What do the numbers 60-17 on my visa entry mean and why was I flagged at immigration?

August 18, 2024
a month ago
Sandy ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Can someone tell me what the 60 17 numbers mean? I got flagged.coming in yesterday, because I come every month from work and my original marriage visa is in my old passport that got lost.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The numbers 60-17 refer to the new system of visa exemption where travelers receive a 60-day stay instead of the previous 30 days. The designation 'ม.17' points to a clause in Thai immigration law that allows changes to entry rules. Being flagged at immigration may be due to frequent entries using the visa exemption, which can raise concerns among officials. It is advisable to consider applying for a new marriage visa or the five-year Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) which permits multiple entries and longer stays.
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Tod *********
christ this is comin' unstuck.

On that note we're done, i can't babysit it anymore. Sandy if you want it re-opened you cam message me
John **********
Quick question. Is the marriage visa in your lost passport still valid?
Tod *********
@Sandy *******
you should totally look into seeing whether you qualify for that new DTV (Destination Thailand Visa) because it's a FIVE YEAR visa, unlimited entries, each entry gets you stamped in 180 days, you'd have no issue skating in and out on that visa at all
Bill *******
@Tod ********
just curious, why are you recommending him the DTV over the marriage visa? He mentioned he previously had a marriage visa.
Tod *********
@Bill ******
because he travels so much in and out that many people who do that FIFO type of work don't stay IN thailand long enough to get a "marriage visa/extension" at the immigration office, <- the timing of their travel doesn't allow it

AND

That DTV is unlimited entry for 5 years (so he wouldn't have to worry about a visa) and each entry gets him 180 days (not that he stays that long anyway)
Sandro *********
@Tod ********
As far as i know you can stay 180 days per Year, not per Entry.
Tod *********
@Sandro ********
it's unlimited entry, for 5 years each entry gets you 180days, you can even get a 180 day extension on that too at the immigration office, then you exit/re-enter and get a new 180 day entry stamp.
Michael ********
@Sandro ********
As far as you know is wrong.
Tod *********
The ผ.60-ม.17 is the code of entry now that people get 60 days visa exempt instead of 30 like before. the ม.17 is the clause in the immigration act that lets officials change entry rules

You got pulled aside because you're flying in too many times free stamp entry 😕 While there is no official rule on how many you can get they are critical of people flying in/out on free stamp entry

You would be well served by getting another marriage visa if you can because at some point I believe they will deny you entry to the country even if you have proof of onward travel, etc.
Irina *******
@Tod ********
without any problems you can enter on stamp for 6 month, after you have a chance they not let you in without long term visa. But I’m sure each case is different)
Tod *********
@Irina ******
I believe you're just pulling a number out of the thin air, as I said, people have been called on the carpet after 2 free entries (which was WAY under 6 months total) and some people are never questioned

there is no 'cut in stone' xxx amount of time on those stamps it's mostly up to the person you're standing in front of when you stamp in
Tod *********
@Joyce ********
correct if you are one of these countries you can enter without a visa for 60 days and get one 30 day extension at the immigration office where you stay for 1900baht
James ********
@Kieran ******
you have been told how many times, they pulled you aside. Now it's roulette next time
David ***********
@Dawn *********
:) I'm sure that helps too. Also stay away from the middle aged women immigration officers.
Tod *********
@Kieran ******
that's the beauty of it 😮 or not 😜 There is no magic number that means too many times, I've seen people skate in and out on visa exempt entries literally for years every other month without a peep out of the officer stamping them in and I've see other people get pulled aside on their third free stamp entry being asked why don't they have a correct visa 🙁 There is no rhyme or reason that I can see at all
David ***********
@Tod ********
the trick is to smile and dress well;)
Kieran *******
@Tod ********
well, it certainly adds an element of nervousness if you visit regularly as I do 🤷‍♂️
Dannie ***************
@Kieran ******
Immigration officers have absolute discretion whether to grant you entry.

Having gotten a long term visa, whether from outside, or inside Thailand, increases your chances to almost a certainty of successful worry-free entry.
Kieran *******
@Dannie **************
I know but I’m saying it would be nice to know exactly what the limitations were on the exemption, you know, like other countries! 😂
Dannie ***************
@Kieran ******
Exactness in this will likely never be here.
James ********
@Kieran ******
get the correct Thai Visa for your planned stays in Thailand... Then no worry about being denied entry.
Tom ********
Sandy ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tod ********
I am going to Scotland in 2 weeks time and then co.i g back to Thailand, I will try and get a visa in the uk. If I can't, maybe the next immigration officer would just let me in. . Maybe not worth the risk.
Brandon ************
@Sandy *******
the London embassy where you would be applying through the e-visa system usually issues visas in 2-3 days. You should have plenty of time to get a visa.
Tod *********
@Sandy *******
you're rolling the dice every time you try to come in free stamp even if you're not staying the 60 days you get stamped in for

At least have proof you're flying out well before the 60 days you get would run out and show them.
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