Should I get a new passport to improve my chances of obtaining a METV in Thailand?

Question

Looking for advice...

I've got a US passport.  2 years left. 20 pages still good (had an additional set put in a few years back in CM).

I'm considering getting a new passport due to the large number of Cambodian visas, Thai visas, and entry stamps.

Every time I cross, the IO on both sides look a bit sideways and page back and fourth looking for the current stamp.

I want to get a METV in Los Angles this trip.

Anyone have any idea if they look at a 3/4 full and a bit tatty passport negatively when deciding to issue a new Visa?

Is it worth the money and hassle to get a clean slate?

(I do have 2 land visa on arrivals in 2018)

Thanks!

Ask Thailand · Answer

A user with a US passport, experiencing concerns over its condition due to numerous Cambodian and Thai visas, is seeking advice on whether obtaining a new passport would positively impact their chances of receiving a Multiple Entry Tourist Visa (METV) in Los Angeles. The consensus among commenters is that while a new passport provides a clean appearance, it does not reset the user's immigration history in Thai databases. Visa officials may not be negatively influenced by a well-used or tattered passport when issuing a new visa.

Roger ********* · Answer

I always put a little post-it note on the relevant page.

Tod ********* · Answer

OKay, getting a new passport does NOT clear your entry history in the thai immigration system as they can search by DOB, surname, country of origin, etc. AND if they want to they can call up ALL your entry history to the country going back many, many, MANY years.

All getting a new passport does is wipe the slate clean as far as you applying for visas at thai consulates because they don't have any shared database and only page thru your passport.

IF you wanna get a new one by all means go ahead and get it before you get the 6 month METV from LA but it's not gonna make a bit of difference to the people at that consulate who sell visas whether you have one or 100 thai visas in that passport. There are NO reports that it affects it at all. In fact I know people on their 4th or 5th back-2-back 6 month METV and they have no problem getting them in the US.

James ******** · Answer

Thai Immigration has your record on their computers nowadays. New passport does not mean they cannot see your entries.

Robert ******* · Answer

Not seen reports out of the US, only in neighbor countries where they count the amount of Tourist Visa in your passport. You will have a clean and new passport, but not a clean slate in the Thai Immigration Database.

Should I get a new passport to improve my chances of obtaining a METV in Thailand?

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