. The embassy will be looking for solid reasons why the applicant will return to Thailand after the holiday – employment and the ownership of land or other valuable assets are the most obvious proofs. The sponsoring boyfriend also needs to demonstrate he has a regular income and access to accommodation for the duration of the stay. Finally, it’s very important to demonstrate the quality of the relationship such as the regularity of the contact when they are in different countries, financial help, etc. Everything needs to be backed up by copious documentary evidence of which you can never have too much.
Pointless 90 days
Q. As the holder of an annual work permit, I cannot for the life of me think of any good reason why I need to report my address every three months. Surely it would be better if long-stay foreigners were simply told to inform Immigration as and when they move addresses?
A. The point has certainly been mooted, but nothing has yet happened along the lines you suggest. There are hundreds of thousands of foreigners in Thailand reporting their 90 days – don’t forget all those Mynamar and Cambodian guest workers – and Immigration always says it needs up-to-date records as so many people move often. Giving exemption to certain categories of people would not be easy to implement. Regular reporting also assists the authorities in contacting you if they need to. Giving a false address is a criminal matter by the way!
90 days quandary
Q. I am due to report my address for the 90 days business on May 18. I am leaving the country for a short holiday on May 22, so my question is whether I need to report or not. I don’t want to pay a fine or have my name put on some list or other.
A. You are in the clear on this one. The regulations state that you can report your address two weeks before the due date or one week after it. Since you are leaving Thailand less than a week after your due date, you do not need to report. I assume you have a re-entry permit and that you are a one-year visa holder. Your 90 days cycle begins again when you come back into the country.
The falling pound
Q. Given that the UK pound has virtually collapsed now – I remember when it was 90 baht to the pound – I wonder whether there are any plans in government circles to reduce the 800,000 baht requirement for a retirement visa. It is getting very difficult to raise the amount because of de facto devaluation.
A. You won’t be surprised to hear that there are no expected developments along the lines you suggest. Exchange rate fluctuations are a fact of life everywhere. It should be noted that more retirement visas are granted to Brits than any other nationality, although that may not be true for much longer!
Overstay question
Q. Owing to hospital treatment I shall be nine days overstay when I leave Thailand. I understand that the fine will be 4,500 baht, but somebody told me I might be arrested or banned from returning to Thailand. Is that true?
A. Your fears will not be realized! Simply pay the fine and proceed. There are no other consequences. There will be a receipt in your passport but you will be welcome to return to Thailand anytime.
Not my fault
Q. I suffered a near-fatal heart attack in Thailand earlier this year and will now have about seven weeks overstay problem. Since the reason was ill-health surely there is some discretion by the authorities to cancel the fine of 500 baht a day. I have all the medical receipts and reports.
A. You will have to pay, I’m afraid. Overstay is overstay no matter what the reason. The only exempt category are the people in a wooden box or in an urn, and I am glad you are not in either group.