Is having a visa a guarantee for entry into Thailand, and how does it compare to visa-exempt entry?

It’s like the immigration trying to dodge the bullet by using the embassies as a shield. They shifted this screening responsibility to the embassies, and they can’t let anyone go inside unchecked. If a criminal or a terrorist were to come in with a visa exemption and wreak havoc, there would be consequences for them. So I’d say having a concrete visa is still better than not having one. At least they’d assume the embassy has already done the screening work. But that doesn’t mean you can stay here long-term by doing visa runs on tourist visas.

Revenue for immigration, and better tracking ability.

No guaranty on visa as well.

Entered on METV in Aug, interrogated and let in coz was very cool and all smiles under pressure and told that 4months 3 weeks in 2024 and 2025 too many days. Told to get retirement visa.

Last time I entered on visa exempt, they told me to apply for a tourist visa next time to dont have problems. Honestly I dont know if the entry is guarantee, but should be easier if they say that to everyone.

simple way to look at the announcement

People who are making at least 2 out/in border runs.

To leave Thailand with a border run you must be inside Thailand,

60 days plus 30 day extension

border run 60 days plus 30 day extension makes it 180 days

2 nd border run you might get questions as in my time a holiday from work was never 240 days a year.

Most people who are not trying to live here on repeated visa exempt entry stamps will have little or no issue getting into the country EVEN if they have been here a couple times this year, as long as they spent time in their country or out of thailand a good portion of time before comin' back.

I think 'tourists' who come here times a year, spread out over the year, who don't stay the full 60 days, who don't take the 30 day extensions are going to just skate thru passport control (But that is just my opinion)

Believe it or not a visa does NOT guarantee you get in to thailand 😮 All holding a valid visa does is make is so IF they let you in you get in for the number of days that visa allows.

There is no difference between the number of days you currently get on a visa exempt entry OR a real tourist visa you buy before you come here. BOTH get you stamped in for 60 days.