Can I repeatedly enter Thailand on a visa-exempt basis while spending specific months each year there?

Thailand visa rules Visa on arrival Visa exemption Tourist visa Visa extension Immigration concerns

Dec 10, 2024

8 days ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

I know that currently we can get a 60 day visa on arrival. Assuming that they change that back to a 30 day stamp …if I were to fly into Thailand and get the visa on arrival, extend it for 30 days….leave Thailand for a month and return to do the same thing again, do you think this would lead to a problem with immigration? The rest of the year I would be outside of Thailand exploring other countries. I would like to be in Thailand for those specific months (April May, July, August) because it’s low season.

1,839

views

likes

all likes

replies

images

users

TLDR : Answer Summary

The discussion revolves around a traveler considering a strategy to enter Thailand, stay for 60 days on a visa exemption, leave for a month, and then re-enter. Several comments suggest this behavior resembles normal tourism and should not raise immigration issues, even if visa rules change back to a 30-day stamp. One user mentions already employing a similar strategy without complications. There are some concerns over Thailand's climate during the chosen months, but overall, the consensus is that the outlined plan appears acceptable under current immigration policies.

Lawrie *******

You do realise that one of the reasons at least for April May being low season is that it is so bloody hot at that time of the year in Thailand. Coinciding with Songkran festivals (usually everyone blasting each other with water to try and cool down). July, August is not so bad as it is heading into 🌧️ rainy season. But like so many other places in the world the climate/weather patterns are becoming more unpredictable.

7 days ago

Larry *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Lawrie ******

I would either be in Thailand, Cambodia or Vietnam April/May so I imagine it would be hot no matter which of those countries I am in.

7 days ago

Lawrie *******

@Larry ****

Strangely enough I found Vietnam to be a lot cooler than Thailand at the same time of the year. Depending where you are in Vietnam, the further north you go, the cooler it gets. Also as Vietnam has a long coastline bordering the South China Sea, it has the benefit of cooling sea breezes which Thailand seems to lack., especially during that hot Songkran period starting April then May/June. Cambodia, being almost landlocked, except for Sihanoukville in the south suffers from the same heat issues as Thailand. I am guessing here, but most likely you will be going to Angkor Wat (Siem Reap) in the north -west of Cambodia, so again bloody hot in that April/May/June months.

7 days ago

Larry *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

it would be DaNang

Ken ***********

Reply to

Ken ***********

Baz *********

I doubt very much Thailand is likely to change from the current 60 days visa exemption entry.

They are trying to encourage more tourists into the country so I wouldn't be concerned about that.

7 days ago

Larry *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Baz ********

hope you are right :)

7 days ago

Reply to

Larry *****

Bob *********

I did exactly what you are describing. I stayed in Thailand for 60 days introducing myself to a few ladies, then visited a few countries for 14 days with my instant love girlfriend, then came back to Thailand. They looked through all my stamps to see where I went and stamped me back in for 60 more

7 days ago

Somchai ********

You are fine with that itinerary

8 days ago

Greg ******

Sounds like tourism to me. It’s when your stay resembles the stay of someone on a long term visa that raises scrutiny.

8 days ago

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

First of all, you can't get any visa on arrival. That is where you apply for and pay for a 15 day visa at the airport, and your passport does not qualify for it.

You are asking about visa exempt, which is not a visa at all, it means you are exempt from needing a visa.

Even if visa exempt changes back to 30 days, I doubt you'll have any issues with your plans as stated. That looks like tourist behavior, not someone trying to abuse the system and live in Thailand.

8 days ago

Larry *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Brandon ***********

yes that’s what I meant. Visa exempt. Thanks for the response.

8 days ago

Reply to

Larry *****

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