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Do previous trips to Thailand count against the visa exemption rule in a new calendar year?

Dec 12, 2025

10 hours ago

I see that you now can only travel to thailand on visa exemption two times in a calendar year (not 12 months), I have been there tree times this year and are traveling again in march, since that is a new calendar year, my previous trips don’t count anymore?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The traveler is concerned about the new rule limiting visits on visa exemption to two times a calendar year. They have traveled to Thailand three times within the year and want to know if their previous trips count towards the new year. Comments suggest that previous travel history does not reset with the calendar year and that immigration looks for patterns of frequent long stays. It's recommended for frequent visitors to consider applying for a tourist visa.

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Farang *********

For me one 60+30 in 2024. 0ne 60 in Jan 2025.

Got pulled yesterday given a 60 day and TOLD to get an O visa. Thai wife.

10 hours ago

John **********

@Farang ********

if you are married to a Thai that makes perfect sense as you are not really a tourist

8 hours ago

Reply to

John **********

Graham ******

It all depends how long you stayed with your 3 entries this year, if just a few weeks each entry then you returned "home" you will be fine as that is the bahaviour of a typical tourist

10 hours ago

Alan ******

@Graham *****

That's not true My mate got knocked back yesterday and is in detention. He flew from/to Australia each time with months between each visit.

10 hours ago

Lynnette *******

Alan Onit detention? That's not typical with a simple denial. There must be more to it than that.

6 hours ago

Graham ******

Alan Onit Just a month in between each visit but how long were these visits? Could it be he was spending more time in Thailand that out ?

9 hours ago

Reply to

Graham ******

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

A new year does not erase your history. Immigration officers are looking for patterns of people spending too much time in Thailand. If you've spent a lot of time in Thailand, then you should get a tourist visa at the minimum. If you're at all in doubt, get a visa.

Michael ********

what about this

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

What about it? It was created by an AGENT and specifically mentions only a single immigration office.

7 hours ago

Reply to

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

Fred ******

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

Tourist Visa is not going to make any difference if they are looking for "patterns".

8 hours ago

Anthony ********

@Fred *****

yeh but you are applying for a visa from a Thai embassy in your country… and as you say they can see your history… so if you are granted a tourist visa you have already been vetted and should have no problems

7 hours ago

Fred ******

@Anthony *******

Tourist visa doesn't need to be from your home country. Having a tourist visa has no impact on being admitted. I wouldn't expect embassies and consulates have access to Immigration systems. Tourist visas are more about revenue than anything else. Just basic do you have some money in your bank account. If your country has Visa exempt entry then you don't need a tourist visa. Normally, a tourist visa would be necessary only if it provided something the visa exempt didn't provide like more time or more entries.

7 hours ago

Reply to

Fred ******

Alexander *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

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

For traveling to Thailand by land and sea, Norwegian and Icelandic passport holders are eligible for Visa Exemption Scheme with a maximum of twice in a calendar year.

This it copy from oslo thai embassy

8 hours ago

Alexander *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

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

My English is not great, but what I learned is that it’s a different between last 12 months and within a calendar year.

Not spent a lot of time there, but 3 trips, 2 weeks, 10 days and 10 days, next trip is 3 weeks.

10 hours ago

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

@Alexander ******

You shouldn't be too worried about that. That's barely any time at all

9 hours ago

Alexander *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Bra****

it’s the new rule that says maximum 2 visa exemption trips a year that worries me..

9 hours ago

John **********

@Alexander ******

there is no new rule. There is no defined limit for visa exemption entries. The immigration officer you will stand in front of will assess and decide. If you are worried get a visa

8 hours ago

Darren *******

@Alexander ******

there's no new rule. They're just becoming stricter on people trying to live in Thailand on visa exemptions and extensions. Based on what you said, you've been in Thailand for 34 days in total and gone home in between trips. You've got nothing to worry about in my opinion.

9 hours ago

Raymond *********

IF you're worried, call your local embassy, explain your concerns. They will tell you which visa you need, it's their job

9 hours ago

Alexander *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Ray****

, I have sent them an email a few hours ago, I might get an answer while sleeping of my night shift..

9 hours ago

Ryan ********

Your be fine your here spending money , and no over staying ,

9 hours ago