Answered4 years ago
What is the best way for a South African family to enter Thailand after multiple visa-exempt stays?
Hi All :)
Advice would be appreciated for my families situation. We have South African passports. It's my husband and I, then our two kids ( 4yrs & 2 yrs).
Background: I worked in Thailand from 2016-2018 and had a NON- B visa. Left at the end of 2018. Haven't been back before/during COVID, so no COVID extensions etc.
1st time back: Oct 2022 visa exempt and entered by air DMK (stayed 28days) left to by air Malaysia (stayed there for 3 months).
2nd time back: 14 Feb 2023 visa exempt and entered by air DMK (stayed 42days) left by air to Laos, did a boarder run but stayed in Laos for 5 days. Loved Vientiane by the way. No questions asked at immigration.
3rd time back: 31st March 2023 visa exempt entered by land ( first time ever) which is valid until 14May.
We have tickets to Phu quoc leaving by air the 14th May. Planning to stay there a month or more and didn't plan on coming back to Thailand but friends from SA will be travelling to Thailand in June/July 2023 and we would like to join them....
What will be the best way to enter? It's for a 10day trip. We will have flights out to the Philippines (from Bkk) as we originally planned to go after Phu Quoc.
Do we fly into BKK or will Phuket be better? Or would it be better flying into Malaysia and doing crossing the boarder?
I know its a give or take at immigration, any advice would be appreciated.
Advice would be appreciated for my families situation. We have South African passports. It's my husband and I, then our two kids ( 4yrs & 2 yrs).
Background: I worked in Thailand from 2016-2018 and had a NON- B visa. Left at the end of 2018. Haven't been back before/during COVID, so no COVID extensions etc.
1st time back: Oct 2022 visa exempt and entered by air DMK (stayed 28days) left to by air Malaysia (stayed there for 3 months).
2nd time back: 14 Feb 2023 visa exempt and entered by air DMK (stayed 42days) left by air to Laos, did a boarder run but stayed in Laos for 5 days. Loved Vientiane by the way. No questions asked at immigration.
3rd time back: 31st March 2023 visa exempt entered by land ( first time ever) which is valid until 14May.
We have tickets to Phu quoc leaving by air the 14th May. Planning to stay there a month or more and didn't plan on coming back to Thailand but friends from SA will be travelling to Thailand in June/July 2023 and we would like to join them....
What will be the best way to enter? It's for a 10day trip. We will have flights out to the Philippines (from Bkk) as we originally planned to go after Phu Quoc.
Do we fly into BKK or will Phuket be better? Or would it be better flying into Malaysia and doing crossing the boarder?
I know its a give or take at immigration, any advice would be appreciated.
Answer summary
A South African family is seeking advice on the best way to enter Thailand after multiple previous visa-exempt entries. They plan to stay for 10 days in June/July 2023, after visiting Phu Quoc, and are considering flights into Bangkok or Phuket, or crossing the border from Malaysia. A community member reassured them, suggesting carrying proof of accommodations and a flight out of the country to avoid immigration issues.
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Brandon ************
I don't really see any red flags at all in your history.
If you're worried just make sure you have 40,000₿ cash in baht (this is the amount for a full family), proof of your flight out after 10 days and proof of your hotel reservation. But I don't think you'll have any problems. Go to whichever airport is cheaper or more convenient as BKK or HKT are about the same for strictness now.
If you're actually worried, enter by land through Laos.
If you're worried just make sure you have 40,000₿ cash in baht (this is the amount for a full family), proof of your flight out after 10 days and proof of your hotel reservation. But I don't think you'll have any problems. Go to whichever airport is cheaper or more convenient as BKK or HKT are about the same for strictness now.
If you're actually worried, enter by land through Laos.
Vinique **********
OP@Brandon ***********
thanks a lot 🙏🏻 will make sure we have the money at hand and in cash.Activity
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