This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.
Is it normal for customs to question frequent visitors to Thailand after multiple border runs and extensions?
Thai ImmigrationVisa RulesBorder RunsTourist VisaEntry DenialDual PassportCustoms and Immigration Issues
Oct 13, 2025
7 months ago
Stevo ******
ORIGINAL POSTERHey guys, so I have been in Thailand for about 7-8 months doing 2 x border runs and 2 extensions.
I went overseas for 2 weeks and arrived back at the weekend. Customs pulled me aside and wanted to see my next flight, which I have in 2 weeks time, this time overseas for 3 weeks, then returning back to Thailand after that.
Was I unlucky or is this normal now?
Should I expect the same next time?
Also, I have dual passport, I could fly back on the other one? Thanks......
I went overseas for 2 weeks and arrived back at the weekend. Customs pulled me aside and wanted to see my next flight, which I have in 2 weeks time, this time overseas for 3 weeks, then returning back to Thailand after that.
Was I unlucky or is this normal now?
Should I expect the same next time?
Also, I have dual passport, I could fly back on the other one? Thanks......
TLDR : Answer Summary
The individual has been living in Thailand for several months and has used multiple border runs and visa extensions. Upon returning from a trip abroad, they faced scrutiny from customs regarding their travel plans. Comments from the community indicate that the user may have overstayed their tourist status and advises caution for future entries, as immigration rules have become stricter. Many warn that using a different passport could raise further red flags, and that a proper long-term visa is necessary to avoid potential denial of entry.
Pelle Eriksson★★★★★
Absolutely Bangkok's best service I highly...recently on Facebook
Luca G.★★★★★
I used this agency for my DTV Visa...recently on Google
Trusted Thai Visa Agent
OVER 100,000 EXPATS SERVED
#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND
David ***********
You need a proper visa as you are not a tourist. At some stage you will get refused entry.
Shelly *************
@David **********
, I agree, people should get the proper visas, Thai immigration, I heard when they catch up, will Jail individuals. Don't get "MAGAD" in Thailand.Reply to
Shelly *************
Reply
Daniel *********
Immigration does not play around here in Thailand. Sounds like Mission Impossible to me and will self destruct maybe not in 5 sec but immigration will catch up with you. Who knows they could ban you for a few years or permanently IMHO
Frank **********
Unfortunately it is hard to say what will happen as it all depends on the Immigration Officer you encounter. Some people are lucky but like Brandon said there is a good chance they may send you packing.
Tony *********
Yes !!!! Use your other passport because your biometrics are different . 555
Ned *******
@Tony ********
....I came in ( about 3 years ago ) on my second passport, having been in and out several times already ......after a few short seconds, the Immigration Officer looked up at me .. and said very quietly ....two passports?..... I nodded, He smiled and stamped me in ....
So, as you say ...they know.... instantly
Reply to
Ned *******
Reply
David *******
It’s not customs that pull you aside, it’s immigration
Bent *************
I suppose you were questioned in immigration and not in customs ?
Stevo ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Bent ************
sorry, yesReply to
Stevo ******
Reply
David *******
Yeah, most likely will let you in one more time or deny you next time. Fly into BKK and pay for fast track service. Don’t fly into DMK they always grill people. 2x extensions is immediate reason for them to not allow you in the country with the current administration rules. Also dual passport won’t matter, your fingerprints got you unless you wear mission impossible style finger print covers
Stephen *****************
Don't rate your chances of getting through immigration
Allen **************
Good luck to your next trip back to Thailand. High chances you will be reject entry due to you have used most of your good luck of 2025.
Todd *********
@Allen *************
just use FastTrackReply to
Todd *********
Reply
Brandon ************
You're not unlucky. You've outstayed your welcome as a tourist.
You're lucky you were not denied entry. Immigration no longer considers you a tourist as you're clearly living in Thailand. You're all but guaranteed to be pulled out of line next time and very possibly denied entry for trying to live in Thailand without a long term visa. They're currently denying entry to hundreds of people per week for abusing the system. You can find many reports of this across the internet and even in this exact group.
And entering on a different passport is going to raise even more red flags as when you scan your fingerprints they're going to see your entire record and assume you're trying to hide something by using a different passport.
You're lucky you were not denied entry. Immigration no longer considers you a tourist as you're clearly living in Thailand. You're all but guaranteed to be pulled out of line next time and very possibly denied entry for trying to live in Thailand without a long term visa. They're currently denying entry to hundreds of people per week for abusing the system. You can find many reports of this across the internet and even in this exact group.
And entering on a different passport is going to raise even more red flags as when you scan your fingerprints they're going to see your entire record and assume you're trying to hide something by using a different passport.
Mark *******
I agree all rules should be followed! By visitors,tourists,locals,and of course the authorities! Lead by example comes to mind! 😛😁
Mark *******
But do they enforce the rules fairly and appropriately? With money such an important factor in Thailand,plus alleged corruption and mismanagement pretty common,( I hope you're not going to even try and deny that!) a large amount of hypocrisy is evident!
Lynnette *******
@Mark ******
can't stick up for this guys actions, complain about Thai rules then moan about hypocrisy.Reply to
Lynnette *******
Reply
Kevin ********
@Brandon ***********
Spot on Brandon. Superb answerMark *******
But he was still allowed in! Questioning is all good and well,and justified! But he was still permitted to enter! Understandably this is a hot topic at the moment,but as I've repeatedly said,tourism is of such vital importance to the Thai economy,would they really want to damage that; I suggest not!
And how many Thai jobs depend virtually totally on tourism!? Quite a few!
Kill the golden goose,I think not! Thankfully the Thai Tourist Authority understands and appreciates this! The economy of the country would be seriously undermined,if income from tourism dwindled! And people on this site know that!
And how many Thai jobs depend virtually totally on tourism!? Quite a few!
Kill the golden goose,I think not! Thankfully the Thai Tourist Authority understands and appreciates this! The economy of the country would be seriously undermined,if income from tourism dwindled! And people on this site know that!
Brandon ************
@Mark ******
it's immigrations job to enforce the rules and prevent abuse. What you're talking about has nothing to do with that. And if you tried to write policy by what TAT posts you'd be building a sea of hotels one day because of the massive tourism and bulldozing them the next day because tourism is suffering so badly.
Paul *********
@Mark ******
He was lucky he was allowed in . At the very least I would have got a METV . No guarantee you're not going to face questions but suggests you have intention to spend significant time here as a touristMark *******
Tourism keeps the Thai economy going!!
Reply to
Mark *******
Reply
Matthew *********
@Mark ******
they would rather starve to death to have that power to deny. That's why all rules are written in grey areaMarc ********
@Mark ******
Immigration dosn't think that wayMark *******
You're probably right! But Unsure you're aware of the fears expressed by the TAT,and their justified fears of lack of popularity with Thailand,compared to neighbouring Laos, Vietnam,and even the Phillipines. Tourism is down in Thailand this year,which has been highlighted by the TAT,which has resulted in less money coming into the country. Which the government will not tolerate, regardless of what Immigration think. And infact many of their jobs will depend on continuing visitors to this country. With the greatest of respect,this will not be ignored!
Lynnette *******
@Mark ******
he's not a tourist. This is someone abusing the tourist entry on visa exempt.Reply to
Lynnette *******
Reply
THAI ******************************
@Brandon ***********
For situations like this, we recommend using our Pre-Screening + Fast Track Service to ensure a smooth experience upon arrival and avoid any unexpected issues.You can request this service through our TDAC Form. The options are available on the second page.
********************************
Matthew *********
@THAI *****************************
perfect solution to get around the problemReply to
Matthew *********
Reply
Bruce ********
@Brandon ***********
spot on , buy a lottery ticketWayne *********
@Brandon ***********
Perfect explanation as usual from you BrandonReply to
Wayne *********
Reply
5 comments
7 months ago
30 comments
9 months ago
44 comments
9 months ago
208 comments
10 months ago
66 comments
a year ago
23 comments
a year ago
11 comments
a year ago
52 comments
a year ago
22 comments
2 years ago
209 comments
2 years ago
43 comments
2 years ago
93 comments
2 years ago
224 comments
3 years ago
101 comments
3 years ago
148 comments
3 years ago
181 comments
3 years ago
20 comments
3 years ago
35 comments
6 years ago
61 comments
7 years ago
11 comments
7 years ago
0 comments
7 years ago
24 comments
7 years ago
39 comments
8 years ago
11 comments
8 years ago
7 comments
a month ago
9 comments
a month ago
21 comments
a month ago
16 comments
a month ago
8 comments
a month ago
The ask:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.