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I think there's a lot of over reaction here - after all, minor overstays are tolerated in most countries around the world.
Overstayers should be tracked down, arrested and placed into detention pending immediate deportation. If they have no money, their embassy is contacted who can contact family members to arrange finance. Blacklisting is perfectly possible because today it is not just a document you can blacklist; take biometrics of overstayers and blacklist them for 10 years in this way.
Serious overstaying could potentially attract a custodial sentence but I think there should be multiple breaches of the immigration rules to justify it e.g. working without a permit, not registered for tax on top of overstay.
As someone pointed out in an earlier reply, Thailand has very biased rules. Everyone is well aware of the situation for extension etc based on a marriage visa, but if you are a female expat and marry a Thai man, you are not subject to the same regulations. Unfair treatment and the opportunity for corruption increases because of this rule; Thailand should remember that their citizens who are expatriated overseas get a much fairer deal out of Thailand.
#3903881 Thai Immigration Introduces Jail Time For Overstayers
Posted
on 2010-09-24 10:36:44
#3903412 Thai Immigration Introduces Jail Time For Overstayers
Posted
on 2010-09-24 07:33:21
The question then becomes, how many weeks will they keep this up?
There is a better chance of them being pulled to the side to pay yet another fine, than actually going to jail.
There is a better chance of them being pulled to the side to pay yet another fine, than actually going to jail.
#3903409 Thai Immigration Introduces Jail Time For Overstayers
Posted
on 2010-09-24 07:31:04
What crap.
It will be interesting to see what happens to the next few long overstay farangs who attempt to exit the Kingdom.
It will be interesting to see what happens to the next few long overstay farangs who attempt to exit the Kingdom.
#3903395 Thai Immigration Introduces Jail Time For Overstayers
Posted
on 2010-09-24 07:21:12
Call me a cynic but it sounds like a nice little earner for someone.
#3903394 Thai Immigration Introduces Jail Time For Overstayers
Posted
on 2010-09-24 07:21:09
Oh well, never overstayed more than 2 days.
Maybe another cash cow for who get caught and don't want to do time? I don't know, I try to obey the rules as much as I can.
Maybe another cash cow for who get caught and don't want to do time? I don't know, I try to obey the rules as much as I can.
#3903392 Thai Immigration Introduces Jail Time For Overstayers
Posted
on 2010-09-24 07:18:38
I think that 42 days is over the top before they stick you in the slammer, it should be more like 10 days without a very good reason.
#3903391 Thai Immigration Introduces Jail Time For Overstayers
Posted
on 2010-09-24 07:17:16
A welcome move. Let us just hope they stick with it.
now....lets wait for the "if it wasn't for me, Thailand would fall in a heap" replies.
now....lets wait for the "if it wasn't for me, Thailand would fall in a heap" replies.
#3903403 Thai Immigration Introduces Jail Time For Overstayers
Posted
on 2010-09-24 07:27:49
surayu, on 2010-09-24 07:21:20, said:
Oh finally a good news! i was so concerned about going out at night time (but even during the day for that matter), knowing that i might eventually came across one of the very feared "overstayers" , i can cope with almost any sort of issues or dangers, but having to deal with a man/woman which is not a "quality tourist" is already bad enough, leave alone someone which break this vital law! is just too much, nevermind the killers, scammers, abusers,cheaters,thiefs around us, the constant chronic break of safety standards and human rights, etc.., go and get the overstayers that's the real crime in this country, the main priority for the resolution of all major problems affecting the country for sure, thank you amazing Thailand! 
What prime idiocy. The Immigration Police have their own very narrow mandate and a separate budget from the other branches of law enforcement in Thailand, it's not a zero sum game by any means. It's a shame so many people lack the intellectual rigor that would keep them from conflating such a hodgepodge of unrelated issues.
#3903348 Thai Immigration Introduces Jail Time For Overstayers
Posted
on 2010-09-24 06:41:38
THAI IMMIGRATION INTRODUCES JAIL TIME FOR OVERSTAYERS
VISA OVERSTAY: The Untold Story
Jail time for foreigners
Immigration Detention Center, Suan Phlu, Bangkok
-- File photo
BANGKOK (thaivisa.com): -- Allegedly tired of overstaying foreigners arriving at Suvarnabhumi airport with a valid air ticket and the maximum fine of 20,000 baht in their hands, the Immigration Department is now arresting and jailing people before permitting them to leave Thailand.
Anybody who has overstayed a valid visa in Thailand beyond a period of six weeks (42 days) is no longer permitted to simply turn up with the cash and an air ticket and leave the country after filling in a few forms and handing over the wedge.
For many years now it has been possible for people on long overstay to simply gather together the maximum fine under law of 20,000 baht, purchase an air ticket, travel to Suvarnabhumi and leave Thailand after completing a few formalities. With a change in the command at the top of the Immigration Department ladder this has now altered and anyone whose overstay is 42 days or longer is likely to be arrested.
People on overstay of less than three weeks (21 days) are still able to arrive at the airport with the correct amount of folding stuff, pay the fine due and leave Thailand.
The grey area is for those whose overstay falls in the period between three and six weeks; that is, between 22 and 41 days. They can potentially have a problem. It is being suggested anyone whose overstay falls into this time frame should be aware that it will be up to the Immigration officer and his superiors at an airport or land border crossing to decide whether to detain the recalcitrant foreigner or permit him, or her, to leave unhindered, after payment of the overstay fine has been levied.
As with many legal situations in Thailand involving foreigners and money, the rules tend to bend with the circumstances, and the mood of the relevant official or officials.
Nonetheless, it is being stated quite unequivocally that anyone on overstay exceeding 42 days (six weeks) will be arrested. They will then spend at the very least one or two days behind bars while waiting for the necessary paperwork to be processed. Most will eventually spend some time inspecting the stripy sunlight at the Immigration Detention Centre (IDC) in Bangkok.
CLEAR UP OVERSTAY IN BANGKOK
Thaivisa.com has been told it is better to clear up long overstay issues in Bangkok rather than in Phuket, Pattaya or elsewhere.
SEEK LEGAL ADVICE AND ASSISTANCE FROM YOUR EMBASSY
While embassy officers cannot circumvent or interfere in the process of Thai law they can advise overstayers on the best course of action and provide assistance for their nationals while in custody.
For full story see Edition 1 of Pattaya One out 1 October
-- 2010-09-24
_________________________________________________________________________
SUMMARY OF CURRENT OVERSTAY REGULATIONS IN THAILAND:
Under the Immigration Act 2522 overstay is punishable by a jail term of 2 years and/or a fine of maximum 20,000 baht.
"Section 81 : Any alien who stay 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."
Immigration Act download: http://www.thaivisa....Act-EN.pdf.html
* Overstay 1 - 21 days: Pay a fine 500 Baht/day at Airport/land border
* Overstay 22 - 41 days: Pay a fine 500 Baht/day, possible arrest/detention, deportation, possible blacklisting
* Overstay 42 days or more: Pay a fine up to 20,000 Baht, arrest/detention, deportation, possible blacklisting
________________________________________________________________________
The Golden Rule: Never go overstay in Thailand, not even a single day!
VISA OVERSTAY: The Untold Story
Jail time for foreigners
Immigration Detention Center, Suan Phlu, Bangkok
-- File photo
BANGKOK (thaivisa.com): -- Allegedly tired of overstaying foreigners arriving at Suvarnabhumi airport with a valid air ticket and the maximum fine of 20,000 baht in their hands, the Immigration Department is now arresting and jailing people before permitting them to leave Thailand.
Anybody who has overstayed a valid visa in Thailand beyond a period of six weeks (42 days) is no longer permitted to simply turn up with the cash and an air ticket and leave the country after filling in a few forms and handing over the wedge.
For many years now it has been possible for people on long overstay to simply gather together the maximum fine under law of 20,000 baht, purchase an air ticket, travel to Suvarnabhumi and leave Thailand after completing a few formalities. With a change in the command at the top of the Immigration Department ladder this has now altered and anyone whose overstay is 42 days or longer is likely to be arrested.
People on overstay of less than three weeks (21 days) are still able to arrive at the airport with the correct amount of folding stuff, pay the fine due and leave Thailand.
The grey area is for those whose overstay falls in the period between three and six weeks; that is, between 22 and 41 days. They can potentially have a problem. It is being suggested anyone whose overstay falls into this time frame should be aware that it will be up to the Immigration officer and his superiors at an airport or land border crossing to decide whether to detain the recalcitrant foreigner or permit him, or her, to leave unhindered, after payment of the overstay fine has been levied.
As with many legal situations in Thailand involving foreigners and money, the rules tend to bend with the circumstances, and the mood of the relevant official or officials.
Nonetheless, it is being stated quite unequivocally that anyone on overstay exceeding 42 days (six weeks) will be arrested. They will then spend at the very least one or two days behind bars while waiting for the necessary paperwork to be processed. Most will eventually spend some time inspecting the stripy sunlight at the Immigration Detention Centre (IDC) in Bangkok.
CLEAR UP OVERSTAY IN BANGKOK
Thaivisa.com has been told it is better to clear up long overstay issues in Bangkok rather than in Phuket, Pattaya or elsewhere.
SEEK LEGAL ADVICE AND ASSISTANCE FROM YOUR EMBASSY
While embassy officers cannot circumvent or interfere in the process of Thai law they can advise overstayers on the best course of action and provide assistance for their nationals while in custody.
For full story see Edition 1 of Pattaya One out 1 October
-- 2010-09-24
_________________________________________________________________________
SUMMARY OF CURRENT OVERSTAY REGULATIONS IN THAILAND:
Under the Immigration Act 2522 overstay is punishable by a jail term of 2 years and/or a fine of maximum 20,000 baht.
"Section 81 : Any alien who stay 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."
Immigration Act download: http://www.thaivisa....Act-EN.pdf.html
* Overstay 1 - 21 days: Pay a fine 500 Baht/day at Airport/land border
* Overstay 22 - 41 days: Pay a fine 500 Baht/day, possible arrest/detention, deportation, possible blacklisting
* Overstay 42 days or more: Pay a fine up to 20,000 Baht, arrest/detention, deportation, possible blacklisting
________________________________________________________________________
The Golden Rule: Never go overstay in Thailand, not even a single day!
