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What are the risks of entering Thailand without a valid visa and how to avoid them?
Thailand visatourist visaDTVimmigrationentry denial30-day extension60-day visatravel adviceexpat issuesimmigration detention
Mar 18, 2025
a year ago
Jan **********
ORIGINAL POSTERJust a reminder—if you frequently visit Thailand and stay for several months, like some of my wealthy friends, you might want to secure a tourist visa or DTV as soon as possible. That said, even that isn’t always a guarantee, so it’s wise to keep extra cash on hand for immigration officials. Otherwise, you could find yourself in a holding cell or on a flight back to wherever you came from. A French guy I came on my flight with was denied entry, put in the dirty detention room and had to pay $1500 for return flight @ Phuket. 
TLDR : Answer Summary
Frequent visitors to Thailand should consider obtaining a tourist visa or a DTV, as it enhances the chances of entry and compliance with immigration laws. Having additional cash on hand is advisable to deal with potential situations at immigration. Recent changes have made it more complex for travelers to re-enter Thailand without valid visas, as some are denied entry or have been detained, especially those trying to leverage the 60-day free stamp multiple times. Understanding your rights and the current immigration landscape is crucial for avoiding denial of entry.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
- Take the basic DTV Qualification Test to see if you're eligible for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV).
- For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
- Explore recent discussions by using the DTV Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
- Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
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Tod *********
Well I tried to help as much as I could, but alas, the flood of bad information is just too much for even me (an entry/visa/extension subject matter expert 😮) to keep up with 😕
𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗼𝗹𝘃𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗿𝘆/𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗮 𝗶𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱?
𝗚𝗘𝗧 𝗔 𝗗𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗧𝗛𝗔𝗜𝗟𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗩𝗜𝗦𝗔 !
Good luck to each and every one of you in your endeavors 🙂
𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗼𝗹𝘃𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗿𝘆/𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗮 𝗶𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱?
𝗚𝗘𝗧 𝗔 𝗗𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗧𝗛𝗔𝗜𝗟𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗩𝗜𝗦𝗔 !
Good luck to each and every one of you in your endeavors 🙂
Anonymous ******************
If you'd known your rights and stood your ground, the airline would have flown you back to France for free. Only denied passengers with a visa have to pay their own flight, visa exempt is the airline's responsibility.
Of course the friendly airline people make it sound like it's not, but you can tell them it's BS. Thailand will pressure them to get rid of you. Even detention room is on their dime as long as you don't sign the form they ask you to sign. Good way to save $1500. 💸
Of course the friendly airline people make it sound like it's not, but you can tell them it's BS. Thailand will pressure them to get rid of you. Even detention room is on their dime as long as you don't sign the form they ask you to sign. Good way to save $1500. 💸
Tod *********
Anonymous participant 359 the airline has NOT obligation to fly you back out if you're denied entry, not at all
The ONLY choice you have to overturn a denial of entry is to file a written appeal and sit in the IDC at the airport for 3 business days while it is reviewed. Most people won't sit in lock up that long, and just leave instead.
Of the people I know who filed written appeals asking their denial of entry be reviewed about 75% of the people seem to get allowed to enter thailand, the other 25% don't
The ONLY choice you have to overturn a denial of entry is to file a written appeal and sit in the IDC at the airport for 3 business days while it is reviewed. Most people won't sit in lock up that long, and just leave instead.
Of the people I know who filed written appeals asking their denial of entry be reviewed about 75% of the people seem to get allowed to enter thailand, the other 25% don't
Anonymous ******************
I'll gift $1000 for the first volunteer to verify this, for the culture of our FB group. Visa exempt denial = free flight out, free detention as long as you stick to the cheatsheet. Shouldn't cost more than a day or two, many elephant panters live on less in Thailand. The truth is hilarious and deserves to spread.
Anonymous ******************
Right, the appeal process is a waste of time (by design), nobody should bother with it. There is a real liability difference between visa exempt denials and visa denials. That's key!
As mentioned this only works for visa exempt denials, as the airline took on the risk here. 🙂
You're not seeking to overturn denial, just get out and re-enter with fast track. That's how they make $.
As mentioned this only works for visa exempt denials, as the airline took on the risk here. 🙂
You're not seeking to overturn denial, just get out and re-enter with fast track. That's how they make $.
Reply to
Anonymous ******************
Reply
Chris *********
Anonymous participant 359 not exactly bro, the airline can just say they don't have an available flight for 2 weeks and let you rot in detention.
Anonymous ******************
My brother got out of Phuket the same day after telling the airline he'd put them on blast on Twitter (now X) for trying to manipulate him. He signed nothing, paid nothing and was promptly flown to KL, then entered through BKK with fast track only 3 days later.
He said a Russian with a massive bruise on his head had been in there for a week already. It really depends on your game. Bozos always pay.
He said a Russian with a massive bruise on his head had been in there for a week already. It really depends on your game. Bozos always pay.
Anonymous ******************
@Chris ********
: of course they can say that, but Thailand won't hold you that long as long as you don't sign the form. Thailand will pressure the airline twice a day (or more) and as long as you don't look like an idiot they know they'll eventually end up paying more for the detention room than if they'll just put you on the next flight somewhere. Can even be KL, etc. Doesn't have to be home.
Can't recommend if you're traveling with family (more leverage for airline), but if you want to see how the system works then you can verify this for yourself. False niceness ends, gloves come off and you'll learn a lot about the world in a day or two.
Reply to
Anonymous ******************
Reply
Chris *********
This happened to me. They wanted me to sign a document and laughed when I wanted to read it. Well I'm fluent in Thai. I declined to sign and asked for a flight out which they accepted.
Carlos *******************
@Chris ********
I'm curious, what the document says?Anonymous ******************
@Carlos ******************
: if you sign, you agree to pay for the costs of the detention room and return flight. Else Thailand will ultimately pressure the airline to get rid of you on their dime and you can save a few hundred bucks. Never sign.Only if the airline let you onboard for visa exempt, btw. If you have a visa, it's always your cost and the airline goes blame-free. Spread the word.
Chris *********
@Carlos ******************
basically giving them permission to put you in detention, without it they can just let you goJan **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Chris ********
so they let you walk out or you can choose the airport you wanna go to?Chris *********
@Jan *********
they let me buy a ticket to phnom phen for like 1800 baht and I was outta there in 2 hrsJan **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Chris ********
oh snap! Very nice to know 👍Reply to
Jan **********
Reply
Adnan ********
there is no limit for entries yes but there is limit for staying in Thailand total in a year before becoming residents which is 6 month in a year. some officers enforce that and some are not, i also heard you can pay and get away with that...but after 6 month in a year you should not test your luck and get a long term visa like DTV or LTR. this guy was lucky to get away easily in Thailand otherwise people in europe can be in worst situation for the same situation.
Todd *********
Adnan Khairi there is no 6 month limit
James ********
@Todd ********
correct ✅Adnan ********
@Todd ********
please ask the immigration officer next time and they will let you know. this is not just for Thailand, every country has the same unwritten law, after 6 month you become residence not tourist, sometime they enforce sometime they don't, it depend on the mood of the officer, they can even deny the entry completely even if you have valid visa....let's not argue if this is what you believe then good for you.....Todd *********
Adnan Khairi your comment is absolutely ridiculous. If you think it exists in Thailand or ‘is the same’ for every country, you have never travelled. Just idiotic
Adnan ********
@Todd ********
i feel sorry for you, you must have a lot of issues in your life which you can't handle....take deep breath...Todd *********
Adnan Khairi 😂😂😂 yup, I’m just here struggling away while you live the good life. 😂😂😂I appreciate your sorrow, but if want to feel truly sorry, take a glance in the mirror
Reply to
Todd *********
Reply
Jason *******
@Todd ********
yes there is ask the immigration, go to your local immigration office ask see what answer you getTodd *********
@Jason ******
no, there is not. And never has been. Go to your local immigration office if you need someone to sort you out. But you have the correct answer here from many peopleJason *******
@Todd ********
ok Mr immigration officer 😂 didn't say 6 months we are talking about 180 days maximum stay in any 12 months that's always been known and ask any immigration officer about it, yes hard to find official documents but this goes for everything in Thailand, anymore than 180 days regardless if you fly in and out 20 times you will be questioned and possibly refused entry as you as trying to stay long-term without a visa, this is the main reason the DTV was introduced or funny enough it's also 180 day stamp !!Todd *********
@Jason ******
ok - mister I don’t understand. There is NO 180 day limit in any 12 months and never has been. And thousands and thousands of people proving it every single year. If you fear staying for some reason, no problem. Go away. Come back next year. But for people who are staying year round, this doesn’t work.Jason *******
@Todd ********
I live here 9 years !!! You are not classed as a tourist if in Thailand longer than 180 days per calendar year so the visa exempt which is designed for tourism can be void and you can be refused entry this isn't something new it's like this for years and now it's getting implemented more, how can you be a tourist when you are bending the rules and trying to reside in Thailand, the 180 days hasn't changed if you're staying longer you are not classed as a tourist and for one should be on the correct visa and paying resident taxes, why you think the new DTV 5 year is only valid for 180 days at once ! Because you are a tourist and welcome to come work or study here for 180 days without paying taxes, if you leave and come back the DTV gives you further 180 days but rest assured you will then be classed as a tax resident if it's the same calendar year, so this is where the limit applies to just being a tourist! Thailand isn't stupid for years it's known people have being winging it staying in Thailand long-term border bouncing to get multiple extensions living in Thailand as a so called tourist!! Avoiding taxes and not having correct visas, times have changed the days when you could work offshore stay here long-term using 2 passports was clapped down due to fingerprints now the border runs have also changed, so if you still think no 6 months limit exists and is just made up keep believing what you think, when people say it's down to discretion of the IMO previously yes and some didn't careless or implement it but now it's all inputted and documented on the computer you just get flagged up and then it's a supervisors decision to warn you and let you in or refuse and send you back, anyway give me another beer ffs subject becoming boring Thailand is ment to be enjoyable not stressful cheers 🥂 🍺🍻Todd *********
@Jason ******
9 years. And you still have no idea. Impressive. Let us know when you figure it outTodd *********
@Jason ******
‘classed as a tourist’? What are you even talking about. Many of us travel to countries for far longer than 180 days. The ONLY difference at 180 days in Thailand is that technically become a Thai tax resident. There are people using the visa exemption for many years as they come and go with some frequency. They are free to spend over 180 days as tourists. Yes - they will be questioned by IO at some point. They are just doing their job. You may need to prove you have the means to travel. The rules are made to be bent as not everyone fits easily into a specific category. There is NO six month limit. Never has been. Ur welcome. Now go enjoy the beer
Jason *******
@Todd ********
MATE GET A LIFE WAKE UP MAN, LEARN THE WORLD HOW IT WORKS LIVING IN A DIFFERENT COUNTRY ISN'T A TOURIST GOOD BYE JESUS CHRIST SURE YOU'RE NOT A WOMANTodd *********
@Jason ******
lol. Mate, give your f’in head a shake. You don’t have a clue. I can’t spend all day teaching the stupidReply to
Todd *********
Reply
Tod *********
I probably get messages from more than a dozen people per week who are "hung at passport control" (meaning they're going to get denied entry) 🙁 By that time there's nothing that can be done, no magic agent can grease the wheels and get you in, you're gonna get shipped out on your dime and you should just buy a ticket and get out as soon as you can. THEN you can try to come up with a plan to get back in
Most all of them thought they could just fly out and right back in (like we could in the days when it was free 30 day entry and there wasn't much scrutiny by air entry) AND sadly those people found out it is not like that any more.
People who live here on free stamps w/extensions get complacent, because they got out/back a time or two, they think they're "6 foot tall and bullet proof", they think they "contribute to the country". Then when they get pulled aside, asked why they came right back in, where their proof of flying out in 60 days is, where their proof of 20K baht in CASH is they get caught.
I honestly don't know why more people (whose only interest is getting a new 60 day entry stamp) don't use the LAND BORDER SERVICES that lug people to the border, get the out and back the same day, no matter their entry/stay history, without any issue 🙁 The reason those services cost what they do is they have it set up at that border so their customers CAN get out and right back in without trouble
Most all of them thought they could just fly out and right back in (like we could in the days when it was free 30 day entry and there wasn't much scrutiny by air entry) AND sadly those people found out it is not like that any more.
People who live here on free stamps w/extensions get complacent, because they got out/back a time or two, they think they're "6 foot tall and bullet proof", they think they "contribute to the country". Then when they get pulled aside, asked why they came right back in, where their proof of flying out in 60 days is, where their proof of 20K baht in CASH is they get caught.
I honestly don't know why more people (whose only interest is getting a new 60 day entry stamp) don't use the LAND BORDER SERVICES that lug people to the border, get the out and back the same day, no matter their entry/stay history, without any issue 🙁 The reason those services cost what they do is they have it set up at that border so their customers CAN get out and right back in without trouble
Jan **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Tod ********
The last paragraph (When put together with Thai authorities canceling the land board crossing limits) is the only thing you’ve said that has been interesting In this thread. Some people take forever to get to the point.Anonymous ******************
@Tod ********
: in some cases you can still pay 10-20K on the spot and be let in, but this depends on the airport and time of day. I can confirm it worked in Phuket in 2024, but best arrange upfront.Either way, there's always a way.
Aaron ********
@Tod ********
the only pure sense comment, as usual.Reply to
Aaron ********
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Marcus ********
Dont just copy from Google as this information isn't correct, their is a limit, you can only stay 180 days as tourists in a calendar year that's January - December and if found to be staying longer you can be refused entry and sent back, money on hand doesn't do anything unless you think your gonna bribe the immigration officer if caught attempting this with the wrong person you can also get banned, always get the correct visa for Thailand or stick within the laws, land border bounces or unlimited flights but maximum stay 180 days or get ready to be questioned and possibly refused entry
Jason *******
@Marcus *******
that's probably why I was told 3 times 60 days and warnedAnonymous ******************
@Jason ******
: that's because you're expected to pay for fast track and border run services by then, no more freebies. That's how it works.Reply to
Anonymous ******************
Reply
Todd *********
@Marcus *******
what are you talking about…Marcus ********
@Todd ********
If you stay 180 days or more in Thailand within a 12 months calendar you are classed as a tax resident probably why immigration tells you get the correct visa as you are not a tourist and can refuse your entry due to the length of stays,Todd *********
@Marcus *******
yes - you would be a tax resident at 180 days. Which has nothing at all to do with your visa. Whether or not you get ‘the correct visa’ is up to you. Many simply choose to use the visa exemption plan and travel in and out instead of the visa hassleReply to
Todd *********
Reply
Jason *******
@Todd ********
we talking about fish and chips 😂 derTodd *********
@Jason ******
there are always a few of you who enjoy chirping but have no clue. As James indicates here, there is no six month rule. And never has been. Ur welcome. Free education for uReply to
Todd *********
Reply
James ********
@Marcus *******
🚫 NOT TRUE. Often mentioned, but no such rule.Marcus ********
@James *******
this is what immigration states when questioned at airport, January my friend was told the same when entering to many times and more than 6 months, other friend got returned back to Cambodia due to staying 9 months without correct visa, both now have DTVJames ********
@Marcus *******
it is totally up to the Thai Immigration Officers upon arrival to decide what to do. Allow entry or be denied.Jason *******
@James *******
I was also questioned why stay longer then 6 months and note put on my passportDany ********
@Marcus *******
no law text but probably internal immigration guidelines. same as there was a 90 out of 180 days guideline in the past. but allways up to the officer.James ********
@Dany *******
Correct ✅Reply to
James ********
Reply
Tod *********
a SURE way to get singled out, taken aside and talked to is MAXING out your 60 day entry stamp then taking a 30 day extension and maxing it out then trying to fly out/back to get a new free entry stamp.
These "milkers" (and the muck running they do here) are the exact reason the powerz that be are saying they're going back down to 30 days rather than the 60 days it has been since July 15th 2024 🙁
These "milkers" (and the muck running they do here) are the exact reason the powerz that be are saying they're going back down to 30 days rather than the 60 days it has been since July 15th 2024 🙁
Anonymous ******************
@Tod ********
: then why aren't they ever cracking down on border bounce and fast track services openly sold by agents in every corner of the country? They're the exact same service and override the very same thing they're supposedly trying to get rid of. And you believe it?Tod *********
Anonymous participant 359 Good, valid question, (y) I can only imagine that because those border bounce companies "grease the wheels" to get their people out and back, just like the "Safe Entry" companies at the airport it's not as bad to thai immigration officials as people living here bouncing out and back on their own for free stamps .
Reply to
Tod *********
Reply
Jan **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Tod ********
Blah, this guy doesn’t know anything. Some simple Simon plumber or some manual labor. The reality is they are looking to reduce the exemption period from 60 days to 30, for financial exploitation.Living like a local in Thailand can cut your expenses by nearly 50%. There’s no need for overpriced transportation, inflated hotel rates, or expensive restaurant meals when you can cook at home and rent a motorbike. The goal here is to squeeze more money from travelers.
Hotels are losing business because foreigners are booking condos at lower rates, and many government ministers have a vested interest in the hotel industry. That’s what’s really happening.
Tod *********
@Jan *********
now you're just typing to up your comment count. Stick with what you know, here's a tip it's not entry/visa/extension information to thailand 😛
Reply to
Tod *********
Reply
Tod *********
The TWO entry by land (there is no sea entry you stamp IN on dry land) rule was cancelled back on July 15, 2024 when they went from 30 days free entry to 60 days free entry.
Most of the people that are denied entry are ones who try to live here on free stamps, especially since it went to 60 day free entry. 🙁 But cancelling that 2 free stamp entry by land rule just made entering by land as sketchy as entering by air now.. It's totally up to the officer you're standing in front of when you go to stamp in. It's totally up to that officer to decide if you're a "real tourist" or if you're a "milker" (someone living here free stamp)
You fly in, get 60 days, take 30 days, try to fly out and right back in (Even if you stay out a few days) you're not fooling anyone at passport control. They know you're doing it to just milk another 60 day free entry stamp 😮 Those people make up the bulk of denial of entry.
Remember when you're denied entry you're not banned, you're not deported <- you have to be stamped IN to thailand to be deported 😛 You just didn't get in on that try, and you're free to try again.
Another thing to remember is IF you give the officers at passport control a hard time they can (at their discretion) decide you go back to country of passport origin, no matter where you just flew in from. SO if you're going to be denied entry, suck it up, take it like the adult you are pretending to be 😛 and buy a ticket back to where you just flew in from if they'll let you. That is always preferable to having to go back to your country
Also the IDC's (Immigration Detention Centers) at Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang are like the Ritz Carlton hotel compared to the REAL IDC down on Soi Suan Plu 😛
I know people who spent a week in the airport lock up and they were able to order food, refill their mobile phones, etc. Is it fun? Nope, it's not meant to be 😮 You weren't let in to thailand and have to leave, but is it barbaric? Nope, just not comfortable at all
Most of the people that are denied entry are ones who try to live here on free stamps, especially since it went to 60 day free entry. 🙁 But cancelling that 2 free stamp entry by land rule just made entering by land as sketchy as entering by air now.. It's totally up to the officer you're standing in front of when you go to stamp in. It's totally up to that officer to decide if you're a "real tourist" or if you're a "milker" (someone living here free stamp)
You fly in, get 60 days, take 30 days, try to fly out and right back in (Even if you stay out a few days) you're not fooling anyone at passport control. They know you're doing it to just milk another 60 day free entry stamp 😮 Those people make up the bulk of denial of entry.
Remember when you're denied entry you're not banned, you're not deported <- you have to be stamped IN to thailand to be deported 😛 You just didn't get in on that try, and you're free to try again.
Another thing to remember is IF you give the officers at passport control a hard time they can (at their discretion) decide you go back to country of passport origin, no matter where you just flew in from. SO if you're going to be denied entry, suck it up, take it like the adult you are pretending to be 😛 and buy a ticket back to where you just flew in from if they'll let you. That is always preferable to having to go back to your country
Also the IDC's (Immigration Detention Centers) at Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang are like the Ritz Carlton hotel compared to the REAL IDC down on Soi Suan Plu 😛
I know people who spent a week in the airport lock up and they were able to order food, refill their mobile phones, etc. Is it fun? Nope, it's not meant to be 😮 You weren't let in to thailand and have to leave, but is it barbaric? Nope, just not comfortable at all
Jan **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Tod ********
There is no such thing as a "Milker" unless you come to Thailand and receive government benefits. In addition, unless you took multiple flights, the airline is responsible for returning you to your starting point. They are supposed to clear you with immigration before you board the airline. The Thai authorities normally do this and then decide to reject you. My friend was denied admission and purchased a ticket because the airline representative was unfamiliar with the contract details, and he later made a claim and was compensated. This guy's IQ is below room temperature.Tod *********
A "milker" is a person who lives here on free stamp entries w/30 day extensions, maxing out the 90 days, bouncing out/back to get another free stamp.
They don't clear you with immigration before you board the flight at check in
They run your name to see that you're not BANNED from thailand is all.
Thailand can still deny entry to ANYONE, even holding a valid visa doesn't guarantee entry to thailand, only that if they let you in they have to let you in for the time the visa allows
Careful your ignorance on entry/visa/extension stuff to thailand is showing.
They don't clear you with immigration before you board the flight at check in
They run your name to see that you're not BANNED from thailand is all.
Thailand can still deny entry to ANYONE, even holding a valid visa doesn't guarantee entry to thailand, only that if they let you in they have to let you in for the time the visa allows
Careful your ignorance on entry/visa/extension stuff to thailand is showing.
Jan **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Tod ********
Idiotic terminology. Most countries offer free 90 day stay. Malaysia is 90 days free, and Cambodia is 300 $ for a multiple entry retirement visa.... Malaysia, Vietnam,laos Cambodia are working on a visa system similar to Europ. I guess you think foreigners in Thailand are a a burden on a system because  filling up the sewers with poop and pee 😅Point being the airline is responsible for your return ticket. You don’t seem to understand that and giving wrong information to people.
Tod *********
@Jan *********
Malaysia and Cambodia are WAY down the socio-economic ladder, and neither have the number of tourists thailand does. My advice would be go to one of those third world countries instead 😛 Sadly again your ignorance on the subject shines thru. 🙁
Christ I can put what you know about entry to thailand in a teaspoon and still put too much sugar in my coffee 😮 😛 😉
IF you're coming here free stamp, when you go to stamp in, YOU <-(not the airline) can be required to show proof of onward travel within the number of days you get stamped in for, proof of lodging for your whole trip, AND proof of funds 20K baht or the equivalent in CASH
Failure to show any one of those things if you're asked when you stamp in to thailand can result in denial of entry.
Also AIR CARRIERS can indeed require you to have proof of onward travel when you check in if you're flying to thailand without a visa, BUT they are under no obligation to. Many people check in and fly here free stamp without being asked anything by their air carrier..
How about you just quit while you're behind, you haven't offered out one thing positive or taken any of the sound advice given on this thread to heart. You've only whined and carried on about the "injustice of it all" and how it's "different in other countries" 😛
Jan **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Tod ********
Lol, this guy has never been to Malaysia. So funny. As you can all see, he’s clueless. The infrastructure is actually far superior to Thailand. The people are just not very good looking and it’s muslim. That’s why it doesn’t get as many visitors. I bet he’s not even in Southeast Asia.All the other stuff he said is just random stuff he picked out of the air to falsely attribute to someone else in his head. Schizophrenia? Who is talking about airline requirements? Very weird.
Reply to
Jan **********
Reply
Dany ********
What a surprise. You need a valid visa if you want to stay longer in a country. lol… Get detained and deported it you dont comply. Absolutely correct by authorities to deny these people and send them back.
Stef *****
@Dany *******
and the cell looked ok to me 😆Jan **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Dany *******
no you don’t. You obviously can’t read.Dany ********
@Jan *********
yes you need a valid visa IF YOU WANT TO STAY LONGER IN THE COUNTRY. its very well known for many years. you can come on visa exemption once. maybe twice but thats it. Immigration is cracking down on this and rightfully they do so. are you relying on a non official source or what? entering the country is allways up to the officer to grant you access. there is NEVER a guarantee. even a visa will NEVER guarantee you access to any country. any official will tell you these facts….Jan **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Dany *******
i’m not interested in hearing your unofficial understanding. Until there is official statement from Thai, there is no official limit. You don’t seem to understand that’s a problem.Dany ********
@Jan *********
no one here is interested in your unofficial sources and understanding. everyone knows that you will get scrutinized if you border run on visa exemption multiple times and the officials are cracking down on this „visa“ abuse. people are gaming the system and it was about time to deny all those who do that. every official will tell you to get a proper visa for any country. the thai officials say the same ;) try to enter a few times on visa exemptions and the IO will tell you to get a visa… it is well known and no surprise. you are not reporting anything new. its allways up to the officer. people are getting denied for years. there is allways stories like this. but now there is more because they finally do something. great job Thai Immigration. its allways up to the officer and you will not be able to argue any law texts or missing thereof with any official. Just comply with the regulations. if you come multiple times on exemption then thats possible 6+ months in the country. of course the officer will question and doubt that you are comming as a tourist. thats how it has allways been.Jan **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Dany *******
Blah blah, why are you talking about abuse when there is no defined limit with foreigners bringing billions of Thai baht into the system? You have a very sick mind. Do you think foreigners are taking food out the mouth of children because they pay for food, condos and motorcycle taxis? There is something wrong in your head. Oh plz, getting out of immigration is simple as having $50 in your pocket. Just shut up.Dany ********
@Jan *********
you must be new to thailand and its authorities. there is no law that prohibits it, correct. but there will be internal immigration guidelines. in the past there was a 90 days out of 180 days guideline, but that was removed in the past. yet many embassies or foreign ministries list that on their official websites ;) just to give you an example on how things go. thailand is now about to reduce your visa exemption from 60 to 30 days in case you missed the recent news. and the reasons were also stated by multiple stakeholder / ministries. its mainly the abuse of the system. thats why immigration is allready getting very strict on multiple visa exempt entries. the vast majority of tourists dont stay more than a month in thailand. its mostly cheap charly begpackers that don’t contribute as much to the economy that stay many months. for everyone else there is plenty of visa options like DTV, Retirement, etc… its not hard to get a proper visa if you want to stay many many months in a foreign country.Jan **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Dany *******
You continually retreat and attempt to obscure your lack of a cohesive argument with grandiloquent terminology such as "abuse." The stakeholders aim to limit exemption to a duration of 30 days from 60 day. It is unequivocally evident that it is a financial exploitation. Living like a local in Thailand might reduce your expenses by nearly 50%. Expensive transportation, inflated hotel rates, and daily lunches at costly restaurants are unnecessary. You can cook at home and rent a motorbike. So they aim to extract additional funds from travelers. Hotels are incurring financial losses due to foreign individuals who are reserving condominiums at lower rates. Numerous ministers possess hotels and have a vested interest in the sector. That’s what’s going on.Now shut up
Dany ********
@Jan *********
good luck arguing with the thai authorities :D „but but but you didnt write this in the law text“ 🤣🤣 the whole post doesnt make sense as it does not add anything new and is just missleading in a DTV group. if you get a DTV you dont have any problems at all for 5 years.Jan **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Dany *******
Who is arguing with Thai authorities? This post was warning to foreigners. You keep dodging the issue and trying to mask your lack of intelligence and cowardice behind nonsense and false arguments. But I’m the hand of God, so you stand no chance.Dany ********
@Jan *********
lol 🤣🤣 i am not dodging the issue. its well known for many years and especialy in recent weeks and months. nothing new. get a proper visa and all is good and easy. getting multiple / consecutive visa exemption stamps is considered „gaming the system“. living in the country. not a tourist. you would need strong arguments to proof that you are a tourist. and the officer knows that very well. you think they are stupid? you wont be denied because its entry number xyz. you get denied because the officer thinks that you live here or do other shady stuff and dont have a proper visa for your individual situation. its his right to question and deny you in these cases. allways has been.Reply to
Dany ********
Reply
Jan **********
ORIGINAL POSTERAlways keep a bit of extra cash on hand for situations like this with immigration officials
Peter ******
What is this mess ^
Mark *********
YOLO
Anonymous ******************
It’s great that you’re highlighting this. The same thing happened to my friend a few months ago on a student visa. It has always existed, but it’s becoming much more common now.
Tod *********
Anonymous participant 336 there for a while anyone on an ED visa was questioned when exiting/re-entering thailand, BECAUSE if you're here on a visa for education you need to be IN school, not traveling around. 😛 Or that was the immigration officers take on things, PLUS so many of those ED visas were b/s, back door, under the table, sign up get the visa never study types that it just became a magnet for people to abuse the system
Anonymous ******************
@Tod ********
Definitely. I warned him but he's an idiot dreamer 😅 That was an expensive lesson.Tod *********
Anonymous participant 336 yep, I know a guy on an ED visa, (who really went to school 3 hours a day 5 days a week a month at a time)
He lived here with his taiwanese g/f. He went TO Taiwan with her for 5 days, he had a letter from the school saying he could be gone those days as the term was out, he had photos of him IN class and at school activities, he had his text book FROM school with him and he was still denied entry comin' back in. 😮 🙁
They let his taiwan g/f back in but sent him back, he had to fly to KL Malaysia, then go to Penang then cross by land at the Sadao land border to get back in (which he did with no issue at all)
Even now those ED visas are like the "stamp of death" trying to travel on 🙁
He lived here with his taiwanese g/f. He went TO Taiwan with her for 5 days, he had a letter from the school saying he could be gone those days as the term was out, he had photos of him IN class and at school activities, he had his text book FROM school with him and he was still denied entry comin' back in. 😮 🙁
They let his taiwan g/f back in but sent him back, he had to fly to KL Malaysia, then go to Penang then cross by land at the Sadao land border to get back in (which he did with no issue at all)
Even now those ED visas are like the "stamp of death" trying to travel on 🙁
Dany ********
@Tod ********
i didnt had any problem on ED and was even on the second year. its probably bad luck for your friend with an immigration officer on a bad day :(Tod *********
@Dany *******
this was just as the covid restrictions stopped and when TONZ of agents were issuing bs back door ED visas to every one who paid for one Now it's not quite so bad, especially for real students
but
there are still a few schools and immigration offices where people get those year extensions under the table that cause problems
Dany ********
@Tod ********
yes thats true. and DTV is heading the same way. i expect a lot of scrutiny in the past when entering the country on DTV. i would expect that they will also want to see proof of soft power activity.Reply to
Dany ********
Reply
Anna *********
yup or any another appropriate visa😀
Erik *******
DTV is a guarantee unless obtained in some shady way. Stop with the BS.
Adnan ********
there is no guarantee when it comes to having a visa, Immigration officer can deny you no matter what you have, the only guarantee you can have is passport.....
John **********
@Erik ******
no visa is a guarantee, one still needs to satisfy the immigration officerJan **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@John *********
and it might go something like thisReply to
Jan **********
Reply
Anonymous ******************
@Erik ******
It is guaranteed as long as you fulfill your visa requirements. For example, a Muay Thai DTV visa is for those actively attending ongoing Muay Thai classes, but many people still don’t understand this yet. My friend was held in cell for holding a student visa and couldn’t provide proof he was able to speak thai.Tod *********
Anonymous participant 336 NOTHING to do with the DTV visa at all.
Of the TENS of thousands of people on the Destination Thailand Visa, only a handful have been questioned comin' in to the country on them AND most all of those people already had extensive entry/stay histories on free stamp, b/s ED visas, or some other type of entry that flagged them when they stamped in.
STILL
All of those people got in. To my knowledge not a single person on a DTV visa has been denied entry
Of the TENS of thousands of people on the Destination Thailand Visa, only a handful have been questioned comin' in to the country on them AND most all of those people already had extensive entry/stay histories on free stamp, b/s ED visas, or some other type of entry that flagged them when they stamped in.
STILL
All of those people got in. To my knowledge not a single person on a DTV visa has been denied entry
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous participant 336 if you have an education visa for Thai you need to be able to speak Thai. It is well known people used these visas and never went to the classes.
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous participant 668 Oh and I totally agree. My friend is an idiot dreamer.
Reply to
Anonymous ******************
Reply
Erik *******
Anonymous participant 336, I had the ed visa before as well. However, that is different from DTV. But yeah, still got to obtain it in a non-shady way, and do the things properly.
To be fair, checking if someone actually goes to muay thai classes or not, is pretty much impossible. But yeah, you must have them at least booked for some time, not just half a year.
To be fair, checking if someone actually goes to muay thai classes or not, is pretty much impossible. But yeah, you must have them at least booked for some time, not just half a year.
Anonymous ******************
@Erik ******
Sure then we agree. 👍Reply to
Anonymous ******************
Reply
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