What experiences do expats have regarding border questioning after long stays in Thailand?

Thai immigration visa rules DTV visa long-term stays tourist visa ED visa visa application experience entry questions

Jan 3, 2025

2 days ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hey Guys,

I’ve previously been in Bangkok during covid for 90 days on a 60 day tourist visa + 30 day extension.

I then came back to Thailand on a Tourist visa, left Thailand and went to Vietnam for 1 day and came back to Thailand with an ED visa from a language school learning Thai. I stayed in Thailand for 1 year from August 2023 - August 2024 on the ED Visa then left Thailand due to the expiration of my ED Visa.

I then returned to Thailand with my brother in October 2024 where I was asked “what was I doing in Thailand?” and I answered “traveling with family” and pointed to my brother who was behind me. I was then asked to provide proof of accommodation and proof of leaving Thailand plane ticket then I was let in with a 60 day tourist visa and have extended it for extra 30 days.

I will be leaving Thailand when my tourist visa ends on January 9 2025, I am planning on applying for the DTV Visa under soft power activity of Thai Cooking and renter Thailand with the DTV Visa in February 2025.

I’m quite worried I’ll be asked questions at the boarder. 

Could anyone share their experience with being questioned due to their history of being in Thailand for long periods? 

Could you guys share your opinions on if it’ll be fine or if you think it’s not smart to do this visa due to my previous long stays?

And if you got asked questions when entering with DTV Visa please let me know what they asked? So I can prepare myself 

Thank you very much

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user details their visa history in Thailand and their plans to enter again with a DTV visa. They express concerns about being questioned by immigration officers due to their extensive stay records. Other users share their experiences, noting that while immigration systems track stay history, proper documentation and visa compliance are crucial for smooth entry. They advise on the importance of having valid visas and preparedness for potential questioning at the border.

DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES

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Andy *******

I was pulled aside last January and told next time I needed to enter with a visa. I’ve managed to re enter April ,July & October on visa exemption & being asked if I had a visa. I entered on a Dtv visa last week no questions at all.

2 days ago

Wesley ********

Just do it, if you're turned away so be it. Did you actually study Thai? do you speak 1 year worth of Thai? i think if you don't speak thai that will be your downfall, but still. they wont test it when you apply for your DTV online. Chances are if you don't get called in for an interview for your visa, and it is granted, then you wont have issues entering the country

2 days ago

Anonymous ******************

They just want people on proper visas. I asked the immigration on my 2nd visa extempt visa run after they almost denied me entry. The officer told me just return on a proper visa ( not a tourist one, but DTV was okay. I had non b visa from my business and ED visa before that. Just get a new passport, get the DTV visa and no reason for them to deny you.

2 days ago

Anonymous ******************

Your stay history is recorded in the immigration system, regardless of the visa or exemption you hold. It is at the discretion of the immigration officer to question, approve, or deny your entry.

The most important thing is to ensure you meet the requirements of your visa, as any questions will be based on that. Over the past 12 years, I have been questioned and required to present my documents twice, even though I’ve never overstayed and always held a legitimate visa (the same for 12 years). The process and requirements can vary and are also subject to the officer's discretion.

2 days ago

James ********

You're definitely on the Thai Immigration radar. Good Luck 🍀

2 days ago

Reply to

James ********

Can DTV visa holders be denied entry to Thailand due to a long history of stays?

12 comments

3 days ago

What was the immigration experience like for entering Thailand with a DTV visa?

21 comments

4 days ago