Is it safe to rely on multiple 30-day visa-free entries in Thailand, or should I consider getting a multiple-entry tourist visa?

and I think on that note we are done, and the O/P knows the risks they run bouncing in and out on 30 day visa exempt entries over and over. Even though it is obvious from their entry exit history they are not living here on back-2-back visa exempt entries.

Good luck to the O/P

Sorry for the bad info I posted earlier, thanx again Robert for catching it (y)

I had this happen on the way out of Thailand and the immigration officer told me I would be best getting a visa before my next visit. I did that and next time I came to Thailand, the immigration officer asked why I got a visa when I was only staying a week.

Entry by land changed 31 Dec 2016

Tod is WRONG, Limit is 2x a calendar year by land

NO limit is only when enter by air

I was stoped brought to one side and told no more must get mev been living there 12 years married and they said not a genuine tourist so went and got the visa and Covid kicked in lol been back twice since Australia opened the borders first time they asked why no visa I say all embassy closed he nodded grunted but let me trough last time 3 weeks ago lady imo wished me a happy birthday and stamped me in so at the end of the day you never know what you get until you get there I will be getting mev based on marriage

i think it is 6 entries a year,i did more than that and the immigration girl asked me why i come to thailand so much

While technically you are correct, there is no limit to 30 day visa exempt entries by AIR (and two per year by land entry) , you're just playing the odds and will eventually get denied entry IF they think you're 'abusing' the visa exempt system.

I would take what those officers said with a grain of salt because it comes down to the officer you're in front of when you stamp in to the country.

remember they can also always ask for the "3 proofz"

proof of funds (20k baht or the equivalent in CASH)

proof of onward travel (within the number of days you're getting stamped in for)

proof of lodging

IF you're asked but can't meet any of those you can be denied entry. I mean face it IF they wanna deny you entry they're gonna find a reason to

The 6 month METV seems tailor made for your situation, I mean you have FIVE entries in 91 days 😮

The 6 month METV gives you unlimited entries during the 6 month validity, and each entry gets you stamped in for 60 days. It's really what you should have (unless there's another long term visa/extension you qualify for)

As I pointed out in messenger, that people have previously lived here for years on back-2-back visa exempt entries, OR had no problem ever getting stamped in doesn't mean you're gonna skate thru. Especially post-covid when they seem to have tightened up the 'no official limit to 30 day visa exempt entries by air' mindset..

Good luck, get the METV. It's the easiest and most trouble free choice for you