Is it possible to enter Thailand multiple times on a visa exempt basis before applying for a visa?

November 23, 2019
5 years ago
Natalie ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hey all!

I read that you can go into Thailand on a visa exempt 3 times by air every 6 months.. I exceeded this already, However next week I need to fly from PP to BKK to go back to Europe.. if I show I have a ticket to Europe the next day/ same day so do not intend to stay in Thailand, will they be difficult? Anyone has experience with this? Should I apply for a visa? 🤪 Thanks!
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user inquired about traveling to Thailand on a visa-exempt status multiple times within a short period and whether showing proof of onward travel would suffice. The community responses pointed out that while there is no strict limit on visa exempt entries by air, frequent entries could lead to increased scrutiny by immigration officials. It's advisable to have proof of accommodation, sufficient funds, and onward tickets ready to present to avoid potential issues.
Robert *******
And just to clear: 3 x by air every 6 months, AS the users of these back to back short time visits maximize their time into Thailand, it is the way of calculation. The entry by air gives you 30 days, you may extend this with 30 days, then leave and re-enter, 60 days again and do it again, 3 times 60 days is 180 days, almost 6 months.Nothing to do with the imaginary rule of how many are allowed, but just a matter of another or 4th 30 days period does not fit in a 6 month period.
Natalie ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hmm I stayed one time 2 weeks- 1 night- 2 weeks
Robert *******
but to make it more clear, if you do NOT maximize it to the max and do NOT stay the full 30 days and the full 30 day Extension of Stay each time you can go and come back until the Immigration Officer advice you to get a visa.
Robert *******
No, it is calculating when you stretch it to the max
Benjamin ******
Is that a new policy? 3 times by air every 6 months?
Benjamin ******
You have unlimited visa exempts by air, and 2 times a calendar year by land. "Unlimited" is defined by the immigration official on duty.

If the reject you, you'll go to the immigration detention center until your flight. If they know you have a flight out the next day, I can't imagine they'll put you in the immigration detention center.

Having a visa also does not give you the right to enter Thailand. If you are only here for one day, I believe you're ok. Keep the three proofs of ticket out of Thailand, the hotel booking, and the 20K THB on you and you'll be fine.
Robert *******
i think you are fine,. There is no limit on how many Visa Exempt you can use while flying into Thailand. You may be asked to show 20.000 Thb or equivalent currency in cash, proof of accommodation and proof of onward travel. As you have the ticket to Europe the same or next day, it should be no problem.
Steve *********
I saw this "information" also. This is Thailand. There are rules and there are "rules". Every "rule" is open to the interpretation of the immigration officer. The more times you come to thailand in a short period of time, the shakier the ground becomes.

*****
cash. Ticket out. Accommodation booking. Those 3 things all help.
Benjamin ******
Where did you get that information from?
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