What are the risks of being refused entry at Bangkok airport after multiple visa exemptions in a short period?

visa exemptions Bangkok airport immigration policy entry risks tourist visa Thai visa rules

Jul 3, 2018

6 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

have 5 visa exemptions so far this year all by air. Last time I got stopped and taken to secondary. What are my odds of getting turned away going by air again to BKK airport?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The original poster has experienced multiple visa exemptions this year and is concerned about their chances of being refused entry at Bangkok airport based on prior incidents. Comments suggest bringing relevant documents, proving sufficient funds, and being mindful of the immigration officer’s perceptions. Some advise against relying solely on visa exemptions and recommend obtaining a tourist visa instead, as it may reduce complications at entry.

Bob **********

Bring proof of address in Thailand,on onward ticket and plenty of cash don’t dress like a bum and show a lot of respect then you might make it every Immigration officer makes his own decision

6 years ago

Michael ********

People say I am crazy when I say this, but never go to a female IO on arrival to Thailand. The likelihood of them stopping you is much higher than a male officer in my opinion and experience. But as mentioned above, not really worth chancing it all the time, especially when there is no valid reason for you not to get a visa. So quite rightly it looks suspicious to immigration, especially if they are back to back or very close together.

6 years ago

Robert ********

Some of us still seek out the pretty I/O's ;-)

6 years ago

Reply to

Robert ********

Tod *********

That question is akin to asking "how long is a piece of string?"

No one can give you a definitive answer and it's gonna take you standing in front of the immigration officer at passport control to find out if you skate in without a problem OR if you get read the riot act.

Even having a tourist visa is no guarantee that you'll skate thru unscathed.

6 years ago

Christopher ***********

@Tod ********

Very comprehensive and also helpful answer (as always) Tod!

6 years ago

Tod *********

@Dak***

, the way it works is they're going to question you about your extensive visa exempt entry history to thailand on visa exempt entries and ask if you're working here illegally. Then they'll ask for proof of adequate funds (20K baht in cash or the equivalent), then they'll ask for proof of onward travel, and then a confirmed hotel reservation or lodging.

If they want to they'll deny you entry and it will be up to them whether they let you go to another country OR make you go back to the country your passport comes from. You would be held in IDC lock up at the airport until you can buy your ticket back to where ever they let you go to.

Denial of entry is NOT being deported (you have to have stamped into the country to get deported). It is NOT blacklisting either, it's just being denied entry. You are free to get a visa, or try to enter by a land border.

I know people who were denied entry at Suvarnabhumi who were allowed to fly to Malaysia and then entered the country with no problem by the southern land borders.

6 years ago

Dakota **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

So what happens if I get denied?

6 years ago

Reply to

Dakota **********

Pierre ********

I strongly recommend a tourist visa instead. By the way as well tourist visas as exemptions can be extended by 30 days at Chaeng wattana, that reduces the total number of visas in your passport

6 years ago

Reply to

Pierre ********

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What are the current rules for entering Thailand on a visa exemption for multiple entries?

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