What effect would past travel to Thailand have on obtaining a security clearance?
July 10th, 2010 by admin
If one has gone to the entertainment centers in thailand, would that have any effect on obtaining a security clearance ? Would they want a detailed accounting of such trips ?
Foreign travel is not flagged unless it is unusual.
What is unusual?
Lots and lots of trips to Thailand will make them want to know why.
If you’ve only been there a few times, AND have traveled to other places as well, it will not stand out as much. You were simply very interested in Asian culture. Right?
If you’ve only ever been to Thailand, multiple times, for short periods, they’re going to ask you what you find so interesting there. They’re not stupid. Unless you have a valid, reasonable reason, for such a pattern of activity, they’ll be suspicious as to your intent while there.
That being said, most agencies aren’t looking for Boy Scouts. Some misbehavior, as long as its not blatantly illegal, is in the past, and doesn’t include recent excessive drug use, can be overlooked as long as you can show that it was a part of your past, and that you have no intention of repeating it.