Can I enter Thailand on a visa-on-arrival after a short trip to another country?

@Phil *****

Ah, then I met with a kind officer when I told him that was my purpose (which was true—I can’t lie!).

@Mark ********

yes but your still looking around at sights not a gf. So that's not a lie too.

@Phil *****

Good point! Definitely am doing both.😆

@Phil *****

And adding to my comment to Lynnette - to your point Phil, I haven’t arrived with baht in my pocket in 10 years. And I tend to have 12-24 month leases and stay in the same property each time.

Again this advice seems aimed at those actually living here who are trying to do so without a visa. Not to actual genuine regular tourist/travelers

@Andrew ******

ok sure and my comment is directed to tourists who enter for the purposes of tourism so not you. As a tourist and if your questioned by IO's then you have to provide the equivalent of thai baht in your pocket you must show a trip out of Thailand within your visa or exempt period and your address whilst in Thailand. That's the rules.

This is off the evisa website

"Required Document

( Please check relevant embassy/

consulate-general website for specific

required documents)

Biodata page of Passport or Travel Document

Photograph taken within the last six months

Document indicating current location

Travel booking confirmation

Proof of accommodation in Thailand (e.g., accommodation bookings, invitation letters from family/friends in Thailand)

Financial evidence: an amount of no less than 20,000 THB (e.g., bank statements for the last three months, sponsorship letter)"

@Phil *****

I am a tourist though in the sense that roughly the 20 times I’ve entered in the last 2 years have been on a Visa Exemption.

I’m simply pointing out my experiences.

If the aim of the page is to simply restate a list on the Thai visa website then it’d be a pretty short page.

Every country has lots of criteria but like Thailand the immigration staff have flexibility in how they apply and enforce that criteria. In the overwhelming majority of cases they don’t ask for your return ticket (they’ve never asked me in 21 years of average 12 arrivals a year into Thailand). They’ve also never asked me to prove my financials but as you are aware that doesn’t require proof of actual baht on you but proof via various possible means that you have the money (as per the link you sent).

Again these “you’ll be stopped at the airport they are cracking down” stories have flared up at different points over the 20+ years I’ve been in and out of Thailand but invariably those impacted are the ones trying to game the system with tourist or visa exempt stays and border runs (while actually really living here).

So as a tourist my experience is lying that I’m not here to visit family or girlfriend isn’t necessary; carrying baht isn’t necessary; having different addresses isn’t necessary etc etc

But I’m not living here, I’m not gaming the system. So for those that are your mileage may vary.

I’d also add that if you turn up at the airport looking like a homeless backpacker you might get more scrutiny too. But that’s a fairly obvious observation in most countries.

But my apologies if the aim of the page isn’t the sharing of personal experiences and instead is simply a mere restatement of what immigration might ask for based on the visa website 🙏

@Andrew ******

sure and my post is to advise if your pulled aside your purpose for entering the Kingdom is tourism under visa exemption and to have those 3 things available. There has been heightened scrutiny this year with people being denied. This is from Sydney Consulate and I've just noticed "business purposes". People are getting denied more often now.

@Phil *****

No worries. I’ve honestly never had a problem. Barely ever a question. And like most countries I suspect the Immigration staff have certain triggers that they look for including nationality, frequency and general dodginess ;)

I agree for tourists who don’t want any hassle it doesn’t hurt to have your onwards flight details handy and cash or cash equivalents for 20k baht. Plus obviously your hotel address details.

I’m just saying for most legit visitors from most countries I’d suggest it won’t be an issue.

Obviously if you are a veteran of successive border runs and/or look broke or are from a country of interest (focus for immigration) then your mileage may vary.

Cheers

@Andrew ******

agreed. I also don't think older well dressed people have any problems but there's to be more scrutiny. I'm living here arm so this doesn't affect me. In the past I've had many types of Visas and come 3xempt too. This lawyer is now a resident and has his eat to the ground so to speak. Interesting he discussed border bounces which I've done too.

@Lynnette ******

based on what? I’ve previously had long stay visas, work visas and now I tend to come and go on visa exempt entries as my stays are rarely more than 21 days (average).

I have an established residence. I have a Thai partner who also has an Aussie & Thai passport and comes and goes regularly.

We often arrive together and tell them we are staying at our house.

Some of the advice on these pages lacks any nuance and seems based on the experiences of those who are actually living here permanently and trying to finesse that via all manner of 1-3 day border runs (air or land). Thai immigration aren’t fools.

Is the advice here for regular tourists/travellers or specifically aimed at border runners?