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Can a METV be denied at immigration in Thailand?

METV visa regulations Thailand immigration entry denial tourist visa visa exemption Italian passport entry requirements

Aug 11, 2025

9 months ago

Francesco ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Can METV get denied at immigration?

Hello everyone, I know immigration is become very strict this year and there are people who got denied with a SETV (single entry tourist visa). Is a METV “stronger” in front of an immigration officer? Can it get denied? For context, I am 19 and can’t apply to DTV because the requirement is 20 yo. Thanks 🙏

I have 2 entries on visa exemption this calendar year with a total of 68 days, but in case they check the “last 12 months” it would be 3 entries with 86 days total in Thailand (all well spaced out). Of course I have never overstayed, maxed my exemption, or abused the system, I just have some free time this year thanks to my university schedule. 

I have Italian passport by the way

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The post discusses concerns about the risk of being denied entry into Thailand with a METV (Multiple Entry Tourist Visa), especially given stricter immigration rules this year. The poster, a 19-year-old with an Italian passport, questions if a METV offers stronger standing than a SETV (Single Entry Tourist Visa) when it comes to immigration checks, and shares their visa entry history. Comments clarify that while any entry can be denied, the individual’s history and compliance suggest they should not face significant risks, providing reassurance while emphasizing the importance of being prepared with documentation.

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Liza ********

no one is going to be able to give you a definitive answer - but from what you have said you likely will be ok, but no one here knows the answer to your question no matter what they say - suggest you have printed documentation of your flights, bank balance and hotel reservations in case asked - don't offer but if asked it would be good to be able to quickly and calmly share - have a nice break and good luck in Uni next year.

9 months ago

Max *************

@Garrett **********

Not correct at all. Immigration has the right to denie entry. A visa is issued by an embassy or consulate which are parts of the MFA. Immigration is a part of The Royal Thai Police. They can see your history as a tourist, and if they think you're abusing the system,they can denie entry. Period.

9 months ago

Garrett ***********

No, if you have a visa and meet the entry requirements (20k baht cash, booked accommodations, and booked ticket out of Thailand) then you'll be fine. Immigration needs a legal reason to refuse entry contrary to what some belive.

9 months ago

Frank-Steven ***********

@Garrett **********

If only. The Thai Immigration Act of 1979 does not even give any restriction of time allowed in Thailand as a tourist. Yet, immigration officers regularly deny people with extensive travel history entry into Thailand. They will just fall back to Thai Immigration Act paragraph 12, section 2: "Having no appropriate means of living on entering the Kingdom". They will note 12(2) by hand and put a red stamo in and send people the way they came from. Irrespective of / without ever asking for 20k funds in cash or the like. Since there is not hard time limit for tourist entries, they just make them up - i.e. infer that if somebody is a tourist for too long, they must be making money in the country, thus using an inappropriate visa. If at least they would deny entry based on paragraph 12, section 4 "Being of unsound mind ...", then they would be much closer to the truth with a lot of people. 🤣

9 months ago

Reply to

Frank-Steven ***********

Tony *********

You'll be right

9 months ago

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

Any entry can be denied.

But with only 68 days this year and 86 days in the past 12 months, you shouldn't be anywhere near that risk yet.

9 months ago

Francesco ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Brandon ***********

thank you very much, I am a bit worried because for the first time in my life I wanted to go to Malaysia for 8 days and then come back for 2 weeks in Thailand before my university starts again. That’s why I was thinking about a METV to be safer. In any case, I have a exit ticket to Italy, proof of funds, and accommodation booked. I am just worried for the trip in Malaysia that can be seen as a border run. I have never done a border run before so it would be my first time considering my holiday is longer than expected this year

9 months ago

David ******

@Francesco **********

can i ask how long your staying in Thailand studying and also where abouts your studying ?

9 months ago

Francesco ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@David *****

I am not studying from Thailand, I study in my own country I am just here on holiday before university starts again

9 months ago

Reply to

Francesco ***********