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Should I be worried about my accepted tourist visa amid recent visa updates in Thailand?
Thai VisaVisa ExemptionTourist VisaVisa RulesImmigration UpdatesVisa ExtensionsEntry DenialResidenceTax Residency
Nov 18, 2025
5 months ago
Dylan ******
ORIGINAL POSTERI did two stints earlier in the year on visa free exemption both were extended by 30 days so I stayed all up just under 180days. I’ve been out of Thailand and back in my home country for 4 months.
I am coming back into Thailand next week also with a return flight booked back to my home country booked in 2 and half months. I have applied for a tourist visa and it has been accepted should I be worried with the recent visa updates ?
I am coming back into Thailand next week also with a return flight booked back to my home country booked in 2 and half months. I have applied for a tourist visa and it has been accepted should I be worried with the recent visa updates ?
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is concerned about re-entering Thailand on a tourist visa after a period of visa-free stays and recent updates to visa rules. They have received a tourist visa approval, but fears exist due to tightening regulations surrounding visa extensions and the recent experiences shared by others regarding entry denials. Community responses suggest that having a valid visa should alleviate concerns, but there may be increased scrutiny by immigration officers. Additionally, it's recommended to be well-prepared with documentation and to dress appropriately for the cultural context during the visit.
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Dan *******
It’s hard to say. Approximately 3000 people have been denied entry.
I think you will be questioned by the immigration officer when you arrive. Be prepared and have all your information readily available. Be polite and smile. Dress sharp. The monarch recently passed away. Black and white attire are recommended. Do not , I repeat do not wear bright colors.
You might want to read up on the new rules.
I came through the immigration check point ( BKK ) last month and was advised that another type of visa would be required on my next trip. I was planning on the DTV but recently learned about the METV.
Best of luck to you. It’s a “rule” I’m told , not a law that the 60 plus 30 day is allowed once but only if it’s an arrival by air. Leave the county and return ( do not do it in one day ) then when you return to Thailand , you receive 60 days and a 7 day extension. These 2 options are only allowed once per calendar year.
I think you will be questioned by the immigration officer when you arrive. Be prepared and have all your information readily available. Be polite and smile. Dress sharp. The monarch recently passed away. Black and white attire are recommended. Do not , I repeat do not wear bright colors.
You might want to read up on the new rules.
I came through the immigration check point ( BKK ) last month and was advised that another type of visa would be required on my next trip. I was planning on the DTV but recently learned about the METV.
Best of luck to you. It’s a “rule” I’m told , not a law that the 60 plus 30 day is allowed once but only if it’s an arrival by air. Leave the county and return ( do not do it in one day ) then when you return to Thailand , you receive 60 days and a 7 day extension. These 2 options are only allowed once per calendar year.
J **************
Thank you for my trying to game the system
Frank **********
No way to really tell for sure until you get here.
Bob **********
Only the IO you stand in front of knows it’s a bad time right now good luck
Steve ***************
What are your plans with regards to becoming a Thai tax resident upon your upcoming visit pushing you over the 180-days? If your country has a dual taxation treaty with Thailand there should be no tax to pay, but will you get a tax number and file a tax return? I am in a similar situation and wonder what others are planning to do? With the new digital passport tracking length of stay in Thailand, whether this information is automatically shared with the Thai tax office?
Dylan ******
ORIGINAL POSTERI won’t be working in Thailand or have any income coming into my account does that still mean I will need a to apply for a tax number ? As I have spent 180 days in the country already . I am strictly there for tourism and visiting my partner
Elías ********
@Dylan *****
noSteve ***************
@Dylan *****
this is what I am trying to find outReply to
Steve ***************
Reply
Elías ********
@Steve **************
Good luck with a tax resident that doesn't live in Thailand. Also, the 180-day rule doesn't span trhu calendar years, just saying.Steve ***************
@Elías *******
where did you get that idea? In Thailand, the tax year for personal income tax, capital gains and corporate income tax runs from January 1 to December 31.Elías ********
@Steve **************
I know that. I think you're answering to @Mikkel ******
, not me, right?Steve ***************
@Elías *******
perhaps this is clearer for you? The 180-day rule for Thai tax residency is calculated per calendar year (January 1st to December 31st), not a rolling 12 months.Elías ********
@Steve **************
I think you're tagging the wrong personReply to
Elías ********
Reply
Mikkel *******
@Elías *******
it does span through. If you within 365 days spend more than 180 days in Thailand, you are a tax resident. It doesn't "reset" with a new calendar year.Elías ********
@Mikkel ******
No, the tax year is the same for everybody, dates don't change per person. That's why tax filling dates are also the same for everybody.Reply to
Elías ********
Reply
Ian **********
@Steve **************
The 180-day tax residency rule has always been in place, but only this last ***
years have ppl started to worry about it. You only need a TIN and file a tax return if you bring untaxed money onshore, work in Thailand or have money invested in Thailand. Otherwise enjoy you holiday/retirementReply to
Ian **********
Reply
Baz *********
Not if you have a valid visa before entry.
Rene ******
@Baz ********
they still can/might refuse you. A visa isnt a hard guarantee (but helps your odds highly)Andrew ***********
@Baz ********
so is a tourist visa sufficient?Baz *********
@Andrew **********
Yes of course, you can apply for a tourist visa on your home country Thailand embassy website..Even a 6 month multiple entry tourist visa may suit if you are leaving and returning within the 6 months
Andrew ***********
@Baz ********
even with multiple exempts from last few years and 30.day extensions In my passportBaz *********
@Andrew **********
Apply for the tourist visa and its approved and granted then you shouldn't have any problems..Reply to
Baz *********
Reply
Jeffrey *********
I have a similar dilemma I came in March visa exemption 60 days and again in August same procedure for 43 days In October I booked a return flight for November 25th Unfortunately these new updates were announced on November 13th so too late to apply for a tourist visa I'm wondering also if I'll be admitted Incidentally before the visa exemption was increased to 60 days I always had a tourist visa I'm now retired have never extended or overstayed
Dave ******
I just tried to get my 2nd 30 day extension and was denied. Recent laws have tightened visa runs
Todd *********
@Dave *****
when and which office denied your extension request?Dave ******
@Todd ********
Thai Assist VisaTodd *********
@Dave *****
so were not actually denied at all by immigration. Thai assist just didn’t want to take youMark *************************
@Todd ********
it séems that all immigration are doin this unless you have a 'hole' to come back in. All agents are trying their best to find tor loopholes and alternatives to counter this, they are also in a head spin. We are in the middle of a transition, no one knows what to do to counter this. Time will tell.Todd *********
@Mark ************************
time will tell if there is a transition or not. It does seem to be more about guidance and how IO’s should increase enforcement. Going back to a limit of 2 visa exempt entries is more in line with what they were doing pre-2024. Immigration offices not extending visa exempt land entries is a new wrinkle. And how agencies will proceed will be interesting. Clearly the Kingdom has had enough or criminality.
Dave ******
@Todd ********
maybe, all I know is that he said there were new guidelines and that I could not get a 30 day extension. I had to leave the countryTodd *********
@Dave *****
interesting stuff... thx manReply to
Todd *********
Reply
Baz *********
Dave ******
@Baz ********
i had 3 days to leave. Booked a flight to LaosReply to
Dave ******
Reply
Jeremy ********
@Dave *****
did you get a 7 day extension?Dave ******
@Jeremy *******
didnt try, booked a flight to Laos. Stay there a week. Hopefully they let me back in with no troubleMark *************************
@Dave *****
Dave, do let me know if that works.James ********
@Dave *****
read that back and then think about it? That is the exact travel pattern that they are clamping down on.Dave ******
@James *******
oh I understand. Im just stating my experienceReply to
Dave ******
Reply
James ********
No
Jeremy ********
If you have a valid visa there should be nothing to worry about
But
The Thai Embassies/Consulates have a history of a disconnect in issuing visas and the RTP immigration section allowing access at ports of embarkation
Good luck
But
The Thai Embassies/Consulates have a history of a disconnect in issuing visas and the RTP immigration section allowing access at ports of embarkation
Good luck
Reply to
Jeremy ********
Reply
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