What are the rules for staying in Thailand under visa exemptions and do they reset with a new year?

Visa Exemptions Thailand Immigration Rules Visa Types Entry Denial Visa Application Tourist Visa

Dec 18, 2024

8 hours ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

I want to add that this is a standard rule in other countries, which is why I wonder if Thailand also has this.

What is the general rule regarding staying in Thailand under visa exemptions? I was recently denied entry after spending a total of around 150 days in Thailand over the past few months using visa exemptions.

My question is: does this reset when the new calendar year begins, or will immigration still see my previous stays in their system and deny me entry unless I obtain a proper visa?

Thanks!

2,474

views

likes

all likes

replies

images

users

TLDR : Answer Summary

The general rule for visa exemptions in Thailand does not 'reset' at the start of a new calendar year. Each entry reflects the individual's history of stays, and immigration can see prior entries and any rejections. If a traveler frequently enters Thailand using visa exemptions and stays for extended periods, immigration may suspect them of attempting to live in the country without a proper visa. It's suggested to apply for an appropriate visa if the intent is to stay longer in Thailand.

Aake **********

Get a proper visa

5 hours ago

Christopher *************

Another chancer🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️

6 hours ago

Tim *********

I suspect Thai Immigration suspects you work here because your Insta account has over 4k followers, says you live "TKY - BKK" and is full of pics taken in Thailand. But that's just my hunch 🤷‍♂️

7 hours ago

James ********

@Tim ********

touché! 😂

7 hours ago

Reply to

James ********

John **********

There is no general rule other than you needing a visa that's appropriate for your stay. 150 days is obviously not normal tourism, and was seen as such by the immigration officer that denied you entry. That denial will now be in the system so I'd suggest keeping away from tourist visa if you try and re-enter, perhaps the DTV would work for you.

7 hours ago

Michael ********

I dont know whats on your social media maybe there was something there that flagged you as working or saying you living here. They do checks on this

7 hours ago

Frankie *******

Don't overstay or cross illegally this is not mexico

7 hours ago

Sarah ***************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Frankie ******

haha I have never overstayed neither plan to

7 hours ago

James ********

@Sarah **************

the IO obviously thought you had overstayed on your use of visa exempt …..

7 hours ago

Graham ******

@James *******

Overstay in Immigration terms has a completely more serious meaning

5 hours ago

James ********

@Graham *****

in immigration terms she had overstayed her use of the method of entry and was denied entry …. Quite serious enough for Sarah Somebody .. as she’s made evident in her posts …. Same issue different stamp in passport

5 hours ago

Reply to

James ********

Frankie *******

@Sarah **************

ok come n stay with me u don't need any visa or permit

7 hours ago

Reply to

Frankie *******

Paul ***********

There isNo reset it's upto the individual IO and you have been pinged in the system now.. And on record in the computer

8 hours ago

Sarah ***************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Paul **********

I understand that now. It’s different to other countries then, thanks

7 hours ago

Reply to

Sarah ***************

James ********

More than likely, especially if they suspect you of working

8 hours ago

Ning ******

@James *******

they suspect everyone of working lol.... if you stay more than 30 days, you might be working.

7 hours ago

Sarah ***************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Ning *****

Lol I’m a full time online student and showed them proof of financial support/savings, they absolutely should not be thinking that I am working

7 hours ago

Reply to

Sarah ***************

Ning ******

It depends on your luck, but seems that they have a new head at most place in nov. It just got much harder.

8 hours ago

Sarah ***************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Ning *****

ohhh really? That would make sense to be honest

8 hours ago

Reply to

Sarah ***************

Lynnette *******

They will wonder why you are border bouncing with visa exempt so many times, which suggests you're trying to live in Thailand without getting a proper visa.

8 hours ago

Terrance *******

Get a visa from an embassy or reach out to a reputable agency to see if they can assist you. Those are your only 2 options at this point. There is no secret method that you are missing out on by making more posts.

8 hours ago

Sarah ***************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Terrance ******

I’m not trying to find a secret method. This is a standard rule in other countries.

8 hours ago

Terrance *******

@Sarah **************

Yes but your exempt dates being so close is going to be a huge problem no matter what in this case. I’d recommend getting with an agency at this point but you’re always free to try your hand at applying for visa through an embassy. Whatever you chose, I’d strongly recommend against trying to get another exemption at the beginning of the new year. Best of luck.

8 hours ago

Sarah ***************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Terrance ******

you are right, I agree. Thank you

7 hours ago

Reply to

Sarah ***************

Greta *****

If you want to stay up to 180 days each time without worrying about immigration just apply for DTV

8 hours ago

Steve ****

1). Yes any IO will see you previous entries and your rejection if you return

2). There are no guarantees. They may still actually let you in. They may not.

Best to get a proper visa

8 hours ago

Greta *****

There is one general rule when it comes down to Thai immigration. It's very simple - DO NOT PUSH YOUR LUCK!

8 hours ago

Tony ********

@Greta ****

gay

6 hours ago

Reply to

Tony ********

Ken ***********

There are no hard and fast rules but the tracking of your visits does not reset with the new year.

8 hours ago

Brandon ************

There is no "reset"

Each entry is at the discretion of the immigration officer. If they think you're abusing tourist entries (visa exempt or tourist visa) and trying to live in Thailand, then they're going to deny entry. Just because the number at the end of the year changes doesn't change how much time you've been spending in Thailand. One immigration officer may let you in but the next one over might deny entry. There's no hard and fast rule.

8 hours ago

Reply to

Brandon ************

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

... members · 60% approval rate

The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.

Join the Group

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

View the Conversation

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

Can I enter Thailand in January on a visa exemption after multiple previous entries?

34 comments