What is the minimum gap required between two visa exemptions of 60 days in Thailand to avoid immigration complications?

Jun 3, 2024
6 months ago
Horea *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
What would be the recommended distance between 2 visa exemptions (60 days) so that there are no problems with the immigration officer at the airport?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
There isn't a specific required distance between two visa exemptions (60 days) according to various comments from community members. However, immigration officers may closely examine your stay history in Thailand. It's advisable to stay under 180 days in the country within the previous 12 months to avoid complications. Observations on individual experiences indicate that while some might be able to return immediately after their visa exemption expires, others have faced questioning, particularly if they've spent a significant amount of time in Thailand previously.
Sophie *********
I was there almost 6 months recently and did two border bounces where I was away for 5 and then 3 days.
Andrew *******
Remove tin foil, add stock and water, onion, carrots, herbs and spices. Cook on low for 6-8 hours and watch it fall apart
Jim ********
Nothing really to stop you just turning around and coming straight. A lot depends on your previous history. Some immigration officers get a bit twitchy if you're in the country more than 180 days in the year
Horea *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
I had before this year 18 days in the country only ,but i want november 2024 - may 2025 to get 2 visa exemption in a row. This is my dilemma if i can
Graham ******
@Horea ****
you cannot do that on Visa Exempt entry stamps (30 days) and nobody yet knows the rules if it changes to 60 days
Horea *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Graham *****
i was talking if the 30 days become 60 days visa exempt
Graham ******
@Horea ****
but that is not yet law and nobody should make plans until it is
Luc ************
A few hours.
John **********
Depends on your history in Thailand
Henrik *****
Visa excemption is 30 days only.

When going to Thailand for 31 - 60 ( 90 )days, the 60 days touristvisa is the best option.

It is cheaper than visa excempt + 30 days extension.

No need of a onward ticket ( 90 days 1 onward ), if returnticket within 60 days.

It is easier to apply from the comfort of your home.

thaievisa.go.th

If visiting the nearest Thai Embassy website, you may find informations, that make it much easier to apply online.

Not wasting holiday time to find, go to and waiting at a immigration office ( 90 you would need that ).

Then no need to leave Thailand in up to 90 days.
Shaughn ***********
@Horea ****
it will be more to do with your recent history in the country. If you haven’t been in Thailand over the past year then no problem at all. The main airports in particular have been looking at total time in country over past 12 months and pulling people aside who have spent more than half a year here over that time. If you are well under that then you should breeze through.
Horea *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Shaughn **********
i had this year 2 weeks in January + 2 weeks in May
Shaughn ***********
@Horea ****
I had recently maxed out my METV to almost 9 months, went away for 6 weeks then tried to go in at DMK airport. They questioned me and told me as a “regular tourist” they can’t let me in for spending more than 180 days in the past year. So I needed to speak to his supervisor with a genuine reason to let me back in visa exempt.
Horea *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Shaughn **********
so if i am under 180 per calendaristic year i am good?
Graham ******
@Horea ****
Not necessarily as the 180 day "rule" is not written in law but something often quoted when they think someone is abusing the tourist system
Shaughn ***********
@Horea ****
for the previous 12 months. Don’t think you will be able to wing a last 6 months in a year and then first 6 months with visa exempts and tourist visas. Though timing your 2 land border bounces per calendar with a border run company could get you close
Todd *********
no distance needed. Turn around and come back in as you wish
Nigel *********
There isn't one.
Carsten ************
If you plan to stay abroad a couple of days, why not returning with a visa?
Lyndon ************
@Carsten ***********
perhaps doesn't need that long, or doesn't want to pay the visa fee.
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