Can I return to Thailand after staying for 170 days on visa exemptions, and has anyone had similar experiences?

yes I have for 6 consecutive years 2018 to 2022. Then in 2023 got an LTR visa. I got that visa even though I entered Thailand 8-12 times a year. Note; I never abused the system and was out of Thailand 7-10 days each time.

@Pooja ******

if pulled aside by IO advise you are entering for tourism purposes and statisfy other criteria for entry under Visa Exempt.

There’s no 180 days rule and people have stayed for 270 days and even more on visa exemption before they’re told to get a proper visa next time. However we know that 180 days in country sometimes can be a turning point. Everything is in the discretion of the IO you’re standing in front of and no one can give you a 100% correct answer or predict what the IO will tell you. If you were in Thailand I would have advised you to use a professional land border transport company. The safest bet from outside Thailand has always been to apply for a tourist visa and enter by a land border point. When you enter be at least prepared to show proof of an onward ticket within the time you’ll get stamped in for now.

Nobody knows, there is no clear guidelines with this. It basically up to immigration officer but make sure you have onward ticket, baht in cash and accomadation booking for first couple of days. Probably even with them likely to get warned next entry correct visa