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What complications did I face when attempting to re-enter Thailand on a visa-exempt basis after being divorced from my Thai wife?

Non-O Visa Visa Exempt Entry Child Custody in Thailand Thai Immigration Policy Border Bounce Issues Custody Laws Expat Living in Thailand

Apr 2, 2025

2 days ago

Brett *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Experince yesterday at BKK. I was previously on a Non-O Retirement with extensions. I was married to a Thai wife now divorced. Two children in Surin. I left Thailand for two years for work and returned Visa exempt 4 December 2024 for 60 days to see my children. Ex wife (Thai) stays in Australia to work. I had difficulty with child access and border bounced Cambodia to get extra time to get access. I left within the second 60 days for Australia for a few weeks. Organising a court case in Thailand for custody. I was held by immigration even after explaining that i am seeking a Non -O on basis of Thai children but need custody. They also had my history and told me where I lived. The IO called supervisor and berated me for the border bounce. I was told next time no Visa, no entry. Seems the reports of multiple 60 day are real. I have never been questioned on previous Visa exempt entries.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user shares their recent experience at Bangkok's immigration after returning to Thailand on a visa-exempt entry to see their children. Previously on a Non-O Retirement Visa, they faced issues due to a border bounce in Cambodia to extend their stay and complications concerning child custody in Thailand following their divorce from their Thai wife. Despite explaining the situation, they were held by immigration officials and warned about future entry due to their history with multiple 60-day entries.

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Brett *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

It was the border bounce that got them excited.

2 days ago

Tim *****

Do the border bounce out of Pattaya.

Quick and easy never a problem.

2 days ago

Brett *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Tim ****

the border bounce was easy. I just flew back from Australia.

2 days ago

Reply to

Brett *********

Paul *****

Just to clarify..you were attempting your third 60 day entry within a 12 month period? And which border crossing did you use? All the best with child access etc! 👍🏻

2 days ago

Brett *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Paul ****

border was O'Smach. Known for no questions asked

*****

2 days ago

Reply to

Brett *********

Greg ******

They don’t see you as a tourist.

2 days ago

Brett *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Greg *****

no. Of course. But getting a Visa to see a lawyer and going to court is not one of the selections available in the online Visa portal

*****

2 days ago

Matthew *********

@Brett ********

no but family visa is on there. He has rights even tho Thailand doesn't think so. God says otherwise

2 days ago

Reply to

Matthew *********

James ********

Thanks for your helpful information about your recent entry into Thailand experiences.

Sad to learn of your recent difficulty in entering Thailand.

Yes, as this forum has repeatedly said...

It's apparent that Thai Immigration Officers are NOW strictly looking at your history of entering, extending and staying in Thailand with visa exempt entry, tourist visas, and available extensions. As well as the Ed Visa and Volunteer Visas of post COVID.

It's important for you to review your Thai Visa options. We wish you success in getting custody of your Thai children.

Take care 😘

2 days ago

James ********

We wish Brett success 🙏🙏

Comments closed.

2 days ago

Brett *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@James *******

it seems that the Cambodian border bounce got them excited. My full history of proper Visas did not count.

2 days ago

Brett *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@James *******

Thanks James. It will all be OK. I am getting married again and also have the twins. So Non-O will be the go. It isn't easy to get a ME Non-O from Australia any more. Because I travel a bit for work i need ME or extensions with re-entry permit.

2 days ago

Reply to

Brett *********

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Why was my visa exempt entry to Thailand declined at the Nong Khai border?

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