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What are the new immigration challenges for foreigners entering Thailand on a tourist visa?
Visa ExtensionTourist VisaImmigration RegulationsVisa ExemptionsLong-Term Stay PoliciesThailand Immigration IssuesTravel ExperiencesExpat LifeBorder Runs
Jul 2, 2025
10 months ago
Jennifer *******************
ORIGINAL POSTERJust posting what happened with us for reference. Arrived end of April (US passport) for first time ever in Thailand planning to stay 90 days. After 60 days, we elected not to file an extension as we wanted to spend a week in Cambodia before returning for a month. We left on time, had a blast in Cambodia.
When we arrived back tonight (BKK) we caught the lecture about this being the last time we would be allowed in for a year. He said the rules had changed and he could only give us 45 days. He said from now on foreigners can only stay a total of 90 days per year. Fine with us we are leaving before then. After a 15 minute back and forth we were allowed to enter. I checked as I exited airport; he stamped 60 days.
Yea, yea, I know that’s not the “rules” or whatever. Just letting people on the every 3 month visa run know they are indeed cracking down if I can catch a lecture for my 2nd entrance ever.
When we arrived back tonight (BKK) we caught the lecture about this being the last time we would be allowed in for a year. He said the rules had changed and he could only give us 45 days. He said from now on foreigners can only stay a total of 90 days per year. Fine with us we are leaving before then. After a 15 minute back and forth we were allowed to enter. I checked as I exited airport; he stamped 60 days.
Yea, yea, I know that’s not the “rules” or whatever. Just letting people on the every 3 month visa run know they are indeed cracking down if I can catch a lecture for my 2nd entrance ever.
TLDR : Answer Summary
The post discusses an American couple's recent experience re-entering Thailand after a trip to Cambodia. Initially planning to stay for 90 days under a tourist visa, they faced unexpected changes in immigration policy upon their return. While an officer issued a 60-day stamp, he also warned them that future entries might be restricted to a total of 90 days per year. This prompted a community discussion highlighting concerns over unclear immigration rules, the potential for stricter enforcement, and the overall impact on tourism in Thailand.
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Randy *******
I had the same thing happened the last time I came back from the United States. They acted like they weren’t gonna let me back in. They said it will be the last time. It was very frustrating. They really don’t want us here.
Keith *******
Thanks for the info.
Nate ***********
Oh no follow the rules blah blah blah blah blah sounds like you're trying to live here blah blah blah blah blah blah now it's totally dependent on the situation now everyone's completely curious right now it's better to not visit Thailand for one the form here is not going to help you because it's filled with a bunch of white Knights and Simps for Thailand. People that are coming here for marriage are getting screwed over because the country wants you to have thousands of dollars to be put into a bank account in Thailand that they can lock down and take your money at any time like they have done with it then recent months when they change their visa laws FYI laws in this country change about every week or every 3 days as of recently I am just very sorry that you didn't come sooner and get to enjoy it at least long enough to have avoided all of the cold weather everywhere else unless you live somewhere that's just cold constantly.
I was there one week before the Cambodian border conflict and let me tell you everywhere else in Cambodia should be fine but don't mess around too long at the border it's scary scary
I was there one week before the Cambodian border conflict and let me tell you everywhere else in Cambodia should be fine but don't mess around too long at the border it's scary scary
Jennifer *******************
ORIGINAL POSTERI think what some people are failing to see, based on the comments, is I am not trying to bend any rules or live in Thailand. I meet their financial requirements and met there entry/exit requirements. I wasn’t trying to cheat the system unless it is cheating to want to go see Angkor Wat while a short flight away. I even met his made up requirement of 2 entries per year for a total of 90 days. We never stepped foot in Thailand before the end of April.
My husband and I travel full time and try to make the most of an area we are in. Especially, if we are more than an 8 hour flight from home. I only joined this page when I was going to do an extension initially. I wanted to make sure I hadn’t missed anything and did not break any rules. I’m not upset with Thailand. Their rules are their rules. I just wish the rules upon entry matched their own website posted rules. After joining this page, I had a feeling we would get pulled based on other posts.
Also, Thailand isn’t the only country who does this. We went to Honduras and their embassy states Americans can get 90 days upon entry twice a year for a total of 180 days. We landed the first time and even though I showed housing and our ticket out, they refused to give me 90 days. Luckily, they gave me 60 and I was able to file an extension for 30 days. It isn’t just Thailand.
I have no problem following any country’s rules and regulations. It is their country, not mine. Just please, can you post the rules and follow those? My life would be much easier that way. Now, I have to go join some Philippines groups and see if we are going to have problems with 1, 29 day extension bringing our stay to 59 days before I book our hotels. 😅
My husband and I travel full time and try to make the most of an area we are in. Especially, if we are more than an 8 hour flight from home. I only joined this page when I was going to do an extension initially. I wanted to make sure I hadn’t missed anything and did not break any rules. I’m not upset with Thailand. Their rules are their rules. I just wish the rules upon entry matched their own website posted rules. After joining this page, I had a feeling we would get pulled based on other posts.
Also, Thailand isn’t the only country who does this. We went to Honduras and their embassy states Americans can get 90 days upon entry twice a year for a total of 180 days. We landed the first time and even though I showed housing and our ticket out, they refused to give me 90 days. Luckily, they gave me 60 and I was able to file an extension for 30 days. It isn’t just Thailand.
I have no problem following any country’s rules and regulations. It is their country, not mine. Just please, can you post the rules and follow those? My life would be much easier that way. Now, I have to go join some Philippines groups and see if we are going to have problems with 1, 29 day extension bringing our stay to 59 days before I book our hotels. 😅
Chazan *************
@Jennifer ******************
PH should be easy. And can be done online 😊 Been several times over the past couple years, never had an issue. As for TH, its pretty much officer dependant one may say yes and another say no 🤷🏾♂️Jack ********
@Jennifer ******************
Philippines much more straight foward with visas will be simpleReply to
Jack ********
Reply
Ricky ********
I read articles about declining tourist numbers in Thailand and then I read about immigration driving away tourists. I don’t t understand it. Let them stay and spend their money for as long as they want.
Det *******
The immigration officials are determined to ruin Thai tourism.
Ken *********
Tks good to know
Adie ******
Wow, no allowed back in for a full year. That is crazy. Why sabotage their tourism. Can understand six months but a year. Wow
Janelle *****
Just use visa agent to guarantee your safe entry then
Phillip ******
@Janelle ****
a visa agent can't guarantee your entry. They just provide a visa, which you can do yourself, its upto immigration if you are stamped in or not.Randy *******
@Phillip *****
I think it’s only ฿8000. I’m gonna use that.Randy *******
@Phillip *****
i’m using a Visa agent to get a marriage visa I have to leave the country to get a type O. Visa.  so I can get a checking account. They have a thing called red carpet entry where they meet you at the airport and make sure that you get in without any problems. They actually have you take a picture of yourself before you board the flight to Thailand and then they give the picture  to the agents at the airport so they know they’ll let you inJanelle *****
@Phillip *****
yeah that’s just not true. You pay them off like 2-3k baht and they bring you through the Thai citizen immigration lineBrandon ************
@Phillip *****
That's not true. There are agents you can purchase "safe entry" from that will vet your information with immigration officers at the airport, who will then meet you when you get off the plane and walk you to the immigration counters, open a counter just for you, and stamp you in. Guaranteed entry starting at 2000 baht and going up to about 8000 baht depending on your history.Reply to
Brandon ************
Reply
Milan ********
Risky
Michael *********
I am now reconsidering my planned retirement in Thailand next August due to the immigration Ted tape. Philippines is looking much better.
Damo ***********
Neal *******
@Michael ********
with a retirement visa/extension of stay the rules are quite clear.Richard ******
@Neal ******
There is no red tape or problems if you are honest and get you Non O visa before coming. Easy.Reply to
Richard ******
Reply
Josh ********
If you come in with your Thai wife through the Thai passport line do they still give you issues? Anyone had any experience with this?
Thomas ********
@Josh *******
Been to Thailand 5 x , never an issue. Once in front of an officer, stamped within minute, no questions to answer.Brandon ************
@Josh *******
If you're abusing visa exempt entries, you will still get in trouble. If you have a Thai wife you can get a marriage visa.James ********
@Josh *******
you would go through separate lanes, Thai national & non Thai national.Josh ********
@James *******
you can actually I’ve done it the past 3 times I’ve entered. No line plus your wife is there to deal wit any questions. Just wondering if they still give you a hard time.Juhani ******
@James *******
no, you can go throught same line.I have Thai wife and we go throught thai passport line, done that many years.
Phil *******
@Juhani *****
can you go through Thai line with Thai girlfriend?Reply to
Phil *******
Reply
Anthony *******
its very clear to me,they dont want farangs living here anymore,only tourists,preferably asian
Richard ******
@Anthony ******
Easy fix would be to get rid of Visa exempt and have Evisa only. It’s only the abuse of the Visa exempt that is causing the problem.Brandon ************
@Anthony ******
People who LIVE here are not entering as a tourist repeatedly.Reply to
Brandon ************
Reply
Mark *******
Thailand is going to go down in the tourist league table! Absolute self inflicted harm! I can't comprehend the government's stupidity; especially as the TAT is advising against; and they are the experts on tourism! Viet Nam and Laos are going to love this!
Richard ******
@Mark ******
Can you go to Vietnam or Cambodian Visa exempt? 😂Mark *******
Not as simplistic as you think! I have always used a visa exemption stamp,and never had an issue. Even when entering recently; a lot of questions and evidence on my mobile;no problem. But as I've often quoted and wish folk would check the facts, tourism is of immense value to the Thai economy. They can't afford literally to make it more difficult for foreigners, whom spend vast amounts of money here, to be refused entry. And again I've repeated many a time,and please check the facts, the TAT are challenging the government at every point,on the vitality of tourism in Thailand. The fifth biggest industry! Fact!
Thailand can not afford ,endex,to turn away free spending tourists. Or let's go spend our money in Viet Nam and Laos!.They'll love to receive it! And just remember there are a lot of wanted criminals in the West that are living here on ' proper visas!' Which the Thai authorities tolerate; though they are clamping down, allegedly! As for your generalization that the whole world is tightening visa requirements; hogwash! Be more particular in which countries,which I'll estimate you won't be able to do. Having been in the Civil Service in the UK for 20 years plus,I have an inking of knowledge into these issues!
Thailand can not afford ,endex,to turn away free spending tourists. Or let's go spend our money in Viet Nam and Laos!.They'll love to receive it! And just remember there are a lot of wanted criminals in the West that are living here on ' proper visas!' Which the Thai authorities tolerate; though they are clamping down, allegedly! As for your generalization that the whole world is tightening visa requirements; hogwash! Be more particular in which countries,which I'll estimate you won't be able to do. Having been in the Civil Service in the UK for 20 years plus,I have an inking of knowledge into these issues!
Reply to
Mark *******
Reply
Steve ********
Thailand: "Oh, no, tourist numbers are down. This is terrible for our economy."
Also Thailand: "We let border officials make up whatever rules they want, deny you entry for the flimsiest of reasons, and, in effect, cancel the holiday you paid for AFTER you've flown all the way to Asia."
Also Thailand: "We let border officials make up whatever rules they want, deny you entry for the flimsiest of reasons, and, in effect, cancel the holiday you paid for AFTER you've flown all the way to Asia."
Brandon ************
@Steve *******
People being denied entry are not flying all the way to Asia. They are leaving Thailand to a neighboring country and coming right back, and trying to stay here long-term without a long-term visa.Steve ********
@Brandon ***********
Not according to some stories I've heard. Plenty of them were out of Thailand for many months - or even longer.Reply to
Steve ********
Reply
Braulio *********
@Steve *******
???Reply to
Braulio *********
Reply
Jared **********
As clear as mud
Dca *****
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Drew ******
@Dca ****
no wonder they have so many problems India and Russia are on the listReply to
Drew ******
Reply
Travis *******
It's totally dependant on the officer, and situation. We came in at the end of Dec and did 60+30, went to Cambodia by air for a week, came back and my wife got the same lecture. Did the 60+30 again (zero issues extending) but this time my work visa was approved along with permit. We just went up to china for 5 days, and flew back from HK. Told the officer we are still waiting on my wife's Non O(which is true), he smiled and sent us all through.
We don't plan on needing to file another extension, and my visa is good for two years. But if you plan on doing a boarder run, know there is a chance someone will have ruffled feathers the second and third time you do this. There are some tax obligations that can kick in at 180 days also which is why they want you here on the right visa if it will be for close to or over that stay.
We don't plan on needing to file another extension, and my visa is good for two years. But if you plan on doing a boarder run, know there is a chance someone will have ruffled feathers the second and third time you do this. There are some tax obligations that can kick in at 180 days also which is why they want you here on the right visa if it will be for close to or over that stay.
Anna *********
@Travis ******
Your experience was 6 months ago which is a long time in terms of ‘immigration behaviours’. 😀Travis *******
@Anna ********
I just came back last week from China/HK as noted in later comments.Reply to
Travis *******
Reply
Jennifer *******************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Travis ******
I have zero problems following the rules. He could clearly see my passport was full with zero overstays anywhere. We aren’t moving to Thailand. We simply wanted to stay 90 days before moving on to the Philippines.Travis *******
@Jennifer ******************
that happened to us in China last week. Went to HK and we couldn't get back in, and all of our stuff was at the hotel 🤣 snagged a room for the night and the next flight home in the morning. Having our stuff shipped back by a vendor. Stressful, but not life ending lol.Travis *******
@Jennifer ******************
yeah there are no explicit rules that say you can't comeback to back or what the spacing between stays. That's more just the reasoning why they do that. I'm glad you go through though, it's a great place to relax (once you're through immigration that is lol)!
Jennifer *******************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Travis ******
amen! We would have been ok if denied and turned around, but man we were tired and wanted a bed.Reply to
Jennifer *******************
Reply
Johan ********
Iam just curious, when you arrived in the end of April, was it on an Visa exemption or on a Tourist visa ?
Jennifer *******************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Johan *******
visa exemption 60 day US passportJohan ********
@Jennifer ******************
It feels like it might be a bit of a stretch, lately they don't seem to appreciate doing Visa exemptions one after the other.Reply to
Johan ********
Reply
Michael ********
They are going to drive people away without clear definition of rules
Brandon ************
Definitely told you a crock of sh....
As you saw, they did not stamp you in for 45 days as that's not legally possible. But their warning is clear. I wouldn't try flying in again for quite a while without a visa.
As you saw, they did not stamp you in for 45 days as that's not legally possible. But their warning is clear. I wouldn't try flying in again for quite a while without a visa.
Jennifer *******************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Brandon ***********
not a problem. We planned for 90 days and in the end, got it. I just know there are those doing the visa run as a full time thing. It’ll likely be at least 18 months before back in SEAsia once we leave.Viola ********
@Jennifer ******************
visa run people g9 with agencies where all paid and no lectures from the officers. However, he just tried to scare you with all this bs like "it is your last visit this year", "I will stamp you for 45 days only"James ******
@Jennifer ******************
what airport was thisJennifer *******************
ORIGINAL POSTER@James *****
BKKReply to
Jennifer *******************
Reply
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