This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.
Can I enter Thailand in January 2026 after being denied entry in November 2025 if I stay in Korea?
Thailand Entry DeniedVisa RulesVisa ExemptionsTourist VisaImmigration PoliciesVisa ExtensionsTravel in Thailand
Dec 13, 2025
5 months ago
Margie ***********
ORIGINAL POSTERNeed advice
What if Thailand denied entry November 28, 2025 and then didn’t go back to my origin country instead I stay December 2025 in Korea. Can I enter Thailand in January 2026 since reset next year.
What if Thailand denied entry November 28, 2025 and then didn’t go back to my origin country instead I stay December 2025 in Korea. Can I enter Thailand in January 2026 since reset next year.
TLDR : Answer Summary
The conversation revolves around whether a person who was denied entry to Thailand in November 2025 can return in January 2026 after spending time in Korea. It is generally discussed that there's no 'reset' after a calendar year, with various opinions indicating that Thai immigration tracks entry history closely, and repeated attempts may lead to further denial. Participants suggest that applying for a proper tourist visa might improve chances of successful entry, but generally caution that previous immigration actions can lead to a 'flagging' in the system, impacting future entries.
Pelle Eriksson★★★★★
Absolutely Bangkok's best service I highly...recently on Facebook
Luca G.★★★★★
I used this agency for my DTV Visa...recently on Google
Trusted Thai Visa Agent
OVER 100,000 EXPATS SERVED
#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND
John *****
When you get to immigration all your previous entries popup onbtheir screen. With flagged entries highlighted red. Apply for a tourist visa
Ayzek *****
Dear Margie , as long as you don't have criminal record, you can always return to Thailand. How to return, is up to you. There's plenty of information about it .
Arnold **********
Thailand doesn’t want people like you.end of story
Robert *********
Why don't you contact the nearest Thai embassy and ask them .
Just email them.or ,God forbid these days ...phone them.
Just email them.or ,God forbid these days ...phone them.
Michael ********
@Robert ********
read what is it sarcasm 😁Graham ******
@Robert ********
because the Thai Embassies have nothing to do with Thai Immigration maybe ;)Robert *********
@Graham *****
I always ,for 29 years have got good and accurate info when I calledMichael ********
@Robert ********
they must love you 😁😁Robert *********
@Michael *******
they have always being veryvhelpful with upto date accurate info not fb opinionsReply to
Robert *********
Reply
Roger **********
Yes
Heiko *********
Maybe yes, maybe no. You can never know. You are probably flagged in the system and might be „shadow-banned“, because they suspect you of having your center of life in Thailand and probably working without a work permit to support yourself. This would mean that you probably will not be able to enter as a tourist at least for the near future.
You might be able to order a visa agent with good connections to immigration to go and check your current status.
You should get a proper longterm visa, because even if you will be allowed to enter, you will get problems in the future. At least for now the days of infinite border bounces are over.
You might be able to order a visa agent with good connections to immigration to go and check your current status.
You should get a proper longterm visa, because even if you will be allowed to enter, you will get problems in the future. At least for now the days of infinite border bounces are over.
Nata****
In case you can contact an agent to help you with you options
@Tanisha ******
Krystian ******
Pay fastrack and u good
Buintje ******
Follow the rules
Articulat**********
News reports quote immigrations that the rule is two Visa exempts entries per calendar year.
Graham ******
ArticulateSloth6363 and you believe the news media?
Nongnuch ********
ArticulateSloth6363 this is WRONG. It's a limit of two EXTENSIONS on top of visa-exempt entries within a one-year period . . . . . . There is no limit on visa-exempt ENTRIES. You can do 3, 4, 5 and even 6 visa-exempt entries for short 2-3 weeks holidays, within a one-year period if you don't exceed 157 days per rolling 365 days
Reply to
Nongnuch ********
Reply
Jason ***********
THAILAND JUST WANTS TOURIST MONEY FROM PLANE TICKETS. THIS IS CLEAN CUT AND DRY. ECONOMY IS VERY VERY SLOW DUE TO VIETNAM TAKING THE NUMBER 1 SPOT FOR TOURISM. THIS IS DUE TO FLOODING, PRICE GOUGING, SPREAD LIKE WILD FIRE ON SOCIAL MEDIA. SO YES YOU CAN ENTER BY AIR. ME, I STAY FOR 9 MONTHS ON TOURISTS VISA 3 ENTRIES, I FLEW GOT MY METV GOOD FOR 6 MORE MONTHS. IT CAN STRECH AN ADDITIONAL 90 DAYS ON TOP.
Robert ********
@Jason **********
people like you are the problemJason ***********
True but hey, wanna sit 8 hours on a bus or fly on hour, one hour back. I know what I will do and book those tickets in advance say ya 60% 💸🪖
Reply to
Jason ***********
Reply
Jason ***********
IT RESETS
Nongnuch ********
@Jason **********
this is wrong. Nothing resetsReply to
Nongnuch ********
Reply
Jason ***********
YES, IT RESETS EVERY YEAR
Michael ********
@Jason **********
no it's notJason ***********
@Michael *******
okay Michael🤞🏾Michael ********
@Jason **********
yeap. I'd like it to be reset also bro, unfortunately it's just a myth.Reply to
Michael ********
Reply
Ronnie ****************
Why don't you ask immigration? Asking questions is always best at the source.
Robert ********
@Ronnie ***************
where do you ask immigration? If you are not in Thailand. My nearest embassy is 1000 km awayRonnie ****************
send an email to the embassy...you seem to live somewhere in the middle of nowhere.
Reply to
Ronnie ****************
Reply
Michael ********
@Ronnie ***************
did you try to ask immigration for anything?Ronnie ****************
not only tried but also done.
Reply to
Ronnie ****************
Reply
Michelangelo **********
Just leave and apply for visa outside country.
Peter *******
So much false advice, new rules 180 days max in a 12 month period, no reset, 12 month running,
Graham ******
@Peter ******
no 180 day rule/law either ;)Samuel *******
@Peter ******
270 daysReply to
Samuel *******
Reply
John *********
“What if Thailand denied entry November 28, 2025”. Does the “what if” mean you were denied entry on November 28th?
Samuel *******
@John ********
yes. Ypu should understand the context. Due to that, he's afraid of being denied for the 2nd time.Reply to
Samuel *******
Reply
Nick ************
I have seen many reports of people entering by air as genuine tourists being allowed 5+ entries. It is the border runs they are trying g to stop not tourism.
Robert ********
@Nick ***********
not trueNick ************
@Robert *******
absolutely true.Reply to
Nick ************
Reply
Nongnuch ********
You should refrain from thinking in terms of "calendar year"
I would rather say that all visa-exempt stays within the recent "1-year period" will be considered when you attempt another visa-exempt entry
Just think about it, if a “calendar year” count would be in effect:
This would allow 157 days BEFORE New Year, and 157 more days AFTER New Year, totaling in a 304-days consecutive visa-exempt holiday inside Thailand.
The mind boggles.
Do you really believe that Thai Immigration sums up the amount of visa-exempt stays in "calendar years"?
It won't make much sense
I would rather say that all visa-exempt stays within the recent "1-year period" will be considered when you attempt another visa-exempt entry
Just think about it, if a “calendar year” count would be in effect:
This would allow 157 days BEFORE New Year, and 157 more days AFTER New Year, totaling in a 304-days consecutive visa-exempt holiday inside Thailand.
The mind boggles.
Do you really believe that Thai Immigration sums up the amount of visa-exempt stays in "calendar years"?
It won't make much sense
Samuel *******
@Nongnuch *******
it'll be shown on their computer. The details of your visit. Including how many days, when and where you previously stayed. Everything is recorded. Not manually counted. LolTrustworthy************
While that’s true, you could only do that once because after you’d need to be gone half the year, and your next chance to return would be the following January. So the consecutive 304 days would be a one-time loophole. The calendar year interpretation is also simpler to calculate.
Reply to
Trustworthy************
Reply
Eric **********************
No
Nongnuch ********
There is no "reset". There is no mention of "calendar year". There is no two-times limit on visa-exempt entries within a one-year period. And nothing "resets". There are only two extensions possible on visa-exempt entries, within a one-year period. The first extension will be issued for 30 days, the extension for a second visa-exempt entry will be issued for 7 days . . you can theoretically do 4, 5 or even 6 visa exempt entries for short 2-3 weeks holidays, within a one-year period, if you never maximize each stay. Of course upon each entry, you should be able to proof your onward travel, an accomodation and proof of cash equivalent of 20,000 THB
Jim *******
@Nongnuch *******
Yes, when it is obvious one is a genuine tiurist. I have done 110 entries on visa exemption over 25 years, at least 60 times it was weekends only when on business in Singapore. Other stays were never more than 30 days, no extensions, ever.I guess that is what oil rigs fellows do. Can only guess that oil rigs folks are good money spending tourists Thai can get in significant numbers.
I never said I own a condo in Thai or have Thai wife and child. Never actually been asked anything, never about return ticket (I always had it), no showing 20K THB.
Now, as a retiree, I am on Non-O 1 year extension, no worriess.
We actually live in Japan, own a homethere, Perm residents and coming and staying in Thai 5-6 months a year is not any issue.
Peter *******
@Nongnuch *******
I've been here total 3 times this year 3x60 days visiting my wife I've done my 180 days wen I return UK 26th Dec, immigration were difficult with me but got in, unaware of new rules, my best option for next time appears to be a tourist visaNongnuch ********
@Peter ******
I would be very careful, as it appears that even on a 60-days single entry tourist visa, it still is classed as a "touristic purpose entry" , same as a visa-exempt "touristic" entry. . .So even when holding a tourist visa, you can get denied entry . . . . . Furthermore, if you have already been warned the last time you entered, you profile has most obviously received a "flagging", so each Immigration officer at any border point will, after he has scanned your passport, can see on his screen that you have been warned. . . . are you not able to apply for the 90-days Non-Imm-O Family Visa as you mentioned you are married to a Thai wife?Peter *******
@Nongnuch *******
differs with each immigration person, last time it was a lady and asked if I am meeting anyone and I said my wife is waiting for me at airport with local taxi KORAT, and see was happy about it, this time the immigration guy asked me for my digital card, show it on telephone, he was being awkward even tossing my passport back onto the counter, I don't think i flagged, maybe i get a bit of leeway as I severely disabled 70 year old, I'm also aware that the time before mentioning my wife could have gone against me entering on a tourist visa, these new rules aren't doing me any favours, I'd be better off on a visa free 30 daysReply to
Peter *******
Reply
Jeremy ********
If you don’t try you’ll never know the outcome
Pascal ********
It's not reset with the new year; it counts over a year.
Jason ***********
THAILAND JUST WANTS TOURIST MONEY FROM PLANE TICKETS. THIS IS CLEAN CUT AND DRY. ECONOMY IS VERY VERY SLOW DUE TO VIETNAM TAKING THE NUMBER 1 SPOT FOR TOURISM. THIS IS DUE TO FLOODING, PRICE GOUGING, SPREAD LIKE WILD FIRE ON SOCIAL MEDIA. SO YES YOU CAN ENTER BY AIR. ME, I STAY FOR 9 MONTHS ON TOURISTS VISA 3 ENTRIES, I FLEW GOT MY METV GOOD FOR 6 MORE MONTHS. IT CAN STRECH AN ADDITIONAL 90 DAYS ON TOP.
Graham ******
@Jason **********
FFS stop shouting and wait until 1-Jan when we all will know for surePascal ********
@Jason **********
That's not exactly how it works; they can go back two or three years to see the number of visa runs you've done and the total number of days spent in Thailand.Reply to
Pascal ********
Reply
Jason ***********
IT RESETS
Nongnuch ********
@Jason **********
no, it doesn't resetReply to
Nongnuch ********
Reply
Jason ***********
@Pascal *******
IT RESETS EVERY PHYSICAL YEARReply to
Jason ***********
Reply
Dolce *************
SETV or METV does not change much.
Was almost not let in in Aug this yr with METV. Coz of 145 days trip this yr and in 2024. Told too many days for 6 month visa, and to get a retirement visa. The only reason was let in was my smile, no questions and being cool under pressure.
So ppl advising tourist visas like its a magic wand, or saying you can still do 8-9months on METV have no idea what they are saying. Tourist visa is much better than visa exemt but is no guaranty that you will be let in.
Was almost not let in in Aug this yr with METV. Coz of 145 days trip this yr and in 2024. Told too many days for 6 month visa, and to get a retirement visa. The only reason was let in was my smile, no questions and being cool under pressure.
So ppl advising tourist visas like its a magic wand, or saying you can still do 8-9months on METV have no idea what they are saying. Tourist visa is much better than visa exemt but is no guaranty that you will be let in.
Henry **********
@Dolce ************
not everyone is over 50Dolce *************
@Henry *********
nothing to do with age. Ynger ppl will be advised to get DTV. Tourist visa is not a sure bet of anything even be4 last 2 month witch hunt for Visa Runs. Problem started earlier this yr.Henry **********
@Dolce ************
nonsense, DTV is for who want to live in Thailand all year around, not to spend holiday for 3-4 months a year. That's why there are single and multy entry tourist visas. With a METV visa you can stay up to 9 months on hokiday and its totally fine, its a proper visa for tourists!Graham ******
No it is not, it is a type of tourist visa and I expect people who try to live in Thailand on a DTV will see increasing difficulty as their number of days stay starts to add up
Dolce *************
@Henry *********
Your logic and my logic has nothing to do with immigration supervisor logic telling you its illegal to stay 145 days on METV. Happened to me Aug this yr. Her word is final, not the rules or your believes. If you argue, she wont let you in. So rules are secondary when you are in intoragation in Immigration.Reply to
Dolce *************
Reply
Nongnuch ********
Newfarang 57 Robert Lagas, an Immigration Volunteer, wrote the following regarding this nonsense post of the Immigration Surat Thani (while it is not even 100% clear if it got posted by Immigration or by an agent):
“Some people love to post this piece of paper, just because they think these are the new visa rules.
I just underlined a few points to show it is rubbish:
- Tourist Visa regulations
*** Okay, so you apply using the website as there are new regulations
- one exception for a tourist visa
*** No, you get the visa issued or denied, there is no exception
- two or more exceptions
*** If one is not possible, how can you get 2 or more
- All visa run histories will be reset
*** No, your history of entry into this country, usage of visa, pictures, passport use, fingerprints will stay in the database.
- two consecutive exceptions for tourist visa
*** repeating does not make rules
- after these 2 uses you must leave Thailand.
*** You must leave on or before your admitted or permitted up to stay date stamped in your passport OR apply for an Extension of Stay.
- Extension options in Samui
*** The reason used on the application gives you a possible maximum days, this could be 30. 60. 90 or longer.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Immigration officers at the passport control of the Koh Samui airport will soon realise, that their posting is rubbish.
Simply because you can still enter visa exempt 3, 4, 5 or 6 times during a one-year period for SHORT holidays and still be classed a "real tourist", as long as you never maximized those stays and don't spend any longer than 157 days on visa-exempt entries per one-year period, separated through stays abroad
It won’t take long for them to take down this nonsense flyer
“Some people love to post this piece of paper, just because they think these are the new visa rules.
I just underlined a few points to show it is rubbish:
- Tourist Visa regulations
*** Okay, so you apply using the website as there are new regulations
- one exception for a tourist visa
*** No, you get the visa issued or denied, there is no exception
- two or more exceptions
*** If one is not possible, how can you get 2 or more
- All visa run histories will be reset
*** No, your history of entry into this country, usage of visa, pictures, passport use, fingerprints will stay in the database.
- two consecutive exceptions for tourist visa
*** repeating does not make rules
- after these 2 uses you must leave Thailand.
*** You must leave on or before your admitted or permitted up to stay date stamped in your passport OR apply for an Extension of Stay.
- Extension options in Samui
*** The reason used on the application gives you a possible maximum days, this could be 30. 60. 90 or longer.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Immigration officers at the passport control of the Koh Samui airport will soon realise, that their posting is rubbish.
Simply because you can still enter visa exempt 3, 4, 5 or 6 times during a one-year period for SHORT holidays and still be classed a "real tourist", as long as you never maximized those stays and don't spend any longer than 157 days on visa-exempt entries per one-year period, separated through stays abroad
It won’t take long for them to take down this nonsense flyer
John **********
Newfarang 57 people keep sharing this but its totally misleading
Reply to
John **********
Reply
Jesper *******
This is thailand when you are being denied entry you just go back where u come from....ppl can argue all day about how many visa exempt can be use in 1year how many extension, border runs (land or air) does it resets.....once the immigration officer feels that you are abusing the system they will denied your entry and you can't do anything about it....usually they will advised get a proper visa next time u try to enter thailand.....their country their rules
Jason ***********
@Jesper ******
IT RESETSGraham ******
@Jason **********
we will only be 100% sure on 1-Jan when someone previously denied tries to enter under the "reset" ruleJesper *******
@Jason **********
many ppl believed UNTIL they are being denied entryReply to
Jesper *******
Reply
Steve *******
Course you can.
Luc ************
Resets? 555
Ralph *******
@Luc ***********
That’s cool. I just want to be prepared in case I’m asked. I’ll have to get her to do the TM30 too.Ralph *******
@Luc ***********
Do they ever ask if you have a girlfriend?Luc ************
@Ralph ******
thats on my TDAC. Her address is on it.Reply to
Luc ************
Reply
Ralph *******
@Luc ***********
Do they ever question you?Luc ************
@Ralph ******
at immigration? Never. Once they asked if i had a return flight. I just said of course, you can see that on mij TDAC because I filled the complete document.Reply to
Luc ************
Reply
Paul ********
@Luc ***********
yes it resets. There are just some scare moungers that’s all.Nongnuch ********
@Paul *******
There is no „reset“ on January 1st.A maximum of 157 days on visa exempt entries "within a one-year period" is the new approach.
There is no limit to visa-exempt ENTRIES, there just is a limit on EXTENSIONS on top of visa-exempt entries (limited to two extensions "within a one-year period", the first for 30 days, and the other one for 7 days)
per "calendar year" won't make any sense! Just imagine:
if there really was a "reset" on January 1st, you could get 157 days BEFORE New Year, followed by 157 days AFTER New Year.
Which would sum up to a total of 304 days stay permit by consecutive visa-exempt entries, if they would really count "per calendar year".
So, any post that says "calendar year" must clearly be rubbish
Nongnuch ********
@Paul *******
nothing resets. Immigration counts "per one-year period"Reply to
Nongnuch ********
Reply
Ralph *******
@Luc ***********
Yes, the visa exemptions reset at the start of the year. You can have two in a year. But your history is always there!Nongnuch ********
@Ralph ******
there is no limit on visa-exempt entries per one-year period. Nothing "resets". There are only two extensions possible on visa-exempt entries, per one-year period. The first extension will be issued for 30 days, the extension for a second visa-exempt entry will be issued for 7 daysNongnuch ********
@Ralph ******
many oil riggers are spending their off-time on a holiday in Thailand. They do repeated short holidays on visa-exempt entries. Absolutely no problem with that so farRalph *******
@Nongnuch *******
Yes, I’ve seen them post to that effect Some one month on and one month off. A nice life!Luc ************
@Ralph ******
listen buddy, your info is wrong. You can enter on visa exemption as much as you want but not longer then 180 days all together. You can only do 2 visa exempts as from 3 weeks ago. One for 30 days an the other 7 days. I'm here on my 4th exemption this year reaching just around 160 days, without any extension. So what you have to say about that? I've been doing this for many years now, never had a problem or questions asked. We.live in Buriram.Nongnuch ********
@Ralph ******
Robert Lagas, an Immigration Volunteer, wrote the following regarding this nonsense post of the Immigration Surat Thani (while it is not even 100% clear if it got posted by Immigration or by an agent):“Some people love to post this piece of paper, just because they think these are the new visa rules.
I just underlined a few points to show it is rubbish:
- Tourist Visa regulations
*** Okay, so you apply using the website as there are new regulations
- one exception for a tourist visa
*** No, you get the visa issued or denied, there is no exception
- two or more exceptions
*** If one is not possible, how can you get 2 or more
- All visa run histories will be reset
*** No, your history of entry into this country, usage of visa, pictures, passport use, fingerprints will stay in the database.
- two consecutive exceptions for tourist visa
*** repeating does not make rules
- after these 2 uses you must leave Thailand.
*** You must leave on or before your admitted or permitted up to stay date stamped in your passport OR apply for an Extension of Stay.
- Extension options in Samui
*** The reason used on the application gives you a possible maximum days, this could be 30. 60. 90 or longer.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Immigration officers at the passport control of the Koh Samui airport will soon realise, that their posting is rubbish.
Simply because you can still enter visa exempt 3, 4, 5 or 6 times during a one-year period for SHORT holidays and still be classed a "real tourist", as long as you never maximized those stays and don't spend any longer than 157 days on visa-exempt entries per one-year period, separated through stays abroad
It won’t take long for them to take down this nonsense flyer
Nongnuch ********
@Ralph ******
There is no "reset". There is no mention of "calendar year". There is no two-times limit on visa-exempt entries within a one-year period. And nothing "resets". There are only two extensions possible on visa-exempt entries, within a one-year period. The first extension will be issued for 30 days, the extension for a second visa-exempt entry will be issued for 7 days . . you can theoretically do 4, 5 or even 6 visa exempt entries for short 2-3 weeks holidays, within a one-year period, if you never maximize each stay. Of course upon each entry, you should be able to proof your onward travel, an accomodation and proof of cash equivalent of 20,000 THBNongnuch ********
*** There is no “reset”
The 157-days get calculated as follows:
*** You can only get two extensions for visa-free entries per ongoing one-year period.
*** The number of visa-free entries itself is NOT limited.
*** You will be able to get a 30-day extension for the first visa-free entry, but only a 7-day extension for the second visa-exempt entry.
This sums up to 60 + 30 + 60 + 7 = 157 days per one-year period.
As soon as you threaten to break this (invisible but easily calculated) 157-days barrier by another visa-exempt entry, the border Immigration official might start to interpret it as misuse of visa-exempt stay for a longstay in Thailand
The 157-days get calculated as follows:
*** You can only get two extensions for visa-free entries per ongoing one-year period.
*** The number of visa-free entries itself is NOT limited.
*** You will be able to get a 30-day extension for the first visa-free entry, but only a 7-day extension for the second visa-exempt entry.
This sums up to 60 + 30 + 60 + 7 = 157 days per one-year period.
As soon as you threaten to break this (invisible but easily calculated) 157-days barrier by another visa-exempt entry, the border Immigration official might start to interpret it as misuse of visa-exempt stay for a longstay in Thailand
Brett **********
@Nongnuch *******
it’s the 157 days that is per calendar year, I’ve spoken to 2 different immigration officers in person at their office when got my extension in November and they both told me it’s calendar year basis, as did Siam Legal.Nongnuch ********
@Brett *********
and Siam Legal is well known for posting complete rubbishNongnuch ********
@Brett *********
that's the usual rubbish from some Immigration plumbers. It is not counted per calendar year. It won't make any sense, if you take a minute and think about itBrett **********
@Nongnuch *******
I don’t get your issue with it, and, how would it not make sense? It would make complete sense. I’m talking about first hand experience with face to face interaction while dealing with immigration with immigration officers, but, if you know more, then may as well tell everyone your exact facts based on your experienceNongnuch ********
it's all and everything "within a one-year period", and never counted like "per calendar year". Any Immigration official who thinks in terms of calendar year, has no clue
Brett **********
@Nongnuch *******
do you work for immigration?Nongnuch ********
@Brett *********
actually my source is an Immigration Volunteer 😉Brett **********
@Nongnuch *******
but I’ve told you my source was 2 immigration agents and you said that they don’t know anything?Nongnuch ********
@Brett *********
you seems to know complete losers only 🤣Brett **********
Nongnuch ********
@Brett *********
*** There is no "reset". *** There is no mention of "calendar year".
*** There is no two-times limit on visa-exempt entries within a one-year period.
*** nothing "resets".
There are only two extensions possible on visa-exempt entries, within a one-year period.
The first extension will be issued for 30 days, the extension for a second visa-exempt entry will be issued for 7 days
You can theoretically do 4, 5 or even 6 visa exempt entries for short 2-3 weeks holidays, within a one-year period, if you never maximize each stay.
Of course, upon each entry, you should be able to proof your onward travel, a few nights of booked accomodation and proof of cash equivalent of 20,000 THB
Nongnuch ********
@Brett *********
You should refrain from thinking in terms of "calendar year" I would rather say that all visa-exempt stays within the recent "1-year period" will be considered when you attempt another visa-exempt entry
Just think about it, if a “calendar year” count would be in effect:
This would allow 157 days BEFORE New Year, and 157 more days AFTER New Year, totaling in a 304-days consecutive visa-exempt holiday inside Thailand.
The mind boggles.
Do you really believe that Thai Immigration sums up the amount of visa-exempt stays in "calendar years"?
It won't make much sense
Nongnuch ********
@Ralph ******
this is a nonsense post at the Samui office, and has already received harsh critics by Robert Lagas, who is an Immigration Volunteer and surely knows better. The text is complete rubbishRalph *******
@Nongnuch *******
So, you are saying you can have unlimited visa exempt entries and the only thing restricted is the extensions?Reply to
Ralph *******
Reply
Ray ****
Nothing resets !! I'm talking from personal experience once the immigration officer pushed the red light and another officer escorted me to spical area because i didn't have return tickets!! After long questioning they let me in !! The moral of the story The officer was so friendly that he showed me my travel history to Thailand over the last 10 years, even with using my old, expired passports.
Raymond *********
I don't know if it resets or not but a reset doesn't seem logical. If I was the least bit concerned I would call my local embassy and ask for the surest way to get into Thaïland
Jason ***********
@Ray ***
IT RESETSReply to
Jason ***********
Reply
Martin *****
Its all in the computer system... nothing resets or will be forgotten
Olivier *********
@Martin ****
yes all in computer but 2 exemption per calendar year so yes reset 2026 officer immigration has explained itReply to
Olivier *********
Reply
William ***********
You could apply for an actual tourist visa or other visa. Be back next week.
Brian *********
@William **********
my visa on arrival is expiring jan1. All visa consultants I’ve spoken with say leave Thailand for Laos, apply for a single entry visa, wait for approval, fly back to Bangkok. I didn’t know the mess I was falling into by not getting a long term visa and now I will pay for it, likely total cost of over $2000 usd . My fault. I ignored my girlfriend’s advice to get a long term visa. Now I will give up my cozy accommodation for the possibility of a 30 day wait in Lao for my visa
Don’t be like Brian. It’s a new visa regiment and it could cause you similar headaches.
Todd ********
@Brian ********
should have listen to the girlfriend. Living in Thailand on your visa exemptions didn’t pan out and you knew that. Enjoy LaosGraham ******
@Brian ********
What long term visa do you qualify for as it will not cost you $2000 in Laos?Dave *********
@Brian ********
are you applying for a non-o? If it’s any consolation most people I’ve spoken to have gotten their non-o (marriage, retirement, whatever) approved in less than a week, no agency involved. Myself included. Best of luck either way.Brian *********
@Dave ********
I will do a single entry visa in Lao, as it seems the best option for now. Thanks for the empathy, often in short supply online. CheersReply to
Brian *********
Reply
Henry **********
@William **********
its sure that with a tourist they let you in? I never got denied but spent 120 days on visa extemp this year. Got a tourist visa in Vietnam and not sure they let me enter againTayaout *****************
In 2018 I did many border runs with an agency then finally got denied when I went to Laos by myself and came back with a tourist visa 😂 (however I was able to come back a few days later using a land border).
Reply to
Tayaout *****************
Reply
Chris *********
@William **********
people cant seem to grasp this idea whatsoever 🤣. Assuming denied for abusing the visa exempt system, therefore go get a visa, tourist visas are not that difficult to obtain. And if they want to say "im not a tourist" then get the suitable visa. Pretty simple maths.Reply to
Chris *********
Reply
Frank **********
If you were denied at the end of January there is a good chance of denial again based on why they denied you the first time. But of course this is Thailand and who can say for sure.
Tony **********
There are no resets
Olivier *********
@Tony *********
it s 2 time exemption per calendar year ..so yes 2026 resetTony **********
@Olivier ********
show me official statement please...Reply to
Tony **********
Reply
Elisabeth ********
@Tony *********
they came out and said January restarts the clockTony **********
@Elisabeth *******
show me....Reply to
Tony **********
Reply
Wayne *********
There are comments that the year does not reset.
Ian *********
@Wayne ********
the years are set to calendar yrs but I think they just make their own minds up that you are not getting in lol, I will find out in Feb when I go Laos and come back in,Patrick ********
@Wayne ********
yes it true immigration go on history not resetWayne *********
@Patrick *******
Trouble is so much different info passed around no one knows what to believe specially as its Thailand and nothing is solidPatrick ********
@Wayne ********
I only go on what my agent tell me i am not expert.Wayne *********
@Patrick *******
I dont have and never used an Agent. I do everything myself.Wayne *********
@Patrick *******
Yes and many Agents lie to get you to buy something else. Many Agents tell different versions alsoReply to
Wayne *********
Reply
Wayne *********
So let's wait and see. Doesn't bother me, I come every month for 2 weeks and have the visa to suit
James ************
@Wayne ********
I saw a statement stating they do reset on the new calendar year.Wayne ********
@Wayne ********
the report I read this morning from TPN news explicitly said this is supposed to be a quote from immigrations that the rule is two Visa exempts entries per calendar year.Wayne *********
@Wayne *******
Yep different story from many different sources. We just wait and seeReply to
Wayne *********
Reply
Wayne *********
Sorry Garrett, I ment to say comments.
Garrett ***********
@Wayne ********
How would there be reports? Hasn't been a new year yet.Reply to
Garrett ***********
Reply
20 comments
5 months ago
89 comments
5 months ago
19 comments
5 months ago
49 comments
5 months ago
10 comments
a year ago
20 comments
a year ago
89 comments
a year ago
53 comments
a year ago
17 comments
2 years ago
93 comments
2 years ago
13 comments
2 years ago
22 comments
2 years ago
28 comments
3 years ago
13 comments
3 years ago
8 comments
4 years ago
33 comments
4 years ago
58 comments
4 years ago
13 comments
6 years ago
9 comments
6 years ago
10 comments
6 years ago
14 comments
6 years ago
7 comments
6 years ago
6 comments
7 years ago
9 comments
7 years ago
7 comments
a month ago
9 comments
a month ago
21 comments
a month ago
16 comments
a month ago
8 comments
a month ago
The ask:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.