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What challenges might I face with visa-exempt entry to Thailand based on previous entry history?
Visa Exempt EntryThailand Visa RulesImmigration AdviceEntry HistoryTravel ConcernsVisa StatusThai Immigration Policy
Jan 7, 2026
4 months ago
Friendly*********
ORIGINAL POSTERHi everyone,
I’d like to get some feedback regarding visa-exempt entry to Thailand, as I know immigration has become stricter recently and decisions can be at the discretion of the officer.
I’m planning to enter Thailand on January 14, 2026, by air, coming directly from my home country.
Here is my previous entry history (all by air):
- Nov 15, 2024 → Jan 13, 2025 (visa exempt)
- Apr 29, 2025 → Jun 27, 2025 (visa exempt)
- Sep 24, 2025 → Dec 22, 2025 (visa exempt + 30-day extension)
Additional info:
- I have never overstayed
- I have never done any border runs
- I always enter Thailand by air, not by land
Given this history, do you think entering again on a visa-exempt in January 2026 should be okay, or could this raise concerns with immigration?
Thanks a lot for your insights 🙏
I’d like to get some feedback regarding visa-exempt entry to Thailand, as I know immigration has become stricter recently and decisions can be at the discretion of the officer.
I’m planning to enter Thailand on January 14, 2026, by air, coming directly from my home country.
Here is my previous entry history (all by air):
- Nov 15, 2024 → Jan 13, 2025 (visa exempt)
- Apr 29, 2025 → Jun 27, 2025 (visa exempt)
- Sep 24, 2025 → Dec 22, 2025 (visa exempt + 30-day extension)
Additional info:
- I have never overstayed
- I have never done any border runs
- I always enter Thailand by air, not by land
Given this history, do you think entering again on a visa-exempt in January 2026 should be okay, or could this raise concerns with immigration?
Thanks a lot for your insights 🙏
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is seeking guidance on entering Thailand on a visa-exempt basis, noting concerns about the increasing strictness of immigration policies and their entry history. Based on their previous entries and comments from others, it appears that while they may face scrutiny at immigration, especially due to their length of stay prior to the upcoming entry, they could still be admitted. However, suggestions include having the necessary paperwork, proof of funds, and an onward ticket ready to show upon arrival.
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Nongnuch ********
RESET ? there is no reset . . by TOD DANIELS
This is what the „Visa Guru“ of all Thailand related groups has posted today.
“ATTENTION ALL MEMBERS
"Reset" on 60 day visa exempt entries
Okay everyone, seeing as the New Year has rolled around and I've had a chance to contact several border bounce companies who take people to land borders for visa exempt entries, and as well have talked to a number of people denied entry at the airports flying back in, I thought it was about time for an update.
It would appear from the many many MANY people being denied entry flying in visa exempt that there was no reset for air entry Visa exempt stamps once the year rolled over.
In fact, what it actually looks like is – Thai Immigration officers at passport control will look at your previous entry/stay history and more importantly looking at the number of days spent in Thailand during the previous running year before your arrival.
Example you show up on January 8th they will look at all your entry/stay history until January 8th last year. 😮
There are reports that some officers are bandying about the number 150 days in country. If you have hit that number during the previous year, you will most likely will be denied entry coming in on a free stamp by air.
Note: this appears to be sporadic and does not happen all the time. Your experience might vary
Now for at least some good news:
It does appear that for visa exempt land entries the count did indeed "reset". People who have bounced out and back after the New Year were told they could get two free stamp (visa exempt) entries by land this year.
Also we are getting less and less reports of people being told they can only get a 7-Day extension on a visa exempt entry, and there are also reports that even from a visa exempt entry by land people were able to get a 30-day extension like normal
You might remember that there were postings saying visa exempt land entries could not be extended at all.
Some border bouncers are reporting that they were asked for proof of onward travel within 60 days and proof of funds 20k baht or the equivalent (in CASH), but again these are sporadic reports not consistent with any border crossing, or nationality.
Keep in mind people that at this time all the Cambodia/Thai land borders are still closed.
Also, the only Burma border with Thailand that's open for foreigners for out/back travel is the one at the Ranong pier with Kawthaung.
That's all I got people.. I wanted to wait until I had at least some idea of what's going on from a few different sources.
Best of luck with it, everyone a safe and healthy New Year as well”
Thank you for the update, Tod Daniels
This is what the „Visa Guru“ of all Thailand related groups has posted today.
“ATTENTION ALL MEMBERS
"Reset" on 60 day visa exempt entries
Okay everyone, seeing as the New Year has rolled around and I've had a chance to contact several border bounce companies who take people to land borders for visa exempt entries, and as well have talked to a number of people denied entry at the airports flying back in, I thought it was about time for an update.
It would appear from the many many MANY people being denied entry flying in visa exempt that there was no reset for air entry Visa exempt stamps once the year rolled over.
In fact, what it actually looks like is – Thai Immigration officers at passport control will look at your previous entry/stay history and more importantly looking at the number of days spent in Thailand during the previous running year before your arrival.
Example you show up on January 8th they will look at all your entry/stay history until January 8th last year. 😮
There are reports that some officers are bandying about the number 150 days in country. If you have hit that number during the previous year, you will most likely will be denied entry coming in on a free stamp by air.
Note: this appears to be sporadic and does not happen all the time. Your experience might vary
Now for at least some good news:
It does appear that for visa exempt land entries the count did indeed "reset". People who have bounced out and back after the New Year were told they could get two free stamp (visa exempt) entries by land this year.
Also we are getting less and less reports of people being told they can only get a 7-Day extension on a visa exempt entry, and there are also reports that even from a visa exempt entry by land people were able to get a 30-day extension like normal
You might remember that there were postings saying visa exempt land entries could not be extended at all.
Some border bouncers are reporting that they were asked for proof of onward travel within 60 days and proof of funds 20k baht or the equivalent (in CASH), but again these are sporadic reports not consistent with any border crossing, or nationality.
Keep in mind people that at this time all the Cambodia/Thai land borders are still closed.
Also, the only Burma border with Thailand that's open for foreigners for out/back travel is the one at the Ranong pier with Kawthaung.
That's all I got people.. I wanted to wait until I had at least some idea of what's going on from a few different sources.
Best of luck with it, everyone a safe and healthy New Year as well”
Thank you for the update, Tod Daniels
Angelo ***********
@Nongnuch *******
This is utterly wrong. Land border crossings reset at a new year.
Entries by air have no limits.
Facepalm.
Reply to
Angelo ***********
Reply
Todd *********
No problem at all. Have your onward ticket in hand.
Petrov ********
Better to travel from country around Thailand. If they decide to send you back will send you in Vietnam for example. If you fly from your home country have to pay return thicket to your country .
Kate *******
Honestly, it could go either way, is the cost really worth risking, to fly with the uncertainty? Just get a suitable visa.
Mark *************************
Ive seen people getting kicked back for less. Really depends on the officer. Spend a little more on a fast track agent.
Todd *********
@Mark ************************
‘getting kicked out for less’… no you haven’tMark *************************
@Todd ********
keep spouting shit like you know me.Todd *********
@Mark ************************
keep spouting literal bullshit and you can count on getting called out for it…Mark *************************
@Todd ********
and you call this calling out? Bahahahahahahahahahahaha! Keep talkin while you can, you cupid stunt. But thats all you are good at, seeing the horse poop you comment everywhere like a knowitall. Bahahahahahahhahahahahahaha! Farangs... Bahahahahahahahahahahahaha, all talk no action. 🤡Todd *********
@Mark ************************
😂😂😂oh look another moron in full spaz mode.Mark *************************
@Todd ********
yup, thought so. Thats all you can do. Internet warrior. Such a pariah.Mark *************************
@Todd ********
thats the best you've got, knowitall farang? Bahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha! Try harder, pariah.Todd *********
@Mark ************************
#owned.Reply to
Todd *********
Reply
John **********
Why risk it. Get an appropriate visa for the purposes of your travel
Tim ********
You will certainly get pulled aside for interview, I suggest having a solid itinerary on paper for at least two weeks and return ticket booked, you can later cancel or re schedule.
Todd *********
@Tim *******
almost zero chance he gets pulled asideTim ********
@Todd ********
he has spent over 150 days in the last year on visa exemption but okay im sure you're an expert.Todd *********
@Tim *******
correct on both countsReply to
Todd *********
Reply
Angelo ***********
All entries resetted with the new year.
There never was a rule about "how often you can enter" via air anyway.
So you are fine.
There never was a rule about "how often you can enter" via air anyway.
So you are fine.
Angelo ***********
Not sure why some bright guy gives a laughing smile. Entries are by "calendar year" and reset at 1st of each year.
And there never was a limit for entering by air.
So?
And there never was a limit for entering by air.
So?
Luc ************
@Angelo **********
hilarious. There's no reset buddy!Nongnuch ********
Visa-exempt entries themselves are not limited, even though you believe that unlimited visa-free entries are possible by air. This is simply not true
Nongnuch ********
@Angelo **********
there is no reset. Nothing resets on January 1st. You are wrong. That's why we are laughingAngelo ***********
@Nongnuch *******
Every 2 border runs per year is per "Calender year".And the Calendar year starts at 1st of January, each year.
You are welcome.
Nongnuch ********
@Angelo **********
The only thing that is limited to two within a one-year period, is the extension of the 60 days from a visa-exempt entry. You are able to get a 30-days extension on the first, and a 7-day extension on the second visa-exempt entry 60 days.
There is no "reset" because the Immigration officer will look at your complete stamp history of the recent 12 months in order to determine if you are milking the visa-free system or not.
There is no calendar year barrier.
This 12-months stamp history does not vanish at the end of a calendar year 😂😅😂
Your complete entry and stay history is connected to your profile, which is stored on the central computer of Immigration, and it stays there.
A new year does not delete this history, what makes you think so?
Angelo ***********
@Nongnuch *******
That is completely utterly wrong.Nongnuch ********
@Angelo **********
up to you, you will soon find out that you are in the wrongNongnuch ********
@Angelo **********
you will soon find out that this is not trueReply to
Nongnuch ********
Reply
Nongnuch ********
@Angelo **********
*** There is no "reset".*** There is no mention of "calendar year".
*** There is no two-times limit on visa-exempt entries within a one-year period.
In case you have heard such drivel from out of the mouth of an Immigration officer, this officer will soon learn that what he said just can’t be true.
What actually counts is: There are only two extensions on visa-exempt entries possible, within a 1-year period.
The first extension will be issued for 30 days, the extension for a second visa-exempt entry will be issued for 7 days
You can theoretically do 4, 5 or even 6 visa exempt entries for short 2-3 weeks holidays, within a one-year period, if you never maximize each stay.
Of course, upon each entry, you should be able to proof your onward travel, a few nights of a booked accomodation and proof of cash equivalent of 20,000 THB
You should refrain from thinking in terms of "calendar year"
I would rather say that all visa-exempt stays within the recent "1-year period" will be considered when you attempt another visa-exempt entry
Just think about it, if a “calendar year” count would be in effect:
This would allow 157 days BEFORE New Year, and 157 more days AFTER New Year, totaling in a 304-days consecutive visa-exempt holiday inside Thailand.
The mind boggles.
Do you really believe that a Thai Immigration officer in January or February looks up the amount of visa-exempt stays within a "calendar year" (none yet) and ignores all the days of your visa-exempt stays within the previous year?
It won't make much sense.
Nongnuch ********
today, the VISA GURU Tod Daniels of the Thai visa advice groups send a letter to EVERY visa-advice reader, telling them that it has emerged clearly that nothing resets
Reply to
Nongnuch ********
Reply
Steve ******
Hi
Can you please update us all with what happens.. I am in a similar situation but don't return until April so I think I should be fine but also looking at Non O.
Can you please update us all with what happens.. I am in a similar situation but don't return until April so I think I should be fine but also looking at Non O.
Joanne *********
I have a very similar situation and entering again on 20th Jan (but no extensions). All fingers and toes crossed.
Ruud ******************
@Joanne ********
better take care of a proper visaJoanne *********
@Ruud *****************
I would if the Thai embassy in NZ wasn’t charging $2,000 - yes $2,000 - for the application fee!!!Ruud ******************
@Joanne ********
that is rather strangeJoanne *********
@Ruud *****************
strange. Extremely annoying! Only New Zealand. Sounds like we might be able to apply from somewhere else but that brings logistical challenges of yet another kind. I am so sick of people just saying get a visa! It’s actually either expensive or complicated for kiwis.Ruud ******************
@Joanne ********
now as far as I know this is than only in NZReply to
Ruud ******************
Reply
Farang *********
My advice, have Baht 20,000 or equivalent currency in cash. Got pulled, IO wanted to see it.
Ralph *******
@Farang ********
Probably not but it isn’t right by any means.Ralph *******
@Farang ********
But the law doesn’t require it. Proof of funds is all they ask.Farang *********
@Ralph ******
sorry but the IO asked for cash. When you are sitting in the office with two others both being told to leave Thailand with no options. Also remember the official language is Thai, most of us would be stuffed if the IO decided to stick to Thai. . So if the IO asks for cash are you going to argue about the law?Reply to
Farang *********
Reply
Ralph *******
@Farang ********
A recent bank statement will suffice.Farang *********
@Ralph ******
noooo. The IO said cashStuart *********
@Ralph ******
No it won’t. If asked you’d need to cash. 20k Thai baht or equivalent in a major currency. They are looking for a reason to deny you entry. If you can’t show cash then they have one.Ralph *******
@Stuart ********
They may be looking for a reason but it’s proof of funds - that doesn’t have to be in cash.Stuart *********
@Ralph ******
believe what you like.Reply to
Stuart *********
Reply
Lynnette *******
They might want to know why you're spending so much time in Thailand. And is it tourism and holidays.
Matthew *********
Just pay for safe entry if your worried but you have no reason to be worries on my opinion.
Matthew *********
@Lynnette ******
looks like tourism to me. Imagine a retired person travel around the world a few times a year. Concept that farangs that live here can't seem to grasp. There is no limit by airReply to
Matthew *********
Reply
William ***********
I think you will get in. I also think they will have a chat about the situation.
Farang *********
@William **********
yep I got pulled. Wanted to see the Baht 20,000 cash. Let in with a warning to get the right visa.Reply to
Farang *********
Reply
Brandon ************
You spent 163 days in Thailand last year.
Your last stay in Thailand was 90 days and you just left about 2 weeks ago.
I'd say you are a fairly good candidate for getting pulled out of line and asked a few extra questions at the minimum.
I would make sure you have all 3 of the required proofs to enter as a tourist.
Your last stay in Thailand was 90 days and you just left about 2 weeks ago.
I'd say you are a fairly good candidate for getting pulled out of line and asked a few extra questions at the minimum.
I would make sure you have all 3 of the required proofs to enter as a tourist.
Brandon ************
1) Proof of funds (20,000 baht or equivalent in another major currency, in cash)
2) Proof of onward travel (a ticket out of Thailand within the numbers of days you will be stamped in for, so 60 days)
3) Proof of lodging (At least a few days of hotel reservations)
2) Proof of onward travel (a ticket out of Thailand within the numbers of days you will be stamped in for, so 60 days)
3) Proof of lodging (At least a few days of hotel reservations)
Gabriella **********
@Brandon ***********
Thank you.Reply to
Gabriella **********
Reply
Gabriella **********
@Brandon ***********
What are the 3 proofs, please.Reply to
Gabriella **********
Reply
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