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What are the new immigration challenges for foreigners entering Thailand on a tourist visa?

Visa Extension Tourist Visa Immigration Regulations Visa Exemptions Long-Term Stay Policies Thailand Immigration Issues Travel Experiences Expat Life Border Runs

Jul 2, 2025

12 days ago

Jennifer *******************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Just 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.

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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.

11 days ago

Keith *******

Thanks for the info.

11 days ago

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

11 days ago

Jennifer *******************

ORIGINAL POSTER

I 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. 😅

11 days ago

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 🤷🏾‍♂️

11 days ago

Jack ********

@Jennifer ******************

Philippines much more straight foward with visas will be simple

11 days ago

Reply to

Jack ********

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.

11 days ago

Det *******

The immigration officials are determined to ruin Thai tourism.