What Are My Options for Re-entering Thailand Given My Visa History?

Feb 14, 2024
10 months ago
Kyle *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I've been back in the UK for around 1.5 months and looking to head back out to Thailand ASAP but I'm extremely worried about getting let in this time with my visa history and sent back to the UK.

I came out in Dec 2021 and stayed until Dec 2023 with trips to Vietnam, UK, France, Germany etc in between visas for times never longer than one month. I have stayed with Coronavirus extensions, Ed Visa, Tourist visas and my last 2 were exemptions (they pulled me aside for the last one, didn't say much as I had a ticket to the UK in 2 weeks time but unsure if they typed details into the system against my name).

I am aware I'll take some judgemental comments on this but it is worth it for a grain of advice or peoples experiences. My girlfriend is there and it's quite hard having to let go if there's no path to get back (without getting married).

I have been looking into visa agents to guide me through the airport but haven't found anything totally reliable yet.

Thanks
1,249
views
2
likes
36
all likes
24
replies
0
images
10
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is concerned about re-entering Thailand due to their complex visa history, which includes various visa types and extensions. They seek advice on the best visa options to ensure a successful entry, especially since their significant other resides in Thailand. Comments suggest contacting a visa agent for entry assistance, considering a tourist or multi-entry tourist visa, or exploring long-term options like enrolling in a Thai university. Alternatives mentioned include applying for a business visa to facilitate long-term stay.
Jst *********
You can apply for tourist visa, go to Thailand open a company and get a business visa. It might be complicated in the beginning but actually it’s the most hassle-free visa that allows you to stay long term and earn money too if you want without questions. Try checking this company out they can help 👉🏻
************************
Kevin *************
No problem
Paul *******
As Andy says above apply in UK quite easy and quick and no pressure

Best of luck
Tim *********
A lesson to other, maybe, thatbits best to apply and pay for a visa once in a while
Christopher *************
Just apply for a Tourist visa, initially 60 days and extension for another 30. I think there is a limit on VOA's ?
Kyle *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
i've got several E-visas (and extended) in the past, this is the problem
Frank **********
It's a gamble. You can try and come and face possible denial or you may be lucky. With your history of entries there is no way to know.
Kool *******
First, everything they say to you when pulled aside is noted in their computer system, and connected to every entry point into Thailand. Second, there are no agents that can help you get past immigration, as none of them can go that far into the airport without having landed there. They can meet you after you exit customs, but not anywhere before that. They can sell you a VIP package to speed you through the immigration queue, but they can not hold your hand doing it, or have any influence on immigration flying in. At some border crossings they can, but not flying in. You can expect to be required to show that you have the required funds to enter, and that you have a return ticket, and they are fully aware of all the fake airline ticket websites. At this point, with your entry history, a good long term option, and a good long term benefit for you, would be to actually enroll in a Thai university, and get a legitimate university degree. That form of ED visa can keep you in Thailand for 4 years until you graduate, as long as you attend classes, and keep passing. You can get this as long as you start making arrangements with the university and enroll before you leave your home country. Immigration has already formally identified you as trying to stay long term as a tourist, so if you follow that pattern again you will be refused entry until you get the correct visa. You could also try getting the Multi-entry tourist visa, the METV, before you leave your home country. If they sell it to you that can give you staying in Thailand for almost 9 full months with only crossing a border twice, with no hassle, and getting the 30 day extensions on each entry stamp. Without legally working those are about your only options, unless you've got enough cash to buy a Privilege visa.
Kyle *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Kool ******
thanks very much for all the info. It's much appreciated! And if I did manage to get the METV, they wouldn't be able to refuse entry? unlike a Single Entry Tourist Visa?
Chris *******
@Kyle ********
there is no "wouldn't be able".

It is always up to the IO you are in front of.

With the proper visa you are more than likely fine.

Even with extensive history and possible notes in your file.
Kool *******
@Kyle ********
you returned to your home country for a length of time, and got a proper visa before you returned. They will give you another chance, but will be much more critical if you try to stay past that date as a tourist, without showing any pattern of being a tourist. Actual tourists don't cross borders into other countries, and immediately return to Thailand. They spend a length of time visiting these other countries, as any real tourist would, and they don't keep crossing and returning at the same place all the time.
Kyle *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
and also not having a return flight to the UK might be an issue. I could use Onward ticket but they might also be wise to that
Kool *******
@Kyle ********
first, you can only get the METV in your passport country, so they know you've been home. Take your girlfriend on vacations to the surrounding countries for a weeks. The ShweDagon pagoda in Yangon Myanmar is the second most revered Buddhist Pagoda in the world, with the Buddha having passed through there on his explorations, and teachings. That would impress her, and you. Ankhor Wat is also a good vacation that would impress her. Take the high speed train from Vientiene to china and back in a day or two. Not many of her friends have done that, or even your friends. Develop a pattern as a tourist and you won't get hassled as much. If they sell you the METV then they are giving you another chance.
Andy **********
@Kyle ********
I reckon a cheap ticket to a neighbouring country is a much better option, I bought one of them onwards tickets once, it looked proper fake, like something someone had made on a word document, okay it had booking reference, and sure enough enter it into the airlines website, it shows a booking, but only with your name and no other information, so if someone wanted check up on you, it's obviously a fake ticket. Try your best to eliminate any reason/excuse for refusing entry, be aware they could use the "3 proofs" to deny entry, so make sure you have everything covered.
Kyle *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
you think two and a half months would be considered a length of time? considering I have lived there for so long? I was under the impression/been told that its around 6 months for things to settle and to be seen as a tourist again. I know these questions can be futile because I guess one IO could think 2 weeks in your home country is enough and another 6 months
Andy **********
You could apply for a 3 month visa in UK. But if you haven’t overstayed or exceeded the the annual re entry quota for the year then they’ll have no grounds for refusal. I went to KL to get a third month in CM and got the hard work when I arrived at customs.
Kyle *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
No entry quota by air but can be strict at immigration, especially with my history
Kool *******
@Andy *********
there is no re-entry quota. That is not true.
Brandon ************
If you want guaranteed entry through an airport, contact
@THAI *****************************
You could also try flying into a smaller airport like Chiang Mai or Krabi. We've never heard of anyone getting hassled at one of these smaller airports, but obviously there are less flight options.
Kyle *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
is this company 100% reliable? I have heard from one person that the didnt show up
Nigel *********
@Kyle ********
they own this page.
Mark ********
@Kyle ********
definitely the best!
Brandon ************
@Kyle ********
their reviews are good but I've never used them personally
Kyle *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Ok thanks for the info, I've messaged them
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
... members · 60% approval rate
The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.
Join the Group
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
View the Conversation
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else