Answered5 months ago

What is the recent experience of U.S. citizens entering Thailand after an ED visa?

Thailand Immigration ED Visa Tourist Visa Visa Entry Experiences U.S. Citizens in Thailand Visa Requirements

Eriq *******

asked Jun 4, 2026

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Looking for opinions from people with recent experience entering Thailand.

I'm a U.S. citizen flying into DMK on June 10 with my wife and child. I previously had an ED visa from around August 2025 until December 2025. I left Thailand before the visa expired and did not return after that.

Since leaving Thailand, I've spent time in Malaysia, Vietnam, and Indonesia. I have an onward ticket out of Thailand after about 3 weeks, accommodation booked, and proof of funds.

Has anyone entered Thailand recently after a previous ED visa ended? Were you questioned at immigration, especially at DMK? Any recent experiences would be appreciated.

Answer summary

A U.S. citizen seeks recent experiences from travelers who entered Thailand after holding an ED visa, especially at DMK airport. They plan to enter as visa-exempt tourists with an onward ticket, accommodation, and proof of funds, and share concerns about immigration questioning due to the previous visa status. Commenters advise being prepared with cash, dressing well, and having a clear story, while reassuring that recent travelers have generally not faced issues if all documentation is in order.

10 repliesnewest first

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Julian *******

have 20,000 baht in cash with you. wear nice smart clothes. long trousers and shirt with collar.

5 months ago

Cathy ********

Julian LewisAnd perhaps speak some of that fluent Thai you now do after the intensive education.

5 months ago

Eriq *******

Cathy Odgers spent five months studying Thai, not five years. Immigration has never tested my Thai language skills at the airport, and thousands of people enter Thailand every day without speaking a word of Thai. Luckily, tourism isn't a language exam.

5 months ago

Julian *******

Cathy Odgers yes that too. or at least wai correctly and say hello in thai

5 months ago

Eriq *******

Julian Lewis I always dress the part and have the cash. Ive been hearing stories about people with previous ED visas being questioned or possibly turned around. Im coming with my wife and son just dont want to traumatize my son by getting detained

5 months ago

Julian *******

Eriq Artis have a strong story. comply with the requirements. give no reason to deny you.

5 months ago

Eriq *******

Julian Lewis I appreciate it bro

5 months ago

John **********

I'm guessing you were actually on an extension of stay which you didn't bother to cancel as you should have with paperwork from your school? It won't affect a tourist entry but could have consequences for a long stay visa in the future. With a flight out to show you should be ok

5 months ago

Eriq *******

@John *********

Thanks. Yes, it was an ED visa extension based on a language school. I left Thailand before it expired and departed without a re-entry permit, so my understanding is that the permission ended when I exited. I haven't returned to Thailand since December 2025 and am entering as a visa-exempt tourist with my family. I have onward travel, accommodation, and proof of funds. Appreciate the reassurance that it shouldn't affect a tourist entry, though I'll keep the future long-stay visa point in mind.

5 months ago

John **********

@Eriq ******

When you get an extension you sign a bit of paper stating you will inform the immigration office of any change in circumstances which you failed to do so you are "technically" on overstay as far as the immigration office is concerned. You might end up with an overstay fine if you deal with an immigration office in the future but the border officers won't care about it

5 months ago