Answered8 years ago

What are the limitations on entering Thailand frequently with a tourist visa, and how can I avoid immigration issues?

Thailand visa rules Tourist visa Visa exemptions Immigration Visa extension Entry limits

Shane *******

asked May 19, 2018

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After some advice pls, my situation is as follows.  

Early 30's from the UK, been in thailand for just over 5 months now. I arrived on the bog standard 30 day tourist, which i then extended for another 30.  For the next 3 months I did a trip to phnom penh each month a few days before  visa expired.  

Given the amount of stamps I got a bit nervous on the last one so i booked a dummy flight from bkk - vietnam just in case i got questioned upon my return to thailand which I did.  Asked me how long I plan on staying in thailand, why the frequent ins and outs, why I didn't have a longer term visa and if I had a flight leaving thailand and what date it was etc.  Now this was on the 7th of may i arrived back, so my stamp gives me up until the 5th of June.  

As far as I am aware, there is no limit on the amount of trips you can do via air, in and out of Thailand can someone confirm this pls? Whereas by land you only get the 14 days for most places and there is some kinda limit.   

I was hoping to go to Angeles the day after the soi 6 party of the year, so on the 4th which is kinda perfect for my dates but am I likely to have issues with immigration again? I know it's not an exact science it comes down the person who is checking your passport but given the amount of stamps in a  short period of time I really don't wanna jeopardize my coming back to Thailand, it's a bit worrying.  

It's my fault for being lazy and not sorting out a longer term visa, I plan on going down the education route when I get back but for this last trip really hoping there won't be any issues as I have a condo I've booked 6 months in advance.

Answer summary

The user is concerned about their frequent re-entries to Thailand on tourist visas and the potential scrutiny from immigration. They originally entered with a 30-day tourist visa, extended it, and traveled to Cambodia monthly to reset their visa. They received multiple stamps and are unsure about the maximum number of stamps allowed when entering by air. A comment clarifies that while there is no official limit by air, frequent entries might lead to questioning by immigration about funds, onward travel, and accommodation. Additionally, the user is advised that land entries are limited to two per calendar year and suggested obtaining a single-entry tourist visa for longer stays.

11 repliesnewest first

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Ricky ********

8 years ago

Brett *********

@John ********

FFS....is that better?

Ricky ********

Ricky ********

Michael ********

sigh...

8 years ago

Ricky ********

@Michael *******

don’t wanna like it just follow it

8 years ago

Michael ********

There is a like button.

8 years ago

Tod *********

@Shaneo ******

, you weren't getting 30 day tourist visas because there is no such thing. That means you were getting stamped in on 30 day visa exempt entry stamps. You are correct in theory, there is no official limit to the number of them you can get when entering by air BUT you will be questioned when you enter, You can always be asked for proof of funds, 20K baht (or the equivalent) in cash, proof of onward travel and proof of a hotel booking.

You're also a little off base as far as land entries. It went back to 30 days visa exempt entries by land back on Dec 31st 2016, BUT you can only do two in a calendar year (Jan 1 - Dec 31)

Why not get a single entry tourist visa from a thai consulate in a nearby country? That would get you stamped in for 60 days and you could extend it by 30 more at the immigration office for 1900baht too

8 years ago

Shane *******

or if it takes a couple days to get processed, maybe go to the thai embassy first in Manila, then pick the visa up on the way back

8 years ago

Shane *******

brilliant, exactly the advice I needed. Would I be able to get the 60 day single entry in Manila? Ideally what I'd like to do is fly out on from bangkok to Manila on the 4th (stamp valid till 5th), spend 5 nights in Angeles then back to Manila grab the 60 day single entry and extend it when it expires in jomtien.

8 years ago