Can I enter Thailand on a visa exemption if I have a valid re-entry permit and have been living in Thailand for over 4 years?

Question

Can I choose to enter Thailand on a visa exemption if I have a valid re-entry permit?

My situation is complicated. I have an ED visa extension that expires 14 December. I would like to continue study for another year but I will have to do that in a new passport as my current one is almost full. I have already ordered a new passport to pick up in Chiang Mai. I have to leave Thailand next week (before the new passport is ready) and not sure how long I will be away, but probably about 2 months.

If I return end of November and I have a re-entry permit, I'll only be allowed to stay two weeks until my extension expires. My understanding is I could extend for another 7 days but that gives me at most 3 weeks here, which I don't think is enough time to organise the paperwork for a new visa application once I have picked up my new passport.

If I don't have the re-entry permit I would be stamped in for 30 days with the possibility of 30 days extension on top of that, which would be ideal except I'm worried about being denied entry on an exemption because I've "been in Thailand too long". I've been in Thailand over 4 years, with only one entry being a visa exemption (in 2018), the rest has been on non-immigrant visas.

There is a chance I'll be back sooner than the end of November, in which case it would make sense to have the re-entry permit, but most likely I'll need to stay longer than 14 December to organise the new visa.

So my question is, if I have the re-entry permit and arrive before 14 December, can I choose to enter on a visa exemption instead? Am I allowed to cross out the re-entry permit stamp to invalidate it? Or would that invite scrutiny and a higher chance of being denied entry?

I've heard the immigration officers at Chiang Mai are much less likely to refuse visa exemption entry based on having lived in Thailand too long. Does it happen at all in CM or is it only in Bangkok that they have been doing that? If there's more than a 10% chance of it happening I'd rather plan to enter via land crossing instead. I could tell them that I have to enter to pick up my new passport, which is a pretty good reason, but I'm not sure logical argument always works in these situations.

Looking for advice or suggestions about my situation. Thanks!

Ask Thailand · Answer

The user inquires whether they can enter Thailand using a visa exemption despite holding a valid re-entry permit, considering their complex situation of studying in Thailand for over four years and requiring time to organize new visa paperwork after obtaining a new passport. The main concerns include the risk of being denied entry due to having lived in Thailand too long, the implications of cancelling their current visa extension, and the possibility of reentering Thailand during a prolonged absence. Community members suggest contacting immigration for clarity and discussing the matter with the user's school for further advice.

Robert ******* · Answer

As you signed the document when you applied for the Extension of Stay. Inform the immigration when change of reason for continuation upon this permit was granted. You do this at the Immigration Office where you got this stamp.

Martin ********* · Answer

OK I didn't realise there is a risk the IO might refuse entry if I have a re-entry permit. Then it makes much more sense to come back on a visa exemption. I also didn't realise I'd have to cancel the current extension, I thought it's just automatically invalidated once you leave without a re-entry permit. Can the extension be cancelled while outside Thailand? If not, and if I hypothetically didn't cancel before I leave, would I have no way of entering Thailand until the extension expires on 14 December?

Robert ******* · Answer

Okay, if you decide to use the Visa Exempt Entry on return you have to cancel your Extension of Stay based on study before you leave the country. If you decide to use a re-entry permit it is up to the Immigration Officer to allow you back into the country after 60 days absence of study.

Martin ********* · Answer

I've already spoken to the school, and while that may or may not be another issue for me to consider, it's not relevant to the specific question I have here.

Barry ****** · Answer

You usually can’t stay out for that long on an ED visa unless it’s an emergency. Check with your school first and they will give you advice on how long you are allowed to travel outside for.

Robert ******* · Answer

Study in Thailand, Immigration award you with a 90 days of stay and you ask if it is okay to spend 60 of them abroad? Talk to your school first.

Can I enter Thailand on a visa exemption if I have a valid re-entry permit and have been living in Thailand for over 4 years?

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