from www.thaivisa.com
BANGKOK: -- The Royal Thai Consulate in Penang is expected to impose stricter rules regarding the issuing of Tourist Visas.

Thaivisa.com have been advised that the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Penang as from TOMORROW, February 1 2008, will only issue Tourist Visas to those in possession of an air ticket departing from Thailand to an international destination not local in the same region. (i.e. not Vietnam, Malaysia or similar.)

It is believed that the reason for the tightening of the rules is to reduce the number of foreigners using tourist visas to stay long term in Thailand, and not for tourism purposes for which this visa is intended, therefore abusing the system.

Our source is from a reliable person, who normally provides us with accurate information, and we have no reason to doubt the accuracy of this information.

The new ticket rule is not officially confirmed as yet.

Moved Topic to Thailand Visa Issues Forum.

Will this apply to Vientiane as well does anyone know?
Also I believe that it is possible to get a Non Im 'O' from the embassy there, but single entry only. Does anyone know of anyone who has actually got one of these? Is it more difficult than obtaining (currently) a Tourist visa there??

Oh well I guess I should consider myself lucky that I have another 14 months before I have to worry about this and to plan an exit strategy if things don't improve...

arjay wrote:Moved Topic to Thailand Visa Issues Forum.

ok sorry

BobHelm wrote:Will this apply to Vientiane as well does anyone know?
Also I believe that it is possible to get a Non Im 'O' from the embassy there, but single entry only. Does anyone know of anyone who has actually got one of these? Is it more difficult than obtaining (currently) a Tourist visa there??

Oh well I guess I should consider myself lucky that I have another 14 months before I have to worry about this and to plan an exit strategy if things don't improve...

iam sure its possible to get any visa if you have the correct paperwork
but it seems like it will become impossible for a certain amount of pepole with limited funds to stay in thailand
better to leave in the european summer and return in winter but i guess most wont and there will be more and more overstayers

Rumour (through TV postings) has it that this regulation is going to apply to all neibouring consulants or embassys. 12 month Non 'O' are not available unless there are very mittigating circumstances, I believe the 3 month single entry Non 'O' is still available at Vientiane, as John says have ALL your paper work.

And yes I know a guy who is very seriously thinking of taking the overstay route after seeing a friend get away with 502 days for 20K baht, a friendly smile and no passport penality.

AH, OK. AS no-one really answered my question I went onto the Embassy web site.
On their Web Site they are still not asking for any additional documentation for a Tourist Visa. They do (a confirmed air ticket) for a transit visa.
It looks like they do not issue a Non Im 'O' visa except for a business trip or employment - in which case they do require additional paperwork. They do not seem to mention the study visa.

it does not take a rocket scientist to correct the tourist visa just simply offer a 6 month visa for 6000 baht and when it expires they must leave for 6 months no extensions
it all a power play within the immigration office
Bob how will that effect the marriage visa ? or retirement visa ?

aznyron wrote:Bob how will that effect the marriage visa ? or retirement visa ?

Ron these are (usually) done internally to Thailand not by an Embassy, so (except for all the rumours that continually surrounding them) I do not see any change there.

BobHelm wrote:AH, OK. AS no-one really answered my question I went onto the Embassy web site.
On their Web Site they are still not asking for any additional documentation for a Tourist Visa. They do (a confirmed air ticket) for a transit visa.
It looks like they do not issue a Non Im 'O' visa except for a business trip or employment - in which case they do require additional paperwork. They do not seem to mention the study visa.

Are you referring to Vientiane? A Non Imm O base on marriage can be obtained at Vientiane. It's on there website. Also, I got mine there 8 months ago.

OK Papa I stand corrected. You are correct you can obtain a marriage visa there & also a 'B' visa as well.
But I still couldn't see anything about a "visiting family & friends" O visa. So people on Tourist Visa are still going to be stuffed for an alternative... Unless you are suggesting a marriage visa

The OP was about Tourist Visas:

HxJohn wrote:The Royal Thai Consulate in Penang is expected to impose stricter rules regarding the issuing of Tourist Visas

This seems to be consistent with the policy being adopted by Nong Khai Immigration with extensions to 60 day tourist visas, but not (yet?) being applied the same everywhere.

BobHelm wrote:OK Papa I stand corrected. You are correct you can obtain a marriage visa there & also a 'B' visa as well.
But I still couldn't see anything about a "visiting family & friends" O visa. So people on Tourist Visa are still going to be stuffed for an alternative... Unless you are suggesting a marriage visa

From all that I've read, it appears that Hull is the only place that issues Non Imm O for visiting friends & family.

As for the tourist visa. The MFA (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) website states that a confirmed RT ticket is required.

http://www.mfa.go.th/web/2482.php?id=2489

My interpretation of the OP's post is Penang may have always required a RT ticket in the past. The change is:

to those in possession of an air ticket departing from Thailand to an international destination not local in the same region. (i.e. not Vietnam, Malaysia or similar.)

I do not understand why it any of there concern were your departing ticket takes you as long as you leave thailand on the dates specified
what if one chooses to live in Malaysia for six months and thailand for six months what is there problem

aznyron wrote:I do not understand why it any of there concern were your departing ticket takes you as long as you leave thailand on the dates specified
what if one chooses to live in Malaysia for six months and thailand for six months what is there problem

You are, of course, correct Ron, by Falang logic But TIT....
I think that in the short time (2 & a bit years) that I have been here all the Visa/Immigration 'adjustments to policy' (I cannot say changes, because the majority have not been actually changes, just enforcement of existing rules that were not enforced before) have all given me the indication that the ruling elite no longer want long term Falang stayers in their country. If that is so, OK, no problem to me, I will just find somewhere else in SE Asia that does want my money & not want me to jump through an ever increasing number of hoops to stay here. I will be sadden by this because I really like Udon Thani but I have adjusted before & I can adjust again & see it as a new adventure...