flippy, on 19 September 2011 - 09:36 AM, said:
Last year they were still giving out tourist visa's for free to promote tourism.. Got a double entry visa without problems.. And now they want to make it harder than ever before for people to come to Thailand ?? Seems weird even in Thai logic..
If they want me to book for a few nights I could do that, but my main hangout in Thailand does not take bookings, so I can't book for my entire trip..
Firstly, this is only Phnom Penh we're talking about so far, so if you're getting a TV in Amsterdam or somewhere then I don't think this is relevant.
The OP here had no bad intentions I know, but the originator on thaivisa got quite a slating for what has been a wind up for most readers. The problem is that people read the headline and miss the detail, as so many have in this thread.
On the other hand, this can be a big problem for those unaware who go to Phnom Penh for a TV.
I met a friend on Saturday who has been here for many years and was blissfully unaware as he headed into Cambodia by land.
With no air ticket or hotel reservation he was predictably refused and arrived back here with only the 15 days.
He now has to fly back in a week or so, with his return ticket and a faked hotel booking as he lives in a house here.
He will then get a TV, but is only allowed two of those in succession. He may even have to get married soon.
Flippy - I don't think this is weird logic at all.
They are not doing anything (much) to discourage bona fide tourists. (OK you might have to get a hotel reservation
if you apply in Phnom Penh).
I think they are targeting long stayers, some of whom may be working, some with wives etc, who should have the correct Visa and not be mis-using TVs.
In the past, it was the done thing to get eg. Triple Entry TVs which they could drag out for about 9 months.
The Thais want to stop that and force them to get the correct Visa or get out. They are not tourists.
These long stayers have, as well as using TVs (especially while they were free) traditionally been doing low cost land border runs, which brought the Thais only work and no money.
Some went to Vientianne, but most went to Cambodia.
First they introduced a totting up rule - 90 days in 180 or something, but that was just too much hassle.
Then they reduced the Visa Waiver period to 15 days (30 days by air, but they are more likely to be tourists) and I understand there is a restriction on how many you can do in succession (2 or 4 not sure).
Now they've made it more difficult for them to get TVs in Phnom Penh (possibly also Vientiane) and they can only get 2 of those in succession.
Back in your home country, they are tightening up on the justification for applying for a One Year Multi Entry Non 'O' - the long stayer's favourite before the free TVs came along, but if you have a home or a wife or business here that's OK.
Basically, if you're a genuine tourist or you apply for an Extension of Stay (Retirement or Marriage) or you go back home to get the correct long term Visa then there is no problem.
Those who are ducking and diving their way through by misusing the system are under attack it seems.
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