What are the rules and limitations regarding visa exemption entries to Thailand?

October 13, 2019
5 years ago
Darren **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I have a question about visa exemption please.

I hear you can have 6 per year by air, 2 by land and 3 within any 12 month rolling period. My question is what dates is it from January-January

Or what?
1,287
views
4
likes
36
all likes
17
replies
2
images
7
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion highlights the confusion and varying interpretations regarding the limits of visa exemption entries for Thailand. It details claims about the number of exemptions allowed per year (6 by air, 2 by land), the concept of a rolling 12-month period, and discrepancies between different sources of information. Various comments reflect on personal experiences with entry denials, the impact of rumored regulations, and the lack of clear guidance from official Thai sources. The conversation suggests that potential long-term visitors should consider obtaining a proper visa to avoid complications.
Tod *********
and this is coming up more and more because some consulate websites list the b/s 3 months in 6 or 6 months in a year imaginary rule.

It's the same imaginary rule that immigration officers use to deny people yet (or it's what they tell them anyway) but as Robert pointed out there is NO rule in Section 12 of the immigration act (the denial of entry section) that says "too much time on tourist visas or visa exempt entries).

Most people will not appeal the decision because it takes up to 3 days for the appeals process (not counting weekends and/or holidays) and you have to be in the airport lock up all that time.
Shay ******
My mate got turned away at Swampy a few weeks ago. Had gone for a weekend in Phnom Penh and had had 3 back to back one-month stamps. Was locked up for a night and forced to buy a ticket back to PP.
Robert *******
input is advice to help people, rumors are for bar talk. I do not pick comment to bits if it is advice. But have a good day, as you can still read the comments but I helped you with your decision that you will no longer comment on this page. Good bye.
Robert *******
no, as moderator i find it important that comments are based on facts not on rumors. You've seen the stamp, nice but there is NO reason denied for using three Visa Exempt Entries, as you can see on this list of reasons of deny as listed in Section12
Shay ******
@Benjamin *****
Exactly what I have mentioned twice in this thread.
Robert *******
i see, so he does not like to tell why he is denied entry. oh well another one who just like to start rumors about being denied with three entries and being forced to buy a ticket out Thailand.
Robert *******
nice story, but why did he get refused entry? And sorry but if your entry is denied, you do not get a suite at the Hilton Hotel and a flight to a destination of you choice as thank you gift from the Thai Government.
James ********
Good Luck
Marty *********
If you are planning to be here more than a couple of months during the year then you should look into getting a proper visa.
Darren **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Marty ********
,

Robert the reason I got a SETV was so I could open a thai bank account. I guess I’m better off getting another SETV in my home country then travel to other countries first then Thailand last for 2 months. I thought I was doing no wrong after reading the Thai consulate in hull Uk but glad I came on here so thanks for everyone’s help.
Robert *******
my thoughts are just a new calculator. You stayed already using a SETV which gives you 60 days plus 30 days Extension of Stay, 1 Visa Exempt Entry 30 plus 30 day but out of these possible 150 days plus the 28 days in December you only stayed 16 days inside Thailand. The Immigration database shows all your entries and exits, the decision is made by the officer as he/she has a clear overview of your history in Thailand.
James ********
@Marty ********
absolutely ! But for some reason, many do not 😢
Darren **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Marty ********
i might be but it will be 2 separate trips. I seen on thai consulate website in Hull uk I can have three visa exemptions within any 6 month period so If possible I don’t want to buy another SETV and then decide to go to another country like I did in June.
Amornrat **********
wrong. The only law they have in place is land border visa exempt TWO in one calendar year.
Darren **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Amornrat *********
it says 3 by air in 6 months in Hull UK consulate. They are wrong?
Amornrat **********
In principle no problem, some of the southern border are hard core and require you to show THB
*****
cash, onward travel and booked accomodation. Other than that have a nice holiday.
Darren **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Amornrat *********
Thanks for pointing that out I didn’t no. This year I came on a SETV and went to Burma then returned to Thailand on visa exemption then went back home to the UK July 11th and plan on returning end of November. I’m Flying from Uk-Turkey-KL then entering Thailand via a neighbouring country and possibly staying for up to 30-60 days no plan yet. If I stay for up to 60 days I’m wondering what my chances are getting in with 2 rolling exemptions and already had 1 SETV and 1 exception in June/July 2019.
Thai Visa Advice
... members · 40% approval rate
The Thai Visa Advice group is a specialized Q&A forum for visa-related topics in Thailand, ensuring detailed responses.
Join the Group
Thai Visa Advice
View the Conversation
Thai Visa Advice