Thailand Immigration Query

[stevemilo]

Hi there, I will be travelling to Thailand this year sometime and I was recently refused a visa to the USA due to a petty crime even though no criminal conviction was recorded. Can this have any impact when I go to Thailand ? If anyone has been in similar circumstances, please let me know as well. Thanks heaps, Steve

 

[littl_flier]

Hey Steve,

I can't answer you question directly but I would suggest you contact the Thai consulate for an official ruling.

There are Thai consulate's in most capital cities. This website has the contact details for all consulate's. Thailand Details

Even though Australian's don't need a pre-arranged visa, you may want to consider finding out if you can have a pre-arranged visa to save the heartache of dealing with an airport official on arrival in Thailand and the possibility of being put on a plane to come home if you had a misunderstanding with the official. Just a thought.......

Good luck!

Cheers,
littl_flier

 

[Mal]

I don't think Thailand really care as long as you bring the $$$ to spend in their country and are using a passport from a tourism visiting country (rather than a possible overstaying working type of country).

From my recollection of the immigration form, the toughest question is "What is your annual income" with crossboxes ranging from Nil to $75000USD+.

Can't recall anything about criminal convictions being asked. I don't think I've said more than 3 words to most immigration agents at BKK.

Best bet is to check with the Thai Embassy, although I presume you'll get a "don't care" type of response.

 

[stevemilo]

Thanks for writing and letting me know. I tried to email the Thailand embassy but the email address they have came back as "delivery failure" so there goes that idea. I'm sure though that lots of people who have had visas refused in certain countries have gone to other countries without any problems in the past.

 

[littl_flier]

Thanks for writing and letting me know. I tried to email the Thailand embassy but the email address they have came back as "delivery failure" so there goes that idea. I'm sure though that lots of people who have had visas refused in certain countries have gone to other countries without any problems in the past.

Maybe try giving them a ring or booking an appointment. I was asked no questions on entry either like Mal but it might better to be safe than sorry. It's your option at the end of the day.

 

[Mal]

And, the form you have to fill out on landing looks something like the example here:

Pattaya City Expats Club - Thai Immigration - New Arrival and departure cards

(See the images linked at the bottom of the article)

Might have very slightly changed, but all the wording and questions look familiar to what I'm used to.

 

[JohnK]

I really don't think Thailand cares that you were refused a US visa due to a minor criminal conviction. You automatically get a 30 day visa on arrival and you do not have to declare any sort of criminal convictions on the inbound immigration form and I would not even bother bringing up your history with any Thai immigration official anyway.

But this is entirely up to you and if you really want to feel safe then contact the Thai embassy.

 

[Mr_Gimlet]

An alternative option would be to apply before travelling for a business visa, and see if any problems come out in the wash. The visa application, in Sydney at least, is painless.