Paul de Groote, a Belgian age 49 .. asked in another post:
He works oil fields offshore...2 months offshore and stays 1 month in Pattaya. He was recently question at BKK airport...as he has many entries using visa exempt arrivals for 30 days for many years.
James Miller... Belgium passport... but live and work UK
"James Miller what landborders do u recommend,i had 4 entries this year and planning to come back in January?Got questioned few weeks ago in bkk"
Paul de Groote let's ask Tod Daniels and Amornrat Mattioli.... Where are you in Thailand?
"James Miller i am working offshore 2 months on,1 off..i allways stay pattaya,was thinking of elite visa but im 50 in just over a year...so its just getting me thru nxt year really,some say ignore everything and just keep coming in with bisa exempt but reading all this makes me sketchy.."
Paul replied...
"I dont live there,i work offshore 2 months on 1 off and then spend time in los,i ve always done visa exempts without any problems,last time i got questioned but got thru,some people say keep doing what ur doing,as long i have 20k to show and return flight,seamansbook,proof of employment etc others say no...i dont know what to make of it no more,elite visa no coz i m 50 in just over a year..i legitly just come and stay with my gf on my time off..not living or working..whats best option go embassy get tourist visa or is this seen same as visa exempt by io.."
TLDR : Answer Summary
Paul de Groote has been living in Pattaya for one month at a time after working two months offshore in the oil fields. Recently questioned at Bangkok airport for frequent visa-exempt entries, he is uncertain about continuing this practice. Other users suggest considering a Multi-Entry Tourist Visa (METV) to avoid future problems, as frequent visa exemptions may lead to scrutiny at immigration. There's discussion on his eligibility for the Elite Visa as he approaches 50, which he decides against, and shares experiences with other offshore workers in similar situations.
