I work in Cambodia and travelled to Thailand twice now in 2024 under visa exemption scheme (South African passport). I usually stay 3-5 days with confirmed return tickets and proof of funds.
Can I do this again when I visit Bangkok in May or do I need to apply for a tourist visa? I heard from a friend they only allow this scheme twice per calendar year.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is inquiring about the possibility of re-entering Thailand in May 2024 under the visa exemption scheme after already having used it twice in the same year. Comments clarify that while there is a limit of two entries per calendar year by land, air entries do not have the same restriction, allowing the user to re-enter without needing a tourist visa as long as the earlier entries were by air.
It depends on how you entered. Such short stays are not a problem and you can enter without worry about being questioned about what your true intentions are (you're clearly not living in Thailand). But there is a limit on the number of times you can enter by land: that's maximum two per calendar year. So if the two entries you refer to were both in 2024 and both by land, then indeed you need a tourist visa now to be able to come. However, flying would also work.
It's only 2 times per year at a land border. There's no written regulation on how many times you can enter visa exempt when you're flying in. You should be fine.
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