Can I enter Thailand again on a visa exemption after leaving for Vietnam?

October 19, 2023
a year ago
Jake ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I recently spent 4 months in thailand on 2 30day visa exemption entries (one from land one from air) and 2 30 day extensions.

I've now left to vietnam for a month or so, I'm wondering if I would be able to enter thailand again on a visa exemption when I leave vietnam?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user seeks clarification on their eligibility to re-enter Thailand on a visa exemption after spending four months there under multiple visa exemptions and extensions and then traveling to Vietnam. Community comments highlight the uncertainty surrounding this situation, suggesting it depends on the discretion of the immigration officer upon re-entry. It's recommended to consider applying for a tourist visa in Vietnam as a more reliable option to avoid potential questioning at immigration in Thailand.
Wolfgang *******
If you come by airplane it shouldn't be a problem, but as mentioned before, it all depends on the mood of the Immigration officer. If you want to make it sure try to get a Tourist visa there.
John *******
It's a 50 / 50 chance of being quizzed about your entries some IO on the day can be a little anal about things but they have to be seen doing their job even with a visa there is never a guarantee entry it's thailand we are talking about this year I have spent 24 weeks in total in thailand last entry was in July and was questioned about it why you here many time why you not get proper visa next time you have proper visa first time in 25 year ever been asked to see my ticket out showed him and he settled down Chokh di
Michael **********
I did 45+30 twice this year then I went to the states and got back 40 days later. The officer questioned me about my staying and he didn't look happy. Didn't get warned as I prove I was staying there just for a few days to pick my stuff and move to taiwan. He wanted to check my ticket and typed the data on his computer
Lyndon ************
Best chance would be to fly to Chiang Mai
Steve *******
Technically yes, however you may well be quizzed by Immigration so be prepared with the 3 proofs, ie 20k Baht in cash or a currency equivalent, accommodation, and onward travel within 30 days
Todd *********
No problem. Immigration may or may not ask some questions. Just doing their jobs. Who cares either way? Enjoy
Martin *********
I was qestioned back in August on my arrival because i had done the same think from January on this year
Jake ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Martin ********
what sort of questions did they ask?
Martin *********
@Jake **********
basically telling me not to keep extending visa and make retirement visa or a 60 day visa
David ***********
If you fly in you will have a chance but not guaranteed. Immigration is more tough in thailand after COVID
Jasper *************
if you re not broke by now, you are not doing it right
Wayne *********
As Jess said, Immigration may stop and question you if they think your trying to live here on extensions and exempt entries .

They may also take no notice, the risk is yours but a visa is a better option
Jessica ******
Apply for a tourist visa in Vietnam if you want to be sure. It all depends on the immigration officer here with another exempt…
Jake ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jess **************
thanks for advice - the thai embassy website says that I would have to apply from my home country as the UK isn't on the list of countries that can apply at the embassy?
Stéfan ********
@Jake **********
you can apply in Cambodia
Nigel *********
@Jake **********
are you sure you're looking at a genuine Thai embassy site and not one belonging to an agent calling themselves Thai Embassy
Jessica ******
@Jake **********
really? That seems odd to me that I as a U.S. citizen can and did in Hanoi in 2020 but a U.K. citizen cannot? At the Thai embassy?
Jake ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jess **************
I was looking at the HCM embassy - hanoi would be better for me anyway. Can I ask how long the process took from application to receiving the visa?
Phonemyat *******
@Jake **********
u can apply at Hanoi. I did apply last month everything smooth apply on Monday and they said pick up Friday. Actually can pick up Wednesday or Thursday
Jessica ******
@Jake **********
For me in March 2020 it was apply one day, pick up 1 or 2 days later. I’m not sure if things are different now though. I’m sure you can search in this page for more recent experiences. Good luck.
Graham ******
@Jess **************
Having a Tourist Visa does not guarantee entry as it is still entirely at the discretion of the individual Immigration Officer.
Jessica ******
@Graham *****
It increases your chances dramatically. Why else would the embassy go through the process of accepting your application?
Steve *******
@Jess **************
For the money, the Embassy doesnt care whether you'll be allowed entry or not.
Graham ******
@Jess **************
You said "to be sure", agreed, chances are greater but you cannot be guaranteed entry with a Visa. The Embassy might take your money regardless and let you take your chances.
Jessica ******
@Graham *****
yeah idk I haven’t heard of that happening much but maybe you had that experience or know someone.
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