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What advice do you have for re-entering Thailand on a tourist visa after multiple stays?

Thailandvisa rulesimmigrationTR visatourist visaCroatiaentry concernsSongkranvisa duration limits
March 19, 2024
6 months ago
Lucija ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hello! I know this question has been asked many times, and no one can answer for sure but I need some peace of mind or advice haha.

So I entered Thailand for first time ever in August of 2023. on TR visa stayed 60+30 days, I went back home to Croatia and returned to Thailand on another TR visa 60+30 days. No questions or warning given exiting or entering. Now as most of you I fell in love with Thailand and would like to return back in April for Songkran, some concerts and meeting some USA friends . I would’ve been out of Thailand and in Croatia for 2 months before entering again .

I do not have plans for applying for any more this year as my work and studies start.

I have plenty of funds and would be able to provide money, tickets and hotel booking with no issue.

Anyone with similar history of entering have any advice , or share their experiences?

If I’m pulled to the side for questioning what should I expect! (From reading many posts this will be most likely) should I offer money for “fines” or something similar?

Thanks everyone who took time reading and answering. I’m very anxious and as my friends have already booked their flights I really want to be able to enter one more time.

Croatia is not available for visa on arrival or visa exemptions.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The poster is seeking advice on returning to Thailand with a TR visa after previously staying for extended periods. They are concerned about potential entry denial due to their extensive travel history. Comments suggest being prepared with all necessary documentation, such as financial proof and a return ticket, and to dress appropriately to avoid scrutiny at immigration. While some users are optimistic about their chances, others caution that frequent tourist visa use could raise concerns with immigration authorities.
Derek ********
From what i understand youre allowed to enter thailand as much as you like as long as you fly out and come back

Youre allowed 3 visa extentions at immigration 1900 baht

3 leave the country by land

Within a calandar year

Fly and it resets
6 months ago
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Bart **************
Or get a tourist visa yet again for your third trip. Then the embassy decides upfront whether you're ok or not. Embassies require booked flights (weirdest thing ever) but you can use refundable ones to test your luck. Then refund after the result and book regular flights if you get approved (do not keep the refundable flight - it's so expensive that you better refund and rebook).

Theoretically immigrations can still deny entry, but that's just in theory; they're not supposed to do that.
6 months ago
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Bart **************
With your history in Thailand, a third entry could indeed be a concern. You do realistically risk being denied entry.
6 months ago
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Bart **************
And I do not understand why others above here have said that you will be ok. That is absolutely not based on anything. You DO risk entry denial coming again so soon after a six months back to back stay. If we were betting I would happily bet against them.
6 months ago
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Christopher *************
People are only offering their own opinions on any given situation as they see it?
6 months ago
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Kool *******
@Bart *************
 I will take that bet, mainly because he returned to his home country for two months before his planned return in April. If he hadn't returned to his home country I wouldn't bet, but because he did, name your wager...hehe. that little detail is very important to immigration.
6 months ago
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Kool *******
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Lee ***********
Can I ask why I have read a maximum of 180 days in 1 year?

I keep reading this on here, is that an old ruling?

I have friends that are coming close to the 180, but I cant find anything official about it!
6 months ago
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Kool *******
@Lee **********
 that only refers to business people entering on an APEC card, not anyone else. That does not involve you, or you would know that.
6 months ago
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Bart **************
@Kool ******
 it's an unofficial limit of time to be allowed in as a tourist. You may be safe below that limit, but should anticipate problems above.
6 months ago
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Bart **************
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Bart **************
@Lee **********
 it's not a ruling, however it's a safe barrier to keep in mind during planning. Long term admittance on tourism-purposed visas or alternatives is not going to be accepted, but until the six month mark you're usually still okay. That is six month total stay per 12 month period.
6 months ago
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Bart **************
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Christopher *************
As long as you have a visa and dress nicely and wear shoes and not flip flops and shorts you should be okay. If you look okay and are polite there is no real reason to deny you entry.
6 months ago
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Robert *****
@Christopher ************
 yeah the triple 7 we fly in from Los Angeles, thru Taiwan is very cold inside. I wear long pants and a warm sweatshirt and I still shiver.
6 months ago
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Marc ********
@Christopher ************
 It's not the immigration in country where you have to dress propperly.

You can wear flip flops of course at airport🤦🏻
6 months ago
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Christopher *************
Your choice of course.
6 months ago
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Christopher *************
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Terary **********
@Christopher ************
 I wear shorts and flip flop... But I am always nice and greet the IO with a smile.
6 months ago
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Bart **************
@Christopher ************
 her travel history so far is a reason for denial.
6 months ago
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Paulie ********
@Bart *************
 how if have visas and no overstays what is the travel history a reseon for denined?
6 months ago
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Bart **************
@Paulie *******
 it's tourist visas. You cannot endlessly stay in Thailand on tourism-purposed visas. After 6 months continuously, getting more time as a third one should not be straightforward.
6 months ago
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Paulie ********
@Bart *************
 what about a METV ? can you not come and go as many times as you like during that 6 months ? Ovisly leaving every 60days
6 months ago
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Bart **************
@Paulie *******
 yes do that visa is a little odd as it violates the principle that spending more time than not as a tourist in Thailand in a 12 month period is normally not okay.

Immigrations usually honors visas that have been granted, but with the METV you might risk your final entry to be denied, especially if you have some tourism-purposed history before you started the METV.
6 months ago
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Paulie ********
@Bart *************
 what would be the final entry ne denied? I'm.very curios on this one as I have a METV used for 16 days over Christmas left 3rd January and plan to.return begging of April.fpr songkran and my METV expires 20th April ?
6 months ago
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Bart **************
@Paulie *******
 then you should be ok.
6 months ago
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Paulie ********
@Bart *************
 that's what I thought but you have just said that final entry may be refused. I'm guessing if the visa has been abused in and out after 60 days no?
6 months ago
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Bart **************
@Paulie *******
 yes indeed, I was referring to cases where people use it as a means to stay in Thailand for 9 consecutive months.

At the moment it's only a theoretical warning though. We do not have reports from people, at least that I know of, who have been refused entry on an METV after nearly six months continuous stay. Immigrations does appear to honor the visa even in the last few days of its validity. But I would be surprised if these reports do not eventually come - it is after all quite strange that you can stay that long on that visa whereas this is not possible on other tourist visas (or requires luck and some squeezing). The type of tourist visa shouldn't matter.

We do have one report of a guy getting trouble upon his first entry on the METV, but that is just wrong. Imo we should class that as a miss from the IO.
6 months ago
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Paulie ********
@Bart *************
 I understand
6 months ago
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Paulie ********
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Lucija ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Christopher ************
 thank you sir 🙏 . These answers are giving me some peace haha I hope everything will be fine 🥹🥲
6 months ago
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Lucija ***********
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Terary **********
I have been pulled aside twice in my 9 year history. Never have they asked for money. I would be a little surprised if you got pulled aside. I think you will need to give them a reason to pull you aside (dress like a teenager, or disrespectfully, be rude or discourteous to the IO, etc). I do recommend that you travel with something that shows you will be in your home country (or any other country) in the next few months, school schedule or recent/curry student id, maybe a rental agreement or something. It won't be a requirement but it will help to suggest that you have plans to not be in Thailand.

If you are worried about it, I would encourage you to have a plan B.

Also, please note that your nationality plays a part in the policies. If you are from one place it's one set of policies if you are from another place, another set of policies. Hence, when people from this group (or anywhere else) tell you they've had a certain experience, it may not be applicable to you and your nationality. (in other words seek advice from other Croatians)
6 months ago
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Lucija ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Terary *********
 thanks for the reply. It’s a good idea to bring some more confirmation of my stay in Croatia . Sadly I don’t think there’s too many Croatians with my history of travel to seek advice from 😅😅. When you got pulled aside what questions did they ask You? Thanks for replying 🙏🥲
6 months ago
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Terary **********
@Lucija **********
 They mostly just 'talked' to me. The asked "why you come Thailand long time" and I would reply "not long time, many time" :). Then the questions you would expect, why are you here, what are you doing, do you work here.. Then, in both cases, they told me to get a long term visa next time. Key take away "next time" they and I both knew I would be coming back.

I would recommend complementing the country. I love the people are so good, always smile. Very beautiful country, good food, best Thai food. etc. It's not difficult to explain why a person would like Thailand. The concerns are: A) Are you working, taking jobs from Thai people or potential revenue, B) Are you causing trouble. If you have a life in your home country and have a few dollars to spend here in Thailand they want you here.
6 months ago
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Lucija ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Terary *********
 wow thank you for the details 😅 yes it’s very easy to fall in love with the Thai food culture nature and people… I just wish they had some more “set rules” so tourists dont have to stress to much about wanting to spend money here haha

So worst case is obviously getting denied… but I’ve read about people with much worse travel history and use of exemptions and visas to stay for years and having no issues entering .

If they do pull me aside and I provide needed info , I guess they could give me slap on the wrist and a warning for upcoming travels there if I decide to visit again ?
6 months ago
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Terary **********
@Lucija **********
 Worse case scenario they deny you entry (have plan B, go to Cambodia, take a bus in). Best case scenario (and likely) they let you in no hassle. If the do yell at you (pull you aside) they talk to you then let you in, no warning. You can get a "warning" when applying for a visa.. I have only heard of that from neighboring countries. People go to the same embassy and apply for a new tourist visa, they may provide the visa with a warning, but that isn't applicable in your case.

I think if you have a visa, you are likely over thinking the issue. You're level of concern is appropriate for people who are staying in Thailand indefinitely (like myself).
6 months ago
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Paulie ********
@Terary *********
 what do you meen visa with a warning?
6 months ago
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Terary **********
@Paulie *******
 On occasion I have read people's experience, when applying for visas at neighboring embassy, the embassy will issue the visa but tell the person "last one from this embassy" or "last one this year", or similar. Those individuals cross at the land border, apply for visa, and come back. The issue is that they're using the same embassy each time.
6 months ago
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Paulie ********
@Terary *********
 OK I see
6 months ago
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Lucija ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Terary *********
 haha thank you so much. I have a tendency to overthink and worry too much. You’re very kind for giving such detailed and nice answers. I will let you enjoy your day now ! No more questioning you 🙏🙏🤣 thank you so much once again :)
6 months ago
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Lucija ***********
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Sean **********
I made several tourist waiver trips 1st year here. Was never a problem
6 months ago
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Lucija ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Sean *********
 thank you for the answer Sean! I hope there won’t be any issues for me aswell 🙏😄
6 months ago
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Lucija ***********
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Brandon ************
Just have all the requirements (money, ticket back home, hotel reservation) and get a tourist visa.

If they pull you out of line, just answer their questions, show them anything they ask about, and tell them you wanted to go to Songkran. Never offer a bribe as it's illegal to do so. They might ask for it but don't offer it on your own.
6 months ago
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Lucija ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
 thanks for fast reply. I get very anxious about things out of my control as this one 😅😅🥲. So besides being polite, having the requirements, looking nice and dressed well and obviously listening to the IOs.. there’s nothing I can actually do to increase my chances?
6 months ago
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Lucija ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
 do You think something like that is worth doing ? I would 99% be flying into Pattaya/chun Buri as it has a flight from Croatia . I don’t know if something like vip agent is only for Bkk airports
6 months ago
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Kool *******
@Lucija **********
 there is a saying in Thailand that you should take to heart, and be very aware of, as it relates to what you are asking repeatedly. You think too much. You will have no problems at all, unless you have some red notice on Interpol to arrest on sight, which I highly doubt. Do not overthink this, as nothing you have heard, or read, about people being pulled aside for questioning has anything to do with your entry history. Nothing you have done in the past has caused immigration to have any suspicion about your intentions in Thailand, other than having repeated vacations. You are fine.
6 months ago
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Lucija ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Kool ******
 thank you very much for this answer 😅 I hope everything will be okay 🥹
6 months ago
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Kool *******
@Lucija **********
 truly believe me, you are thinking too much. You will have no problem wherever you enter at. There is no better, or worse place. You will have no problems. Thailand likes people returning to Thailand. What they don't like is people trying to live here long term as a tourist, and you come no where near being questioned about that. You are seen as a legitimate tourist. This is the truth, no matter what else you read, or hear.
6 months ago
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Bart **************
@Kool ******
 may I ask why you are so convinced she's okay? I would very much doubt she is, with that travel history.

I think the advice we could give her is NOT to not overthink this, because he worries are well founded. I think the better advice is to not book an expensive flight from Croatia to here unless willing to risk the expense being forfeited and finding yourself back at the origin (and having to pay for the return trip on top).
6 months ago
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Brandon ************
@Lucija **********
 are you talking about U-Tapao? You're right that I think the VIP entry is only for Bangkok and Phuket. You might have better odds entering through a different airport though.
6 months ago
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Lucija ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
 yes u-tapao. I have entered first time here, and 2nd visa time on Bkk airport . Both times no questions asked, but 3rd time always scary 😦. I wouldn’t mind entering through BKK but I’ve heard they could be more strict about long time stays as tourists
6 months ago
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Brandon ************
@Lucija **********
 right. Bangkok is strict. We don't have enough people that enter through Utapao to know how they are. Please report after you arrive so we have an idea.
6 months ago
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Lucija ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
 thank you, I will report haha . Maybe final question, if I decide to enter through another airport is there one that’s more suggested than others for similar situations? Thank you for your time and patience 🙏🙏
6 months ago
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Lucija ***********
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Brandon ************
@Lucija **********
 you could purchase an agent VIP entry. Basically they'll ask you all the times you've been in Thailand, then they'll check with their contacts at the airport and get a price to get you in. They'll meet you as you exit the plane and take you to a specific immigration officer to be stamped in.

It's not cheap though. Think it starts around 6,000 baht and goes up quickly from there.
6 months ago
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Brandon ************
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