This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.

Can I re-enter Thailand on a visa-exempt basis after a long stay and visa runs?

Thailand Visa Tourist Visa Visa Exempt Immigration Rules Re-entry to Thailand Visa Denial Expats in Thailand

Mar 15, 2026

2 months ago

Alex ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi everyone,

Quick question about re-entering Thailand.

I entered Thailand in November 2024 with a Single Entry Tourist Visa, used it fully including the extension, and then did two visa runs, extending those as well. In total I stayed until 31 July 2025 (around 8–9 months in Thailand).

Since then I’ve been outside Thailand and now plan to re-enter on 16 March 2026 visa-exempt.

I know that nobody can give a definite answer since it always depends on the immigration officer, but I’d be interested in your opinions or experiences. Does being outside Thailand for about 7–8 months usually reset the pattern, or could this still raise questions at immigration?

Thanks!

6,221

views

175

all likes

replies

users

TLDR : Answer Summary

A user inquires about the implications of re-entering Thailand on a visa-exempt basis after extended stays on a Tourist Visa and multiple visa runs. Many commenters strongly advise against attempting entry without an appropriate visa, expressing concerns about possible denial at the border due to the user's travel history and previous lengthy stays. Recommendations include applying for a proper visa, such as a Tourist Visa, to avoid complications, as past entries are documented and could raise red flags during immigration checks.

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 *********

90% probability that you are denied entry.

a month ago

Peter ********

To be safe I would just the tourist visa again. It’s easy and low cost and gives peace of mind

a month ago

Abey ******

Hopefully they will lock you up and then ban you for life from entering Thailand.

2 months ago

Brandon ************

If you insist on entering visa exempt, suggest you utilize a Safe Entry agent who will guarantee you entry after getting your stay history in Thailand.

The owner of this group offers that service.

*******************************

Fill out the form, and then on the 2nd page select the option for Safe Entry and answer the questions to get the price.

2 months ago

David **********

Not much you can do considering you're planning on traveling tomorrow. I don't know if "fast track" can help you given your history of stays in Thailand, but it may be your only option.

2 months ago

Paul *********

Personally, I wouldn't take the chance

2 months ago

Joanne *********

Why do all the commenters here just say get a proper visa as if you just walk into a Walkmart and pick it up off the shelf. But meanwhile over on the DTV group there are literally so many horror stories of people either applying unsuccessfully or still being denied entry with a correct visa, that it has stressed me out so much i have had to leave that group. Starting to think this one is also just depressing as it doesn’t matter what you do, all you are guaranteed is more stress and uncertainty that I will have to leave this one too 🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️

2 months ago

Ivan ************

Joanne I don't think I've seen any reports of DTV holders being denied. Some, mostly but not all anonymous reports of questions or having to show some documentation.

Most don't get asked anything, most don't report that as it is uneventful but there are plenty of reports.

Haven't seen any outright denial of entry to anyone who got the visa.

The denials are at the application stage, that does happen and depends on consulate and strength of the application.

a month ago

John *********

Joanne Riordan If you want to spend that much time in Thailand then you are not a simple tourist. Get the right visa.

a month ago

Phil *******

Joanne Riordan I agree. I have been denied entry back in October. Fora similar pattern to the person above.

People keep seeing oh just apply for tourist visa and you’ll be fine. But I am pretty sure even with an approved Tourist visa I would get denied entry again. I don’t think a tourist visa would help me. DTV maybe but not sure about TR.

2 months ago

Reply to

Phil *******

Hari ****

Well … the Thai immigration computers are up to Date ! DO not come back without a proper visa ! As you have a history I risk to pushed back … and it is much easier with one … if you staid 9 Month in Thailand you Work here some how illegal… this is their position … and it locks like …. Or try the DTV Visa .. SOFT version! Go to cocking class once a week … BUT don’t try to play with them ! They force it since 6 Month now ..

2 months ago

Hari ****

Und Als Deutscher Ganz Einfach , warum illegal

2 months ago

Reply to

Hari ****

Graeme *******

Get the right bloody visa, are you a tourist.

2 months ago

CoolBun*******

Patterns do NOT reset.

ALL entries/exits are all there in front of the IO

2 months ago

Malcolm *******

I would say theres a very good chance of you being denied entry and placed in a holding cell untill you can be returned to your home country . At best you would be pulled aside and warned to get an appropriate visa next time .

2 months ago

John **********

I'd say there's a good possibility of you being denied entry if you try and come in visa exempt. Get the appropriate visa for the purposes of your travel

2 months ago

Reply to

John **********

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

... members · 60% approval rate

The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.

Join the Group

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

View the Conversation

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

Can you get questioned at Thai immigration after multiple long stays and still enter on a visa exemption?

12 comments