Can you be turned away at a Thai land border due to your visa history?

Thailand Visa Rules Visa History Land Border Crossing Tourist Visa Visa Exempt Entry Immigration Officials Visa Extension Entry Denial Risks

Dec 28, 2022

2 years ago

Keith *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

I havent seen any one talk about being turned away doing a land border run due previous visa/visit history.. Is this a possibility?

Not sure if my history would be questioned but this is it:

I am a USA citizen.. Over the past 12 months I have used one tourist visa (only stayed for 30 days of this) and 3 visa exempt entries and I have extended 3 times But only actually stayed for two of the extensions. Ive always spent a month or more out side of Thailand before returning.

Im currently in my home country and have a Tourist visa to be used next week.. Just wondering what my options are if I choose to spend more time after the visa expires.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The possibility of being turned away at a Thai land border due to your visa history does exist. While you are allowed two land border crossings per calendar year, immigration officers have discretionary power and can deny entry if they suspect you are abusing the visa system. It's noted that trends and patterns in travel behavior can influence their decision; frequent short stays in Thailand followed by minimal time outside may raise red flags. Although land border crossings are generally less scrutinized compared to airports, incidents may vary by location, and being denied entry at a border is generally less problematic than at an airport.

Bä ****

If you come and go Iike a tourist (fly in and out, jump around SE Asia) they’ll understand…But if you literary keep bouncing back to Thailand and staying for a day or less in other countries then the RED FLAG 🚩 comes out….It’s pattern recognition…

2 years ago

Chris ****

@Bä ***

I agree. It's decision based on rules, policies and patterns. We can't control the rules, a polite attitude helps with policy and patterns are up to us.

2 years ago

Reply to

Chris ****

Ivan ************

I get the impression most land borders go strictly by the 2 per year rule and don't tend to use their discretion beyond that. It's always possible though, and there have been issues at the main Malaysia border and Aranyaprathet in the past with them being more picky. But my impression since they brought in this specific limit most land borders just go with that and it's less risky than flying in, where there is far more chance they use their discretion if you have history. Also if you are denied at a land border it's less of a problem, you just stay in the other country, or can try another border. Denied at airport you need to be removed, and worst case particularly if the country you came from won't take you back automatically this may involve removal to your passport country, at your expense, or imprisonment until you can pay for that.

2 years ago

Brandon ************

@Ivan ***********

Jeremy Miller 2 land border entries with visa exempt. There's no limit if you're using a visa.

2 years ago

Ivan ************

@Bra****

right, my point was more that I get the impression that's largely the only limit that land borders apply. Other than that, they seem much less likely to use "discretion" to deny you than an airport, where they can decide you just look like you've been here too much. The land borders seem to just go by this 2 visa exempt per year, unlimited with visa, and at least some borders, like Nong Khai, I don't think I've ever heard of anyone being denied for any other reason, if you meet the explicit rules as written they will let you in.

Airport is theoretically unlimited on either visa or exempt, but in practice they do use their discretion if they feel you are here too much- and they can use this even if you do have a visa. Land border, less likely, and also much less problem for you if you do get denied, you just go back to your hotel and think about what you do next, rather than a immigration detention holding cell.

2 years ago

Reply to

Ivan ************

Frank **********

You can be denied entry by an IO at anytime for any reason. If they suspect you are gaming the system, it is discretionary on their part, so what usually happens or what should happen may not happen for you. Best to get a visa more in line with your situation to avoid the gamble. One grumpy government worker can wreck the best of plans.

2 years ago

Jeremy ********

You get 2 land border crossings per calendar year, on 1 Jan it resets….you get 45 days at all border crossings and 30 days at immigration for an extension…you can fly Out/In as many times as you want or until you meet that one overzealous I/O who says otherwise….

2 years ago

Phil ********

Bloody well intentioned & informational about the visa types that won't be a problem, innit?!?

Commingled the train of thoughts of a plonker & a wanker, ye did; Jeremy... 🙃 555

2 years ago

Brandon ************

@Jeremy *******

2 land border entries with visa exempt. There's no limit if you're using a visa.

2 years ago

Jeremy ********

@Brandon ***********

yes but do you really think the embassy/consulate will keep issuing visas into perpetuity for everyone? You will run into the dreaded red stamp if you try it….

2 years ago

Brandon ************

@Jeremy *******

no they definitely won't, and it's irrelevant because the border will still stop you after a certain point, at least with a tourist visa. But if you have a different type of visa like a non-O multiple entry or non-OA, you don't need to worry about the number of times.

2 years ago

Jeremy ********

@Brandon ***********

but yet you’re going against your ideology of not interpreting….he clearly stated Tourist visa and you went off on other types of visas….stick to one train of thought and don’t Commingle them….

2 years ago

Reply to

Jeremy ********

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Can I re-enter Thailand by land with a tourist visa after multiple visa-exempt entries?

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