ask
Search
Ask
Answered10 months ago

What are the chances of being denied re-entry to Thailand with a history of long stays and short trips?

Ian *********
asked Dec 26, 2025
2.8k
views
19
replies
2
likes
Can you advise me

Fist my history January to end of march with a 10 day trip to Cambodia then back for 6 months to my home country scotland

Then back to Thailand October 11th 2025 with a 30 day extension

Leave for Laos 30 December for 1 possible 2 months then hopefully back to Thailand leaving 26march 2026 back to Scotland

What are my chances of being denied

Thank you
Answer summary
The user is concerned about their chances of being denied re-entry into Thailand given their travel history, which includes multiple trips to Scotland and a 10-day trip to Cambodia. They are returning to Thailand on October 11th, 2025, with a plan to stay for 30 days, followed by a trip to Laos and potentially returning to Thailand in March 2026. Comments from the community suggest that their total stay in Thailand, roughly 160 days, is nearing the upper limit for tourists without issues. Recommendations include applying for a Non-O visa or a tourist visa to increase the likelihood of smooth re-entry, as well as reassurance that returning in a new calendar year should not pose a problem.
19 repliesnewest first
7

Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.

Stephen ********
Stephen ********
No rules as long as you’re a tourist and not staying in Thailand as your main home. Ypur obviously not as your going to Scotland for a long time. Don’t worry it’s aimed at people who are abusing the system. I kinda do d the same as you in the last 12 months. I arrived recently no questions asked you’ll be fine.
Ian *********
Ian *********
OP
@Stephen *******
all the same think I will spend 2 months in laos it's a relaxing country anyway and only will require 24 or so days in Thailand

I will have my 20k and hard copy of flight home to Scotland and hotel reservation olso sensible dressed and polite
Jan ******************
Jan ******************
@Stephen *******
That’s not accurate. There are no fixed calendar year rules, but immigration looks at total time spent in Thailand over a rolling period, not personal intent or anecdotes. Saying “I did the same and it was fine” is not guidance. Once cumulative stays approach the upper range, each entry becomes discretionary, regardless of returning home in between.
Stephen ********
Stephen ********
I didn’t say anything about fixed calendar year rules! Exactly that though time spent, if you’re not trying to live there. Of course intention as you’re a tourist doh!
Ian *********
Ian *********
OP
@Stephen *******
yes back to Scotland for me for another 6+ plus months in March so I just want 1 month in Thailand 2026
Jan ******************
Jan ******************
@Ian ********
It takes about three days to apply for a visa in Laos and costs roughly £35, but if you choose to enter without one, make sure you have an onward ticket, proof of accommodation, and funds available if asked.
John ********
John ********
Should be no problem as you come back a new calender year
Jan ******************
Jan ******************
@John *******
Calendar years are not what immigration looks at.
John ********
John ********
@Jan *****************
yes I know .( they are also under stress ).this is why I say ..explain to them with a smile
John ********
John ********
@Jan *****************
they should do .... understand they don't have time to calculate the dates ..if you have a problem ..explain to them ....but always be polite and with a smile 😃
Jan ******************
Jan ******************
@John *******
They absolutely do calculate dates. Entry history is electronic and visible instantly, there is no reliance on “calendar years” or on explanations at the counter. Immigration looks at your total time spent in Thailand within a rolling period and whether your pattern still fits ordinary tourism. Being polite always helps, but it does not override entry history or discretion exercised on that basis.
Jan ******************
Jan ******************
That puts your total stay at roughly 160 days in Thailand within this cycle. This is approaching the upper end of what is normally accepted without issues, and I would consider applying for a visa in Laos. The simplest option would be a Non O if you are over 50, or otherwise a tourist visa, which would at least slightly increase the likelihood of smooth re-entry.
Ian *********
Ian *********
OP
@Jan *****************
do you think this 2 visa exempt per calendar year will apply in my case as I will be coming back 2026
Thom **********
Thom **********
INHO Thailand would welcome anybody staying over 6 months in Thailand. You may have to pay Thai income tax. The crackdown is for folks trying to beat the system with border runs.
Michael ********
Michael ********
@Ian ********
days in country not amount of entries
Jan ******************
Jan ******************
@Michael *******
as said…
Jan ******************
Jan ******************
@Ian ********
No, there is no formal rule limiting visa exempt entries to two per calendar year. Calendar years are not what immigration looks at. What matters in practice is your total time spent in Thailand within a rolling cycle and whether your travel pattern still looks like ordinary tourism. In your case the issue is not the year changing to 2026, but that you are already approaching the upper range of total stay, which is why a visa would be the safer option. But ultimately it’s up to you and what you feel most comfortable with. Personally, I would go for a visa to feel more secure.
Jan ******************
Jan ******************
@Dennis ********
It isn’t listed anywhere as a fixed rule. There is no published regulation that defines a specific number of days allowed within a rolling cycle. This is simply how Thai Immigration has applied discretion in practice for many years. When assessing entry, the IO looks at your overall travel pattern, including how long you have spent in Thailand over time, how frequently you enter, and whether your stays resemble genuine tourism or de facto long term residence without the appropriate visa. The concept of total time spent within a rolling cycle comes from observed practice and case handling, not from a written statute or formal limit.

If you prefer simpler wording, it is generally the case that if you maximise two visa exemptions within a period and spend around 180 days in Thailand without a visa, your third entry attempt becomes a gamble and can just as easily go wrong as go through without issues.
Dennis *********
Dennis *********
@Jan *****************
where is this total time in Thailand within a rolling cycle listed?

Activity

7 joined
Ian *********
Ian *********
Ian *********
Ian *********
Ian *********
Ian *********
7
people
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
...members60% approval
Member 1
Member 2
Member 3
Member 4
Member 5
Member 6
Member 7
Member 8

Related

25
What is the best visa option for a 62-year-old expat traveling to Thailand for 1-2 months twice a year?
4.6k101234mo
Can I re-enter Thailand again in May 2026 after two recent visits under the visa exemption rules?
2.4k19197mo
Can I leave Thailand for a day and return on the same day without spending the night abroad?
6.4k47877mo
What is the current policy on visa extensions for tourists in Thailand?
14.5k9920610mo
Will I face any issues with my 60-day tourist visa upon arrival in Thailand after multiple visits this year?
4.8k23941y
What are the best visa options for a 90-day stay in Thailand for a 71-year-old expat?
2.1k14231y
Can I stay in Thailand for 6 months without a visa by applying for extensions and doing an exit?
1.5k10111y
How often can I apply for a 3-month Non-O visa within a year from abroad?
2.3k14291y
What should I do after forgetting to obtain a re-entry permit for my retirement visa in Thailand?
3.8k29401y
Will I have problems at immigration when returning to Thailand after 3 months outside the country?
1.4k1281y
Should I get a tourist visa for Thailand or try to extend upon arrival while planning for a long-term marriage visa?
1.6k13131y
Can an American stay in Thailand for 90 days at a time, twice a year, without a large bank balance for a Non-O visa?
535232y
How long must I wait after leaving Thailand before returning with a tourist visa?
1.6k12102y
What options do I have for renewing my Non-O visa for my Thai children while traveling?
538213y
How many times a year can I receive a '30-day visa exemption' in Thailand?
4.5k29553y
Can I apply for a Non-O multi-entry retirement visa while in Thailand on a tourist visa?
1.5k10103y
Is it okay to stay in Thailand for 29 days before going to Vietnam and returning later without exceeding the visa limit?
9513124y
What is the best visa strategy for staying in Thailand for 140 days with a Thai spouse?
1.3k6164y
Will I receive a 30-day visa upon arrival in Thailand after traveling to Vietnam, or do I need to apply for a 60-day tourist visa?
1.9k1774y
What are the best options for obtaining a Retirement Visa in Thailand considering my recent visa history?
2k9294y
What are the best options for returning to Thailand after visiting the Philippines if I hold a Malta passport?
1.1k754y
What can I do to avoid an overstay on my 60-day visa to Thailand when my trip is 63 days?
2.3k18175y
What are the best visa options for staying in Thailand for six months from July 15th?
1.6k1365y
How can a USA passport holding couple convert their visa-free entry into a valid visa in Thailand?
2.8k2886y
What are the application procedures and reporting requirements for a Thai Spouse Visa extension?
635236y

Resources

Need help with your retirement visa?