What are the risks of re-entering Thailand with a visa exemption after multiple entries on a TR visa?

Question

Hello,
I was on TR visa, then extended for 30 days then used 4 covid amnisties. 
I need to go back to France for 1 week. My plan is to come back with a visa exemption and then apply for an ED visa here.
From previous posts, I see a risk to be denied entry (policy of 6 months in a calendar year or a rolling 12 months). Language schools told me immigration is unlikely to stop me at Bangkok airport.
How many chances are there that I will have problems with immigration at airport ? And can I mitigate that risk ?
Thank you

Ask Thailand · Answer

The user is concerned about potential issues with Thai immigration when re-entering the country on a visa exemption after having used a TR visa and COVID amnisties. Comments suggest that while there is technically no rule against frequent entries, some immigration officers may scrutinize cases, particularly if there are multiple visa-exempt entries within a short timeframe. To mitigate risks, it is advised to carry sufficient cash (20,000 baht), have an onward flight booked, and provide proof of accommodation. One commenter shared a personal experience of facing difficulties upon re-entry, indicating the potential for increased scrutiny and possible consequences if the immigration officers deem the circumstances suspicious.

Emmanuel ******* · Answer

[mention redacted]

To follow up on this.

I just came back to Thailand after 10 days home. I had a very unpleasant 2h discussion with immigration officers in BKK. They wanted to deport me, I had to show my money, bank accounts, condo rental contract, called Thai friends who vouched for me.

Eventually, they gave me 30days and a warning that it’s the last time I enter Thailand with visa exemption or a TR visa. They put me on a watch list and threatened to blacklist me for life if I come back with TR or exempt.

They told me my options now are Elite, work visa or married visa. For ED visa, they threatened to watch me and deport me.

Hope this will help others who might be in the same situation.

Bobby ******** · Answer

There is no 6-month rule (in the days of border bouncing, it was perfectly legal and acceptable to get almost nine months from a TR multiple entry visa, plus at the monent the STV also gives nine months). Some immigration offices use it as a rule of thumb with multiple visa-exempt entries. If they are unhappy with allowing entry, they MIGHT look for something else, and that is when they enact the 20,000 baht cash rule, OR the "no onward flight" rule, so just do as Stuart has suggested and cover all bases.

Steve ******* · Answer

You shouldnt have any problems coming back visa exempt, there is no 6 month rule.

Nigel ********* · Answer

Can you not get a re entry permit for your "unable to travel due to COVID" extension?

Stuart ********* · Answer

Technically there is no rule for how many entries by air you can have in a year. However the immigration officer you hand your passport to will decide. To mitigate any issues you may have, make sure you have 20,000 baht in CASH or equivalent currency, an onward flight within 30 days and proof of accommodation. A cheapie flight like Phuket to Singapore will suffice or use an onward ticket service.

What are the risks of re-entering Thailand with a visa exemption after multiple entries on a TR visa?

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