Is repeated visa-exempt entry into Thailand a problem for expats?

January 10, 2023
2 years ago
Robert ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Just a piece of information for anyone planning repeated use of visa-exempt entry into Thailand. Today I used that method the second time in about two months (receiving 45 days each time), but this time, at DMK airport, it caused some concern among the Immigration officers, who kept me in suspense as they consulted for maybe 10 minutes. They gave me the 45-day stay but told me to first apply for a tourist visa before coming again. Some of the posts that I see imply repeated visa runs are no problem, but I am skeptical about that...
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A user shares their experience of using visa-exempt entry into Thailand multiple times, revealing that after a second entry within two months, they faced scrutiny from immigration officers who recommended applying for a tourist visa for future entries. Various comments from other users discuss the inconsistency of immigration processes, the difference in experiences at different airports, concerns about long-term stays without a proper visa, and advice on handling potential issues with repeated visa runs.
Steve *******
If you get a 60 day visa at an embassy can you still get turned back? I thought you could come in 6 times a year by air as long as you have a proper tourist visa?
Taz **********
DMK will always give you issues, just avoid entry here when possible
Dennis ***********
A question,If I obtain my retirement visa in PATTAYA (Chon Buri)and then relocat to Chang Mia,can I renew in Chang Mia or? Any other Province???Thank you for your valued responses.
Ron *********
I never heard anyone say repeated exempt stamps are no problem. I had like 20 of them throughout a 5 year period, in bunches because I was going home and coming back and finally got pulled over at DM. And I felt like they were right, I was abusing the system, never once took the time to at least start my trip with a TV. Just exemptions and extensions.
Jo **********
@Ron ********
repeated exemptions with extensions can be a problem but why would someone get a tourist visa if they are staying only 14 days?
Ron *********
@Jo *********
I would do 4 or 5 months at a time on exemption and extension then go home for 7 or 8 months.
Jo **********
@Ron ********
ok i come every month for 10-15 days then go back home and repeat next month. never extend so that’s why I don’t get a visa
Samantha *******
BKK questioned me last week and it’s been 3 months since I entered. Suggested I get a tourist visa next time.
Jo **********
@Samantha ******
how long did you stay in Thailand?
Samantha *******
@Jo *********
I only stay a few weeks each time. This time I stayed 5 days and will come back in 10days so I know will get the same talk again. I’ve been coming in and out for 5+ years and this is the first year I’m getting asked questions.
Jo **********
@Samantha ******
also it makes no sense to get a tourist visa if your staying 2-3 weeks
Samantha *******
@Jo *********
yes I know and I wonder if it’s all about $$ for visas. I know of another that does similar to me also was asked in BKK about a tourist visa.
Jo **********
@Samantha ******
it could be, but it may be that upper management has told them to crack down. I mean it’s there job to ask questions
Jo **********
@Samantha ******
i do basically the same stay 2 weeks and go out 2-3 weeks never had an issue yet
Jo **********
@Samantha ******
sounds like you will be ok
Terry ******
Hello

When should I file for a 45 day extension Visa? Or do they only give you a 30 day extension?
Stuart *********
@Terry *****
extensions are 30 days. Most offices let you file up to 30 days prior.
Terry ******
@Stuart ********
Thanks again
Terry ******
Thank you Stuart. I was told there is a fee? Do you know what that fee is?
Graham ******
@Terry *****
All extensions cost 1900B.
Robert ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
I feel a tiny bit sorry for the Immigration officers. My experience at DMK two days ago showed me that they have as hard a time finding the real rules as we do! I can imagine them surfing the internet each day after work, trying to find the real rule... Has anyone actually seen arrivals getting turned back? They make you buy a ticket online and then escort you to your plane when it is time for the flight back to Timbuktu? Do they escort you to baggage claim so you can get your checked baggage?
Brandon ************
@Robert *****
people absolutely get turned back. They will be escorted to baggage claim by immigration to collect their bags and then be taken to immigration holding (prison) until their exit flight. If they're feeling nice that day they may allow you to fly out to somewhere of your own choice, but they can and do require some to fly back to their passport country.
Robert ************
@Robert *****
Your last comment "... but with visa-exempt entry, airlines have nothing to check" is Wrong. They can, and most will, check on your proof of departure flight and deny you boarding if you don't have. But, one option, is to book fully refundable Ticket and then cancel after arrival.
Robert ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Robert ***********
fully refundable tickets are rare, aren't they? Don't they usually have a $20+ fee? Onwardticket and similar sites can get you a ticket that's good for around 48 hours - they evidently actually make a reservation so it will fool anyone who checks. (???) But the onward ticket isnt the issue, Robert. Visa exempt entry doesn't require anything but your passport and the boarding pass you just used. Am I wrong? That's what an Immigration officer told me.
Robert ************
@Robert *****
Yes, you are wrong. By Law, Visa Exempt Entry additionally requires: i. Confirmed Ticket out of Thailand. ii. 10,000 Baht/person (20,000 Baht/family). But, rarely are visitors from the major countries (USA, UK, AU, Western Europe) queried by Immig. Officers for above. But, they could. HOWEVER, most major Airlines will ask for proof of onwards flight, because it is the Airlines that would be "on the hook" to return the person if denied entry.
*************************************************************************************
Jo **********
@Robert ***********
be realistic can you imagine that every traveler must carry 20,000 baht. Millions enter every year without that.
Robert ************
@Jo *********
Yes Joe, was just stating the Law, but also specifically noted: " But, rarely are visitors from the major countries (USA, UK, AU, Western Europe) queried by Immig. Officers ..."
Graham ******
@Robert *****
But you won't see an Immigration Officer if you don't make your flight, you have to satisfy your airline first. the Immigration Officer can also ask for any of the 3 proofs so you should be prepared :

- proof of accommodation for at least your first few nights (hotel booking or a letter of invite from a Thai)

- proof of onward travel (international travel ticket leaving Thailand within your initial entry stamp exit by date)

- proof of funds (20,000 Baht or equivalent in any major currency in CASH per individual, or 40,000 for a family)
Lynnette *******
@Robert *****
isn't it the airline has to return you to your place of origin? I wonder.
Robert ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Lynnette ******
but with visa- exempt entry, airlines have nothing to check! (?)
Lynnette *******
@Robert *****
think airlines often check you have onward or return ticket. Because they are liable for returning you if denied for some reason.
Graham ******
@Lynnette ******
Usually yes which is why they check your documentation including onward travel before allowing you to fly.
Lynnette *******
@Graham *****
of course. I knew that. Lol. ( not had enough cups of tea today. )
Mikie *********
I am in this situation. I am planning to depart Thailand before my current visa expires. Will immigration place a hold on my visa and will I be allowed to travel to the Philippines from bangkok?
Steven *********
Get a re-entry permit?
Stuart *********
@Mikie ********
Immigration won’t place a hold on any visa you have. You’re free to leave at any point. Whether you have an issue re-entering is a different matter.
Mikie *********
@Stuart ********
Thank you. I just want to avoid a trip to the United States. I really have nothing to go home to.
Jeremy *************
Chiang Mai immigration would not allow me 45 days extension. Only 30
Stuart *********
@Jeremy ******
All extensions off a tourist visa or a visa exempt entry are 30 days. Chiang Mai immigration aren’t doing anything different to any other office in the country. They gave you the correct amount of days allowed.
Jeremy *************
@Jo *********
explain why I got got 45 days on arrival. And explain why many people in Bangkok are getting 45 day extension
Brandon ************
@Jeremy ******
there's nothing to explain. NO ONE is getting a 45 day extension. And Visa exempt was temporarily increased to 45 days for 6 months, until March 31st.
Jo **********
@Jeremy ******
because there is not a 45 day extension
Lynnette *******
@Jeremy ******
you get 45 days visa- exempt on entry ( if have passport from eligible country) and can extend by 30 days.
Lynnette *******
@Jeremy ******
it is only 30 days for extension.
Simon **********
I travel back and forth in and out of Thailand every 4-6 weeks and sometimes stay for upto ten weeks at a time. I never ever have any issues with Thai immigration. I went to Vietnam for a week over Christmas and was asked how long I would be staying this time, I said maybe two weeks and they gave me 45 days as usual.
Jukka ********
After we use our 60+30 visa we travel saigon for two week. We could not have New visa because their have no time left In embassy so Come back and have 45 days stamp. Thei say we should have New visa next time.
Robert ************
Not Atypical, if you repeatedly use back-to-back Visa Exempt Entries. Do what they say, and get a Visa.
Robert ************
@Simon *********
Because you are working Offshore, so have good reason to come and go frequently. "Good reason" meaning, other than to abuse Visa Exempt Rules, for purpose of being perpetual Tourist without a Visa. And, of course, you are right, No Overstays doesn't hurt your case.
Simon **********
@Rob***
I never have any problem getting visa exemption.
Robert ************
@Simon *********
Sure, and exactly how many times in a row back-to-back?
Simon **********
@Rob***
I’m not quite sure what you mean by back to back, but I have been living in Thailand since 2016. I work offshore so I come and go every 4-6 weeks normally and stay for upto ten weeks at a time. During covid I stayed for 12 months. I have never overstayed and I have never had any issues except questions from check in staff.
Robert ************
@Simon *********
That explains it. YOU have a valid reason for your repeated entries, which obviously satisfies the Immig. Officers. Not so, for folks, just trying to use it to indefinitely stay in Thailand, without getting proper Visa(s).
Simon **********
@Rob***
without wishing to shoot my self in the foot, I am not sure what makes my reason to stay on the visa exemption route is anymore valid than others. All I can assume is the fact I have never overstayed counts in my favour. I am eligible for both the retirement and married visas but I don’t see any reason to get either unless I have to.
Graham ******
@Simon *********
The fact that you exit then don't immediately or within a couple of days re-enter Thailand on Visa Exempt raises no red flags for Immigration
Brett *********
DMK is stricter than BKK. Even questioned my valid Spouse Visa. Wanted my wife's ID
Brett *********
@Joezer ************
I have heard the Chiang Mai is the easiest.
Brett *********
@Joezer ************
I have used single entry tourist visa, ME spose visa, Spouse extension and re-entry, and multiple 30 day exempt. I dress well an am polite. I never have a problem at BKK. DMK always question me, visa or not.
Joezer **************
@Brett ********
I will take note of this. Thanks a lot. Take care, Brett.
Joezer **************
@Brett ********
Suvarnabhumi is better?
Brett *********
@Joezer ************
in my experience, yes.
Joezer **************
@Brett ********
how often do you enter Thailand? Are you using visa exempt or single entry tourist visa? Thank you for the info
Brian *****************
I had the same when I entered the last time. When I extended I asked the officer and he said I would have no problem reentering. Not being convinced after immigration at the airport I went to the office and asked the same question and after studying my passport he said there would be no problem as I only come by air.
Andy **********
@Brian ****************
Yeah, because air passengers are trustworthy and land border passengers are not.
Eric *******
@Andy *********
😀😀😀😀
Shane ************
Depends on what ass you get at the counter
John ***********
Probably because you're not supposed to live in Thailand on a tourist visa
Lynnette *******
@John **********
he was visa exempt. Did 2 (out and in ) in 8 weeks I think.
John ***********
@Lynnette ******
ok, even worse, trying to live in Thailand with no Visa. Have fun playing those games.
Matt *******
The problem is you are doing it back-to-back, they see you are stamping out and stamping back in on a visa exempt which is a no-no. Get the 60 day Tourist Visa instead, you can get a re-entry permit and come back in on the same visa with no questions asked.
Joezer **************
@Matt ******
is this the tourist visa that you can extend for another 1 month?

Also, what do you do after the 3 months is up? Go out of Thailand and then buy another tourist visa? Is it not a red flag in immigration if they see that you just exited Thailand after a 3 month tourist visa and then you are going to enter again with another 2 month tourist visa?

What about tourist visa extensions? Is it better to just pay an agent so they can process your visa extension on your behalf?
Bonnie *******
That doesn't make any sense. You would only get a visa if you wanted to stay not travel in and out
Lynnette *******
@Bonnie ******
actually multi entry visa is for in and out.

At the moment, Visa exempt gives 45 days and a 30 day extension. Then can be repeated by leaving and on re entry you get another 45 days you can extend.
Taz **********
My girl 8s from lap, travel many times back to back into Thailand getting 30 days, last trip was held up for 30 mind before being let in for a fee and was told next time get a visa
Paul *******
@Jo *********
they absolutely should because that makes all the difference in the world.
Paul *******
@Jo *********
that's why you're fine. You're not spending the full 30 days in Thailand all at once but only 10-14 days. If you do that, you're unlikely to have any problems.
Jo **********
@Paul ******
i agree but people should provide details like this
Taz **********
Where do you enter through
Jo **********
@Taz *********
very strange I enter on average 7-10 times every year visa exempt without a single question
Taz **********
@Jo *********
where do you enter
Jo **********
@Taz *********
Chiang Mai most of the time
Joezer **************
@Jo *********
Hello, where is your country of origin when coming to Chiang Mai? I also read somewhere that Phuket and Chiang Mai immigration is more lenient. When you exit Thailand how many days before you re-enter? Any info that you can give will be much appreciated. Thank you.
Jo **********
@Joezer ************
smart question, each time exit 2-3 weeks and then stay typically stay in Thailand 10-14 days. Chiang Mai has very few reports of problems, more lay back. stay less than 180 days a year
Joezer **************
@Jo *********
thanks a lot for sharing this info. I will take note it. Have a nice day, Jo.
Taz **********
@Jo *********
from what I've seen in post and my friends experience it seems to happen a lot at DMK
Taz **********
DMK often told him to get a visa
Taz **********
My friend was working FIFO month on month off, immigration at dmk
Taz **********
It depends on the immigration officer
Jo **********
@Taz *********
no it depends on your character I never had a problem
Taz **********
@Jo *********
🤣🤣🤣
Taz **********
@Jo *********
before covid I rode my bike to Laos, when reentering thailand I was asked where was my visa, then was stamped in and told next time to get a visa, I've never had a problem, I had only entered Thailand once that year visa exempt before going to Laos by bike, I explained we get 2 land crossings per year and this was my first land crossing, however she insisted I needed to get a visa before grunting and stamping my passport
Stan ******
Only 1 factor matters - your luck
Jo **********
@Stan *****
so after 120 + visa exempt entries without a single question over 14 years that’s luck. suggest you study probability and statistics
Lun *****
@Jo *********
depends how much time you spend outside Thailand-if a lot you’re not living in Thailand so no problem
Narelle ************
@Jo *********
do you go in and out of DMK? I think that’s a particularly difficult airport
Ryan ***********
@Jo *********
You probably dress well and I know you are highly educated and I’m sure immigration see that
David *********
@Jo *********
Jo with all due respect , by writing all this detail you've probably red flagged yourself , but seriously mate it is just luck that you have been able to get though .

Plus , if you are coming this often I'd get the correct Visa it's easier ..
Jo **********
@David ********
why do I need a visa i don’t stay more than 10-20 days at a time I live and work in Singapore. please explain on which basis I need a visa
Dylan *********
@Jo *********
you're old. Old people don't get hassled as u can just get a retirement visa while under 50 people have to figure out visas. I thought that'd be obvious as to why you have no officers harassing you
Stan ******
@Jo *********
congratulations, you are probably the 1%. So what you trying to show here? Been here 8 years, never met a foreigners that do many visa exempt and never question by the officer.
Jo **********
what a load of bull. I entered 7 times last year visa exempt never one question, not about flights or how long I stay. Your doing something else that’s maybe, maybe, not good.
Kyong ****
@Jo *********
the guy was much younger and suspected of working in Thailand.

The elderly along with their funds are welcomed without concern.
Jo **********
@Keao ******
that’s funny
Stuart *********
@Jo *********
Perhaps others have had a different experience.
Jo **********
@Stuart ********
yes of course but some people are creating unnecessary fear
Stuart *********
@Jo *********
I’m not sure where the fear comes in but some have a legitimate issues entering. Perhaps a history of visa exempts or tourist visas or the like. Your history may vary wildly from theirs. The fact you manage to do 7 or so entries has no bearing on theirs.
Jo **********
@Stuart ********
read the post which specifically states repeated use of visa exempt! did you read it? because then my experience is directly applicable. how many times a year do you enter visa exempt
Stuart *********
@Jo *********
Ah ok. So the fact you managed 7 times ensures that every other person on the planet can do so too. Reassuring to hear.
Mitchell *******
Did you stay in a hotel when you arrived? If not, did your place of residence register you?
Yi ************
My friend left from Thailand to Vietnam for 4 days. He flew back through bkk for visa exempt entry too. Also got pulled aside by an officer like OP. asked where he was going. And he told the officer to Pattaya. Officer then checked the passport and asked do you have friends there? My friend said yes. Then was asked what are you here for this time, You were here less than a week ago. My friend said he planned to stay in Vietnam for a month for vacation but the vibe was too overwhelming so he decided to come back. Lol and then the officer asked how many days you staying. He said a month. Then he got his 45 says and greeted by another officer on the way out. About 10 mins too. I think the age and other factors are being considered. My friend might be suspected to be working illegally ?
Paul *******
@Yi ***********
actually yes. Many tourists like escaping to the mountains of Northern Vietnam and northern Thailand for that matter. Central Vietnam is known for its stunning scenery and war history.
Paul *******
@Yi ***********
LOL. Yet plenty of different areas of the country have very few people such as the central and northern mountain regions.

For someone who's coming from Australia or America, Thailand seems incredibly crowded. You can drive for hundreds of Km out of Bangkok and see a continuous stream of buildings, gas stations and other infrastructure along the highway. It's only once you reach roads passing through national parks that you finally see true nature.
Yi ************
@Paul ******
do you think we as tourist would generally go to those "plenty of areas of the country that have very few people ". What my friend said was just relatively speaking .
Paul *******
@Yi ***********
well I don't understand what's so "overwhelming" about such a lovely country as Vietnam. It's a strange remark to make as Thailand is just as overwhelming.
Yi ************
@Paul ******
at a glance , Thailand land size is about 1.5 times bigger than Vietnam and Vietnam population is about 1.6 times more than Thailand. So go figure.
Paul *******
"The vibe was overwhelming" that sounds like nonsense. What's wrong with Vietnam? I suspect he only went there for a visa run and had no intention spending more than a few days there.
Yi ************
@Paul ******
well obviously lol don't get why you so serious about it
Brandon ************
@Yi ***********
that's what they usually suspect if someone is spending too much time here.
Ryan ********
I was suprised how good the food is in Malaysia 2 weeks ago. Cheap Indian, Chinese and Malay food. Why not stay in Malaysia or Vietnam for a month? Spread it out
Xjwhudkwhry ********
@Ryan *******
MUCH better than thai
Ryan ********
@Xjwhudkwhry *******
the noodles in Malaysia and Vietnam is definitely more complex
Derrick **********
@Ryan *******
where would you recommend in Malaysia?
Ryan ********
@Derrick *********
Penang and KL
Luc ********
@Ryan *******
no pork etc …. Indian food? …. No good reason to go to countries who limit food or anything for that matter due to some religion…. Just saying…
David *********
Limit food !
*****
55 , that's what the world should be doing , certainly would do many some good , that for sure . That's not the case in Malaysia many healthy choices , then still most of the Western crap .
Yi ************
@Luc *******
tons of pork there. You just gotta know your way. You can even order a whole roasted pig if you fancy that way.
Ryan ********
@Luc *******
there's pork in Chinese restaurant and alcohol everywhere. The Indian food is amazing and cheap, mutton/tripe soup with fried shallots ,yum. Indian food in Australia is not cheap at all.

Also the Malay food , so many sauces and variety of style. I was really impressed
Lynnette *******
@Ryan *******
we had fabulous food in Malaysia. Indian food was great.
John ********
Walk in backwards they think your coming out
Jeanette ********
Lee ************
Happened to me at BKK in December, I was grilled for 15 minutes even spoke to my Mrs on the phone, I’d been in the USA for 3 months as well
Bob *******
Do you get 45 days automatically when you arrive in Bangkok or have to apply for this arriving from the uk
Graham ******
@Bob ******
UK (and 50+ other passport holders) qualify for Visa Exempt entry, nothing to apply for just hand over your passport at Immigration (NOT at Visa on Arrival). Until 31-Mar you get stamped in for 45 days (reverting to 30 days from 1-Apr),
Bob *******
@Graham *****
thank you thought so just wanted clarification
Luc ********
Repeated visa runs are a problem. Do your due diligence..
Jo **********
@Luc *******
oh really then why last year I entered 7 times visa exempt never a problem . and pre covid 12 times a year never a problem not a single question.
Andrew ***********
@Jo *********
yes as everyone has said normally not a problem, until you get the immigration officer who says it is lol.
Jo **********
Todd *********
@Luc *******
oddly, they are not a problem at all. They could be, but as indicated here, they very rarely are. People have been here for years on them
Luc ********
@Todd ********
agreed, but there are new rules and I feel immigration is getting tougher on them. Better safe than sorry… imagine what will happen when they increase the financial requirements some day to 30% plus…. I’m getting prepared 😉
Stuart *********
@Luc *******
Roll a dice. You’ll get your perfect answer to how many times you’ll get away with it there.
Alex *******
How many days did you stay outside Thailand in between? And where you in Thailand in the year before?
Ross ********
Well for one thing you did a border bounce not a visa run
Graham ******
@Ross *******
The OP mentions Visa Run after getting a Tourist Visa so that could be for furure reference.
Jo **********
@Graham *****
yes that’s what happened
Tony *******
All that said because they made you wait 10 min. You need attention!
Braulio *********
@Tony ******
He need entry. He was being warned by the immigration officer
Tony *******
@Braulio ********
sounds like a winner to me
Marc ********
@Tony ******
They usually don't make you wait. If you wait longer than 3 minutes it is certainly a problem
Brandon ************
There's no rhyme or reason so you can't figure anything out based on the experience of others. Some say pick a male immigration officer while some say pick a female. Some say enter here but others say enter there. Did the immigration officer you're speaking to hit traffic this morning so they're in a bad mood? Maybe they spilled coffee on themselves but normally they're the nicest officer at the airport. The only thing you can do is try to stay legal and do common sense things to try to mitigate any problems.
Stuart *********
Welcome to the world of an individual officer having sway over your entry. Some won’t care for over 10 or 20 entries. Some may suspect you of abusing the system after 2 as you found. 2 is unusual as they are normally well used to people travelling around SE Asia using Thailand as a hub, but it’s their call.
Mitchell *******
@Stuart ********
that is my current situation. Been Cambodia and Malaysia since October. Vietnam in February. Travelling SE Asia using Thailand as my hub.
Lex *****
@Stuart ********
out of interest have you ever heard of issues at thai immigration when arriving with a tourist visa? As I usually spend 2-3months in Thailand followed by 2 weeks in UK I always come back with a tourist visa from thai embassy London. Recently they seem hesitant to stamp me in on arrival with comments like “why do you come so many times? You’re not a tourist” 🙄
Stuart *********
@Lex ****
Absolutely you’d have issues. That sort of entry record is a red flag to a bull. I’d be surprised that London would issue back to back visas, but even that they do an immigration officer is certainly going to potentially question that history.
Lex *****
@Stuart ********
thanks stewart. I guess I was under the impression that if the embassy issues them, then I’d be all good.

Any alternative strategies you could recommend? Elite is unfortunately way out of my budget so not an option
Dan ********
@Lex ****
not the elite visa then 👍
Stuart *********
@Lex ****
If you’re under 50 not so many options. Elite seems expensive at first (a wad of cash to lay out) but when you price it over the potential 20 years it can give you its one of the easiest ways to stay here long term. Plus you get a a free round of golf…
Lex *****
@Stuart ********
haha fair play. Cheers for ur advice 🙏
Graham ******
@Lex ****
You answered your own question, you spend more time in Thailand than the UK apprently
Richard ********
@Stuart ********
isn't the legal rule : no more than 90 days the last 180 days ?
John ********
@Richard *******
that was years ago it’s been scrapped
Stuart *********
@Richard *******
Over the years reading the posts from others here about what an immigration officer has told them you’d believe that Christmas trees are pink. There is a rule about 2 land entries visa exempt per calendar year, but other than that there is no rule how many entries you can have visa exempt via air or with a tourist visa. Throw a set of dice and you’ll come up with the number that your particular officer will say is the limit.
Richard ********
@Stuart ********
so better to ask the immigration officer how he feels to day and if he had a good lunch before presenting your passport !!!! 555
Stuart *********
@Richard *******
Absolutely. If there’s a Dunkin Donuts booth before the immigration desk buy a few. You’ll get 1,200 entries per year that way.
Brandon ************
@Stuart ********
they're going to be insulted you didn't bring Krispy Kreme
Stuart *********
@Richard *******
absolutely no rule about that. Quite often spouted out by immigration officers having a bad hair day but it’s not a rule.
Richard ********
@Stuart ********
I read that rule on Paris thaï embassy website
Stuart *********
@Richard *******
Seriously do not believe anything a Thai embassy says about immigration rules in Thailand. They’re run by two completely separate government departments and quite obviously don’t speak or coordinate with each other. So many times we see instances of an embassy saying you can or can’t do this when the complete opposite is true.
Richard ********
@Stuart ********
👍 when I phoned the girl said they don t check how long you stayed in Thailand
Stuart *********
@Richard *******
Not entirely sure who the girl is that you’re referring to is, but immigration have all your entry history available to them when you enter. Regardless that you may have a new passport or even entered using a different country passport last time (it’s all linked via biometrics).
Dan ********
@Stuart ********
yeah, that biometrics ain't as accurate and fool proof as the manufacturers and immigration departments claim.
Richard ********
@Stuart ********
I spoke about the girl at the embassy
Stuart *********
@Richard *******
ah ok. I think I stated earlier not to take anything they say for granted. So many times they have no clue about actual immigration rules in country. Many on here will say “ask the embassy they’ll know best.” Unfortunately that’s usually not the case.
Richard ********
Lynnette *******
But you could have done a 30 day extension in country.
Juan ********
@Lynnette ******
without any problems or special papers!??
Lynnette *******
@Juan *******
45 days visa exempt is extendable by 30 days according to advice on here.
Juan ********
@Lynnette ******
so 45 + 30 then or what without any "special" ??
Lynnette *******
@Juan *******
thats what you get st the moment, if from a country on the list.
Juan ********
@Lynnette ******
ok thank you!
Lubomir **********
@Juan *******
you go to any immigration, bring your passport, 1900thb, they will ask you where you stay and that's it. Preferably avoid going to immigration in tourist place. It usually takes only few minutes and you are done. Don't need to wait till your visa exemption is about to expire. You can go right after entering Th and they will plus the 30 days to your visa exemption
Juan ********
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