Can I return to Thailand for a couple of weeks after spending 5 months there this year?

Aug 10, 2024
3 months ago
Julie *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
Question: I spent more or less 5 months in Thailand in 2024, coming and going. I then came back to my country (France). Would like to go in Thailand again for a couple of weeks. Yet it has not been one year since I am out. I am wondering whether I did not extend my days for one year? Should I wait 2025? Cannot find this info anywhere
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user inquires about returning to Thailand after a 5-month stay in 2024, questioning if they need to wait until 2025 due to potential restrictions on length of stay. Comments suggest that while there are no strict limits, decision-making rests with the immigration officer. Several users advise on preparing documentation and considering applying for a visa in advance to avoid complications.
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Bhavin **********
You will be a tax resident if stay 6 months in a year 😂
Matt ******
I am on my 6th month here being a tourist this year, mostly all exemption too.. they have a bit of a cry at immigration but they have never come close to rejecting me
Paul *******
@Matt *****
If you don't mind the risk you are fine. I'd play safe and flying into Cambodia or Laos and then border cross. They won't stick you on a plane back to the UK/US or whatever at a border checkpoint.
Matt ******
@Paul ******
Good point
Terary **********
@Matt *****
There have been a couple of times they "had a bit of a cry" also, let me in.
Frank **********
@Matt *****
they most likely will soon.
Matt ******
I'll leave on day 179 then come back in Jan on DTV
Todd *********
There are no laws against tourism
Paul *******
@Todd ********
Not against tourism but against abusing the tourist system for extended stays. She needs to make sure they see her as a tourist.
Todd *********
@Paul ******
there is no such thing as ‘abusing’ the tourist system. The Thai govt built it. Use it at your leisure. There are no limits to entry. People who are well funded, and not trying to work in Thailand will have no issues
Don *****
Dtv visa
John *******
We are 7 months and 10 days into 2024. You say you have spent 5 months on 2024 in thailand. That is over 68% of the current year. It is hard to know what an immigration officer would do, but you might have more ease if you applied for a visa this time in advance, instead of just arriving under an exemption.
Colin *********
@John ******
my thoughts exactly about the time already spent in Thailand this year. Definitely get a Tourist Visa before returning, otherwise wait until late in the year or until 2025.
Rene ******
There is no limit, but "coming and going" might indicate someone who doesn't abuse the system.

But as said, everything is in the hands of the officer. Having 30k cash, an accomodation booking and especially an onward ticket will help your destiny
Graham ******
Your destiny is in the hands of the Immigration Officer holding your passport who will look at your 2023 stay history in Thailand and beyond not just 2024
Julie *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Graham *****
I did not go to Thailand in 2023. Only in 2024. But I have not been illegal or something like this. I am just asking about the law.
Graham ******
@Julie ****
then you should be ok if you have the 3 proofs of 20k cash, onward travel ticket and accommodation booking
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