Answereda year ago
Can I return to Thailand after two 90-day visits without a visa?
I was in Thailand for 90 days from Nov24-Jan25 then left for 4 months. My current 90 day visit will end in a few weeks. I will be away for 2 months and hope to return mid November. I understand that there is no definite answer if I will be allowed to return, but am wondering if anyone with similar travel patterns has been turned away.
Answer summary
The post discusses concerns about returning to Thailand after having used two 90-day tourist visa exemptions. The user inquires about the likelihood of being denied entry based on their travel pattern. Many comments suggest that obtaining a Non-O visa may provide a more secure option for long stays, particularly if the traveler is over 50 and meets income requirements. Other commenters caution about potential scrutiny at immigration for those who have maximized their tourist visa exemptions and recommend preparing necessary documentation, like onward travel and accommodation, to increase chances of re-entry. Ultimately, while the user expresses a desire to return under the current visa rules, the sentiment in the comments indicates that it may be wise to consider applying for a proper visa to avoid complications.
49 repliesnewest first
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Joshua ***********
Look at me, I am trying to skirt the rules and now it looks like I am in a bind.
Daniel *********
Im on my way to finish my Non-O application. This will give me permission to open my bank account $800b and finalize my Non -0 for one year. After 1 year I will just show my monthly income . No more 800b required after 1st year. Im doing this in Thailand.
Donald **********
I’ve seen information on the official embassy site saying you are restricted to 180 days entry annually. I’ve also been informed that immigration is a separate entity from embassy and each immigration officer makes his own judgement. Personally I’ve never stayed longer than 4 weeks at a time each entry, usually less, so can’t give you the benefit of my experience. Haven’t come close to the 180 day limit either. Seems like you are pushing the boundaries and are even trying to come back at a time when you’ve exceeded your 180 days quota!
My advice, spend US$80 and get a non-O.
My advice, spend US$80 and get a non-O.
Donald **********
OK, for the doubting Thomas’s, I’ve gone back and found the information covering the day limit in country. In fact the wording covers 90 days in 6 months rather than 180 days annually.
The wording is as follows:
Furthermore, foreigners who enter Thailand under this Tourist Visa Exemption Scheme may re-enter and stay in Thailand for a cumulative duration of stay of not exceeding 90 days within any 6-month period from the date of first entry.
************************************************
*****
-faqThe wording is as follows:
Furthermore, foreigners who enter Thailand under this Tourist Visa Exemption Scheme may re-enter and stay in Thailand for a cumulative duration of stay of not exceeding 90 days within any 6-month period from the date of first entry.
Ambro ******
@Donald *********
This makes it clear that if you have already been there for 90 days and return before 6 months, you will be denied entry.Ambro ******
@Donald *********
with millions of visitors there may be distractions, but the rules remainDonald **********
@Ambro *****
If immigration enforce the advisory. Although I think you’d be foolish to gamble on the chance they won’t.
Rene ******
@Donald *********
I've done multiple border runs breaking that rule. If it was reallly a law, the immigration officers wont have let me in...Donald **********
@Rene *****
They are clamping down across the board now. Alleged Chinese money laundering. Agents with Bangkok Bank contacts. Border conflict with Cambodia. Laos rebels operating close to the Northern border. Conflict in Myanmar. Drug mules smuggling cannabis out of Thailand…….Rene ******
@Donald *********
which embassy? Such rule doesnt exist apparentlyDonald **********
@Rene *****
and why do you ‘apparently’ come to that conclusion? I’ve stated that I’ve seen this in black and white so if you are interested you could try looking up both the UK and Thai embassies and visa sections. I also stated that the immigration officers have the final say and possibly don’t dance to the same tune as the embassies, so may not enforce this.It’s fairly normal practice in most countries that you can’t enter visa free for more that 180 days annually, so why would Thailand differ?
Seems to me that some stuck in the past, old barstool barristers find it difficult to grasp that Thailand is progressing into the future and they don’t approve.
Ambro ******
@Donald *********
Worldwide if you stay more than 6 months a year you are no longer a tourist, even any "tourist" visa may not be accepted by the police officerRene ******
@Donald *********
afaik it's just unwritten rules, nothing written in Thai law.Ambro ******
After 180 days in the year, you're no longer a tourist. Not even a "tourist" visa is accepted.
Steve *******
@Ambro *****
You're chatting complete bullsh*tJoseph ****
@Steve ******
We might be dealing with a bot. A very stupid(or clever) one coded to spew nonsense. God help him if he's real.😅Joseph ****
@Ambro *****
Whoa! An uppity bot.😂Ambro ******
@Joseph ***
maybe you're the stupid one :)Ambro ******
@Steve ******
Surely you have something written and you will want to show it to me. :)Joseph ****
@Ambro *****
Where is that written?Ambro ******
@Joseph ***
It's like that all over the world.Ambro ******
Surely you have something written and you will want to show it to me. :)
Ambro ******
@Joseph ***
Find someone in this group who doesn't tell you...it's at the officer's discretion.Joseph ****
@Ambro *****
You pulled all your claims out of your arse. Good thing you're in charge of nothing.
Richard ***********
You are a legitimate tourist nailed on 100% ok done it myself
Eileen ************************
OPyou have been allowed back in with a history like mine?
Richard ***********
@Eileen ***********************
absolutely you are a tourist factJoseph ****
@Graham *****
Thank you, good to know. It didn't seem that way, but I didn't look closely and did have my return flight booked so just filled it in.
Graham ******
@Joseph ***
the departure date on the TDAC is not a mandatory field, it can be left blankJoseph ****
@Jan *****************
Well, things do appear to have become stricter this year so I do not ridicule your caution. Having an onward ticket ticket now seems to be required (by the TDAC). But OP doesn't seem to be violating or abusing the tourist visa and I'm guessing she carries a strong passport. I think she'll be alright.
Jan ******************
@Joseph ***
Noted, however the key consideration is the cumulative duration of stay in Thailand within a specified timeframe without a valid visa. It appears she's optimizing her visa exemption periods and is likely to attempt a third entry within a twelve-month window.Joseph ****
@Jan *****************
She's not doing quickie border runs, she's leaving for months at a time.Jan ******************
@Richard **********
It doesn't matter, as long as the immigration officer you’re standing in front of means you're using short-term solutions for a long-term stay in Thailand. You'll be told to get a proper visa anyway, and it's quite strict now. People get pulled aside and questioned after they've maximized one visa exemption. If you've maximized two in a shorter period, you should be prepared to be denied on the third one. I personally wouldn't dare risk getting denied and would be careful about advise anyone to just go and try with this history without a visa or a safe entry service through an agent at the airport.
Greg ***********
@Eileen ***********************
I would only risk the next visa-exempt entry by mid November, if you have the three famous proofs ready to show: onward travel, accomodation booked and 20,000 THB equivalent in cash. However as Graham correctly mentioned - arriving on a 90-days Non-Imm-O visa is by far the better option. Nobody will force you to apply for the one-year extension
Wannikea *********
*****
chance, you might consider buying a visa or fast track service
John *********
Maitin *******
You can also apply for a Non OA while outside Thailand. You will have to get insurance but you will have an easier time getting a back account set up in Thailand.
The other two alternatives are the LTR ( if you qualify ) or the Thai privilege.
The privilege is the most expensive 650,000 baht fee, but it is the simplest to get. Takis 6-8 weeks to process due to criminal background checks.
The other two alternatives are the LTR ( if you qualify ) or the Thai privilege.
The privilege is the most expensive 650,000 baht fee, but it is the simplest to get. Takis 6-8 weeks to process due to criminal background checks.
Max *************
@Maitin ******
Going for a Bronze Elite visa is probably the worst advice ever. That's money lost compared to every other option.Maitin *******
@Max ************
Asi says it's the most expensive and the it's pretty damn easy Personally non O retirement worked for me.
Maitin *******
Max *************
@Maitin ******
It's the ONLY expensive option because it's a fee. Yes, Non-O based on retirement is by far the best one.
Manfred **********
You might run into tax issues if they let you in.
Max *************
@Manfred *********
Nonsense, why would that happen? Please tell.Manfred **********
@Max ************
if you spend more than 179 days in Thailand your global income is taxable in Thailand
Peter **********
@Manfred *********
180 days or more defines you as tax resident. That doesn’t imply that you’re due to pay taxes. Currently Thailand only taxes on transmitted income, not worldwide.If you own a calculator then you can add the days of the OP and you’ll see that she stays way under 180 days.
So go scare little children rather than grown ups with your fake information. 🙄
Max *************
@Manfred *********
You should read up on that because it's not correct at all, and don't read the Thaiger. Ok? I guess you don't even live in Thailand.
Frangipani *******
@Manfred *********
good point.Jan ******************
For individuals who have maximized two visa exemptions, applying for a visa prior to their next visit may be a prudent decision. The Non-O visa category as Graham suggests is particularly suitable for stays of 90 days, provided the applicant meets the requisite criteria, including being over 50 years of age and demonstrating a monthly income of 65,000 THB or possessing funds amounting to 800,000 THB.
Graham ******
If you are over 50 get a Non-O Visa to remove the requirement for proof of onward travel, get you 90 days on entry relatively risk free and no need to visit Immigration. Well worth the cost.
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