The one problem you never want to have in Thailand is when you overstay your visa in Thailand. Rather ensure that you have a correct and up to date Thai visa in your passport, be it a tourist visa, marriage visa or retirement visa than having to go they way many foreigners go and that is by deportation from Thailand.
There has been a number of issues that have been cleared this year with regards to overstay in Thailand and this is the latest news from Thai immigration.
Superintendent Panuwat Ruamrak being the chief at Phuket Immigration noted that rumors had been started in Thailand about new visa rules. This was after online blogs and forums stated that those who try to depart from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport face arrest if they have overstayed by more than 42 days. The rumor further stated that those who had an overstay of less than 22 days would have an option of a fine.
He went on to explain that under the Thai Immigration Act, “any alien who stays in the Kingdom without permission, or with permission expired or revoked, shall be punished with imprisonment not exceeding two years, or a fine not exceeding 20,000 baht, or both.” These rules have not changed in more than 10 years. Note however that if you do get caught you have much bigger problems than if you surrender at immigration, pay the overstay fine and leave the country the same day.
Overstay fines in Thailand was increased 2 years ago to 500 baht per day to a maximum of 20,000 baht, the cap of 20,000 Baht which has still remained the same. Always ensure that you are in Thailand legally or deportation may be an option you don’t want or need. If you are on an overstay see a lawyer in Bangkok for assistance to ensure that you are not arrested and ensure that you have the ability to settle the fine and leave the country.
