New visa rule changes

[barrys]

Just received this via the Pattaya City Expats Club newsletter:

NEW VISA RULES CHANGES - Pattaya Immigration bureau has introduced the following rules regarding one year Visa’s and extensions of Visa’s.

Applicants for one year retirement visas must now show and make copies of the back and front of any currently valid ATM or credit card issued in their name. The copies must be signed by the applicant. It does not matter whether the card was issued in Thailand or overseas. This is intended as a further check on an applicant's financial health.

Applicants for extensions on short visas, for example a request for the maximum allowed 7 days on a “Visa on Arrival” or for the maximum 30 days on a “60 day Tourist Visa” issued abroad, must now show proof of their onward travel plans after the extension has expired, by having in their possession an air or electronic airline ticket, or a bus ticket with clear dates printed on it. This requirement is to assure Immigration that the visa holder does indeed plan to leave Thailand at the expiration of his extension.
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Barry Stone
Mermaid Cruises
Tel. 032-632223 (office)
084-8007400 (mobile)

www.huahincruises.com

[VincentD]

Surely they can't be serious..?

You'll be laying yourself open to credit card identity theft for one..
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วินเชนท์

[lomuamart]

As we know, different visa offices have their own set of rules, or their own of way of interpreting those decreed from BKK.
As far as the credit card/ATM card being copied, I'd be extremely surprised if this was enforced or any farang would comply. Identity fraud is a real possibility, even if it's Imm making the copies. Certainly, if I called my bank back in the UK and told them Imm had copied all the details (front and back), I'm sure they'd cancel the card immediately, despite what I said. Bank statements, bank book, Embassy letter should be sufficient proof of anyone's financial status in all circumstances.
The onward ticket thing has been kicking around for a while. It's always been necessary for 30 day visa exempt stamps and this is normally enforced by the airline on departure. There have been plenty of stories about Penang, Singapore, Vientienne et al limiting the number of back-to-back Tourist visas anyone can get. It would certainly be quite a move if Imm nationwide were to start asking for proof of an onward journey out of The Kingdom in order to get a 30 day extension to a Tourist Visa.
I'm afraid that the above two snippets of information just add weight to the argument that Thailand simply dosn't want long-stayers here. Fine, if you've got a Non O visa on the basis of marriage/family income, retirement or working and can meet the ever upward spiralling income/savings requirements, then you're welcome. If not "goodbye and go home or to another country".
I appreciate that income requirements havn't increased for a couple of years now, but when they did last time, they doubled. People, like me for instance, can qualify for either marriage or retirement extensions (when I get to 50 next year), but I'll find it extremely difficult to withstand another large hike upwards in income requirements.
Things ain't getting any easier. Roll on the election and hopefully the incoming party might be a bit more lenient towards farangs staying here long-term (as long as they can support themselves). And the requirements aren't set so high as to preclude large numbers of foreigners who've lived here for years, contributed to the economy, bought property etc etc.
Rant over.
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"I spent a lot of my money on booze, birds and fast cars - the rest I just squandered". George Best.

[sargeant]

agreed lomu however one must add that when they hiked last time they did grandfather in those retirement visas set at 400,000 i missed out by 2 months my fault as well
As i have said for the first 3 renewals they wanted a bank book showing at first 65,000 a month and then changed it to a year total of 800,000 now they dont want the bank book they want a yearly letter from the embassy again
I am sure this is not government but beaurocrocy and individuals making changes bluddy frustrating
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A Greatfull Guest of Thailand

[lomuamart]

Fair enough, Sarge. But some people who'd had marriage extensions prior to Oct 1st last year on the basis of 400k in the bank, rather than 40k per month income, are being told that they'll get extended this year for the 400k. Next year, it's 40k income. So, grandfathered for a year, that's all.
The retirement requirements weren't changed last October.
Basically who knows what's going to happen. I, for one, would not count on "eternal grandfathering".
Sorry to be negative, but that's the way I see it.
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"I spent a lot of my money on booze, birds and fast cars - the rest I just squandered". George Best.

[sargeant]

Agreed lomu buggerall is guaranteed here thats about the ONLY thing that is guaranteed
It seems that if i stay on a retirement visa i get messed around having to go to BKK to get a letter from the embassy and if i get a marriage visa i still get messed around having to keep going to bKK (mind you i suppose it is better than friggin croydon)
I have said for a long time, time in should count for something which at present it dont count for squat
I also say there is no such thing as immigration here only NON immigration O B C X Y and ZEE and probably rhesus negative as well
But i still put myself here i was not forced
Bummer
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A Greatfull Guest of Thailand

[caller]

How does photo-copying a bank card help to prove someone's financial health, apart from the fact it demonstrates they have one? Anyone can tamper with a photo-copy which is why most in this day and age ask for original documents. Why not just produce it at imm. and they tick a box to say they have seen it.

Also, I think you would get into difficulty if any money from an account went AWOL and the bank found out what you had done. I think you could kiss goodbye to the money.
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I know nothing

[lomuamart]

[STEVE G]

That part about copying both sides of a credit card is ridiculous; seeing as they are already going to have your address, they could then use it at will on-line.
Also as Lomu points out, it's also against the terms of the bank that issued it. I happen to have the small print from Lloyds here and it says: "The card belongs to us...blah..blah...you must keep the card and the card number safe."
Basically if you don't you are not coverered by any protection or insurance from fraudulent transactions.
When I find myself in that situation they can have a copy of my Bangkok Bank ATM card which would be useless as it has no more information than whats on the bank book.

[elem]

You must be kidding!!???
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The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.
Socrates