Thailand's Immigration system has grown increasingly confusing as rules change, visa fees are waived, and some visa categories are placed under more intense scrutiny by Consular officials. Recently, Consulates that were known as "visa run" destinations began restricting the issuance of multiple tourist visas. Places such as Penang, Malaysia and Vientiane, Laos are seeing a decline in "visa runners" as these new Consular policies drive them elsewhere. Many long term tourists as well as expatriates began toying with the notion of remaining in Thailand on non-immigrant or immigrant visas. This brings up the issue of long term non-immigrant Thai visas. Thai visas are usually issued with a validity period based upon the perceived needs of the applicant. Therefore, an effectively prepared Thailand visa application is a necessity if one wishes to obtain a long term visa. A collateral issue is that of work authorization. In Thailand, much like the United States of America, the right to work and the right to remain in the country are two different types of entitlements. Therefore, one must submit separate applications to separate government agencies in order to obtain a Thai work permit and a Thai visa extension. Thai Immigrant visas, also known as Thai permanent resident visas, allow the bearer to remain in the Kingdom in perpetuity. However, these types of visas are very difficult to obtain and require one to spend a great deal of time as a non-immigrant resident in the Kingdom of Thailand. In the case of prospective retirees, the Thai retirement visa can be a useful travel document. Applicants must be at least 5o years old to apply for this visa category. With that in mind, it is very beneficial for those with bona fide retirement intentions. Those in Thailand on this type of visa are not entitled to apply for a work permit. People thinking of moving to Thailand full time should do all of their "homework" and be certain that they are prepared to deal with all of the legal requirements related to living in the Kingdom. This is particularly the case for people who think that they will be allowed to stay in the Kingdom of Thailand for an indefinite period in tourist visa or visa exemption status. An even worse notion is the idea that one can simply remain in Thailand on overstay (in the Kingdom without proper Immigration documentation). Some people in the past would remain in the Kingdom for years without making certain that their immigration status was kept up to date. Those that think this is an effective method of remaining in Thailand should be forewarned that Thai Immigration officers take visa violators very seriously and can place a person in Immigration detention should they be caught. Further, one who is not in legal status cannot acquire an employment permit or other accoutrement of Thai residence.
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