Am I at risk of being denied entry to Thailand after multiple uses of the 30-day visa exemption?

Oct 5, 2021
3 years ago
Robert ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi all, I travel to Thai every 2-3 mnths (pre covid) and use the 30day permit granted on arrival. By using that so many times, am I risking not having it granted at some stage?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The post discusses concerns about the risk of being denied entry into Thailand after using the 30-day visa exemption multiple times. Community comments reflect on the past experiences of travelers who have frequented Thailand, suggesting that pre-COVID, there might have been scrutiny after exceeding certain limits. While some reported no issues with repeated entries, others experienced questioning from immigration. Current sentiments suggest a more lenient approach toward visitors post-COVID, though caution is advised for those with frequent short stays.
Wayne *********
Prior to covid and for 5 years I went to Thailand every month for 13 days on visa exempt from Australia. Never ever got stopped or questioned, yet I have heard of people being stopped.

Hopefully I will restart doing the same from December.

Note, I own apartments, have thai license and bank accounts, don't know if this makes any difference though.
Josh *********
Why are people going to so much trouble to go to Thailand?
Josh *********
Thanks. I've had a place in BKK for over 30 years. But we're in Mexico waiting it out. Getting into Thailand is like applying to uni. Too old for that :)
Declan ***********
@Josh ********
- Family…… Otherwise Tbh., I’d be back doing Close Protection Work in BRASIL where there is little or no Bureaucracy…… 🥺🇧🇷🥺
Jim ********
Bryan **********
I just got pulled at immigration for same reason, I've entered 4 times in the last year. Told me this was last time I can enter on visa exempt. Get a visa mate.
Michael ********
@Bryan *********
First time have heard of it since covid restrictions. Work offshore ?
Bryan **********
@Michael *******
work overseas yeah 28 days on 28days off. but call thailand home.
Michael ********
@Bryan *********
Same as me but do repars not regular shifts. Need special visa for us there are a lot of us with spending power
Bryan **********
@Michael *******
elite visa is what they want you to buy, but 500k. Thats a no for me.
Michael ********
Robert ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanksyou, looks like I'll be ok for 5 maybe 6 short stays each year.
Carsten ************
On DMK Airport the limit is a max of 180 days/ p.a. but on BKK they are not that serious about it.
Michael ********
@Carsten ***********
once you get flagged doesnt matter where you come in. Land border any airport all the same.
Michael ********
Before covid yes if more than 6 months in 1 year they could get funny about it and red flag you.

At moment though i think they are grateful for visitors
Michael ********
@Ulrik ********
it is actually written down somewhere in the rules I have seen it. I will try and find it.

Yes i was 20 years doing it like that but i got two passports 555
Ulrik *********
@Michael *******
If you are able to find the rule in writing please direct it my way. I have previous searched myself, but couldn't find anything official on the matter. 🙂
Ulrik *********
@Michael *******
what is the reason that more than 6 months per year on visa exempt can cause problems?
Michael ********
@Ulrik ********
More than six months they say you are not a tourist anymore and you should be on long stay visa. I was actually told that by immigration, I work on ship repair which can be a few days or few weeks I never know so I always came in visa exempt even though i showed them my seamans book and proof i work on ships, they red flagged me and told me to get a marriage visa.

Pre covid times a lot of people working illegally
Ulrik *********
@Michael *******
Thank you for the explanation 🙂

It seems that it is entirely up to the IO, and not a written rule if they let you in or not.

I was living here for around 7
***
years on tourist visa, visa exempts, extensions and a few EDs before I got pulled aside in DMK coming home from a holiday in Bali. He was certain that I was working in the country, and wouldn't let me in.. I called for his superior and after showing proof of international transactions for the entire period of stay, I got my exemption. After that, I only extended 1 more time, did a border run over land, and went for a month long holiday in my home country. I figured it was time for a new strategy and had to fork out for an EV as I had no other options.

EDIT : What I wanted to say before I started my bedtime story is that it seems a bit odd, that you have the right to unlimited visa exempts if you go by plane, but only 2 by land border. Why not add a rule that you can only have a certain amount in total per year, or clearly state that you can only stay up to 6 months per year on exempts if that is the way they want it to be. The uncertainty if you get your exemption or not, is imo an unnecessary headache.
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