What are the challenges and considerations of using a Multiple Entry Tourist Visa to enter Thailand by land?

Question

Just got grilled on my way back from Poipet Cambodia border back to Thailand.

They took a glance at my passport and immediately pointed me to the screening desk.

I m on my 3rd multiple entry in a period of 2 years on and off travel to thailand from Europe.

He said however flying in with this type of visa would be no problem but isn’t meant for land borders.

I had sufficient funds with me plus confirmed flight out and still was being very persistent of sending me back to Combodia.

After calling the misses i was allowed to pass but was advised to fly in in the future.

So i think i will skip this border as entry point in the future.

Ask Thailand · Answer

A traveler shares their experience at the Poipet border crossing from Cambodia to Thailand, where they faced intense scrutiny while using a Multiple Entry Tourist Visa (METV). Despite meeting financial requirements and having a return flight, they were almost sent back due to regulations that the immigration officer suggested favor air travel over land crossings. Many comments highlighted that the METV might be under increased scrutiny at land borders, with recommendations to obtain the appropriate Non-O visa, especially for those with ties to Thai nationals. The discussion included concerns about inconsistencies and lack of clear guidelines for entry into Thailand, emphasizing the importance of understanding Thailand's visa policies.

Robert ******* · Answer

And time to close it down. What is a tourist? Simple question, very difficult to answer.  For some a person that visits another area inside his/her country, goes on holiday to another country for days, weeks, months or years. There is no definition and there is no Thai definition. Thailand has several visa for short time and for long time visits, choice the one that fits what you are doing inside Thailand. If you can not meet the requirements, do not blame Thailand, they set their rules as an independent Government.

Pedro ********** · Answer

This whole "get the correct visa".. well 1. if you chose Thailand to be your destination because of friend base, because you enjoy it more than other countries, so you get the tourist visa, as I do not see other options.  Yet, even getting the tourist visa, people are getting turned away.

Ken *********** · Answer

Thailand can make any restriction it wants but it should be posted as an official guideline and not randomly enforced.  Entering Thailand should be consistant regardless by land or air.

Bob ********** · Answer

That's a very tough border

Liam ***** · Answer

The "not for land borders" part of the IO's little speech is BS

Sodi ********* · Answer

[mention redacted]

James ******** · Answer

You were lucky today...

If you have opportunity to get a Non O Visa Married to a Thai  I strongly suggest you do it. It very clear from recent reports that the use of multiple METV visas is being closely scrutinized...especially at airports...and as you found out at some border entries.

Do yourself a favor, get the correct visa for Thailand. Good Luck!

Robert ******* · Answer

Sorry but 3 times the 6 months multiple entry Tourist Visa within 2 years, but you did go for a short holiday to Europe for a new visa for Thailand. You write about your missus, sounds like you are married with a Thai National. You definitely are using the incorrect visa, yes I agree this check point is not the most friendly. And I love to join the scammers, look what I have on my computer: You may copy it, download it just to join the club.

Peter ******** · Answer

Mention the misses might  not be of help. Did the same and then the brave immigration officer in Poipet lectured me that i need the right  kind of visa for visiting the miss.

Maria ************* · Answer

Why choose PoiPet, its wel known to be a bit special.

3 METVS in 2 years could raise a flag at any immigration checkpoints.

Get the correct Visa for living in Thailand

John ******** · Answer

The  Aranyaprathet / Poipet border crossing coming back into Thailand is the worst/most difficult border crossing..better to avoid if you can unless you have under 2 border crossings..They are real sticky as to you having the correct visa for their criteria ..You are lucky they let you in.

What are the challenges and considerations of using a Multiple Entry Tourist Visa to enter Thailand by land?

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