Misspelling on Thai visa = problem?
 

I know someone who is leaving the US for the first time as she goes to Thailand to study for a semester. She just got her visa and her last name is misspelled. My assumption is that this is not a big deal, but she's nervous since she's a first-timer.

Can anyone confirm whether or not authorities might give her some grief on this?

Thanks!

I am sure that it would not be a problem as long as the spelling is close. Since the visa is in the passport with the correct spelling, there should be no problem. You could contact the Thai embassy and get a letter noting the mistake.

FWIW, I have had business visas to Thailand and Malaysia issued at their respective embassies in Singapore where the last letter of my first name was misspelled with a "D" instead of an "O". Never had an issue and I don't think any immigration officers noticed it.

As always, YMMV :)

Thanks for the input!
I had suggested she contact the embassy, but first-hand experience is always helpful and much appreciated.

What type of visa did she get (Non-Imm Ed)? Does it cover the entire length of her stay? Does she have a supporting cover letter, from the educational institution?

I have two "one-year, multiple-entry Non-Immigrant B" (business) visas issued in the U.S., and neither has my name? It's just a full-page stamp with all the unique details hand-written, along with stamps for fee paid and a large red garuda stamp for that consulate.

My assumption would be that the OPs friend will not have any issues, assuming the misspelling is limited in nature, but one always hears horror stories, and fake documents are a real concern here. Short of having the visa re-issued I would make every attempt to have as much supporting documentation available if a problem arises. This would include a letter from the Consul officer who issued the visa. However this situation should not be highlighted upon entry, just keep quiet and answer only those questions asked of you.

I have to agree that the scrutiny of documents here has increased significantly - and I support the suggestions of the previous poster.

In January, I arrived in Thailand with a 60 day tourist visa - but the officer stamped me in for 90 days. Though it was their error - when I left 45 days later (so within the 60 days) - there was significant consternation at immigration with the passing about of my passport back and forth to several officers and even an officer from the back room came out to look at it and they all took a VERY close look at the stamp and even the rest of my passport. ALL this even though - I was leaving within the 60 days - and any error was theirs.

No real problem though - and they never asked me about it. I stamped out fine and went on my way to return a week later on a different visa (Non-Imm B) - no problem.