Foreigners In Thailand Asked To Carry Passport Or Copy At All Times - BSA Law

The Thai police have called on foreigners in the kingdom to carry their passport or a photocopy with them at all times. The announcement followed a raid by Thai law authorities in mid March on entertainment venues in Bangkok. End Quote

(1888PressRelease) March 31, 2016 - A police spokesman said the operation, which involved a raid on 15 entertainment venues and the setting up of two police checkpoints, was to ensure foreigners were carrying either their original passport or a photocopy.

According to Metropolitan Police Commander Pol. Lt. Gen Sanit Mahathavorn, the operation had also been to focus on foreigners who may be involved in crime, particularly transnational crime.

Pol. Lt. Gen Sanit explained that, at the same time, the Thai law authorities' efforts would help to boost confidence between tourists and security forces.

The Metropolitan Police Commander has asked for cooperation from all tourists to carry their passport or a photocopy every time they go out from their hotel.

"Understandably, many people would prefer not to be carrying such a valuable document as their passport on their person at all times wherever they go. The wiser option is to photocopy the photo page and entry-stamped visa page of the passport and to carry these", said BSA Law spokesman Apisakdi Kongkangwanchoke.

Meanwhile, Thailand has introduced new visa overstay rules which officially came into effect on 20 March 2016. These are based on a two structure system in which an overstaying foreigner who willingly surrenders to the authorities is treated differently from an overstaying foreigner who happens to be arrested and prosecuted. The rules are as follows:

Where the foreigner surrenders to authorities:

Overstay of more than 90 days Banned from re-entering Thailand for 1 year
Overstay of more than 1 year Banned from re-entering Thailand for 3 years
Overstay of more than 3 years Banned from re-entering Thailand for 5 years
Overstay of more than 5 years Banned from re-entering Thailand for 10 years

Where the foreigner is arrested and prosecuted by authorities:

Overstay of less than 1 year Banned from re-entering Thailand for 5 years
Overstay of more than 1 year Banned from re-entering Thailand for 10 years

BSA Law has a Thai visa service department that specializes in providing advice and assistance to foreigners in obtaining a visa and/or Thailand work permit. A leading international law firm in Thailand, it offers a range of legal and financial services with expertise in tax consulting, accounting and auditing, Thai labour law, corporate law, Thai law in general, contracts, property, intellectual property, insurance, investment and starting a business in Thailand.

About BSA Law:
For over 30 years, Bamrung Suvicha Apisakdi Law Associates (BSA Law) has focused on providing reliable legal advice and services to the Thai and foreign business community in Thailand. BSA Law seeks to provide international standards of legal services while retaining the customs of the Thai business culture.

For more information please contact:

Jim Byrne
Business Advisor, BSA Law.
Email: jim ( @ ) bsalaw dot co dot th

http://www.bsalaw.co.th

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