Can I get a 4th visa exempt entry at Wang Prachan in 2023?

@Todd ********

as it will be a whole days travel from anywhere in Thailand, to Wang Prachan, to possibly get knocked back. I have completed 4 land entries in 2023, I think a few days overstay on each occasion, and 12 days on one occasion due to a misplaced passport, although I'm pre-screened through a trusted agent. On my last trip, I've ended up in the immigration back office, with the one male and one female I/O's and the supervisor, them sharing Thai snacks with me, a little small talk and then talking openly about myself, my situation (I've applied for Elite visa, but a 2-3 month back log). Before I left, I asked if it were possible to carry on taking this route, ie 5 and 6 Entries plus 30 day extensions in a calendar year, and beyond, they all looked at each other and agreed yes. But this is a very very unique situation but goes to show there is flexibility in the discretion of the IO's about the 2 land entries.

@Vincent **********

agree with Dan. The agent will tell you if it’s possible. And they ensure you get thru

@Vincent **********

yes, agent gets you a seat in the van. Most Pha ngan/Samui agents can help. Tell them you want border bounce to Wang Prachan, and that it's your 3rd or 4th bounce, and can you get pre-screened and given the 'ok'. They'll need to send a copy of your passport. But book early as they do get booked up. But you can ask to ride your bike, even if they have a seat available. I have on one occasion gone on my bike and followed the van (and on two other occasions I did not need any assistance at the borders). It's not a bad drive if your confident, or crazy. Obviously the vans go at 100mph, literally, but if you got the location/satnav all sorted, you can get ahead in the early hours when the roads are empty. The last 1-2 hours are through a national park and that's a glorious drive/ride. What bike do you have ? I've driven to Wang Prachan, Pedang Besar, and Ranong, (all about 5 hours each way from Donsak), on my Xmax, 300cc, and it's fine (fine as in, I nearly died on a few occasions, not my fault, but at 140-160kmh, it's hard to point fingers, and that's part of the buzz of riding across Thailand, it's not for pussies) I wouldn't recommend any smaller engine size. And get new tires and brakes for the trip. Any problems, you can drop me a message on here - I might actually be THE world authority of obtaining slightly shady Visa's and driving a motorbike to a border like a maniac on the day of visa expiry. If you could see my visa history 😱

@Vincent **********

ok that's good to hear. but a Tricity ? Jeez what engine size and top speed is ? How long did that take from Donsak ? And did you cross the border WITH your bike ?

@Vincent **********

From Koh Pha Ngan, you can book with any of the agencies on Samui. I would say it's a 100% better idea to go with agency as they will tell you what is possible. There is one agency right outside the immigration office on Samui and of course HD Visa.

@Vincent **********

yes, you will go with them in a van from Samui. One day trip, leave early and return late. It will make a difference for sure. 3500 baht is current cost for the whole trip I think...

@Vincent **********

here is the other one. No idea about 4th stamp, but they will tell you for sure if they can get you in or not .

I believe they go to Khuan Don. Near.

@Vincent **********

hmm. Not sure. This is the office directly in front of Samui immigration on the right hand side. Check on the Samui or KPN expat sites, someone will have their contact info

@Todd ********

also Samui Visa run and HD Visa, offices down on the main road, turn left out of maenam soi 1, but you'll need phone numbers I guess ... And Easyway, directly opposite soi 1.

Wang Prachan is 'friendly' but I'd advise going through an agent, getting pre-screened and travelling with them. The drivers literally walk you through immigration, out and back in, anyone with any problems gets looked after. I've even seen one of the drivers go into the immigration office, clip the ear of the I/O who is drawing attention to something, and the driver reminds them of what's happening, ie, 'you're meant to look the other way' and hurrying the IO's along. Last time I was there, there were 8-10 minibuses full, from various agents around the country. If just 500 baht a head goes to the immigration coffers, that's 50,000 a day at least. 350,000 baht a week. 1.4million a month. Divide that by the number of senior staff and middle management, you can understand how these things come about.

If I read your comments, it seems that 2 is the rule. And he says three already complete. Are you wrong or him?

@Todd ********

He hasnt specified whether his entries were by land or by air.

Official guidelines are no more than 2x by land.

No official limit for air entries, though the more consecutive entries you have, the greater the likelihood of being at least questioned, and told its time to either wind things up or get a long-term visa.

@Jonathan *************************

I think he actually has. There is no airport at Wang Prachan.

And yes - we all know those are the official guidelines, but something like this appears, the ‘rules boys’have a stroke instead of listening to what is really happening.

Why would anyone be even mildly concerned about being questioned? It’s normal for every country. Just officers doing their job.

And nobody is ever gonna tell you to ‘wind things up or get a long term visa’.

That’s only for FB show and tell.

Thai immigration officials are well aware of the limitations of the system