Is there a risk of being denied entry to Thailand after multiple visa exemptions?

Jan 1, 2025
7 days ago
Viviane ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hello, I’m currently in Thailand.

I stayed 3 weeks in April, 2 months in October- November and I did another visa exemption to stay until January 10th. So a total of 91 days this calendar year.

I’m planning on coming back end of February (via land border after Laos) with a tourist visa.

Is there a possibility I get denied entry?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The original poster is concerned about being denied entry to Thailand after utilizing multiple visa exemptions this year. They've spent a total of 91 days in Thailand, utilizing a visa exemption until January 10th and are planning to return in February with a tourist visa. Community responses indicate that while there is always a possibility of denial at the discretion of immigration officers, many believe that the poster should not encounter issues, particularly since they are entering as a legitimate tourist. Recommendations include ensuring proof of onward travel such as bus or plane tickets to support their entry.
Anthony ******************
I also found this more recent post. (Official source.)
Bart **************
@Anthony *****************
wow, that's new. Thanks for sharing.
Anthony ******************
@Bart *************
It is confusing I agree.
Todd *********
You will have no issues. Especially as a legit tourist. You could be questioned to verify. Or not. You will not be denied entry based on this history
Alex *******
Most of the idiots here write with no experience or knowledge.

You should have no issues entering that border in February and if they say no then you don't spend time in a detention centre, just go back into Laos and fly in. I just flew into Chiang mai. I didn't want to chance flying into Bangkok. Good luck
Viviane ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Alex ******
thanks a lot !
Oya *****
If u have bus-plane tickets for when u will leave, it will be ok.
Paul ***********
There is always that possibility
Bart **************
Not really, with 91 you're well within the safe zone.

Many not so great answers here also. I mean "there is always a possibility" yes and there is also a possibility that lightning strikes you but it's not something you'd need to factor in.
Rene ******
@Bart *************
this will be his third entry in a row. I would play safe... 🤷‍♂️
Viviane ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
As I mentioned I’m not doing a border run so it won’t be 3rd entry in a row. I will be out of Thailand for more than 1 month before re entering and most likely with a visa.
Bart **************
@Viviane *******
with a visa the entry eligibility check is done by the Embassy, so you don't first fly to then find out it was for nothing. I don't think it's necessary though.

Oh and read your post as if you meant visa exemption. If you have a visa you are not supposed to get denied. The primary purpose of a visa is entry permission.
Anthony ******************
@Rene *****
The entry count resets at the start of each year. Jan 1.
Wayne ********
@Anthony *****************
you’re wrong. You’re confusing it with the number of border crossing by land per year.
Anthony ******************
@Wayne *******
It is clearly an issue that requires clarification. The post above is from Thai Legal's web site. I was made aware of this issue when I flew into BKK from Vietnam. Was not a major issue as I happy to fly back home and apply for an appropriate visa, But what was clear is that it is based on a calendar year and there was a limit in the number of entries, Makes sense that there are limits. Again this needs clarification
Bart **************
@Anthony *****************
nothing resets unfortunately, but what matters is how long she stayed in the country. If that's only 91 days in the last 12 months, it's similar to one maxed out entry. Very safe.
Anthony ******************
@Bart *************
Look I will contact the Embassy and seek clarification. I was told this my a senior member of staff in the Lao consulate and the Bangkok Airport Immigration Officer. It may be discretionary. Not sure will clarify soon
Bart **************
@Anthony *****************
embassies are indeed the go to place for questions like this, unlike what is often said that they aren't related. They are very related. But, they are also known to make blatant amounts of errors. Here they're not correct.
Anthony ******************
@Bart *************
I work with them closely I will refer your question to them. I did read about it also somewhere/
Brandon ************
@Anthony *****************
nothing resets on January 1st. Abusing the visa exempt system isn't magically no longer abused as of January 1st.
Anthony ******************
Brandon Thurkettle

Can you provide an official source/link confirming that as this is not what I have read as recent as last month

The below post on the Thai Embassy Site was extracted Today. Jan 1 2025
Anthony ******************
Brandon ************
@Anthony *****************
that rule is gone as of July when they changed visa exempt to 60 days as confirmed by the MFA and multiple borders.
Bart **************
@Anthony *****************
the text you share here is probably old. The other article is new and since it wasn't announced I doubt the rule has find its way to pages like this. This Google thing is known to lag a little. And the same rule existed until July 2024, hence why I think this text is from then.
Baz *********
It's at the discretion of the Immigration officer you are dealing with on the day you enter..

If in the opinion of the Immigration officer your travel history looks more like someone trying to remain in Thailand long term using visa exemption then you could have a problem..

Personally I would fly in Bangkok from Loas as that's likely to a more reliable way to enter but who knows..

Good luck .

You may want to consider a visa application in the future BEFORE you travel
Rene ******
@Baz ********
bkk is picky. He might get a talk with the third entry in a row. Maybe fly into CNX?
Baz *********
@Rene *****
who knows really it's a gamble but maybe the smaller airports could be better
Rene ******
Use a border bounce agent to improve your chances
Bart **************
@Rene *****
not really needed with that history.
John *******
Always a possibility
John ********
Ask immigration
Rob *******
of course there is a possibillity
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