Is it risky to re-enter Thailand for a Colombian passport holder after multiple entries and exits?

As a Colombian passport holder, you're eligible for a visa exemption in Thailand, allowing you to stay for up to 60 days.¹ Since you've already been in Thailand for almost four months, with a previous re-entry from Vietnam without issues, you're considering another re-entry after visiting Bali.

However, there's always a risk of being denied entry, especially since this would be your third entry into Thailand. The Thai government has been cracking down on visa runners and repeat entries, so it's essential to be prepared.

Carrying your rental contract and other documents, such as proof of onward travel or sufficient funds, might be helpful in case you're questioned by immigration officials. It's also a good idea to ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay.

To minimize risks, consider the following:

- *Be honest and transparent*: Clearly explain your situation and intentions to the immigration officer.

- *Show proof of onward travel*: Demonstrate that you plan to leave Thailand after your intended stay.

- *Highlight your positive history*: Mention your previous smooth re-entries and compliance with Thai immigration regulations.

While there are no guarantees, being prepared and showing a positive attitude might help alleviate any concerns the immigration officer may have. You should also consider reading a book or two before your travel.. I'd recommend a book "Thailand Unveiled 2024-2025" by James Anderson on Amazon..it has all the info and recommendations you need..you should check it out 😀

I will add my generally similar recent experience to your hypothetical. I did a border run to Cambodia in mid-Nov and returned with a stamp until mid-Jan. However, due to a family emergency, I had to leave to return to the United States. I was gone for two weeks. Upon my return, I was stopped at BKK. Initially, the agent asked me if I had a return flight. I said now and mentioned that I had never been asked for one. I was sent to a supervisor, who looked at my passport and noted "Oh, you did a visa run." After much discussion and getting my manager on the phone to explain the situation with my work visa (which is in progress), the supervisor stamped my passport for 60 days. Moral of the story: from what I have been reading on the official Thai gov. website, the government wants foreigners to be on the right kind of visa. And although people are still doing border runs, this is theoretically not the right thing to do. Instead, as I have gathered and been told, one should leave the country and apply for a tourist visa (60 or 90 days) and then return. As someone else mentioned in this chain, I also think that it is all about the diligence (or lack thereof) of the immigration agent reviewing your passport.

If you're a remote worker, could you get the DTV and it would take the worry out of staying in Thailand.

Telling an Immigration you have a rental contract is saying you are not a tourist, not a good idea

I think it should be ok, but if you want to play it safe you could get an agent and they will charge you around 5000 baht to get entry without issues at the airport

Leave stuff packed in boxes just in case so someone can easily forward them to you via Thai post, which in my experience works excellently International ly

When you visit Bali, best to get your visa and do your customs declaration online. ( 2 different websites ) It will save you a load of time at the airport. Also book a taxi to pick you up. Save you dealing with the taxi mafia. Good luck !