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Is there a crackdown on tourist visas in Thailand affecting frequent travelers?

Thailand tourist visavisa rulesimmigration policy Thailandfrequent entries into Thailandvisa denialborder crossingNON-O visaexpat experience in Thailandvisa extensioncorruption at immigration
Oct 28, 2019
5 years ago
Jesse *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Is there officially a crackdown on tourist visas now or is it just happening behind the scenes? I almost was not allowed in Don Muang in September because they said I came too much this year. But they told me to show more cash, an airline ticket, and buy them Duty Free chocolate and then let me in. My friends think I was just targeted for corruption cuz it was 2am and quiet time but I have read many stories lately of farang being denied on tourist visas so what's up? I've been here 9 months this year, 1x land crossing and a few airport crossing, do you think I can do one more land crossing from Laos or should I move to Vietnam?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The original poster (OP) inquires about a possible crackdown on tourist visas in Thailand after facing scrutiny at Don Muang airport due to frequent entries over the year. There have been anecdotal reports from others about farangs being denied entry or encountering difficulties at borders, especially for tourists who spend extended periods in the country. Multiple comments suggest that recent immigration enforcement appears stricter, and some recommend avoiding certain airports or border crossings. The discussion reveals frustration over unclear immigration rules, potential issues with visa renewals, and the challenges faced by long-term travelers in Thailand.
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Soy **********
There are 10,000 tourist and 10 stories. You never here the stories where 'nothing happened...' but that is mostly what happens - nothing.

Always running a risk by being a habitual tourist - though I have been doing it for the past 5 years .
5 years ago
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Zabel ******************
Jesse Nickles

You said in a earlier post that you was Woking online and other was just being jealous of you

So first cocky and now quite and easy turning in to whining please spare us for this show you should Just consider yourself real lucky you ain't being blacklisted
5 years ago
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Zabel ******************
Jesse Nickles

You couldn't be more wrong once again shorting in the dark LoL
5 years ago
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Jesse *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Extra points for being a bootlicker of the autocracy, so proud!
5 years ago
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Zabel ******************
Jesse Nickles

Once again wrong I offer help to people who deserve it and I will say that face to face but can't take people who come and use the system and then complain about it afterwards you and many others are the Real reason why they are Tightening up because the visa system has been misused I always help genuinely person's who has the best intentions not people who think they are above the law in the country they choose themselves to relocate to you are the reason why it is like it a prime example of who not to be and what not to do.

Here is the only advice from me of do what's right and not what wrong and respect the country you freely chosen to immigrate to just like you wanted people to do in your country. And treat others like you want them to treat you simple as that.
5 years ago
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Zabel ******************
Jesse Nickles

You could not be more wrong about me

I ain't old enough and when I one day become old I won't receive a penny.

But you are still as cocky as first time as I said before don't expect me or anyone to feel sorry for you when you get court as so many before you has been sunnyboy you seem like the type who won't handle one night at hotel Hilton
5 years ago
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Jesse *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Zabel *****************
 Mate you posted in the wrong group again, head back over to Salty Pensioners From Europe Who Despise Young Men Who Make Money Online While Traveling The World And Do Not Rely On Government Welfare group.
5 years ago
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Jesse *********
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Ivan ************
What chocolate did you get them?
5 years ago
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Jesse *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ivan ***********
 big box Ferrero. Lucky it was 4 lady cops. Scared to imagine if it was 4 men...
5 years ago
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Jesse *********
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Robert **********
They should make it easier for farang with wife , child we are the ones who put money in the local economies they push for Chinese package who spend nothing for local people same outfit owns buses,hotel ,restaurant,tours big numbers for big outfits nothing for the little guys the rich get richer and poor get poorer
5 years ago
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Jimmy ******
The Chinese and the Kuwaitis the highest spenders in TH.
5 years ago
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Mark ********
@Robert *********
 Dont worry..the Injuns are coming..they spend 5800b each per day !😂
5 years ago
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Mark ********
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Robert **********
Thailand’s problem being harder to get visas costly for long stays med insurance big problem
5 years ago
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Ryan ******
Sadly it is real. We (my company) is preparing a complaint to submit. You are welcome to DM me if you would like to be included. 👍🏻
5 years ago
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Roland *******
@Ryan *****
 Any recommendations you can give about how to react if someone finds themselves in such a position?
5 years ago
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Jesse *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ryan *****
 What was your experience
5 years ago
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Jesse *********
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Dav *****
If I am not mistaken, as a tourist (aka without proper retirement/spouse/student/working/Elite visa), you are not allowed to spend more than 180 days in Thailand within a full calendar year.

In addition you are not allowed more than 2 land crossing per year and even though such limit doesn't apply to entering the country by air, they do check how many times you do that (and what frequency)...

Considering what you describe on your arrival in DM airport, I would say you were already out of the rules and could/should have been denied entry...

But as it was the middle of the night and quiet and maybe with a smile, they decided that after showing them a few elements that you're not a begpackers and a little gift on the side, they chose to let you.

The law says it is at the discretion of the IO anyway.

So no one will be able to give you a 100% sure answer about will you be able to do your 2nd border run at the end of your exemption as it will depends 100% of the IO facing you on that specific day.

I would even say that going to your local immigration office hoping to apply for the the 30 days EXTENSION, you might be given just 7 days with a "get out of here" order.
5 years ago
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Ivan ************
@Dav ****
 I am not aware of any reports of people entitled to 30 day extensions being refused them and given 7 days. Note certain nationalities such as Russians and Hong Kongers are not entitled to a 30 day extension on a visa exempt (or techncially in their case, a visa waiver). Others such an Indians are not eligible for a 30 day extension on a regular visa. But this is unfounded speculation to suggest immigration offices in country are refusing people extensions because they don't like the look of them.
5 years ago
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Steven ***************
@Maxim **********
. The 180 day rule was reversed in 2013 (182 days actually) it lasted less than 2 years.

And seven day extensions are given to those who are denied longer extensions, so they've got time to get their shit together and leave .
5 years ago
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Jesse *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Yah no 180 days rule but that's still what some IO will tell you either for corruption or cuz they want to fuck with u. The actual denial is usually listed as lack of funds or illegal work.
5 years ago
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Maxim ***********
There is no 180 days rule (I've been here since 2012, never came across that ruling).

The 2 land crossing is for visa-exempt only.

An extension is 30 days, never heard of anyone getting 7 days, but in some immigration (BKK) you need the TM30 to get an extension.

There is a big crackdown at Don Mueang airport. About 95% of the denied reporting comes from there. I have avoided DMK since 2015 because of that.
5 years ago
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Steven ***************
@Dav ****
 . The 180 day rule was reversed years ago but as you said it's still at the discretion of immigration.
5 years ago
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Steven ***************
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Goudoune ************
They are obviously not interested in your money that much so spend it in Vietnam...
5 years ago
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Steven ***************
@Brett ********
. I agree. When the majority of people being denied are those who are in the same situation, same visa history as the OP, the reasons speak for themselves. Those who are fortunate enough to be able to qualify for the long term visas available dont have these issues.
5 years ago
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Goudoune ************
@Brett ********
 well i heard that they also strenghtened the rules for retirement visas too, problem is Thailand is not in a great economy at the moment and tougher rules just drive people away...that is sad and costly
5 years ago
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Brett *********
@Goudoune ***********
 but have you considered the fact that when a person gets a visa fit for the purpose of stay, and doesn't use tourist visas or exempt entries to reside in Thailand, There are usually no problems? In most countries the law considered that you reside if you spend more than 6 months of a year? Residing is not tourism.
5 years ago
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Brett *********
@Goudoune ***********
 at least you are a good sport. Yes, some people have problems understanding and navigating the various visa options and immigration variables. I did go to Vietnam and get a Non O visa from the Thai Consulate in HCMC because it was easiest. I liked Vietnam, I do business there, I like the people there, I had a foster son from there once, but wouldn't want to live there.
5 years ago
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Goudoune ************
Garrett Greenwald well an hypocrite for me is more about moral standards than a double face policy that goes consistently against the actions it claims...i ll have a look for a more appropriate word that does fit your semantic sensitivity 😉 but once again no pun intended
5 years ago
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Goudoune ************
Garrett Greenwald which one do you refer to ? Nationalist ?
5 years ago
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Brett *********
We have been to Vietnam and it is a lovely country, but it is not the same to us.
5 years ago
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Brett *********
@Goudoune ***********
 why do you need to worry about a visa? I do understand if you are frustrated. I lived in China for a while and I know some Chinese who are frustrated with their government also. The thing is that I have no problems, I am married to a Thai lady and,I am happy in Thailand.
5 years ago
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Brett *********
@Goudoune ***********
 then why do you support people going to Vietnam? Why do you disrespect your own country? Like glasses guy?
5 years ago
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Brett *********
@Goudoune ***********
 greater idea....bye....
5 years ago
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Brett *********
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Maxim ***********
Avoid Poipet, both BKK airport, and Phuket airport. I have avoided BKK airport for the last 5 years. Also, avoid answering the troll who are disciple of Robert Lagas from the bigger group.
5 years ago
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Roland *******
AFAIK, Padang Besar border crossing should also be avoided. Does anyone know how "friendly" Sadao is at the moment?
5 years ago
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Stephen ************
@Maxim **********
 not surprised you advised not to answer the "troll"
5 years ago
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Stephen ************
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Jesse *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Pensioners: spare any condescending comments, I don't qualify for retirement or married visa so no need for insults pretending like Thailand follows it's own laws ( they don't).
5 years ago
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Jesse *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Starting a business in Thailand seems to be the only stable option I have heard besides married visa, but that's sort of locked to the Changwat you choose I suppose
5 years ago
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Jesse *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I have money no need for work. I used a business visa few years ago, they told me not to apply for it again. Elite visa scared they will change the rules after money is paid, as are many.
5 years ago
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Stephen ************
@Jesse ********
 simple question not condescending in any way

Answer the question!
5 years ago
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Steven ***************
@Jesse ********
 . What about Elite visa, volunteer visa, Business visa?
5 years ago
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Steven ***************
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Stephen ************
Why are you coming for such an extended period as a "tourist " ?
5 years ago
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Steven ***************
Garrett Greenwald . Ask immigration . I dont care because I'm not the one who decides.
5 years ago
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Jesse *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
These salty pensioners just can't stand that young men are able to travel abroad so easily these days, I guess...
5 years ago
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Jesse *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
My genuine tourist card has been officially revoked
5 years ago
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Steven ***************
Its immigration you need to convince that you're a genuine tourist, not us.
5 years ago
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Jesse *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Stephen ***********
 Why not? What's your point
5 years ago
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Jesse *********
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Mark ********
Go Vietnam with everyone else. Thailands gona crash soon anyway.
5 years ago
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Jimmy ******
Gonna crash soon? Economy growing every year, budget surplus every year. Thailand is doing better than most western countries
5 years ago
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Brett *********
@Mark *******
 Yes, go to Vietnam and get off the Thailand pages. Don't let the airport door hit you on the arse on the way out.....
5 years ago
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Brett *********
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Jesse *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
By the way I went to Nongkai last week to ask 2 different border police and they looked at me like I was stupid, saying I can cross 2x each calendar year. I told them I came a lot already and airport harassed me, they just kinda laughed and said "new rules" but didn't explain what they meant.
5 years ago
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Maxim ***********
Like I said in my other post it's easy everywhere except Poipet, BKK, Phuket. For tourist visa avoid Phnom Penh, Singapore, and a few others, especially with a warning stamp. 30 days visa exempt via Khon Kaen, Chiang Mai, etc, very easy. In Chiang Mai a month ago officer asked 0 questions, the guard before read my reason of entry "Thai GF" which I pointed to her, and I was good to go. But even without her, it is easy. The guy before me had been in and out of Thailand more than 20 times the last 2 years on visa-exempt and he was laughing with the officer. It is not about the law, it is about where you try to enter from.
5 years ago
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Maxim ***********
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Steven ***************
I think your answers are in your post. 9 months of the year on tourist entries is a big red flag.
5 years ago
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Steven ***************
James Siegel. You'd have a point if he actually used one, which he didnt. And that's probably why hes getting grief from immigration.
5 years ago
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John *********
I think this is all bullshit. A tourist is a tourist. Here for a week or here for a year.

If you rent property in another country, own a business elsewhere but check email to put out fires, are a trust fund baby, whatever the case may be...if you're bouncing around the world and think you want to check out Thailand for a while, or been everywhere but like here best, or are in a relationship with a local and not ready for or don't want marriage.... you CAN BE a tourist.

Month after month putting 40, 60, or 100K baht into the local economy. These people matter.

This is a problem unique to Thailand. It creates uncertainty and offers challenges that most people don't face elsewhere. And in spite of all of this, those who love this place for:

The warm hospitality of the people, the food, the weather, the nature, the low cost of living, etc

They will persist.

Short-sighted, self-serving, talking heads in government continue to make proclamations of utmost absurdity, backpedal, and then the news fades without much really happening. They think they know what's best for everyone.

End of rant.
5 years ago
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Mitchell *******
Yeah, most countries will have some sort of limit for tourists, even if it isn't official. Anything more than 6 months, and I wouldn't consider you a tourist either, and I'd be asking all sorts of questions too.
5 years ago
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Steven ***************
@Jesse ********
 . There used to be a limit a few years ago but it was reversed. As I mentioned , spending 9months in Thailand using tourism entries isn't exactly tourism in the eyes of any immigration. It creates suspicion that you are here for other reasons. Ultimately it's at the discretion of immigration and that is in the laws.
5 years ago
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Jesse *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Steven **************
 It's frustrating as the police keep telling me there's no limit when I ask them at Laos border and Udon police. But airport seems to make up fake rules. Seems the only way to know is ask other people what's happening lately.
5 years ago
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Jesse *********
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Jhona ***************
I think it could be both.
5 years ago
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Steve ******
Tourist visa, or visa exempt?
5 years ago
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Jesse *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Steve *****
 First came in Jan exempt, then came back airport exempt again. Then got 60 day TV at Laos and crossed by land. My last trip to Singapore and back is when I got harassed at Don Muang. Currently am exempt again.
5 years ago
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Jesse *********
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