What are the rules regarding the length of absence from Thailand needed to avoid issues when re-entering after using covid extensions?

Question

I've seen a few anecdotal reports recently of people who have remained in Thailand for an extended time on covid extensions, who have recently left the country for a week or two, but have then been denied a regular tourist visa/exemption when they wish to come back here again
I understand that this is to prevent 'visa run' abuses of the system, which is fair enough. But are there any rules for how long you have to be out of the country before your next holiday here, just to be sure you don't accidentally fall foul of this?

Ask Thailand · Answer

Recent anecdotal reports suggest that individuals who have used COVID extensions and then left Thailand for a short time may face challenges when trying to re-enter with a regular tourist visa or exemption. There seems to be no official minimum time required outside the country before returning, but experiences vary based on the discretion of immigration officers. Observations indicate that having a proper Tourist Visa rather than using the visa exemption program might ease entry. Respectful behavior and proper documentation are also crucial when clearing immigration.

Robert ******* · Answer

And before each and everybody of the 44.000 members going to share their own experience to enter Thailand, I close it down.

There is no limit on Visa Exempt Entries, Visa on Arrival, bilateral agreements or even on Tourist visa.

There is no minimum time people have to stay abroad.

But there is common sense, not everybody wins the lotery every two months to provide him/her self with a luxury live in Thailand. Most people do have to work to gain income.

Get the correct visa, apply for Extension of Stay and all the jumping around is over and you are legally in the country.

Good luck.

Brandon ************ · Answer

Here's my story for reference.

I entered Thailand December 2020 on a tourist visa and was the first person in Bangkok to utilize the new ability to change to an ED visa inside the country. I then studied Thai (the actual reason I wanted to come to Thailand) for 9 months. My visa expired about 2 weeks before I was leaving the country so I cancelled my ED in October 2021 and switched to Covid extension for 2 weeks and then returned to my home country.

Four months later (February 2022) I applied for a Tourist Visa to visit Thailand again but with no plans of staying a long time like my last visit.

At the airport on 3 March I was pulled out of line, asked a lot of questions, asked to show a lot of documents including my flight home, where I was staying after quarantine, and how much money I had.

After talking to the officers in Thai and convincing them I was actually here on holiday, they let me return to line as one of the very last people in my arriving flight.

So it seems they're giving extra scrutiny to almost everyone at this point.

Marguyvin ********** · Answer

From what I have read, it seems to really depend on the temperament of both the IO at the airport desk when you arrive, and also your own. (E.g. be respectful, dressed decently, etc.).  It is also much better to have a TR visa rather than entering using the visa exemption program. IMHO

What are the rules regarding the length of absence from Thailand needed to avoid issues when re-entering after using covid extensions?

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