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Breaking the 5 biggest immigration myths

Immigrating to Thailand can be an exciting journey, but the process is often clouded by myths and misconceptions. These myths can lead to serious legal issues or complicate your stay in the Land of Smiles. In this blog post, we’ll break down the five biggest myths about immigration in Thailand to help you navigate the system more effectively.

1. Visa Overstays Are Not a Big Deal

Visa overstays are one of the most common misconceptions among travelers and expats in Thailand. Many believe that overstaying by a few days won’t have any serious consequences. This is far from the truth.

Consequences of Overstaying:

  • Fines: For each day you overstay your visa, you incur a fine of 500 THB, up to a maximum of 20,000 THB. These fines are non-negotiable and must be paid before you can leave the country.
  • Blacklisting: If you overstay for more than 90 days, you can be blacklisted from entering Thailand for up to 10 years, depending on the length of the overstay.
  • Detention and Deportation: In severe cases, especially with long overstays, you could be detained in an immigration detention center and eventually deported at your own expense.

Avoiding Overstays:

  • Monitor Your Visa Status: Always keep track of your visa expiration date. Set reminders on your phone or calendar to renew or extend your visa in advance.
  • Apply for Extensions: If you need to stay longer, apply for a visa extension before your current visa expires. This can usually be done at local immigration offices.

2. You Can Enter Thailand on a Visa Exemption and Stay Indefinitely by Doing Border Runs

A popular myth is that you can enter Thailand on a visa exemption, which allows for a short stay without a visa, and then extend your stay indefinitely by making border runs—exiting and re-entering the country to reset your stay period.

The Reality of Visa Exemptions and Border Runs:

  • Limited Re-Entries: Thai immigration authorities have cracked down on this practice. Frequent re-entries, especially via land borders, are now scrutinized, and you may be denied entry if suspected of abusing the visa exemption system.
  • Shortened Stay Periods: Even if you are allowed re-entry, you may receive a shorter stay period or be instructed to apply for a proper visa if your travel pattern suggests long-term residency.
  • Risk of Denied Entry: There’s a high risk of being denied entry at the border if immigration officers believe you’re attempting to circumvent visa rules. This can lead to being sent back to your home country.

Alternatives to Border Runs:

  • Apply for a Long-Term Visa: If you plan to stay in Thailand for an extended period, apply for the appropriate visa, such as a DTV visa, retirement visa, or work visa. All of these visas are accessible through the Issa Compass app, a Thai consulate, or embassy before your arrival.
  • Visa Extensions: You can extend most visas directly in Thailand at an immigration office, typically for 30 days.

3. All Visa Agents Are Reliable

Using a visa agent can simplify the immigration process, but it’s a myth that all agents are reliable and trustworthy.

Risks of Using Unreliable Agents:

  • Fraudulent Practices: Some agents may engage in illegal practices, such as offering fake visas or providing incorrect information that could lead to legal trouble.
  • Overcharging: Unreliable agents may overcharge for services or include hidden fees that were not initially disclosed.
  • No Guarantees: An agent cannot guarantee visa approval, and if your application is rejected due to their errors, you may not receive a refund or support.

Choosing a Reliable Agent:

  • Do Your Research: Check reviews and testimonials from other expats or travelers before choosing a visa agent. Forums, social media groups, and expat communities can be valuable resources.
  • Ask for Documentation: Ensure that the agent provides official receipts and documentation for all services and fees.
  • Official Channels: Whenever possible, use government-endorsed or well-established visa services. Some embassies and consulates can also provide lists of recommended agents.

4. You Can Work on a Business Visa Without a Work Permit

A common myth is that a business visa allows you to work in Thailand. In reality, holding a business visa does not permit you to work without a proper work permit.

Understanding Business Visas and Work Permits:

  • Business Visa: A business visa allows you to enter Thailand for business-related activities such as attending meetings or conferences. However, it does not allow you to engage in paid employment.
  • Work Permit: To legally work in Thailand, you must have a work permit. This document is tied to your employer and specific job role. Working without a permit is illegal and can result in fines, imprisonment, and deportation.

Getting a Work Permit:

  • Employer Sponsorship: Your employer must apply for your work permit on your behalf. This involves submitting several documents, including proof of your qualifications and job offer.
  • Valid Visa Required: You need to have the correct visa, such as a Non-Immigrant B visa, to apply for a work permit. The business visa alone is not sufficient.

5. You Don't Need to Report Your Address While in Thailand

Another pervasive myth is that once you have a visa, you don’t need to worry about reporting your address. However, Thai immigration laws require foreigners to report their current address every 90 days.

Understanding 90-Day Reporting:

  • Who Needs to Report: All foreigners staying in Thailand for more than 90 days on a long-term visa must report their address to the immigration authorities every 90 days.
  • How to Report: You can report in person at your local immigration office, online through the immigration website, or by mail. Some visa agents also offer this service for a fee.
  • Consequences of Not Reporting: Failure to report your address can result in fines and potential issues with future visa extensions or renewals.

Tips for 90-Day Reporting:

  • Set Reminders: Mark your calendar for the 90-day reporting due dates to avoid missing them.
  • Use Online Services: The online reporting system is a convenient way to fulfill this requirement without visiting an immigration office.

Understanding the realities of these immigration myths is crucial for anyone planning to stay in Thailand. By staying informed and adhering to the regulations, you can ensure a smooth and trouble-free experience in this beautiful country. Always consult official sources or trusted experts when dealing with immigration matters to avoid falling victim to these common myths.

Still have questions? Message us on WhatsApp at +66 66-146-8724 or on Line at @issacompass and ask our in-house legal team about your specific situation.

Note: Issa Compass is a software platform designed to streamline visa applications and connect you with immigration professionals. We're here to make the process faster and easier, but we're not a law firm or government agency. The final decision for visa approval rests with government officials and immigration policies.