Am I marked or blacklisted in Thailand after recent border crossings and visa inquiries?

Question

Hello all,

I’m in need of some advice…

In the past I’ve never had any issues or questions asked about my travels in Thailand.

Pretty much all of my time has been spent in Koh Tao diving.

In 2016 I had a non-immigrant B visa but eventually sold my share in the company and went back home. The rest of my travels have been on Tourist visa’s or visa on arrival(exemption).

Most recently I did two border crossings in Ranong to Myanmar and back in december 2023 and then march 2024 and left the country in april 2024.

Last week I re-entered Thailand with a new tourist visa which was granted to me by Thai Embassy in my home country. Upon arrival the IO asked me questions about why I’m here and when I’m leaving. ( I was in Transit on Bangkok International airport with connection to Samui) My answer was here for vacation and I’m not sure yet when I will leave. He then looked at my passport which was brand new with no stamps but saw in his computer that I’ve done two border-runs and asked me: you think is okay you go to Burma for 1 day and come back same day? You think this is normal. I didn’t know what to answer him but he took me to another IO and she was a bit more understanding. She told me I had to get a DTV visa if I want to stay longer time in Thailand and I explained to her that I’m not here for any cultural soft power activities. I had to book my outbound flight on the spot for when my 60 days are up. She said next time better for you to have a DTV when coming to Thailand.

My questions are:

-       Do you think I’m marked or blacklisted in the system?

-       Will IO in Koh Tao allow me to extend with 30 days and will they see the information about my booked outbound flight?

-       Where would I best go abroad to after my 60 or 90 days to apply for DTV visa?

Anyone has similar experiences?

Thank you kap.

Ask Thailand · Answer

The user is seeking advice after a recent experience at Bangkok airport during immigration, where they were questioned about their travel intentions due to previous border runs to Myanmar. They have a new tourist visa and were advised by an immigration officer to apply for a Digital Nomad Visa (DTV) for longer stays. The user wonders if they are marked in the immigration system, the possibility of extending their stay on Koh Tao, and the best destination to apply for a DTV. Responses from the community suggest that while the user is not blacklisted, there may be a note on their record indicating concerns about their travel patterns.

J ************** · Answer

It looks like you have to join the working with for a while and collect your 500k baht

Kool ******* · Answer

You have been identified as someone trying to stay long term in Thailand on tourist entries. That is in the computer system now. Remember that buying a tourist visa instead of using a visa exempt entry does not guarantee you will be let into the country. Chances are very good that if you try to enter again as a tourist, whether you buy a 60 day tourist visa, or not, you will be refused entry. They warned you, and their computer system is excellent.

Greg ******** · Answer

Not blacklisted as you woukd not be allowed in. Definitely looks like you have a note on your record though. Pal had similar coming up and down from Singapore where he was PR. Told to get a visa next time, not Visa Exempt.

John ********** · Answer

You aren't blacklisted but you need to understand that you are at the limit of tourist or visa exempt entries. You'll be able to get the 30 day extension OK but if you want to come back after that you are going to have to get a visa that will allow you to do so

Sean ******* · Answer

She told you to get a DTV and didn't say you have to do a soft power course for 5 years. What's the problem?

Anonymous ****************** · Answer

I am in the same situation but I don't have an answer yet...

Luit ***************** · Answer

When you not as you explain not come to Thailand for soft power activity and not have a remote job, DTV just is not working.

It looks to me IO thinks you not here in Thailand for normal tourist use, which is correct because border runs are not normal tourist behaviour, but as long as you have a valid tourist visa, and a valid ticket outside within 60 days, you might get questions, but normally they will permit you entry.

On visa exempt this is more difficult.

But I guess you know self the best for what reasons you are in Thailand, and when you don;t want to have too much questions, you should choose the visa for that purpose.

Am I marked or blacklisted in Thailand after recent border crossings and visa inquiries?

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