Can you enter Thailand on a 30-day exemption instead of using a tourist visa in your passport?

Question

Hi all. Got a bit of a strange question from an acquaintance. Do you always have to use your (obtained in Schengen country) tourist visa when entering Thailand ? He means; Come into the country with 30 day exemption (although you have that visa in your passport) , leave the kingdom after lets say 25 days, come in again after e.g. 3 days and only THEN 'activate/use' the tourist visa for staying the 60 days. (Which is still valid because of the 3 months validity)

Ask Thailand · Answer

The discussion revolves around whether a valid tourist visa obtained from a Schengen country must be used upon entering Thailand or if a traveler can opt for the 30-day visa exemption instead. While some participants agree that once a visa is in the passport, immigration officers typically stamp based on that visa, others suggest that it's possible to enter on a visa exemption and later purchase a tourist visa while abroad. Importantly, using a re-entry permit allows individuals to maintain their original visa status but does not extend their stay beyond the visa's initial entry duration.

Peter **************** · Answer

Ok, I also thought the visa will be used instead of the 30 day exempt. I also think the visa will be stamped 'used' so re-entry permit is not possible anymore ? (I mean although the valid to date says still valid). Think the 'used' stamp overrules that date.

OK, thanks a lot for answers so far. Think

@Tod ********

has the best option.

OK, thanks a lot for answers so far. Think [mention redacted] has the best option.

Tod ********* · Answer

I would suggest to your friend to enter the country on a 30 day visa exempt entry stamp (without a visa in their passport) and then BUY a tourist visa from a thai consulate while they are in Malaysia.

I have not seen an immigration officer stamp someone in on a 30 day visa exempt entry while they had a valid tourist visa in their passport (except by mistake :O )

Liam ***** · Answer

If I understand your question you're basically asking 'can someone come on a 60-day tourist visa, but leave after a few weeks and come back without wasting the visa'?

If that is the question then yes you can do that by buying a re-entry permit before leaving. This can be done at any immigration office, either of Bangkok's airports and at some land borders. Not sure about other international airports - the gurus will know that. This way, as long as you re-enter Thailand before the enter before date, your friend would be stamped in for another 60 days

Ivan ********** · Answer

Yes, I tried that once and was told I had to enter with the visa....but you know you can extend it in Thailand for another 30 days for 1900 Baht ?

Peter **************** · Answer

Yep [mention redacted] I think so too. It's a bit of a strange one. Acquaintance wants, after 2-3 weeks in Thailand,  to go on holiday to Malesia in the first month. Thats why he thought of this construction. Thanks for reply. I hope maybe more answers later.

Nick ******* · Answer

If the IO sees a visa, he will stamp the passport relating to it. I doubt you're allowed to swerve around it.

Can you enter Thailand on a 30-day exemption instead of using a tourist visa in your passport?

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