Is it risky to return to Thailand on a 60-day e-visa after previously being questioned by immigration?

Nov 12, 2024
9 days ago
Andrew ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi all currently I'm in Thailand on a visa exempt I had planned on doing 60.days plus extension then a border run and repeat and home yet I got pulled by Immigration in sauvurnhabumi on entering I'm from UK under 50 I'm thinking of going home beginning of December and stay home for December and return to Thailand January 2nd with a 60 day e visa is this risky as in may be denied entry here in January thanks all
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is concerned about returning to Thailand on a 60-day e-visa after being pulled by immigration during a previous entry as a visa exempt traveler. Community responses suggest that while there is an option to use a border bounce agency or apply for a regular tourist visa, there are risks involved. Some members warn that past immigration questioning could lead to future entry complications, and advise securing a proper visa to avoid issues. The consensus leans towards obtaining an appropriate visa to minimize risks upon returning.
Jason **********
You should be using atleast regular tourist visa not exemptions. If you're going to your home country either apply for a 6 month multi entry tourist visa. If you get the last 60 day stamp just before it expires you can get 8-9 months out of it without questions or even better get a DTV visa using a soft power and don't worry about visas for 5 years.
Andrew ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jason *********
yes I'm not going to try to use exemptions anymore
Loreen ***********
Just get the proper 60 day tourist visa at the embassy or go for the DTV route.
Andrew ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Loreen **********
yes that's what I intend on doing now just hope this hasn't messed up future travel here for me
Loreen ***********
@Andrew **********
You won’t. Just don’t pass immigration without the proper visa.
Arnold **********
@Andrew **********
there is a good chance that they will not give you a visa for a couple of years,
Greg ***********
The limit of 2 visa-exempt entries by a land border has been discontinued on July 15, 2024. It now is unlimited as well, like visa exempt entries by air have always been “unlimited”

However, I would only pick up that term “unlimited” with a pair of golden tweezers.

At some point, after having done a certain number of visa-exempt entries, and even after a couple of entries on tourist visa, you will be pulled aside, and on your next attempt, you will be denied entry.

Having "no limit"- that’s up to the discretion of the Immigration officer you are standing in front of

And don’t forget: after you were pulled aside and questioned, they will have “flagged” you in their computer system. Any Immigration officer in the future is able to see this

So you better get “the proper” visa for your intentions and pray they will tolerate your previous “misuse” of the visa-exempt system
Andrew ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Greg **********
depends what you call "misuse" only ever done 1 border bounce every other time I have gone back home for minimum of 3 months stay
Greg ***********
@Andrew **********
myself I don't call it anything. It's up to the Immigration officer's discretion to draw the "misuse" card
Kelly ********
If you do not overstay you can enter Thailand as many times as you want.
Arnold **********
Greg ***********
@Kelly *******
The limit of 2 visa-exempt entries by a land border has been discontinued on July 15, 2024. It now is unlimited as well, like visa exempt entries by air have always been “unlimited”

However, I would pick this “unlimited” up only with a pair of golden tweezers.

At some point, after having done a certain number of visa-exempt entries, and even after entering on tourist visa, you will be pulled aside, and on your next attempt, you will be denied entry.

Having "no limit"- that’s up to the discretion of the Immigration officer you are standing in front of
Wayne ********
@Kelly *******
don’t say as many times as you want, the more proper phrase would be as many times as they will let you.
Terary **********
You could apply for a visa now for your January trip. You have to use it when doing border bounces.

I have been in Thailand nearly ten years and most of that time was tourist visas. I have been pulled aside by immigration twice. They yelled at me, then let me in. You will likely be fine but you are assume certain risks.
Mark *********
3 X 60s .....after that risky
Andrew ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Mark ********
is that in one calendar year or altogether?
Mark *********
@Andrew **********
I think the unofficial rule maybe up to their discretion after 180 days in the year
Mark *********
@Andrew **********
...they didn't explain...but I assume.

I had 2 extensions aswell.

Just gave me a warning it'said last entry and get appropriate visa..

Not a good feeling in immigration
Andrew ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I simply go to uk to work and vacation in thailand and see my gf repeat what would the appropriate visa be for this
Andrew ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Mark ********
yea was the same with me told me next time get the appropriate visa which is what ?? Lol
Mark *********
@Andrew **********
retirement if over 50.

Or any expensive visa that exists
Andrew ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Mark ********
under 50 lol
Frank **********
Why did you get pulled aside? Do you have a history of Visa Exempts and/or border runs.
Andrew ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Frank *********
always used visa exempt and extensions
Frank **********
@Andrew **********
then that was probably the reason they questioned you.
Luit *****************
@Andrew **********
So you are already misusing the system for a long time and now they warn you should get a proper visa?

Better get the proper visa then, because you now might be signalled in their system.

What is the proper visa depends on your purpose of stay.
Brandon ************
Use a land border bounce agency and you should be fine getting another 60 days.
Andrew ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
how long do you think it will be until I could use the visa exempt 60 day again or is it all by chance
Brandon ************
@Andrew **********
There is no written law or policy. It's at the complete discretion of the immigration officer you are standing in front of
Andrew ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
OK thanks think I'm gonna exit Thailand December get an e visa in UK then come back new year thanks for advice
Lynnette *******
@Andrew **********
border bounce agency would be for the visa exempt entry.
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