What should I consider before attempting to re-enter Thailand after a denial of entry?

Question

Hi everyone! Looking for advice from anyone with a similar experience.

I stayed in Thailand from February to July 2026. I visited Malaysia in April and returned to Thailand, receiving another 90 days.

On  July, I returned to Phuket from Malaysia after just 5 days away, but immigration refused my entry under Section 12(2) (insufficient funds) and issued a TM.35 notice even though i had enough funds ,

I’m now hoping to visit Thailand again , as it has been almost 4 months

Has anyone been in a similar situation and successfully returned? How long did you wait, and did you use a tourist visa, lawyer or visa agency?

I’d really appreciate genuine experiences. Thank you!

Ask Thailand · Answer

The user shares their experience of being denied entry to Thailand under Section 12(2) while having sufficient funds, and seeks advice on the possibility of returning after 4 months. Comments from the community include concerns about the user's visa type, the necessity of having required funds, and doubts about re-entry chances due to previous immigration records.

Alastair ******************** · Answer

The Thai embassy and Immigration are not the same. The embassy issue visas on behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and I assume that they do not have access to the same systems used by Immigration.

Immigration are an arm of the Police and enforce their borders. They will see your visits to Thailand. Having a visa doesn't guarantee entry if you fail to meet the requirements of Immigration. I suspect your amount of time in Thailand is the reason you have been denied entry and it is possible that Section 12(2) was used as this may be the easiest course of action for them to deny entry.

In short I doubt a return visit to Thailand in the very near future would be successful regardless of having visa.

Dca ***** · Answer

At Phuket Airport during July 2026, were you Making Entry into Thailand on free Visa Exemption Entry stamp « ผ.60–ม.17 » , Visa on Arrival (VoA) « TR–15 » , or, did you already have a Single Entry Tourist E–Visa (SETV) PDF File Hard Copy Printed out on Paper issued by a Thai Embassy or Thai Consulate outside Thailand??

if it was free Visa Exemption Entry stamp ( ผ.60–ม.17 ) or Visa on Arrival ( TR–15 ), then perhaps getting a SETV beforehand from a Thai Embassy/Thai Consulate might help out, but, as always, Entry into Thailand is at the Discretion of the Thai Immigration Officer

Doug ******** · Answer

I can't comment as you said you wanted someone with experience of that situation.  I always get the visa that's appropriate, whereas you cant be bothered

AsianInsider ************** · Answer

Strange if you had the money I don't know how they stopped you. Also pay for fast track

Ronny ********* · Answer

I think your chances to get in again now are very low I think you shall need to wait a year after your last visit Officers are looking for that you stay 180 days or more days in Thailand in a year or even a year and a halve The TM.35 in your file will not make it easier. You can try to enter again with a visa, but even if  you get the visa it will be not sure you can pass immigration.

Graham ****** · Answer

I suspect you made the denial of entry easy by not having the required B20k in cash *any major currency) as required by Thai law

What should I consider before attempting to re-enter Thailand after a denial of entry?

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