Answered2 years ago

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 Immigration Issues Divorce and Family Law Border Bounce Problems

Brett *********

asked Apr 2, 2025

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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.

Answer summary

An expat shared their recent experience at BKK regarding difficulties with Thai immigration while trying to secure a Non-O visa due to custody issues with their children. After being out of Thailand for two years, they returned visa-exempt but faced scrutiny for attempting multiple 60-day entries, including a border bounce to Cambodia. Immigration officials expressed concerns about their history and indicated future entries could be denied without a proper visa.

12 repliesnewest first

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Brett *********

It was the border bounce that got them excited.

2 years ago

Tim *****

Do the border bounce out of Pattaya.

Quick and easy never a problem.

2 years ago

Brett *********

@Tim ****

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

2 years ago

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 years ago

Brett *********

@Paul ****

border was O'Smach. Known for no questions asked

*****

2 years ago

Greg ******

They don’t see you as a tourist.

2 years ago

Brett *********

@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 years ago

Matthew *********

@Brett ********

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

2 years ago

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 years ago

James ********

We wish Brett success 🙏🙏

Comments closed.

2 years ago

Brett *********

@James *******

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

2 years ago

Brett *********

@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 years ago