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Should I get a single entry tourist visa or rely on visa exemption for entry into Thailand?
Single Entry Tourist VisaVisa ExemptionThai Immigration RulesVisa TypesVisa Entry RequirementsExemption ExtensionsDon Mueang AirportEntrance Denial Risks
Jan 11, 2026
4 months ago
โทบี้ *******
ORIGINAL POSTERI had three exempts with extensions last year. Currently in Bali for one month and applying for a single entry tourist visa. Coming in Don Mueang by end of month.
Is it clever to get a single entry or would you rather recommend not getting a visa but do exempt plus fast track?
How are my chances to enter Thailand at DMK with an approved single entry tourist visa? I can still get denied by local immigration? Is it's just the same as an exemption?
Is it clever to get a single entry or would you rather recommend not getting a visa but do exempt plus fast track?
How are my chances to enter Thailand at DMK with an approved single entry tourist visa? I can still get denied by local immigration? Is it's just the same as an exemption?
TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion revolves around whether to apply for a single entry tourist visa (SETV) or to use the visa exemption route for entry into Thailand, particularly after a history of multiple exemptions. While some commenters recommend applying for an SETV to reduce the chances of denial at immigration, others question the effectiveness of visas given recent reports of retroactive penalties based on travel history. Concerns about the specific airport (DMK) and recommendations for using reputable fast track services also emerge.
FAST TRACK RESOURCES / SERVICES
- Use our Thailand Fast-Track Service for a fast, easy and secure way to enter Thailand.
- For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
- Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
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David ********
Based on everything i've been reading over the past 3 or 4 months, visa's do not guarantee anything. I've read about prople being denied with a METV, because of their history of stays. So it appears people are being retroactively penalized, even though they followed the rules.
John *********
Clearly not a tourist, highly likely you will be taken to one side for Immigration to decide whether to let you in or deny you entry. Get a proper visa
John **********
To be honest I think your chances are slim on your own. I would apply to a reputable fast track service that will pre screen you to ensure entry. Not all fast track services are the same
โทบี้ *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@John *********
thank you - what is a reputable service for DMK that you can recommend?John **********
@โทบี้ ******
I don't really recommend specific services but you could look at the owner of this groupReply to
John **********
Reply
Graham ******
"Lives in Bangkok" says it all
โทบี้ *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Graham *****
and I hope to keep it that way.. I'm preparing for a DTV and need one more entrance before that so I'm asking for advice here how to make that happen.. your opinion of course is valuable aswell.Reply to
โทบี้ *******
Reply
Brian *******
DMK is the airport giving everyone problems… just FYI
โทบี้ *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Brian ******
thank you for this.. that's constructive advice.. I will consider rerouting 👌🏽Reply to
โทบี้ *******
Reply
Aaron *******
Yes, get a SETV. It doesn't guarantee entry, but decreases the likelihood of denied entry.
Simon *******
As it looks like you a coming th Thailand a few times year why don't you get a 6 month multiple entry visa
โทบี้ *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Simon ******
plan is to get a DTV.. But the money is not on my account for 6 months yet.. just trying to do everything correct the first time.. next entry after this one should be with DTVSimon *******
@โทบี้ ******
MULTIPLE entry tourist visa is what you want thenReply to
Simon *******
Reply
Josh *****
I did this exact thing 6 exempt entries 181 days accumulated, no questions but didn't want to risk it, stayed away in Taiwan for 53 days (I'm a legal resident) 7th entry for NYE I entered on an SETV, smooth as it gets. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO ENTER visa exempt, an setv is not the same, it's pre approved so they don't feel the need to vet you again unless somethings way off. An setv is a visa and it makes a world of a difference even if it's a small visa. I entered at DMK every entry never BKK.
Shane ***********
@Josh ****
sorry I do not understand your question?Shane ***********
@Josh ****
you travel as a touristJosh *****
@Shane **********
Then why are so many people saying "181 days and 6 entries , you don't seem like a tourist yeah you're def getting questioned " Many people have travel patterns like this but don't live here. South Korean, Chinese, Taiwanese and Japanese frequent here. And have lives back home..Josh *****
@Shane **********
yeah I go everywhere, I don't double down in the cheapest area in backpacker hostels and teach under the table like the vagabonds you have solid points.Reply to
Josh *****
Reply
Shane ***********
@Josh ****
you didn’t do the exact same thing, he had 3 extensions…there is a big differenceJosh *****
@Shane **********
You got a point, I NEVER stayed my full 60 days, no extensions no border runs no overstays all my flights were back home to Taiwan where I hold legal residency. and event though it looks like abuse at first glance, I was clean.Josh *****
hence why I had no issue obtaining an setv and entering, I suppose to them I look like I long term frequent local tourist who benefits their economy but still doesn't technically live there. (all true) I spent a million baht in Thailand easily last year prob more.
Reply to
Josh *****
Reply
Shane ***********
So in 2025 you stayed for 9 months, why do you not apply for the correct visa? There is no reset for 2026 they will look at your past history. Good luck
โทบี้ *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Shane **********
so single entry tourist visa is not the correct visa to apply for? what would you recommend?Alan **********
@โทบี้ ******
The fact that you PAID for your visa MAY be a mitigating factor, but your 2025 behavior MAY be determined to be an attempt by you to "live" in Thailand as a "tourist", rather than being a legitimate tourist - which is one of the things they are trying to stop.Your entry is at the will of the immigration officer (as always).
โทบี้ *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Alan *********
I understand - thank youGreg ***********
@โทบี้ ******
even entering on a single entry tourist visa does not cut any ice. You have been trying to live long term in Thailand on what are "touristic entries", it is absolutely irrelevant if these stays were done on tourist visas or visa-exempt. With 9 months total stays, you have reached the limit that will be tolerated within a one-year periodReply to
Greg ***********
Reply
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