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What are the risks of reentry to Thailand on tourist visas if I have a rental contract?
Thailand Visa RulesReentry to ThailandVisa ExemptionsTourist Visa IssuesRental Contracts and ImmigrationExpats in ThailandImmigration Checks at AirportsVisa Renewal Challenges
Mar 14, 2025
a year ago
Fr***
ORIGINAL POSTERUpdate: Got pulled to the side at airport. Warned that they will not accept such visa trips anymore. So was left in with warning that next time only visa, if I want to stay longer then 2 months. So I guess, the visa renewal trips will get harder in future.
I only showed rental contract after the red button was pushed. Because they did not ask about hotel etc, and no question asked about contract.
And in Vietnam, all was checked for onward ticket out of Thailand. About 10 people was pulled aside, some made it throu after paying expensive tickets (onwardticket was to slow) others did not board plane.
^^
I know there are no real answer to this, and it's down to immigration officer.
But I wounder if peoples have been denied entry under same conditions.
Every year, I visit Thailand from January to April. And last 2 years also 1 month in October.
Before I used 60 days tourist visa with extension by immigration office or fly out on 4-5 days trip.
I rent all year apartment because it gives better renting options and I avoid alot of fuss dragging luggage.
I'm currently in Vietnam, and returning today after 4 days trip. For new 60 days.
I have returning ticket to Norway 29 April, so within the new 60 days.
I have rental contract and 20.000thb in cash when entering.
I have zero overstay or any problem with police/immigration. Or never late on renewal
Anyone been denied reentry on such conditions?
Also, what agents/price that offers guarantees on reentry 60 day exemption.
I only showed rental contract after the red button was pushed. Because they did not ask about hotel etc, and no question asked about contract.
And in Vietnam, all was checked for onward ticket out of Thailand. About 10 people was pulled aside, some made it throu after paying expensive tickets (onwardticket was to slow) others did not board plane.
^^
I know there are no real answer to this, and it's down to immigration officer.
But I wounder if peoples have been denied entry under same conditions.
Every year, I visit Thailand from January to April. And last 2 years also 1 month in October.
Before I used 60 days tourist visa with extension by immigration office or fly out on 4-5 days trip.
I rent all year apartment because it gives better renting options and I avoid alot of fuss dragging luggage.
I'm currently in Vietnam, and returning today after 4 days trip. For new 60 days.
I have returning ticket to Norway 29 April, so within the new 60 days.
I have rental contract and 20.000thb in cash when entering.
I have zero overstay or any problem with police/immigration. Or never late on renewal
Anyone been denied reentry on such conditions?
Also, what agents/price that offers guarantees on reentry 60 day exemption.
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user reports complications at the airport concerning reentry to Thailand under a tourist visa exemption. They were warned that such visa trips may not be accepted in the future, especially after showing a rental contract. Community comments emphasize that presenting a long-term rental agreement can lead to misunderstandings about one's status as a tourist, suggesting instead to use hotel reservations for first nights. Others discussed the growing concerns about frequent reentries and provided experiences that reflect recent stricter immigration checks. The conversation includes advice on obtaining proper visas and the importance of not volunteering information that could signal long-term stay intentions.
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Hasan ***********
You showed your rental contract while on a tourist exemption. They did not tell you to show that, you should have booked an onward flight or a cancelable ticket. Same with hotel reservations can book for proof and then cancel after without paying. Simple safe guards like this would have kept you from issues on the bounces.
Fr***
ORIGINAL POSTER@Hasan **********
I did not show contract upfront, only after come to the "sofa". And I did have a legit return ticket to Norway within the new 60 days. And was shown before pulled to the side.Of all my times been in passport control, i have never seen so many peoples been pulled to the side. The officer stated that they will not accept such usage of exemption anymore.
Next time I had to provide Visa. But when asked, the October trip I do, that I never stay more then 5-6 weeks, if I needed visa then, I was told that no, then it will be OK. So confusing.
But for sure, will use agents for border bounce in future if not find different visa or change my trips to 3 and 2 months instead of 4 and 1.
Reply to
Fr***
Reply
Jason ********
My gosh, 4 months a year shouldn't be an issue for immigration, especially not consecutive. Too strict.
Steve *********
Valuable lesson learned. Have a proper visa, entering Thailand. Don't keep trying to push for tourist extentions
Fr***
ORIGINAL POSTERWhen I was pulled to the side, 4 peoples was already sitting there, looked serious and like sitting there a while. Within 5 minutes, 2 more peoples came to sitt there. So I think they are getting strict about the border bounce to get new exemption.
David ********
Having a rental contract would confirm to them that you are unlikely a tourist. Never volunteer information like that. I got harassed even I had been out of Thailand for almost 3 months.
Frank ******
Get a visa and avoid stress
Vinay ********
Can you not get a long term multiple entry visa. Or another visa that suits your circumstances
Todd *********
He got questioned because he showed a year round rental contract… pretty simple folks. Nothing to see here
Fr***
ORIGINAL POSTER@Todd ********
Read again... I show it AFTER getting pulled to the side. And 4 peoples was already sitting there, and within 5 minutes, 2 more joined the "sofa".Todd *********
@Fr***
that’s the job of immigration officers. You weren’t familiar? We can get questioned at any time. And how you respond to those questions will guide whether you get a seat on that bench or not. And producing the lease certainly didn’t help your case at all. So now u may expect to be a bit of a target
Reply to
Todd *********
Reply
THAI ******************************
We offer fast track, and pre-screening services.
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If this is something you need our costs range from 2,000 thb to 7,000 thb depending on the complexity of the case.
You can send our team a message via LINE, or EMAIL:
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Fr***
ORIGINAL POSTER@THAI *****************************
It takes a half day to get answers from you, only to be thrown at stupid robot chat. I never managed to get a simple price from you.THAI ******************************
@Fr***
Please contact over line.On friday we updated our pricing so we had to respond to thousands of people.
Our wait times are better now:
****************************
Reply to
THAI ******************************
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Erick ********
You’ll be fine. Welcome back. Update us so others can see that it’s not all doom n gloom
Nongnuch ********
showing a rental contract at the border is contraproductive, because it proves that you are misusing touristic entries for a longstay! NEVER show them a rental contract. If asked, show them a guesthouse or hotel booking for the first few nights, and after you entered, you can cancel them
Todd *********
@Nongnuch *******
that was definitely the foolish move hereFr***
ORIGINAL POSTER@Todd ********
Contract was shown after getting pulled to the sideTodd *********
@Fr***
understood. Happens to some I think. If you show a contract though, you are essentially proving to them you are not there for tourism. Now, they know in your case and likely added a note to the fileReply to
Todd *********
Reply
Nongnuch ********
@Todd ********
while I know there are hundreds of people who hold yearly rental contracts and keep coming for multiple short holidays - it needs to be considered carefully what you claim your next accomodation is gonna be, if you get pulled aside and get interrogated about your intentions.Reply to
Nongnuch ********
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Kevin ******
Just did Cambodia boarder run for the 2nd time and went ok and got 60 visa. You should be ok
Fr***
ORIGINAL POSTER@Kevin *****
with agent?Reply to
Fr***
Reply
Clare *******
They will always let you in one last time with a warning to not do it again consider yourself warned and just don't do it again
Johnny *********
@Clare ******
YeahReply to
Johnny *********
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Simon ********************
With that history, you'll be fine. Absolute worst case scenario agent hits the red button, you get brought to the side for a little talk and eventually let you in.
Terence ******
Why you not offer tea money
Brian *********
No you will be fine - you are reading too much scaremongering going on in this thread as my friend
Anna *********
@Brian ********
haha really. Did you read the edit where the OP was issued a warning That should be evidence enoughLynnette *******
@Anna ********
don't bother trying to talk sense to that guy. He's determined to twist everything that's said. Airlines can ask for proof of onward travel, often don't, but if they do and you've nothing to show they can, if they wish, deny boarding. Thai immigration is a different matter.Brian *********
@An**
an edit hmmm 🤔Reply to
Brian *********
Reply
Clare *******
@Brian ********
your times coming they get you soon or later they just pull you in the back room hold you up for about 3-4 hours ask you a million questions give you a warning and note it in the computer and let you in if you've been following the rules and no over stays prior,they got me and my wife and kids few years back we thought it wouldn't be a problem flying in but we were wrong they accused us of taking advantage of the tourist visaAnna *********
@Clare ******
exactly and immigration is clamping down on this even more nowReply to
Anna *********
Reply
Lynnette *******
@Brian ********
it's not scaremongering. Sound advice.Brian *********
@Lynn****
based on what ?Joseph ****
@Brian ********
OP, himself, said he was warned this time. The IO didn't just do that for his jollies.Lynnette *******
@Brian ********
why do you have such a problem with accurate information? You seem determined to mislead people. 🤷Brian *********
@Lynn****
nope I’m just sick of no alls who know FA being so stupid and silly with comments. Don’t like my comments scroll on by dear. It’s not my fault you love attention by saying it’s gonna go to shit. Thailand relies so much on these entries - they have a massive economic pressure and you sit here on your keyboard saying they will deny people entering. Read the economics of the situation rather than jump on the scaremongering bandwagonLynnette *******
@Brian ********
good grief. You sit on your keyboard writing angry posts, twisting what's been said and think others are attention seeking. Lol. No one said they are denying people in Thailand and the country's going to shit. No one said that. There's something wrong with you. Seriously wrong. It's the airlines that can, if they wish, require to see proof of leaving the country. It's a fact. You may not like it but that's just too bad. Thai immigration can, should they wish, ask for proof of leaving the country when people enter with a one way ticket. I doubt it happens often. It's not scaremongering to let people know so they make an informed decision.Brian *********
@Lynn****
wow is your middle name the OracleLynnette *******
@Brian ********
there you go again. Ranting nonsense. No idea why admin let you constantly post nonsense and abuse. Oracle? It doesn't take an oracle to know the facts about airline travel.Anna *********
@Lynnette ******
there’s always one 😂Lynnette *******
@Brian ********
based on the fact that some people have been asked to show proof of leaving country. It's a question any airline can ask you to show. . and deny you boarding if they wish. That's why there's a cheap "onward ticket" trick some people use. You may not like that fact but that's your problem.Reply to
Lynnette *******
Reply
Andy ************
@Brian ********
It's not scaremongering. It's simply making the OP aware of what might happen. There seems to be a bit of a surge in denials and/or warnings since the exempt was pushed up to 60 daysBrian *********
@An**
show me the evidence - but you won’tAndy ************
@Brian ********
Have a look through the expat Thailand groups. Plenty of reports.Brian *********
@An**
anon lolAndy ************
@Brian ********
They're all anon these days lol.Reply to
Andy ************
Reply
Michael ********
Rental contract to me doesnt say you are tourist, despite the reasons, i wouldnt even show this to them
Fr***
ORIGINAL POSTER@Michael *******
I gave it to them and no question askedReply to
Fr***
Reply
Rene ******
Rental contract doesnt show that you are a tourist but looks like you are a long stayer. Maybe book a refundable hotel? (Not fair for the hotel though)
Fr***
ORIGINAL POSTER@Rene *****
The thought have crossed my mind. But, simple answer is I have alot of stuff, like scuba gear, bicycle etc because I am here winter to to work out due to body problems in winter. And the best apartment have 1 year contract. I have shown contract before and no question was askedSteven *******
@Fr***
Nobody is saying not to have an apartment. They are saying don’t tell the IO you have an apartment. Tourists don’t sign one year leases on an apartment.Graham ******
@Fr***
Before is not now, things changed last JulyReply to
Graham ******
Reply
Brian *********
@Re**
why oh why does it matterRalph *******
@Brian ********
Because renting a place on a one year lease does not look like tourism. It looks like an attempt to live in the country.Reply to
Ralph *******
Reply
Ralph *******
@Rene *****
Not many are refundable on the day.Reply to
Ralph *******
Reply
Anna *********
Eventually you will be denied but no one will know when Good luck
Brian *********
@An**
who says this and why would he be denied he’s a genuine use of visa exempt or tourist visa ? So why would he be denied eventually - please explain to those not as knowledgeable as you clearly areTez ******
@Brian ********
tourists travel Stayers stay.Anna *********
@Brian ********
lots if people including immigration officers say this as the OP could be perceived as not being a tourist and abusing the system. Eventually a longer term visa will be required and voila it happened 🤣🤣Sam *****
@Brian ********
well we had been coming and going over3 years, time at home other countries in between. We couldn’t have been using a tourist visa more appropriately to its name. But last time got pulled in and we’re pretty much told, no more. Get an appropriate visa.Brian *********
@S**
so what is your appropriate visa ?Sam *****
@Brian ********
OA seems the best option for us.Fr***
ORIGINAL POSTER@Sam ****
i have been using 60 day visa. But after 60 days exemption there is no more need for visaAndy ************
@Fr***
The difference is (and this is known to border immigration officers) is one you have paid for, the other is free. It appears that immigration officers do not like those entering frequently on free entriesIan ********
@Andy ***********
That's my exactly my thoughts too . They have realised how much money they could be making if all those visa exempt entries became paid for by visa fees . It's not they don't want people to visit they just want to make more money .Reply to
Ian ********
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Jay *********
If you were just in Thailand 4 days ago and you previously stayed in Thailand a full 60 days on visa exempt, you might be denied entry or given a warning and told to get a visa since they don't consider this to be tourist behavior and are cracking down on repeat 60 day visa free entries. Best of luck to you.
Lawrence ********
@Jay ********
I understand this, but then why even bother changing the visa exempt and allowing at least 1 re-entry officially on the books if they're going to turn around and pull this bullshit?While simultaneously putting out statements about how they want to "Attract More Tourism". Let's build casinos, let's ease more visa restrictions for this country and that country, let's attract MORE tourists this way and thay way. Honestly sounds like they can't tell their heads from their A-holes.
And some point people will just start saying well F you and F Thailand, I'll spend my money on your neighboring competitors and turn right around. And I wouldn't blame them one bit.
Jay *********
@Lawrence *******
at the end of the day, the visa-free entry is designed to allow you to visit once and then eventually if you want to stay longer you have to get a visa. You're still getting the free entry you were promised, you just can't use it over and over again because the length of time you're staying overall reflects the need for a longer term visa. If you're staying in the country long enough to become a tax resident, (180 days) in the eyes of the government, that's not tourism. If you don't like it, you're free to go somewhere else, as you said.Lawrence ********
@Jay ********
personally, I've only been in the country once in my entire life, this year. So the using visa-free entry "over and over" again thing doesn't apply to me. But I have planned on returning once this year after spending some time in other SEA countries, then returning back to NYC for a while.It's the inconsistency of clear communication that annoys me. But then again, that's Thailand I guess. Say one thing do everything else. 🤷🏻♂️
Jay *********
@Lawrence *******
of course I didn't mean you personally, it's the widespread practice of many others spending nearly 200 days a year in this country on visa free entries when a long-term visa is more appropriate that the Thai government is specifically trying to address with these policies. As someone who lives in Thailand I feel that the communication is fairly consistent. Foreigners are welcome to come here as a tourist and do what the Thai government considers tourist activities, but living here for hundreds of days on visa free entries that are designated for tourism is not one of them.Lawrence ********
@Jay ********
I agree with you on those points.Reply to
Lawrence ********
Reply
Fr***
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jay ********
was given warningJay *********
@Fr***
as expectedReply to
Jay *********
Reply
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