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What are the experiences and challenges of entering Thailand as a tourist or visa-exempt traveler?

Nov 22, 2024
a year ago
Tony ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Just my input given that no two pieces of advice seem to be the same. Arrived BKK yesterday. Average wait, maybe 25 minutes, but everyone marshalled into lines efficiently. Travelling with my partner (English female) and staying in Thailand for six weeks.both of us fingerprinted and photographed (standard) not a single question asked about return tickets, accommodation or anything. The guy didn’t speak at all to me. My UK passport had two stamps in and out of Thailand this year, my partners had one. My passport has probably 20 in and out stamps over an 8 year period with good gaps between. No issues at all and given 60 day Visa exempt. Conversely the guy at the booth next to me (older English guy in flip flops and shorts) was grilled. Where you staying, how long, why you come here again etc, while flicking through his passport. His answer was ‘I love your country and ok I have a few visa exempt stamps this year but I love Thailand’, going to Samui, staying 2 weeks and so on. Asked for proof of accommodation for 14 days but he didn’t have it. Didn’t wash with the IO, who called her supervisor who then led him away saying ‘don’t worry’. He got in as I saw him on the other side but it’s definitely tougher than it used to be, long story short the general consensus here is bang on, look like you’re trying to live here on visa exempts and they are looking at you carefully. In and out three or even four times a year regardless of stay but lengthy gaps in between you’re fine. I know I’m here on a long holiday, and the authorities needed no convincing but the other guy was clearly bucking the system and they were on him. They ain’t daft, if you know you’re trying it on, they probably do too.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
Experiences at Thai immigration can vary significantly. While some travelers, like the poster, reported a smooth entry with minimal questioning on visa exemptions, others faced scrutiny due to their travel patterns or appearance. Tips suggest looking presentable, having documentation ready, and being aware that multiple entries on visa exemptions might raise red flags. The experiences shared indicate that officers may be more vigilant with individuals who appear to be trying to 'game' the system.
Shane *******
U must of looked dodgy if grilled?. . Dont think you got the Tom Hardy smile just because they allowed you through?. I've never had the grill questions when passing thru Asia or arrival thailnd . There's the new visas out now so i guess they're quizing the entry upon arrival visas for a pass time?..letting u know you still need to board that return flight on time ship shape 😂. Make way for the new work permit visa ppl.. or you caught her on her periods & she wanted to sweat a man ?
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Graham ******
"older English guy in flip flops and shorts" sounds like he was on a border bounce hence the grilling
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Lee *******
Just look rich and you’re fine.
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Big****
Does it make a difference during the contact with a immigration officer if we are on a tourist visa vs exempt stamp ?
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Bob *********
@Big****
no difference. If you'ee there over 180 days total in a year, or have done back to back visa exemptions or tourist visas more than 2x without visiting somewhere else then you are trying to live there without the proper visa. You will be questioned
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Bob *********
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Cliff *********
Look like a bum, get treated like one….

Try to look presentable.

Have all of your documents ready.

Have the 3 proofs available.

If you have been trying to live long term they will know it.
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Baz *********
EVERY entry to Thailand, including the first one or your 21st entry, is always at the discretion of the Immigration officer you are dealing with on the day you arrive.

Being able to enter Thailand on Visa Excemption is a privilege and not a right or ever garrenteed..

Stick to the rules as a genuine tourist and you should not have any problems..

Try to bend the rules or think you can and you will eventually have problems.

Follow the rules, it's not that difficult.
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David *******
@Baz ********
you're having a laugh right? Thousands of African prostitutes clearly working on a tourist stamp. Untold thousands of Russian men avoiding conscription while Putin subcontracts the North Korean Army. Border crossing immigration officers (eg Cambodia crossing) have completely different approach. No questions asked and appearance definitely not considered. It's just a different game at Bkk international airport
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Baz *********
@David ******
I understand how the system works..

The question was referring to entry at the airports which as you point out can be quite different to land borders
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Baz *********
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David *******
Immigration officials at BKK International Airport and the Immigration officials at land crossings have little in common. Both are Thai and wear same uniform but similarity ends there. Airport IOs scrutinise all the stamps and ask questions challenging the foreigner whereas the IOs at the land crossing don't bother and ask no questions at all. Why is that? clearly its a POLICY DIFFERENCE makes Thai Immigration look like two different organisations.
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Baz *********
@David ******
Are you referring to Visa runs to borders like Cambodia arranged by Visa agents.?

Because that's a different set of circumstances all together.
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Baz *********
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Billy ******
I arrived 10 days ago, at UK airport Singapore air asked if hade an onward ticket, which I had, but politely declined my offer to show them, at BKK the IO politely asked how long I was staying, but didn’t ask for proof, my last exit stamp was March 2024, she did ask me if I had friends in Thailand, which seemed a random question, but smiled when I confirmed I had several friends in Thailand. I hope it will be as easy on return as I will be flying to Vietnam for a couple of days
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Mark *********
I think the deal with visa exempt is to see as a pattern of tightening eg retirement and marriage visas and what we hear less of ie education visas, even company ownership of property and arguably TM30 too. The pattern is clear and to be remembered. The confusion is in the detail of what different offices and officers do.
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Chris ********
What a total bit of useless info, mind your own business sir.
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Tony ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Chris *******
I wondered what I said that elicited such an unpleasant response to what I thought was a standard inoffensive post that was pertinent to this forum. Then I saw your profile so thank you for making it easy for me. Sad.
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Tony ********
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Henrik *****
The bad guys out, good guys in policy says alot,

Dress appropriate when you will get in contact with banks, immigration, other public services, then you in plus-points even before you start talking.

Be respectful to civil servants, and you will be respected and get good service.
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William ******
@Henrik ****
mostly very true.
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Lynnette *******
@Henrik ****
good advice for any country.
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Lynnette *******
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Greta *****
Perfect description of a standard immigration experience upon arrival in Thailand. Just way way way over written
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Jacob *****
@Greta ****
I've been questioned more trying to enter the UK and I'm a British Citizen! I wish our IO's were as polite and friendly as the Thai's
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William ******
@Jacob ****
most IOs are unskilled but like to exercise their power. Same in all other countries. Many are very abrupt & border on being impolite & dictatorial, as the powers that be allow them so to be.
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William ******
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Lynnette *******
@Greta ****
try uk and USA. They ask questions too.
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Lynnette *******
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Lynnette *******
I just flew into USA. Had to fill in ESTA with all info before I travelled there. IO still questioned me where I was staying, why I was visiting, how long for, how much money I had on me and did I have an apple in my bag 🤦. No big deal. My advice for travelling ANYWHERE: answer politely and stop being outraged that IOs are doing their job and asking questions.
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Kevin ******
@Lynnette ******
just want to follow up on ESTA. You had to fill that out? It was supposed to be implemented on Dec 1 as a pilot but I heard it may have been delayed until sometime in 2025, or so I thought. I have family coming so just checking.
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Lynnette *******
@Kevin *****
ESTA is for USA, where I just flew to. . There isn't one for Thailand.
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Kevin ******
@Lynnette ******
ah I see . I misread your comment. Got it. Thx.
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Lynnette *******
@Kevin *****
that's ok. Better to ask than be worried. Flew in to Phuket in May. No questions asked.
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James *********
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Lynnette *******
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James *********
@Lynnette ******
I have no idea how that post came from my phone. It's a new one though and I probably accidentally touched your name 😱😩😁
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Lynnette *******
@James ********
I have that affect on people. 😆
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Lynnette *******
@James ********
I'm touched. . Lol
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Kevin ******
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Kevin ******
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David ***********
Yes. Dress respectfully any time you are dealing with Immigration. It makes a difference
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Christopher *************
Problem is many foreigners play games and over stay etc , they have every right to question you so accept it
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Randall *********
Yep. Came here for the first time this year 7 weeks ago, last was jan 2023 and i was grilled on a return ticket and hotel stays. Like wtf, its my first time here in almost 2 years. Even commenting that im staying here long based on my return, “yes lady, i am staying here within my visa exempt window, whats the problem”.
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Detlef ***********
@Randall ********
🫣🫣🫣
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Lynnette *******
@Randall ********
you actually spoke to the IO with that offhand reply?
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Bonnie *********
@Lynnette ******
You know he didn't, big man on the internet.
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Randall *********
@Bonnie ********
relax there. I thought it. Why in the world would I say it. I mean you could have just looked at my response 18 hours ago.
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Randall *********
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Randall *********
@Lynnette ******
😜 most definitely not. Those were the thoughts going through my head.
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Randall *********
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