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What are the risks of entry requirements for expats returning to Thailand on a TMVE visa?

TMVE Visa Thailand Immigration Visa Extension METV Visa Visa Regulations Border Control Procedures

Oct 25, 2023

3 years ago

Youssef ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi, today while coming back from Penang Malaysia to phuket after 60days in Phuket on TVME they asked me about return ticket and took me to the investigation office where the officer told me that when you get two TMVE under one year it look suspicious and you will be investigated each time, so i booked a return ticket 22nd December, my visa will end on 16th January 2024 and was planning to go to immigration office to extend for one month but after this incident i'm starting to doubt that i'll get the extension!

i'm thinking next time to enter by land. is it the same thing or are they less strict?

Thank you

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TLDR : Answer Summary

An expat returning to Thailand on a TMVE (Tourist Visa Multi-Entry) faced an investigation due to having two TMVE entries within a year, raising suspicion of living in the country on a tourist visa. Despite having a return ticket booked, the expat is concerned about securing a visa extension and is considering entering Thailand by land to avoid stricter scrutiny. Responses indicate that entering by air may incur similar risks if perceived as residing in Thailand on tourist visas.

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Tod *********

you always run the risk of being asked for onward travel IF you enter by air AND they think you're living here on METV's

and

that is especially true if you have gotten TWO metv's back to back in a single year..

You're definitely living here on tourist visa entries and that is what they are trying to stop people from doing.

If all you're doing is activating another entry on an METV, (not staying in the other country any length of time like a "real tourist" would do) just bounce by land out and back

3 years ago

Youssef ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thank you

@Tod ********

appreciate your answer, will definitely come back by land next time.

3 years ago

Youssef ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Wi**

yes i'm thinking ED or work permit but will try land next time and see because i want to spend what's left in that visa before going back home.

3 years ago

Will ************

@Youssef *******

with 2 METV in your passport you will probably need a proper long term visa. Living in Thailand full time on visa exempt or tourist visas is eventually not going to work and you will be denied entry by air or land

3 years ago

Reply to

Will ************

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