Is visiting Thailand multiple times a year problematic for immigration?

Dec 16, 2024
a month ago
Maisha ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Is visiting Thailand too many times an issue? I went there 6 times this year, none of my stays were longer than 7 days.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
Visiting Thailand multiple times within a year, particularly for short stays of less than a week, could raise concerns with immigration authorities, although there is no formal limit on the number of visits. Immigration officers may scrutinize frequent travelers to detect potential visa abuse or attempts to live in Thailand without proper authorization. To minimize issues, travelers should have legitimate reasons for their visits, proof of onward travel, and sufficient funds. Additionally, considering a multiple-entry tourist visa could alleviate concerns for those planning frequent visits.
Peculiar ******
Visiting Thailand multiple times within a short period can raise concerns with immigration authorities. While there's no specific rule limiting the number of times you can visit Thailand, immigration officers may scrutinize frequent visitors.

Thai immigration has a concept called "visa abuse" or "overstay pattern," where they monitor visitors who make frequent, short trips to Thailand. This is often associated with individuals trying to live or work in Thailand without proper authorization.

In your case, visiting Thailand 6 times within a year, with each stay being less than 7 days, might raise some eyebrows. Immigration officers might question your intentions, especially if you're not a frequent business traveler or don't have strong ties to Thailand (e.g., family, property, or a legitimate work permit).

To minimize potential issues:

1. *Be prepared to explain your travel pattern*: Have a clear, legitimate reason for your frequent visits (e.g., tourism, visiting friends or family, or business).

2. *Show proof of onward travel*: Ensure you have a confirmed flight itinerary or travel plans to another country.

3. *Demonstrate sufficient funds*: Carry proof of sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay.

4. *Consider applying for a multiple-entry tourist visa*: If you plan to continue visiting Thailand frequently, look into obtaining a multiple-entry tourist visa, which can help alleviate concerns about visa abuse.

While it's unlikely you'll be banned from entering Thailand, immigration officers might request additional documentation or ask more questions to clarify your travel intentions.. .You should also consider reading a book or two before your travel.. I'd recommend a book "Thailand Unveiled 2024-2025" by James Anderson on Amazon..it has all the info and recommendations you need..you should check it out 😀
James *******
No issue . If you like it that much why not just stay?
Kevin ******
I think it all comes down to the Immigration Officer on duty. Before I retired, I was transferred to China for a couple of years. I came back to Thailand 6 or 7 times a year without any questions asked.
Mikkel *******
If it looks like you are visiting often as a tourist, then no problem. 7 weeks in a year is quite normal for tourism. It's when it looks like you are trying to stay in Thailand for a long time on free entries that's when it becomes a problem.
Todd *********
@Mikkel ******
the first completely sane answer
Christopher *************
Get a visa for God sake , 7 times omg
Todd *********
@Christopher ************
WTF does he need a visa for? Think it through
Christopher *************
@Todd ********
he is playing the access game ,and will denied entry at some stage ,, 7 times in a year , you think about it
Todd *********
@Christopher ************
that’s what tourists can do ffs. He can come and go as many times as he wishes. ‘Denied entry’?! No he won’t
Christopher *************
@Todd ********
ok Todd , as uou say , as you say
Brandon **********
@Christopher ************
god has something to do with this? She’s fine and ur mad u paid for some red tape and she knows the system .
Christopher *************
@Brandon *********
haha knows the system ,famous last words pal lets see that's the case when she is refused entry and deported with conditions ---- well done pal your a star --- there's high risks and you know it. Why would I be peed off I live here for many years ,,, and have also seen many refused entry playing this game -----
Maisha ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Christopher ************
I do get a visa every time I go
Christopher *************
@Maisha *****
a long term one , 7 times in one year is excessive and you will highly likely get denied access at some stage,
James *******
Did you touch anyone inappropriately?
Abhishek *******
I have been many times but always around 20 days . Why you go for less than a week . Go there and enjoy longer
Maisha ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Abhishek ******
that’s the best I can do, my job doesn’t give me a leave more than 7 days.
Abhishek *******
@Maisha *****
ok you can go as many times as possible some of people go 2 times a month
Marc ********
@Abhishek ******
Can you read what she has just told you?

She cannot because of her JOB
Abhishek *******
@Marc *******
hee question is different she wants to know how many times can she go without being troubled . If she is going for few days for genuine purpose of enjoying and touristic activities I feel it's ok
Marc ********
@Abhishek ******
but your actually a counter question is pointless
Md ********************
Yes, this could be a big issue, if you want to visit any countries. Your too frequent but very short time stay might be interpreted that you were doing illegal activity
John *******
@Md *******************
- I think it depends on the circumstance. I had been living in Cambodia for six years and often stopped in Bangkok for a week here or there on trips onwards to other counties. My spouse traveling with me is also Thai. Sometimes they asked about my purpose and once I highlighted spouse (extended family) and living in Cambodia, never and additional questions.
Md ********************
@John ******
Her case is different. She might be holding Bangladesh passport and in tourist visa. Unless she has Thai spouse, there likely be a problem
Maisha ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Md *******************
I go on sticker tourist visas, and I actually go to unwind. Let’s see
Guy **********
It’s not an issue until it’s an issue. And then it becomes a problem.
Masinger ******
My Autralian passport is Almost full of thai stamps .. I go every 3 weeks or so to see my gf .. never been an issue
Eric *******
@Masinger *****
you have to know you're not the only one......boyfriend for her...
Masinger ******
@Eric ******
I just saw this message.. what a fkn retard you are mate! So who made you judge and jury? Do you know us? Do u know anything about me and my girlfriend? Complete IDIOT.. anyway I thought this chat was about Thai immigration what the fk! Dkhed eat adik
Ralph *******
@Eric ******
That’s an unnecessary thing to say especially as you know nothing about either of them.
Ralph *******
@Masinger *****
So far. I’m seeing more reports of difficulties at immigration such as ‘next time get a visa’ etc.
Todd *********
@Ralph ******
you aren’t seeing ‘more reports’. There always has been.
Ralph *******
@Todd ********
I’m seeing more reported on these pages.
Todd *********
@Ralph ******
I wonder if that might related at all to 40

Million tourists entering the country?
Chang ******
@Todd ********
wow thats a lot
Ralph *******
@Todd ********
32 million.
Todd *********
@Ralph ******
although irrelevant either way, Thailand is in track to welcome their target of 36M in 2024. The fact remains, there is generally no problem entering Thailand as often as you wish
SJ *******
Footprint of a courier
Ian *********
Shouldn’t be unless they think you are smuggling 😂
Dan *******
I guess your carbon footprint could be an issue.
Graham ******
@Dan ******
don't tel Gretta then ;)
Bryce *******
@Graham *****
How DARE you!!!
Dan *******
Luit *****************
@Dan ******
Gretta Thunberg
Dan *******
@Luit ****************
Greta Thunberg?
Greg ***********
@Dan ******
oh Lord, rain some brain from heaven
Dan *******
@Greg **********
a bit harsh. We all make spelling mistakes from time to time. Well I know I do anyway.
Thomas *******
@Dan ******
you'd think someone talking about a carbon footprint might know who Greta is.
Dan *******
@Thomas ******
I know who Greta is.
Tin **********
Long as under 180 day
Stuart *********
@Tin *********
There is no 180 day rule. Some officers may say there is but there isn’t.
Tin **********
@Stuart ********
taxed after
Graham ******
@Tin *********
not necessarily, due to many more variables than just the length of your stay
Jim ********
@Tin *********
Rubbish! 😂
Abhishek *******
Stuart *********
It certainly can be, but as it’s at the behest of an individual Immigration Officer then no one can say if it will be or not.

Generally they are looking out for people that may be “abusing” the visa exempt or tourist visa system by having back to back entries and maxing out their days with extensions and such.

If you have multiple entries of 7 days or so and then leave again it shouldn’t raise any red flags with immigration, but it’s no guarantee you don’t get an officer having a bad hair day…
Terary **********
@Stuart ********
It used to be less of an issue. I have "abused" the system with reckless abandon, but the last time I came in the immigration officer pulled me aside and read me the riot-act. He made a point that in the past they were more flexible but they now have more visa options so there is no reason to 'work the system'

B
Todd *********
@Terary *********
and after the riot act, he let you in right?
Terary **********
@Todd ********
Yeah - they did. They we're pretty nice to me once I conceded I was doing something I shouldn't.
Paul ********
It’s a problem when the officer tells you it’s a problem
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