Are there issues at BKK Airport for travelers with a Thai tourism visa after long stays on visa exempt stamps?

Thai tourism visa Visa issues at immigration Covid-19 extensions Entry denial risks Traveling from Vietnam to Thailand Chiang Mai Airport entry Visa exempt stamp concerns Thai consulate visa application

Oct 23, 2022

2 years ago

Phil ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

I'm currently in Vietnam and plan on getting a 60 day Thai tourism visa. I've already spent 10+ months in Thailand and have a passport full of Covid extensions.  I've heard that immigration can be quite difficult at BKK Airport for people that have already been in Thailand for a good amount of time on the visa exempt stamp / Covid visa.  My question is, does that worry still exist if I already have obtained the tourism visa from the Thai consulate?

692

views

likes

all likes

replies

images

users

TLDR : Answer Summary

The user is concerned about potential immigration issues at Bangkok Airport after previously staying in Thailand for an extended period on a visa exempt stamp and Covid extensions. They have obtained a 60-day tourist visa from a Thai consulate in Vietnam and want to know if their previous stays will pose a problem upon entry. Commenters confirm that concerns about being denied entry persist, especially for travelers with a history of long-term stays in Thailand. They suggest that entry via other airports like Chiang Mai may be less problematic and reference experiences of others regarding visa issuance and re-entry.

James ********

As I have chatted with the OP..

He is going to fly into Chiang Mai from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam AND will report back his experience in obtaining a new Thai Tourist Visa in Vietnam and his arrival into Chiang Mai Thailand.

We wish him success.

Comments Closed

2 years ago

James ********

Yep 👍 you are at great risk of being DENIED entry into Thailand on your return due to your recent history of living in Thailand.

We do not yet have reports of folks who he have such a history being DENIED the issuance of a New tourist visa from either of the Thai Embassy or Consulate in Vietnam.

BUT there have been reported DENIED entry into Thailand upon arrival by Air from Vietnam AND Cambodia.

We do know that Malaysia... Kuala Lumpur and Penang are refusing to issue a Thai tourist visa for those who have a history of living in Thailand during COVID-19.

Those who have obtained a new Thai Tourist Visa in Laos from either Vientiane or Savannakhet Laos...

AND re-entered Thailand by LAND BORDER CROSSING have not reported any problems.

That is ALSO TRUE for the BORDER BOUNCE into Laos and reenter Thailand...getting the 45 STAMP in re-entry And can add 30 days extension of stay for 1900 Thai baht at local Thai immigration office.

As Brandon Thurkette posted.. it's wise to read the advice given by

@ ************

s ...

************************************************************************

**********

*****

2 years ago

Brandon ************

Yes, it's the exact same concerns and considerations.

See Tod's post here with some advice

**************************************************************************

**********

*****

2 years ago

Phil ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Is it more wise to try to take a direct flight back to Chiang Mai, or does it not matter where I fly into if I already have the visa?

2 years ago

James ********

@Phil *******

surely it may be a better option vs either of Bangkok's airports.

Or seek to reenter Thailand by a Land BORDER crossing...use your Google flights search for options to get closer to a land border into Thailand.

2 years ago

Brandon ************

@Phil *******

not a single report of anyone having trouble entering through Chiang Mai. Does that mean it never happens? No, just that no one has reported if they did have issues. But it's a good plan.

2 years ago

Reply to

Brandon ************

Thai Visa Advice

... members · 40% approval rate

The Thai Visa Advice group is a specialized Q&A forum for visa-related topics in Thailand, ensuring detailed responses.

Join the Group

Thai Visa Advice

View the Conversation

Thai Visa Advice

What are the current rules for entering Thailand on a visa exemption for multiple entries?

209 comments