What is the best route back to Bangkok considering my Thai visa status and recent stays?

Nov 21, 2018
6 years ago
Andy ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi. Recommendation please:

Currently in Vientiane. Just spent 2 weeks in Cambodia & Laos. Wonderful! I have no visa status in Thailand. I have 4 VOA’s & a 90 day tourist visa into Thailand so far this year. Totalling 193 days. I always leave the country for a good amount of time, at least 1 week in another country before returning to Thai. 2 exits were back to the UK, each spending 4-6 weeks there, before returning to Thai.

Just read about this dubious 180day in this per year.

All things considered, what’s the best route back to BKK. I have return ticket to the UK BOOKED in 28 days.

Thanks :)
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is seeking advice on the best way to re-enter Thailand after spending significant time outside the country, particularly with their current visa status. They mention having multiple entries and exits, recently spending time in Cambodia and Laos, and needing to return to Bangkok before a booked flight to the UK. Comments clarify the definitions of visa types and advise that the Thai immigration system flags passport entries rather than the duration spent outside, suggesting the Nong Khai border for re-entry.
Tod *********
Okay first off there is NO 180 days in a year period rule so lets get that out if the way, :O

Secondly I highly doubt you had any VOA <- visa-on-arrival :/ <- those are for 15 days and SOLD to people from 21 countries when they arrive here for 2000baht.

I would bet you actually had 30 day visa exempt entry stamps <- it has that catchy name because you did not buy a visa before you came here yet when you arrived you were stamped in for free for 30 days. :)

Be that as it may.

The thai immigration people do NOT take into consideration how long you've been out of thailand when you are flagged in the system for too many visa exempt/tourist visa entries. The system isn't set up that way, it just flags based on number of entries.

As people pointed out, the easiest border crossing in the country would be the land border at Nong Khai with Lao. That would be where I'd suggest you enter.

IF you're gonna enter at any other point of entry you should have the proof of funds, proof of onward travel (which you do have) and proof of a hotel booking..

AND as Robert correctly pointed out, asking about how to get IN to thailand safely is not all that thai visa advice related, :/

Good Luck (y)
Robert *******
And the best route into Thailand has nothing to do with Thai visa advice, other than use a border check point or an International Airport and make sure you get the correct stamp.
Gareth **********
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