Does being denied entry into Thailand after multiple visa exemptions lead to a ban?

Jan 23, 2019
6 years ago
Mintie *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
Looking for clarification. South Korean passport with 6 entries to Thailand on Visa exemption in the past 18 months. Never overstayed. Refusal of entry today as officer believed the purpose of visit is not tourism but to live (or work). Does this equal to a ban from entering Thailand and if so for how long? Does this impact chances of getting visa approved and reentering in future?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A South Korean passport holder faced entry denial after utilizing six visa-exempt entries to Thailand over the past 18 months. Despite having no overstays, the immigration officer suspected intentions beyond tourism, leading to speculation about a potential entry ban. Commentary from the community suggests that while they were denied entry, this does not equate to an official ban, and future entry may still be possible through alternative crossing points. Recommendations included applying for a proper visa like the METV and ensuring documentation such as cash, proof of onward travel, and accommodation are available. Observations were made regarding changes in immigration rules that may affect entry practices.
Shayne **********
Lots of Koreans would "live" in Thailand back in the day because they have the 3 months visa exempt. 3 years ago it changed dramatically with the new border crossing rules and long term visas. About 5-10 joined our foundation because of the new rules. This lady is lucky to get 6 already.
Yury *********
Agreed, try another enter point or make another, clear passport
Tod *********
the make a new passport idea ONLY works at thai consulates when you're buying a tourist visa :/ (and NOT for that much longer even for that)

The system all the entry points to thailand uses will match against country of origin, surname, DOB, sex, etc and will certainly catch the fact that someone previously entered on a different passport.

If the immigration officer wants to they can view your entire entry history to thailand going back pretty darned far.
Tod *********
These are the reasons you can be denied entry
Tod *********
You most likely got denied entry because of clause 2, clause 3 or clause 9 of the Section 12 of the immigration act.

Look on your denial of entry stamp in your passport it should say. The denial of entry stamp looks like this
Tod *********
There is NO banning, you were denied entry, plain and simple. If you want to enter thailand try another point of entry. (go to lao and cross via the Nong Khai land border)
Terary **********
Doesn't constitute a "Ban" many people are denied entry then go to a different crossing and are able to enter without issue. If you need to get back to Thailand - I would recommend a land crossing- if you're denied you can easily get back to where ever.

I would recommend getting a visa in the future. Especially if you are a resident of South Korea. METV (Multiple Entries Tourist Visa). Your chances of getting denied entry a greatly reduced if you come with a proper visa, cash in hand, proof of onward travel and proof of accommodation.

Just as a matter of curiosity, when you were denied entry, were you asked for and did you have any/all: cash in hand, proof of onward travel and proof of accommodation.?
David *********
Yup doesn’t look the proper use os the tourist visa way to many times I expect they will flag you in the system permanently
Tristan *********
Were you able to explain where you got your income from and were you asked to show 20k baht?
Jon **********
Was anything put in your passport? Post a pic if so
Shayne **********
What have you been doing for 18 months in Thailand?
Tod *********
@Simon *****
I think they can bounce at borders with Lao BUT I'm not sure. :/ I know they CANNOT bounce at any cambodian borders or at the Phu Nam Ron border with Myanmar.
Simon *******
Has anyone got any updated info on any border that can still give you a 90 day exempt (for those 5 bilateral agreement countries)?
Rick ********
Wow south Koreans get a 90 day stamp. Didnt know that. That is really nice.
Tod *********
@Rick *******
they get 90 day visa exempt entry stamps SO 6 times 90 is 540 AND 18 times 30 is also 540. :O

It would appear they have been here a year and a half on visa exempt entry stamps.

The way they wrote it makes it seem they weren't here the full time BUT I'd bet dollars to durian they were ;)
Rick ********
Read it again
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