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What are the current immigration experiences and regulations for entering Thailand on a visa exempt stamp?

Visa Exempt Stamp Thailand Immigration Visa Regulations Border Runs Visa Extensions Airport Immigration Experience

Sep 17, 2018

6 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi guys, I have seen a few posts recently about immigration at airports in Thailand being difficult. I want to share my experience from today. I arrived in Thailand in February on a visa exempt stamp. I extended that and then 2 border runs and extended both times, on the second time of extending I was told I was at my limit and I had to leave the country next time and if I was to return it would be via air. I did as they said and went on a mini holiday. I flew to Bali last week for a mini holiday and returned again today via DMK. Absolutely no problems at all, stamped in for 30 days. Immigration officer didn’t even bat an eye lid.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user shares a positive experience returning to Thailand after a mini holiday in Bali, highlighting that they had previously extended their visa exempt stamp and were advised to leave and return via air. Upon returning, they encountered no issues at the airport, receiving a 30-day stamp without scrutiny. Commenters discuss visa regulations regarding border runs and the scrutiny based on nationality, suggesting that while some may face issues, many do not, especially after a reasonable break. They note recent changes to the number of visa exemptions allowed per year.

Lloyd ********

Volunteer work and fundraising is still work according to the law. Best intentions aside, you should be on the correct visa.

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Lewis ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

I’m not here working or volunteering so advice not needed 👍🏼

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Lloyd ********

no issue, just informing you of visa related facts, in case you were not aware.

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Lewis ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Lloyd Turner I had the unfortunate experience of pulling a dead 8 year old girl out of the sea a few weeks back while I was enjoying a day at the beach. It became apparent afterwards that the locals who helped me were part of a rescue team who have no money and no equipment. I set up a go fund me page so my friends in the U.K. could help.

Trash Hero is an event that’s run all over Thailand on a weekly basis where people join and clean up beaches/villages etc. I joined a clean up day when I was in Koh Chang. What’s the issue?

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Lloyd ********

21st July, "trash hero" event

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Lloyd ********

"£1826.83 raised for Koh Chang Rescue. Approximately 78,000 baht. I am so grateful for all your kind donations. The money is now in my bank and I will be meeting with KC Rescue next week to discuss the vital equipment that is needed. I will then go and buy the equipment and present it to the team. "

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Lewis ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

?

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Lewis ********

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Ivan ************

This isn't really exceptional, you had only three entries, and had spent only six months here. I wouldn't have expected any issue with that. Many people spend a lot longer here, even years, and never have any issue. The supposed point at which it gets flagged for review is six visa exempt entries. But even with that, it's very random and there is a large degree of luck involved... most people don't have issues, but we tend to hear from the ones that do. There is definitely a point at which your risk goes up substantially... but it's probably not at the "been here six months" point.

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Sean *************

Very smart to take a week in between.

They are mostly looking for people working, doing one day runs or continuous, back to back visas, missing all but the minimum weekdays that work will allow.

Simple regular breaks out of Thailand, that an employee couldn’t take will likely result in faaaar fewer questions on arrival.

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Jim *******

. Means nothing.

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Worth *******

This is true in my experience. I always leave for at least 5 days at time and have never had any issues in two years of tourist visas and 30 day exempts.

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Lewis ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

That was the thinking behind it!

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Lewis ********

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Lisa ***************

It all boils down to the type of passport you hold at the airport too. Some are targeted and others are not. No doubt you hold a strong nationality

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Ivan ************

Plenty of reports of Americans, Brits, Australians targeted. Sure Indians or Africans get even more scrutiny but it's not like your having a Western passport gets you a free pass, if you have been here too long, at some point questions are going to be asked. When that happens exactly is very much down to fortune.

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Ivan ************

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Hans ********

Well, unsure on how the current state of affairs is, but there used to be a limit of 2 visa extempt, land entries per year.

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Geoff ******

Now only 3 visa on arrival per year. Info from Thai Consulate in Australia 4 days ago. Then need visa before you get there. Immigration at airports supposed to tell you that you need get Visa from Thai Embassy or Consulate.

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Geoff ******

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