ATTENTION ALL MEMBERS
Visa Exempt Entry
We're getting inundated with posts by people worrying about whether they'll get in or not and I've probably denied over 100 posts from people who outline their stay history on free stamps and then ask if they'll get in or not next time.. :O :/
Believe it or not, no one on this group or any other thai related group has a clue whether your entry/stay history will flag when you go to stamp in at passport control. It seems pretty hit or miss and quite random right now.
It does appear that you're a "real tourist" <- as in you're not trying to live here on repeated free visa exempt entries w/extensions you should have no issue at all comin' into the country. Especially if when you come here you don't stay the full time the visa exempt entry allows (60 days)
However if the officer sees your entry/stay history and it's more than a few free stamp entries especially if there's very little time outside thailand between them you can almost bet you'll be pulled aside and questioned on what you're doing..
All you can do is have proof of onward travel (preferably showing you're going back to where ever you come from in 60 days) and hope for the best.
Extensions of stay on visa exempt entries
Now as far as extensions on visa exempt entries go, it does appear that the immigration offices are indeed issuing 7 day extensions if you already got one 30 day extension on ANY visa exempt entry this year (since Jan 1 2025).
It is totally up to the immigration officer you're in front of when you apply for the extension and they'll tell you if you can get the 30 OR if you're only gonna get the 7 days. Some people with a 30 day extension already on a previous visa exempt entry report getting another 30 extension without any issue, some are told they only get 7 days. So your mileage may vary :(
Land border crossings
For all intents and purposes you people need to consider the Lao land borders closed :O They're not letting people out if you're wanting to come back visa exempt. They just turn you back at the border crossing. There are reports they weren't even letting people on valid multi-entry visas out at that border last week.
It appears to be the same for the Ranong/Kawthaung border with burma, and the Satun border with Malaysia in the south.
NOTE; One last thing;
Just so we're all clear, there is no official rule stating you get 2 visa exempt entries in a calendar year. Nothing stating that has been published at all :O It's only worded that there will be "heightened scrutiny" for people who have multiple visa exempt entries.
That's about all I got as far as info.. Sorry it's so vague
TLDR : Answer Summary
This post outlines the current uncertainties regarding visa exempt entries into Thailand, particularly concerning entry history and the likelihood of being allowed entry at passport control. It mentions that while tourists who do not abuse visa exemptions may experience fewer issues while entering, those with a history of multiple free entries might face scrutiny. The post also discusses the nuances of applying for extensions on visa exempt entries, highlighting that the outcomes can vary based on the immigration officer. Additionally, it addresses restrictions at land border crossings, particularly with Laos, noting that exits are problematic for returning via land borders. Overall, the information suggests potential challenges for those attempting to navigate Thai immigration rules, emphasizing the lack of clear regulations on visa exempt entries.
