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Answered6 days ago

Am I overthinking my upcoming entry into Thailand with a SETV this November?

GenuineD*********
asked Nov 4, 2026
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HELP - Slightly anxious about entry in November, am I overthinking?

Hi everyone! I know this topic comes up quite often, but I'd really appreciate some honest feedback, especially from people who have entered Thailand recently. I tend to overthink things, so I’d really appreciate some honest opinions.

I'm 20 years old, Italian, and live in Italy. I've always visited Thailand for tourism using the 60-day visa exemption. I will be back in Thailand in November for 55 days on a SETV.

Here is my previous travel history (all under Visa Exemption scheme), including even the older trips for full transparency:

• Dec 2024 for 22 days (11 of those in 2025). Returned to Italy.

• April 2025 for 13 days. Returned to Italy.

• June – Aug 2025 for 56 days in Thailand. After that, I did an 8-day trip to Malaysia (Penang)

• Then re-entered Thailand again on visa exemption for 19 days only and left on 15 September 2025. I stayed longer than usual here because I had holidays transitioning from high school to university.

After exiting Thailand on 15 September, I spent almost 8 months outside Thailand, back home in Italy as I had to study and work.

• May – July 2026 for 54 days. Returned to Italy.

Before my upcoming trip in November, I'll have spent 4 months and 20 days in Italy since my last departure. This time, I will come back with a SETV approved in Italy.

I will stay exactly 55 days, exiting the kingdom and returning to Italy in January 2027.

For a smoother understanding, as of my planned arrival on November 2026:

• Previous 12 months (rolling year): 54 days spent in Thailand.

• Previous 18 months (rolling year): 129 days spent in Thailand.

I've never overstayed, been questioned about my travel history, received an immigration warning, or experienced any issues entering Thailand, not even when returning from Malaysia.

The purpose of my trip is 100% tourism. I'm planning a relaxing holiday, travelling around different parts of Thailand and exploring the country.

I'll also have the usual supporting documents ready:

• Confirmed and paid return flight to Italy.

• Hotel booking for my first 7 nights in Bangkok.

• 20,000+ THB in cash as proof of sufficient funds.

• Printed Word document of intended visits in Bangkok and main areas

Looking at my travel history, how risky do you think my next entry will be?

Would you expect additional questioning, or do you think my long recent breaks back in Italy make my situation relatively straightforward?

Thanks in advance and sorry for the long post! Wish an amazing day / night to everyone ❤🙏
Answer summary
The user is seeking reassurance about their upcoming trip to Thailand on a SETV visa after a lengthy absence. They express anxiety about potential scrutiny upon entry, despite a history of compliant travel as a tourist. After detailing their travel history and preparations, including having supporting documents, they ask for opinions on whether they might face additional questioning at immigration. The community responds positively, suggesting that as a genuine tourist with proper documentation, they should not encounter issues during entry.
46 repliesnewest first
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Karl *********
Karl *********
You will be fine
GenuineD*********
GenuineD*********
OP
Karl Hopkins thank you very much 🙏🙏🙏
Jeff *************
Jeff *************
Not sure what you mean by 60 day visa exemption, it’s now 30 days, then they may give you a 30 day extension but maybe just a 7 either way your history
GenuineD*********
GenuineD*********
OP
Jeff Hoffmeister hello, my 60 days visa exemption were used before the reduction to 30 days. For this specific November trip I got a SETV tourist visa that allows 60 days 😊
Ernest *******
Ernest *******
You are the vacationer that they welcome here. You will have zero problems. Only thing is you can only do 30 days instead of 60 unless you get a tourist visa or 30 extension once you are here. Enjoy
Kool *******
Kool *******
You'll be fine. You have a pattern of being an actual tourist, and not someone trying to live here long term on tourist entries.
GenuineD*********
GenuineD*********
OP
Kool Breez thank you very much 🙏🙏
Ho ******
Ho ******
You have been granted an SETV so I wouldn't overthink it too much. You got a visa, you did the right thing.
Tim *******
Looks solid to me, as long as you do not run into an IO having a bad day. Even then, you have a solid story so can’t see many issues. Are you flying into BKK (Phuket has some recent horror stories)?Earlier this year I changed my travel plans due to similar overthinking as I flew into BKK on visa exemption mid-Jan, land crossing to Malaysia end of Jan, flew to BKK mid-Mar on visa exemption, flew back to Canada late Apr. I wanted to do 2 w trip to Laos via land crossing late Mar but there was lots of chatter about crackdown on more than 2 visa exemptions per year (especially with land crossings). I did not want to put my return flight at risk if I could not get back in so skipped the Laos trip. Will just do it this winter!BTW, I like how you are enjoying life with travel. Keep it up!!
Ralph *******
Ralph *******
My gut feel is that you will be fine.

I hit problems with immigration having had two 60 day stays in a year, so there is no certainty in any of this.
Tim *******
Tim *******
Looks solid to me, as long as you do not run into an IO having a bad day. Even then, you have a solid story so can’t see many issues. Are you flying into BKK (Phuket has some recent horror stories)?

Earlier this year I changed my travel plans due to similar overthinking as I flew into BKK on visa exemption mid-Jan, land crossing to Malaysia end of Jan, flew to BKK mid-Mar on visa exemption, flew back to Canada late Apr.

I wanted to do 2 w trip to Laos via land crossing late Mar but there was lots of chatter about crackdown on more than 2 visa exemptions per year (especially with land crossings). I did not want to put my return flight at risk if I could not get back in so skipped the Laos trip. Will just do it this winter!

BTW, I like how you are enjoying life with travel. Keep it up!!
GenuineD*********
GenuineD*********
OP
Tim Baker thank you so much I really appreciate your comment. Yes I am landing in BKK early morning 😊
Tom ******
Tom ******
I arrived back a few days before 60 went to 30 days and have just extended for another 30 no worries at all. Happy to spend the 2000 baht.

The 100 baht change i always donate to the coffee fund . Its much appreciated .
Wannikea *********
You didn't need to go back to your childhood. There are only looking in the last year. Your return to your home country for many many months, you're a genuine tourist.
Wannikea *********
Wannikea *********
You didn't need to go back to your childhood. There are only looking in the last year. Your return to your home country for many many months, you're a genuine tourist.
GenuineD*********
GenuineD*********
OP
Wannikea Wanblee thank you very much, yes true I actually mentioned all my trips even those that aren’t much relevant now😅

Thank you so much for your comment 🙏
Kayleigh ********
You will enter without issue, but they may ask you for onward travel, 20,000 baht, and hotel booking.I just entered for the 3rd time this year. I left January 16 after 11 years working. Returned for Song Kran for 13 days. Came back for 64 days July to September (getting the 30 day extension). Now I am back for 21 days, I was questioned twice on entry this year, but allowed in. They just want to make sure you are truly a tourist. The IO's have definitely questioned me hard, but when I provide all the evidence, I have been stamped in without issue. As long as you have everything booked and money available to show, you will be fine with this kind of travel history... as it shows you are a true tourist
Kayleigh ********
Kayleigh ********
You will enter without issue, but they may ask you for onward travel, 20,000 baht, and hotel booking.

I just entered for the 3rd time this year. I left January 16 after 11 years working. Returned for Song Kran for 13 days. Came back for 64 days July to September (getting the 30 day extension). Now I am back for 21 days, I was questioned twice on entry this year, but allowed in.

They just want to make sure you are truly a tourist. The IO's have definitely questioned me hard, but when I provide all the evidence, I have been stamped in without issue.

As long as you have everything booked and money available to show, you will be fine with this kind of travel history... as it shows you are a true tourist
GenuineD*********
GenuineD*********
OP
Kayleigh Spicer thank you very much, I really appreciate your comment and opinion on this topic. May I ask what kind of questions the IO asked you? Thank you 🙏
Alredo *****
Alredo *****
You will be fine, enjoy your vacation👍
Collywobble **********
thanks very much to the thai government .....and social media???... for creating a climate of fear viz visits
Ant ***********
Ant ***********
Well written post

If you have an SETV EVisa

That’s the way to go
Collywobble **********
Collywobble **********
thanks very much to the thai government .....and social media???... for creating a climate of fear viz visits
Ivan *********
Ivan *********
I think it is productive to sift the information - I think you are right to be cautious and ask Questions .I have been to Thailand many times over the years - I missed my connection in Doha - because the departure was delayed from Fog at Gatwick . Quatar Airline were very good in just putting us on a later Flight . I used a mobile phone from a fellow passenger ( I just asked my Thai wife to pick me up later at Suvanapom airport . A problem easily fixed . All I would advise is to ignore some of the more extreme comments on Some Forums . Getting from the UK to Thailand and coming back is a well oiled Machine . Just Chill and enjoy your stay in Thailand .😃
Ronnie ********
Ronnie ********
Collywobble Thomason yes mate .lots of scare mongering on this site
Abey ******
Abey ******
Who finances all that travel, you say you are 20 years old.
Dave ****************
Dave ****************
Abey Abey that's not our business. If he has funds to spend in Thailand then he is the kind of tourist they want, as long as he's not a hooligan. (Or she, sorry)
PinkCroc*********
PinkCroc*********
You came then left. That's what they mainly focus on. Nobody can say unequivocally that you won't have a problem, that's the gamble.
Carl ********
Carl ********
straight to the hilton for sure!
Peter ******************
Peter ******************
Stai sereno...

Assicurati di avere contanti, biglietto di ritorno, prenotazione albergo etc etc

( sorry for Italian language😁)
GenuineD*********
GenuineD*********
OP
Peter Benjamin Parker grazie milleee ❤️🙏
Breathtaki***********
Breathtaki***********
Absolute tourist activity. You will fly in no issues.
GenuineD*********
GenuineD*********
OP
BreathtakingGuava6668 thank you very much for your comment 🙏
Lars-Göran ************
Lars-Göran ************
I am also very careful to do everything by the book. I read your long post thoroughly and I can see absolutely no reason whatsoever for you to worry about your upcoming trip. Just relax and enjoy it.
GenuineD*********
GenuineD*********
OP
Lars-Göran Ingvarsson Thank you for reading such a long post and I am sorry I just realised it’s actually super long. Really appreciate your comment, thanks again 🙏
Chris *********
Chris *********
Don't worry, you are exactly the kind of tourist that Thailand wants if you've never overstayed or done multiple visa extensions/ boarder runs
GenuineD*********
GenuineD*********
OP
Chris Coggins thank you very much, glad to hear it 🙏
Mick *********
Mick *********
If you’ve always complied and returned to your country of residence and now have a SETV as well as return flight you’ll be fine. It just shows you’re a genuine tourist.
GenuineD*********
GenuineD*********
OP
Mick Aynsley great thank you very much. Yes got a SETV this time 😊
Doug ********
Doug ********
The reason you should and will be ok...is because you do over think, and want to get it right...so you will be fine
GenuineD*********
GenuineD*********
OP
Doug Powell thank you so much, hope so 🙏
Steve **********
Steve **********
you are over thinking it. its not an issue, you are compliant with the law. chill.. you're fine.
GenuineD*********
GenuineD*********
OP
Steve Van III thank you so much ❤️🙏
AsianInsider **************
AsianInsider **************
Go to Vietnam instead no problems or worry with Thailand you always got to worry. Will you be the unlucky one they pick. It's a low percentage but it's all luck of the dice. Now ask yourself do you feel lucky 😂😂😂😂😂
Dave ****************
Dave ****************
@AsianInsider *************
not helpful. Read all the other comments. The OP has nothing to worry about, just a regular tourist that loves Thailand.
AsianInsider **************
AsianInsider **************
@Dave ***************
yeah a bunch of idiots from the west that don't have a clue about anything. It's a small percentage but it's always a risk that u the one they choose to fk with

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