How does Thai immigration view frequent stays on a tourist visa exempt?

Visa Rules NON-O Visa Immigration Regulations

Mar 12, 2020

5 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

US citizen here; age 65. I'm curious what constitutes, in Thai immigration thinking, living in the country too long on tourist visa exempt.  Before I retired I went about twice a year always less than the 30 day exempt stamp. In the last three years I've been going three times a year but about 2 months at a time (edit added: with a 2 month stay in between back in US.). I don't get the extra 30 stamp but travel out of country to other countries for a week or so visit. 

I'm getting ready to apply for non-O multi entry visa (not the O-A). 

Any thoughts if my last three years travel will impact getting approved for this visa?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

A US citizen (65 years old) is inquiring about the implications of their travel history on their application for a non-O multi-entry visa after routinely staying in Thailand for two months, three times a year on a tourist visa exempt. Community responses indicate that while Thai immigration may scrutinize frequent short-term stays, applying for a long-term visa like the non-O is seen as a logical step. Opinions differ, but many believe that as long as the applicant qualifies for the visa, their past travel history should not adversely affect their chances of approval.

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Robert *******

With your history, no problem. The phrase you are to long in the country is made for people who only left the country for as short as possible to get a new Visa Exempt Entry or Tourist Visa, people who obviously where living inside Thailand all year around.

5 years ago

Benjamin ******

> I'm curious what constitutes, in Thai immigration thinking, living in the country too long on tourist visa exempt

Whatever the Thai immigration officer thinks it is.

>Any thoughts if my last three years travel will impact getting approved for this visa?

If you qualify for the visa, I'm almost 100% sure they would let you in, especially if it's for retirement. Don't worry about it.

5 years ago

Mike *******

Your past history could be seen as abusing the system. As has always been said here, the granting of a visa does not guarantee entry to any country. It simply means you have been cleared for your visa application. On arrival, things can and will be flagged up on the IO system regarding your past entries. The visa you may or not may obtain before arrival is worthless. If you are asking for a sure fast way of entering Thailand with your past history, I would suggest get the visa. Try it. And if rejected then have plan B.

5 years ago

Biff *******

The decision to refuse entry to the Kingdom based on the Immigration Officer's opinion that a person has been abusing the Tourist visa option is usually taken at a border. Seeing as you will be applying for a long term visa, after using one of the short term options quite reasonably (not back to back, stretching the term 'tourist' to the limit) I would imagine it will be seen as a logical step on your part.

Indeed, some who have used the visa exempt, or Tourist visa system for a while have been advised to 'get a proper visa'.

That's what you're doing.

5 years ago

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Biff *******

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Will I face issues returning to Thailand after multiple short stays with visa exempt entries?

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