Is it risky to use Facebook while on a visa-exempt entry in Thailand?

Question

Just a quick word of advice or my opinion if your travelling to Thailand on visa exempt 30 day entry as your still working (Say offshore) so arriving 6 times a year. So your not breaking any rules, but living a bit on the edge. It may be worth looking at your FB profile. If it says you live in Bangkok and have pictures of my latest 2 cars, thai family, 3 dogs and new build house it my be hard to say you are a tourist, coming on holiday. FB is used to check my things these days, so be careful what you post. Maybe not 100% visa related but sure it will apply to a few on here😉

Ask Thailand · Answer

The discussion emphasizes caution for expatriates in Thailand using a visa-exempt entry, especially regarding their social media activity. While using Facebook to share personal life events might not directly violate visa rules, showcasing a lifestyle that suggests residency could raise suspicion among immigration officers, particularly during entry checks. Participants advised managing privacy settings and sharing minimal personal information online to avoid complications. Some comments suggested obtaining the appropriate visa for long-term stays, while others discussed the internet's pervasive nature in surveillance of personal data.

David ************ · Answer

Just change your FB name so if doesn't match your real name. And make it private

Robert ******** · Answer

Get a proper visa and be smart on social media and you have nothing to worry about....

Rob ************* · Answer

I'v being doing it for years but they are getting stricter, just something to think about, as I say your not breaking the law, but if you live in a country as you main residence  then they could and have got awkward

Sean ************* · Answer

As long as you leave within the 30 days and take regular breaks between entries, it should be a non-issue.

David ******* · Answer

Hi. To the OP, why is your description "living on the edge?". I ahree people doing back to back visa exempt border runs, extensions etc that is more than on the edge. Why is it on the edge if I work in a country , return to thailnd for 10 days then leave to work for 8 weeks, then return for another 10 or 15 days ? Facebook is no different to the rest of he internet, only post or share what you dont mind others seeing or using.

Andre ********************** · Answer

Unless you have nothing to hide, nothing is secret in the Internet world anymore so be careful what you post.

Glenn ****************** · Answer

There was a FB function which would show you what your profile looked like to a non friend. However even easier to to create another FB account takes 2 minutes assuming you also need to create another e-mail account less if not then look yourself up. Simple

Jay ******** · Answer

that is why your FB name should differ from Pport

Tristan ********* · Answer

My profile is supposedly private, but I do have Chiang Mai as my hometown listed now. Can anybody tell me if they are able to see anything on my profile that would become an issue when applying for a visa?

Christopher *********** · Answer

Very good advice Rob!

Robert ******* · Answer

They do. My first application of Extension, the witness was asked: Which dive center is he working. This after scrolling over my facebook page on his smart phone next to the keyboard and looking at scuba dive pictures.

Is it risky to use Facebook while on a visa-exempt entry in Thailand?

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