What are the entry requirements for returning to Thailand on a visa exempt status after living there on a multiple entry O visa?

Question

I have a friend who was living in Thailand on a multiple entry O visa (married with kids) from Savannakhet for the past 5-10 years.

He returned to the UK at the end of last year (Nov) but potentially may return later this month (April). He has a new passport.

If his multiple entry visa has expired, would he potentially have any problems entering via suwannaphum airport with a one way ticket on visa exempt? (He’d then travel to savannakhet for a new multiple entry O visa within the next 30 days).

Would he need proof of onward travel? (There’s a special site for it right? Is it accepted & what is it?)

Would he need to show 20,000 THB or equivalent? (As he likely won’t be able to).

If he would have problems, would he be better off say flying in from Malaysia instead? Or from a land border (rather than from the UK)? (Like would they then at worst just send him back to that country instead of back to the UK)

As he could fly to maybe Malaysia and then to Laos and cross overland after getting a visa from Savannakhet. But it’d be a bit of a hassle compared to just being able to enter via bangkok and then take a bus from his house to Laos later in the month.

Anyway any feedback is greatly appreciated.

Ask Thailand · Answer

A person returning to Thailand on a visa-exempt entry after having lived there on a multiple entry O visa may face challenges. They will need to present proof of onward travel, 20,000 THB in cash, and potentially evidence of accommodation. While a new passport does not erase previous entry records, difficulties may arise at airport check-in and immigration, especially if arriving on a one-way ticket from the UK. It might be easier to obtain the visa from a neighboring country like Laos or Vietnam.

Tod ********* · Answer

Why is he not getting a year-long, multi-entry Non-O visa from the thai consulate in the UK based on marriage or raising half thai kids before he comes here? The thai consulate in London sells them..

Brian ******* · Answer

Cool cheers, yeah I was thinking he’d probably need some sort of onward travel.

Will he likely have any problems at immigration given that he has spent most of last year living in Thailand, if he only enters as visa exempt? (Or, because his previous visa was a multiple OA, not tourist/exempt, will he be ok?)

Tod ********* · Answer

[mention redacted], [mention redacted] brings up a good point. MANY air carriers will not let people board their flight to thailand without a valid visa in their passport OR without proof of onward travel. I would say that your friend needs to check and see if their air carrier requires proof of onward travel when flying in visa exempt BEFORE they show up at the airport to check in for their flight.

Ellie ******* · Answer

Maybe he would have more trouble at airport check-in especially from UK if he is going to travel with one way ticket..

Tod ********* · Answer

Okay, as James said, a new passport doesn't do anything to your ENTRY history.. They'll find his old passport number and entry history on the old Non-O's when he goes to stamp into the country.

I also agree with James that your friend should have proof of onward travel, proof of 20K baht in cash and proof of a hotel booking or lodging when he comes to stamp in on a 30 day visa exempt entry.

James ******** · Answer

A NEW passport does not help if one has many entries into Thailand. Thai Immigration has a full record of all entries regardless of passport used. YES, if asked he will need to show 20,000 Thai baht or its equal in CASH. NO ATM machines are located before Immigration upon arrival.

What are the entry requirements for returning to Thailand on a visa exempt status after living there on a multiple entry O visa?

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