Can I return to Thailand for a week to retrieve my belongings after staying in Vietnam for 90 days?

Jun 16, 2024
5 months ago
Geo *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hey all y'all -- my fault - I didn't really keep tabs on visa info as we've been doing this for years.

This year, we showed up in Feb and stayed 60 days -- did a ground visa run and stayed another 60 days -- then a flight to Vietnam and stayed a week, but got pulled out of line trying to come back into Thailand. They ended up giving us 30 days basically to get out or to buy retirement visas. We just decided to move to Vietnam instead, at least until the rules change.

My question is, after my 90 day visa is up in Vietnam, can we come back into Thailand for a week (showing a round trip ticket) allowing us to swap out some stuff in storage -- or will they think we are trying to sneak back in and continue the visa run 'scheme' as they called it?

I was like scheme? I just dropped a grand on a trip to Vietnam, how is this a scheme? šŸ˜‚
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user shares their experience regarding visa regulations after staying in Thailand and then moving to Vietnam. They were flagged by immigration for possibly misusing tourist visas and are now uncertain if they can return to Thailand for a short visit to pick up belongings. Other community members advise on applying for a tourist visa and offer insights into the likelihood of being allowed back, emphasizing that entry is at the discretion of immigration officials. Key points include the importance of having proper documentation and the potential risks associated with previous stay patterns.
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Shauna ******
Geo, there are other ways. Give me a ring if you can.
Robert *********
I had the same problem because of the laws changing in March. Yes, if you leave for 90 days every 6 months you will be able to return to Thailand. 63 day overstay after 7 years because of the changing of the Law. I was also told that I should have a retirement Visa but then I can't Volunteer that's the catch for me.
Geo *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Robert ********
Thanks for the info Robertā€¦ Iā€™m a little confused about leaving for 90 days every six monthsā€¦ Does that meanļæ¼ you can stay three months in Thailand, then three months somewhere else, then another three months in Thailand and three months somewheres else again?ļæ¼
Robert *********
@Geo ********
You can stay in Thailand doing a border crossing 1 time 2 times that Year. You can only do 2 border runs a Year and then you have to Fly out of the Country and I Love Cambodia and Vietnam and they give us US Citizens a 60 or 90 day Visa. 60 days in 30 Day extension Fly Out for a week and come back to probably 30 days since you didn't return to your home country but if you stay out for 90 days your 6 months start's over again. Until March I found a loophole that allowed me to stay for 7 years until this March when they changed the law's.
Stephen ********
Cambodia?? Cheap there
Marijke ********
They flagged you in the system and will see all when you enter. Be aware that you might breaking the riles. Why not go for longterm visa
Nick *******
I can't understand why people over here can't keep track of their visa records. PUT a note in your in your phone calender. Simple
Jim **********
Sounds like your cards are marked in Thailand. Stay away for a while - like a year.
Graham ******
@Jim *********
or get the correct Visa
Michael *********
Go to the Philippines you can keep extending for 3 yrs leave 24 hour and start all over again
Steven *******
Store your stuff in a more visa-friendly country and visit Thailand occasionally.
Vlad *******************
Ehm, it is a scheme. If you stay long, you are not a tourist and need a valid visa type. You were abusing the system, and got caught
Geo *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
ALL RISE šŸ˜‚--
@ ***********************
n -- It's the first 'scheme' I ever saw that costs more than if I just got a long term visa -- schemes usually cost less. Why? Because it's a scheme šŸ˜‚ But I actually enjoyed bouncing around so I never wanted a Long term visa -- I got caught? I look at it more like I was finally told the proper rules and I have no problem with those rules or moving to Vietnam -- If I was abusing the system, why wasn't I told this over the last 10 years? -- Never heard of this until this year -- Usually "getting caught" is something you are upset about or trying to do intentionally or sneaky -- (interesting definitions and observations) but nonetheless, I'm cool with it and moving onto another awesome place -- I don't see the big deal, chillax, it's just a question about a storage locker šŸ˜‚
Cody *********
@Vlad ******************
maybe you only get 2 weeks off per year, but I can afford to take quite a bit more time off work than that.

So if I maintain a house back home and plan on returning there to work, and I am staying in hotels and hostels as I explore the country while not working what am I, if not a tourist?
Vlad *******************
@Cody ********
well, if you consider yourself a tourist, you may want stick to tourist visa requirements. A tourist can not stay more than a total or 180 days in the country. Only two land crossings per year is allowed. Only twice your 30 day exempt stamp can be extended for further 30 days.

Whether we agree with immigration rules or not, they exist.

For instance, if I want to go visit the US for half a year long road trip, it does not matter if I spend a grand or not, I will be denied entry if I donā€™t follow to the immigration requirements.

If the county is cheaper than yours, it does not mean you can drop a grand and bend the rules.
Cody *********
@Vlad ******************
that's some fancy footwork there! And an awful lot of not related information.

But I noticed you didn't answer the question. šŸ¤·

I am following all the rules always.

I even wear a helmet.

But if I am not a "tourist" then what am i?šŸ¤”
Bart **************
@Cody ********
first of, you're replying from your smurf account so you may want to switch.

Second, if you're on 'holiday' in Thailand more than 6 months per year, you're not to be considered a tourist. Whatever you think about that.
Cody *********
@Bart *************
also, wtf is a "smurf" account?

I have never heard that term, and I am always as up front an honest on the Internet as I would be if we were speaking across the dinner table.

Do you have a second account on social media for saying things you wouldn't say face to face?

That says a lot more about your character than it does about mine....
Vlad *******************
@Cody ********
okay okay, you are torist. In that case I regret to inform you that there are no visa types available for you to support such style of tourism, even if you drop a grand
Bart **************
@Cody ********
a non-serious account. More commonly used in the gaming scene.
Cody *********
@Bart *************
just curious though, you have a second account where you say things you wouldn't say under your own account?

I really think you should look inside yourself and consider the morality of saying things you wouldn't want associated with your real name.
Cody *********
@Bart *************
ok.

Thanks for the explanation.

Believe it or not but there is more than one person in the situation of the OP.

That's why our names are different.

We are different people in a similar situation.

Ftr:

I have not owned a TV since 97 and I have literally never enjoyed playing games.

So the hipster millennial lingo goes right past me.
Cody *********
@Bart *************
perhaps you aren't fluent in English, but I never said I stay more than 180 days.

As a matter of fact I have never stayed more than 180 days in Thailand.

And I noticed you didn't even try to answer the question I posed.

If I am not a tourist, and I don't work when traveling, and I maintain a house in my home country, and I am not retired, and I am planning to return home to work when my money runs out, if I am not a tourist, then what am I in your philosophy?šŸ¤”
Bart **************
@Cody ********
I also don't understand why you deny that you are staying in Thailand long term, more than 180 days, while almost in the same breath you claim that the situation in the opening post applies to you? And then when people don't understand things you think it's due to their level of English (which in fact is above your own).

Also, saying to this guy above that if he doesn't get the same amount of leave as you (which if you're similar to the topic starter is 7 months a year or so), that then he must be at just two weeks, wouldn't you think this is a little derogatory?
Bart **************
@Cody ********
well you reply as if the opening post was yours, hence my suggestion to stick with one account. If not you should make your own topic.
Steve *************
The problem is in Thailand they change the rules, but then change them another 2-3 times in the first few weeks of implementing them, and then get angry with travellers, for getting it wrong.
Chris ****
Anything beyond 180 days is questionable is any country you visit. It resets each year. Keep it below this number and you will be fine b
George ********
get a 60 day visa from Ho chi minh embassy
Rayne ********
Wait did you overstay your visa the first time because you didnā€™t come on a tourist visa? Iā€™m confused.
Geo *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Rayne *******
hi - no we did not overstayā€¦ We came in on a 30 day exempt, then a 30 day extensionā€¦ And leftļæ¼
Prince******
@Geo ********
I think it has always been the rule. Definitely max. 2/calendar year for land entry, maybe unlimited via air but itā€™s ambiguousā€¦

***********************************************************
Brandon ************
@Prince******
visa on arrival is a VISA that you apply for and pay for. It's only available to very few countries. Visa exempt means you are exempt from needing a visa. It is NOT A VISA it is an entry stamp. They are not the same at all. Visa exempt is for 30 days and visa on arrival is for 15 days. If you don't know what you are talking about, it's better not to talk.
Prince******
@Geo ********
could the problem be related to the rule of max. 2 visa-on-arrival allowed per calendar year?
Brandon ************
@Prince******
first of all the op is not using visa on arrival, that is only for 15 days and you apply and pay for it at the airport. The op is using visa exempt, and the only written rule about that is 2 per year at a land border. There is no rule about how many times you can do it if you arrive at an airport. But every entry is at the discretion of the immigration officer and if they feel you are abusing it they can and will deny entry.
Geo *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Prince******
I guess ur right ā€” when did that rule start?ā€¦ Like I said it was my fault for not keeping up on the rule changes šŸ˜‚ļæ¼ļæ¼ļæ¼
Rayne ********
@Geo ********
so what was the issue
Rayne ********
Arenā€™t you allowed 2 runs per year
Janet ***************
Try Philippines cheaper
Greg ********
@Joeamy ******
Philippines is still very third world
Janet ***************
@Greg *******
yeah but is not hard to get visa
Chrisna **********
Just get the proper visa.. good luck!
Peter *********
Herve *********
Good luck to you BUT:

This group/page should not be for people who use the system in ways that over the years have made it harder for others to plan to stay or retire following the rules as they are intended, by making a mockery of the immigration requirements. Moderators?
Bart **************
@Herve ********
aside from whether that goal you describe is sensible or outright ridiculous, I'll let everyone to choose for himself; it didn't come to you that the question and the answers that follow it actually help achieve it??
Mitchell *******
@Herve ********
, I guess it can serve to show others what NOT to do?
Nick *******
@Herve ********
havenā€™t you got anything better to do? Itā€™s a perfectly legitimate question
Herve *********
@Nick ******
i jusr had sex after. does it count as anything better? How about you?
Nick *******
oh well done you! so pleased for you. I see you only joined this group the day you started telling people what they can and cannot do it in! šŸ˜‚šŸ˜€šŸ˜‚šŸ˜€ seriously get some help and find something constructive to do. have a good day
Da *****
@Herve ********
its not for you to say who or how this page is used. The person is asking a legit question.
Herve *********
@Da ****
I can give my opinion, this is not a North Korean page, afaic
Da *****
@Herve ********
no one cares about your opinion.
Todd *********
@Herve ********
strange judgement and lack of understanding they system here.

ā€˜Use the systemā€™ā€¦ did you mean to say ā€˜follow the rulesā€™??

Made it harder?? WTF are you talking about?

The system is built the way it is. We donā€™t have to like it. We just have to manage it in a way that works for us
Steve *******
Get a retirement visa
Ron **********
@Steve ******
it's a non-immgrant O visa for which you can get a retirement EXTENSION, after being a few months on the non-immi O.
Rob *******
. I have been coming to thailand for years my passport is full of 60 day tourist visas + 30 day extension . I go back to aus for 2 months to work and then return for 90 days. This time they said that they will not let me in again on a tourist visa.? im not retired i thought i was followng the rules and regulations .And yes i have asked at immigration and im still confused .
Randy *******
@Rob ******
this happened to me recently. Got this woman who just kept aggressively having a go at me and wouldnā€™t listen to me speak. She then started telling me what her version of a holiday is. I had all the proof to show my travel details, onward flight back home (which was 3 weeks away), live bank account amounts etc. This was the first 30 day stamp Iā€™d had in maybe 8 years, and only one in current passport. Normally on visas but decided to go to Vietnam for a short stay instead of extending. Seems thereā€™s a crack down at the moment- which contradicts the Thai tourism line of wanting to attract more tourists to bring in moneyā€¦
John *********
@Randy ******
we all know exactly which I/O you are referring to! Ugh! She was not going to let my mother in because "obviously this is a fake address" on her tm6. Should have seen her face when I whipped out my Thai drivers license and said "really, it is good enough for the Land Transportation dept." I/O processing me in the next line almost lost it trying not to laugh!
Bart **************
@Rob ******
although technically they can deny entry, they're not really supposed to. You ask permission to go to Thailand from an Embassy, so any warnings should come from there. Maybe that's what they meant and things got lost in translation. But it is indeed fair to say that 90 on / 60 off on Thai ground sounds a bit steep if you do it long enough. Anything higher than 50% of your time should at some point raise a red flag somewhere. So better get a long term visa.
Ken ***********
@Rob ******
as long as you are not working in Thailand and are at least 50, you can get a Non O based on retirement if you meet the financial requirements.
Tony ********
@Rob ******
on the face value of your trips, you are trying to live in Thailand and visiting Australia, (90 v 60) repeatedly which causes the problem.
Brandon ************
@Rob ******
Tourist entries are not for long term stays in Thailand. Each immigration officer gets to decide their own definition of what a long-term stay is.
Jody *******
After your 90 days in Vietnam come back overland & cross into Thailand at either of these crossings to get your stuff before flying back to Vietnam. That's the best bet.

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


************************************************
Jan ******************
@Geo ********
Your best odds is to apply for a tourist visa and do a land border crossing into Thailand. Avoid Poipet Cambodia.
Todd *********
They pulled you asideā€¦. Who cares? They are doing their job and checking what you are doing. If you are legit travelling, no problem. Although the storage may lead us to think otherwise
Neil ******
@Todd ********
exactly. 100%. Nobody stores their stuff in a country, keeps coming back, and says ā€œI donā€™t live here.ā€ Itā€™s obvious they were trying to live here as a tourist and take regional trips. Everyone thinks immigration officers are dumb.
Geo *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Neil *****
@Todd ********
Never said anyone is dumb -- where did you get that from? I laughed at calling it a scheme as usually a scheme saves you money whereas our visa runs cost a lot of $$$-- and I don't care about getting pulled out of line -- Yes they are just doing their job and I respect that.

So all negativity aside, my situation now is I have too much stuff here and we are now moving to Vietnam -- So I planned to put most of our stuff in storage and travel lightly to Vietnam -- But from time to time, I'd like to hit up my storage locker and swap out some stuff -- is there something wrong with that or am I missing something?

You also said, Itā€™s obvious they were trying to live here as a tourist and take regional trips. -- Yes, and that was legal as far as I know until recent, no? I actually loved taking regional trips every 60 days -- it's refreshing and keeps the life experiences flowing instead of staying put and becoming a grumpy ex-pat.

Neil, you are marked as a Top Contributor, so a bit shocked at being accused of doing something wrong -- I always respected the rules and love and respect the Thai people and the culture -- you make it seam as if I am someone who is disrespectful and breaks the rules. No, I am adjusting to the rules, but I have too much stuff to travel with now -- is a storage locker some kind of bad thing?
Todd *********
@Geo ********
all fair points, and there are no particular restrictions on the amount of tourism you can do. If you want to come in and out and travel SE Asia in between, itā€™s perfectly fine. At some point your history may draw some questioning, but thatā€™s fine.
Mel *****
They told you to buy/get a retirement visa so get that.
Geo *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Mel ****
But moving to Vietnam now -- just need a few days from time to time to swap out storage ā€” just donā€™t know if thereā€™s a clear amount of time where your entry renewsā€¦ Maybe calendar year, perhaps physical year? ļæ¼ļæ¼

I mean if I live in Vietnam for six months (with one Visa run in between) ļæ¼can I stop in for a few days to grab my stuff? ļæ¼

I know this is simple, yet maddening šŸ˜‚ļæ¼
Graham ******
@Mel ****
Agreed, before returning to Thailand and the problem is solved
Terary **********
Twice they pulled me aside. One at the airport and once at the Nong Kai border crossing. Both times they said "next time you come back...". They did not tell me "never come back", "you can not come in". I have an extensive questionable visa history and they still let me in.

I wouldn't stress it. If you have round trip tickets they'll likely let you in. They will likely not even talk to you, just stamp you in.

You said "we", if I were in your situation I was travel like normal, except when doing immigration. I send my travel companion through a different line, that way if one of you gets denied entry, the other can proceed, and its not a total loss.

But if you qualify and if it's not a financial strain, why not get the visa?
Alan ******
@Terary *********
One reason they let you in is you are a long way from home get an IO in a bad mood and it could be entirely different story.
Klaus ***********
For whatever reason lately they make it difficult even for visa holders.
Randy *******
@Klaus **********
this is true.
Richard **********
Gawd Dang - Just get a proper visa.
Aaron ****************
@Richard *********
define "proper visa"
Bart **************
@Aaron ***************
he means a long term visa. A tourist visa is still meant for tourists. It may still be useful in the way that the check on your travel history takes place upfront, meaning immigrations is less likely to deny entry if the embassy gives you the ok, but there is a check, and you could fail it. But with a retirement visa for instance, it doesn't matter how long you stayed in Thailand as a tourist.
Aaron ****************
@Bart *************
then he could've said "get a long term visa".....not, "get a proper visa".
Bart **************
@Aaron ***************
perhaps, but it remains what he meant.
Mikkel *******
@Aaron ***************
in other words "a proper visa" = any visa that you applied for and got from either a thai embassy/consulate, or bought from immigration inside Thailand after already entering.

They don't sell visa at the airport other than for a few countries that have to buy visa on arrival, 14 days visa only.

Those do not apply to you, because of your nationality

Instead they will let you in for free, for 30 days, with no visa at all. But only for so many times if you keep doing it back to back.
Mikkel *******
@Aaron ***************
it doesn't have to be a long term visa. But an actual visa. One that you apply for, pay for, and receive, before you even leave your home country. Or in some cases that you buy at immigration inside Thailand. You can't get a tourist visa inside Thailand though. Only long term visas of different kinds
Mikkel *******
@Aaron ***************
if you have an actual visa, you have already been vetted by a Thai embassy. Hence why immigration will be more relaxed about that.
Richard **********
@Aaron ***************
See above reply šŸ˜†
Mikkel *******
@Aaron ***************
any visa that is valid. Not just showing up without a visa at all, and expecting to keep getting a 30 day visa exempt entry stamp.

Those are meant for tourists. Not people living here whole or half years.
Cody *********
@Mikkel ******
I am curious where you co.e by that definition of a tourist.

Maybe you only get 2 weeks of vacation per year, but if I am not working and traveling in a foreign country and staying in hotels and hostels how long can I do that before I stop being a "tourist" according to you?

Personally I can afford to take about 6 months off every year to travel.

If I am not a "tourist" then what am i?šŸ¤·
Mikkel *******
@Cody ********
btw in my current job I have around 2 months of vacation per year. That's not too bad. All considered. Plus a lot of holidays etc..
Mikkel *******
@Cody ********
anyway just do your thing. But be aware that immigration doesn't care how many months per year you can afford to travel if you keep showing up without a visa, and clearly trying to stay long term without one.
Mikkel *******
@Cody ********
for example a multi entry tourist visa. That will get you up to 9 months of stay in Thailand if timed correctly. There's also the elite visa. Or the LTR if you are old enough.
Mikkel *******
@Cody ********
well it is not me that makes the rules. But if you are in Thailand for more than 180 days out of a year, you are legally a tax resident here. Coincidentally that's what you can get from 2 regular 60 day tourist visas plus their extensions.

There are several visa options for long term tourism though. You could just get one of those.

The visa exempt scheme is not intended for people to stay here long term. Ask any immigration officer you meet anywhere. Or ask an embassy. You will get the same answer more or less.
Aaron ****************
@Mikkel ******
but every visa is valid, as is an exemption stamp. Define "any visa which is valid"
Mikkel *******
@Aaron ***************
an exemption stamp is per definition not a visa. It's a granted entry without visa, aimed at tourists. But you do you. Some people can use those lots of times. Even back to back. Other people will get pulled aside and questioned only after a few times. All will eventually get denied entry if they keep doing that.
John **********
Not sure what rule changes you are referring to nor how they would affect you going forward as your history won't change
Brandon ************
You were flagged for abusing visa exempt and trying to live in Thailand without a long-term visa. Can you return? No one can answer that, because the decision is up to the immigration officer that you will be standing in front of.

There are some things you can do to increase your odds, such as apply for a tourist visa from a Thai embassy in Vietnam before traveling, make sure you have proof of 20,000 baht or equivalent in another major currency (in CASH ONLY), proof of your flight out of Thailand, and proof of where you'll be staying.

Even with all of these, they could still deny you entry, but at least you are increasing your odds.
Ron ********
@Brandon ***********
Mr Thurkettle, sorry to bug you so much, but I have a related question. You know something of my ongoing Thai retirement visa saga-quest. I have been in Thailand since December utilizing different visas, all in the belated quest to get a retirement visa.

I have used one land border crossing in this quest already. I am going to Cambodia on my second land-border crossing tomorrow.

My question is: do you think it would be a good idea to have the paperwork, etc you mentioned in the previous post just to make sure I get a 30 day extension, or is that fairly automatic without backing paperwork?

I am going with a agents visa run service to the same small border crossing in Cambodia. I currently am on a 30 day medical extension.

Thank you so much!
Brandon ************
@Ron *******
if you're going with an agency then you'll be fine. They make sure everything goes fine, it's the reason you're paying
Dominique *********
@Brandon ***********
thank you Sir for your valuable information, because for my wife and myself it will be the first time in Thailand
Ron ********
FINALLY.......a piece of good news in this shit-storm I am enduring! Ha Ha!

Many thanks as always!
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