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What should I do if I'm denied entry to Thailand due to excessive use of visa exemptions?

Apr 5, 2025
21 days ago
David *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
After coming in and out of Thailand for over a year I via tourist visa, just got stopped and pulled at dmk immigration and questioned that it's illegal to use a "free visa" for longer term (I corrected them and said exempted). Now they won't let me in again with this visa type anymore. It seemed they just started doing questioning more and more people. I will need to get a different visa type going forward in order to continue my stable relationship with my Thai gf. The pressure and intensity of authority they are going with is really. It felt to me like they are trying to find things to pressure people to do dtv or Similiar.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A user faced difficulties at DMK immigration after extensive use of tourist visas and visa exemptions for over a year, leading to entry denial. This situation stems from immigration questioning the legitimacy of repeated entries under the pretext of tourism. Commenters advised that using visa exemptions for long-term stays is not permissible and suggested obtaining appropriate long-term visas such as the DTV (Digital Nomad Visa) or marriage visa for those in relationships with Thai nationals.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
Caress ******
You're probably right about the DTV which is by my understanding of pretty good just out of the reach of most normal people. And did you say stable relationship with your Thai girlfriend?... šŸ™„
Benn *****
Meanwhile the "gf" is actively hop, skip and jumping between the other active (fuck itt, I'll do another border run morons) relationships
David *******
Its also been abused by russians so much they are having to take a harder stance
Dany *******
This guy did not do his homework.
Johnny *********
What a retarded post
Mark **********
First you correct them calling it an "excemption". Then in the very next sentence you call it a "visa type". LOL #hypocrisy
Edgar ************
Your first and only mistake was DMK. They are always questioning people there, everytime. Go to Suvarnabhumi ONLY if you have too many stamps in your passport. They don't even look at your passport at Suvarnabhumi they just stamp it and rush you through.
Keith *******
Get the correct visa. They're too many entering Thailand and trying to rort the system. Try getting into any European country, Australia or America and see what happens. Pay your money and get the correct visa.
Richard ***********
Exactly the same happened to me at DMK

Told me stay out of Thailand for 6 months or get retirement visa next time
Crispus *********
They said I had to go back to Singapore, but I wanted to go to Vietnam, they said no. I said what if I refuse to go to Singapore, what if I demand to go back to US. they said then you go to jail.
Crispus *********
you're lucky, they deported me for going over my 180 day visa limit
Crispus *********
They are not following Thai law. each immigration office has its own rules. my advice for now is to go to Laos, then come back through the Friendship port across the MaeCong river to Udan Thani, they will stamp you with a new visa exemption then you take a bus to Udon Thani airport. Do not fly into BKK or Pattaya, Or Phuket, maybe go to Chiang Mai. but right now, I'm leaving Thailand. it's about to go to hell in a hand basket. Chinese gangs and Russian thugs are running Thailand now and Phuket. I'm going to the Philippines where I can stay for 3 years on one visa and never need to do border run. But this sites admin are clueless, you wont get real answers from here.
Did *****
Kate *******
I’m sure corrrcting their English definately helped your case šŸ™„
Naj *************
Sound like good news to me! Follow the rules and be grateful they let you in… no one pressures you into in DTV… if you don’t like their rules, don’t come… that simple
Joe **********
They don't want us here they make that very clear but we keep finding ways round it until one day they will just say NO to everybody!
Carlos ****
@Joe *********
stop moaning
Hovvard ******
Thanks trump.
Damien ********
What do u expect??

You can’t stay in Thailand long term using tourist visas

Its your fault not the system

Get a long term visa or don’t !
Davis ******
@Damien *******
he isn’t using tourist visas however, he’s literally doing the opposite of that
Andrew ***********
Simple don't complain about them doing there job and get the appropriate visa to suit your needs. You are obviously not a tourist 😊 Problem solved
Vonn ********
Their country their rules. Want in do their requirements šŸ¤·šŸ½ā€ā™€ļø
Davis ******
@Vonn *******
what rules are these, then?
Porky ******
Yes and why not!??

Funnily enough you have to have a long term visa if you want to stay here long term… weird eh?
Koin ******
Free tourist visa ? You mean without visa no?
Glenn *****
What is a proper visa? I enter and leave several times a year for a stay of about one week. I am not going to pay for a DTV. I live near the Cambodia border. An expensive visa is overkill.
Kate *******
@Glenn ****
That’s fine, it’s people spending more time in the country than out, that they’re taking issue with.
Eryk ************
Paul ********
My only question is why didn't you get a longer term visa months ago ?
Mitchell *******
You are basically trying to live in Thailand, without being a "tourist" in Thailand. They are just suggesting you apply for a long stay visa.
Brooke ******
Curious because of idiot trump….will Thailand cause concern especially after tariffs…
Leon ********
@Brooke *****
YOU are the idiot bringing politics into this discussion. You Canadians shouldnt freeload on America in the 1st place!
Brooke ******
@Leon *******
wow…you really think that! I must stop our chat sir…you are part of the maga cult….good bye
Brooke ******
@Leon *******
I will….hoping that the Americans get smart and stop this dictator…can you honestly say you don’t think he is acting like a selfish dictator. Who is he caring about …four dead soldiers or his Saudi golf buddies…please get real
Leon ********
@Brooke *****
he cares about America. As a good leader should.
Brooke ******
@Leon *******
you are so narrow minded….it was Trump who backed down….more than once….i worked for a power company…don’t fool yourself YOU NEED OUR POWER…you are all in the dark
Leon ********
@Brooke *****
wait and see.
Brooke ******
@Leon *******
we will see who has friends and respect soon….we will never become part of your dictatorship….losers
Leon ********
@Brooke *****
Canada WILL bend the knee. You WILL remove YOUR tariffs. Why did you have it in the first place?
Steven *******
Maybe don’t correct them in the future.
Garry ********
You corrected them.

That's maybe where you went wrong
TG *********
Get a visa. Don't be a freeload.
Si ********
You've abused the system for a whole year then you have the audacity to correct an IO!? You're lucky you got in at all. If you've got a stable relationship, then get married and get a suitable visa. Otherwise, quit being a cry baby and thank that IO that they ever let you in
John *********
@Si *******
, fair point, you'd never have this kind of leniency in the west, should be thankful.
Steve **********
I heard DMK can be testy at times, get married and get a marriage visa.
Fabiola **********
How many times did you enter in the last year with Visa exemption? 😳
Wayne *******
Do what you are allowed to do, you're not breaking the law

May I ask how many fathers you have? There seems to be a lot of sherberts on here telling you what you should be doing šŸ˜‚
Michael *******
Thankfully the ETA will put an end to all these ridiculous discussions cannot come soon enough - clear the swamp šŸ˜„
Sophie *********
This started about 7 months ago. Get a DTV.
David *******
You are abusing Thailands laws - don’t expect sympathy from the authorities. Br grateful they earned you šŸ˜‚šŸ˜‚
Dave ***********
This is not at all something new. A tourist visa is exactly that. Meant for tourism.

If you need to stay beyond the normal length of time for tourism, you have to secure a long term visa.

If you don't qualify for a long term visa, you have to go home.

If someone is a legitimate tourist, they cannot legally be working and earning money while in the country while on a tourist visa.

If they find someone with multiple back to back entries on visa exemption or tourist visas they are obviously going to question how you are able to do that without earning an income.

Again, this is how it has ALWAYS worked. Just because you and/or others were able to slip under the radar does not mean it was legal.

They have different visa categories, with different fees and rules, for a reason. As all countries do...
Davis ******
@Dave **********
well he doesn’t have a tourist visa, he’s using Visa exempt entries and there’s no limit to how many you can use a year
Lea ******
There is a rule of how many times you can come in with a tourist visa during 1 year.

Of course they get suspicious if you come in many times and stay longer
Davis ******
@Lea *****
no there isn’t. The rules haven’t changed
Lea ******
@Davis *****
This rule, I m talking about
Davis ******
@Lea *****
no, that’s not the law. That’s just taken from a website
Lea ******
@Davis *****
That is what I also heard from travellers.I don't know- I m not on a tourist visa
Kan ******
If you want to stay you need the required visa, is not very difficult to understand
Nicholas *********
It s called visa run

!!!’

Any country would stop you somehow
ź¹€**
They did the same thing to me a few weeks ago flying in from Canada under tourist visa. I have come and gone over the past year and stayed out for over 30 days this most recent time.

They stopped me at immigration and told me I can’t stay for more than 180 days total and that no one would believe I was just coming to tour.

He made it sound like he was deporting me after making me wait an hour or two I said I would pay if I could rather than spend on a ticket. He adamantly refused saying it was not an option and that we would deport me. He played around pretending to write on a paper and on the computer then came back to me and said his boss was there and was willing to make a deal. Asking how much to pay.

I offered 3k. He wanted 5k. I did not argue. Took me to a booth with no cameras and handed me a paper to put cash inside of as she stamped my passport and gave me her contact 🤣. Jumped in my grab and stopped at 7-11 to grab a toastie

God I love this country.
Jonathan *******
To be fair, immigration are right. It's an exemption for tourists, not living in Thailand.

How are you supporting yourself here? Working without a correct visa and/or work permit I guess?
Andi ***********
Get a METV or DTV,..if there is a visa to cover your pattern of travel best get it.
Farang *********
Personally you gave the incorrect answer. The correct answer would have been. I do apologize, I was not aware and will apply for a visa next time sorry.
Joe *****
Get a proper visa

Youre not special. In your country people can't just go in because they find a woman they can afford who is more than they can get in their home country. Get the right visa:). If u can't afford a proper visa don't come here
Rosslyn ********
Why’d you never get a METV?
Niall ********
They still ask questions on the dtv, don’t be fooled into thinking it’s a free pass
Leo *********
You can try the Tourist Visa Multi Entry (TR60 Multi). This visa can be used for a period of 6 months starting from the day it’s approved. You can apply for it on the e-visa website, which is both affordable and easy to get. It allows you to stay for 60 days per entry, and you can extend your stay by an additional 30 days at the immigration office for 1,900 THB.

After 90 days (including the initial 60 days and the 30-day extension), you can fly to Vietnam or Malaysia (cheaper), stay out for 1 or 2 days, and return to Thailand. Upon reentry, you’ll get another 60 days plus a 30-day extension.

Then, approximately one week before your visa expires (the expiration date stated on the e-visa PDF you got), you should exit Thailand for 1 or 2 days and comeback back BEFORE it expires. When you return, even though your visa will officially expire while you're in Thailand, you will still be able to stay because your final entry stamp will permit you an additional 60 days plus a 30-day extension. In total, you can remain in Thailand for around 9 months using the Tourist Visa Multi.
Wannikea *********
@Leo ********
only available from your home country or a country where you have PR.
Leo *********
Ho and if there is a Fast Track immigration lane at the airport (like in Phuket Airport), pay for it (200 THB cash only, they can eventually let you go to the ATM after immigration and comeback if you don’t have cash). They are apparently less ā€œquestioningā€ if you pay for the fast track.
Leo *********
But I recommend to apply for a DTV, it’s the cheapest Visa that can allow you to stay in Thailand long term.

The Multi Entry Tourist Visa trick might not work more than 1 or 2 years… especially if they start to be more strict on the rules. But at least officially you have a visa, and you respect the rules so you might be questioned but I am sure they’ll let you in.
Patrycja ********
They questioned me even with a proper visa and multiple entry
Mark ******
@Patrycja *******
was it the first time you entered, or do you have a history in border bouncing?
Patrycja ********
@Mark *****
hold a multiple-entry tourist visa which I paid for. I leave and travel once a month or every 6 weeks. I stay here for 6 months each year using this visa — no overstays, no extensions, no land border crossings and I’ve never entered under a visa exemption.
Ralph *******
You are not really a tourist. You are trying to live there, so they said ā€˜no’. You will have to look at visas that support what you’re trying to do.
Bill **********
This happened in India to many people doing cross border runs has all been stopped now once you leave India you ain't getting back in for 30 days
Mark ******
Looks like they are asking you to get the right visa, better still, they are showing you that their patience has a limit too
Abey *********
I visited Thailand late Feb early March stayed 10 nights on visa exemption, want to come back June , September , December staying 14 nights per visit, have return ticket every visit and staying at same two hotel which ever one is cheaper at the time. According to some comments l might get problem with immigration. Is it likely l might get refused entry.
Andi ***********
@Abey ********
That kind of travel is fine as they are short visits and you are not extending, doing border bounces.
Arnold **********
Leo *********
@Abey ********
probably no risk to get refused. They can clearly see that you come for short period of times. Getting refused is if you try to play with the exemption to stay long period of time (60 days + extend, and repeat.)
Dirk **************
Stable relationship with a 60-day (soon 30 day) visa exempt status? That is what I call a gamble.
Jordan *****
@Dirk *************
I doubt with what is going on now that there will be a 30 day visa exemption and you could still extend it anyway, like in the past, or get a tourist visa
Brian *******
its only that airport my friend. everyone is having problems. maybe same guy hassling us.. maybe entire department.. no problems at bkk..
Rich ****
Just avoid DMK and BKK airports. Try CNX
David ***********
They just want long termers not to use visa exempt which is for tourists
Frangipani *******
You are not classed as a ā€˜tourist’ anymore if you come in and out on visa exempt or tourist visas for over a year.

Consider getting a long term visa so that you can continue your relationship with your Thai šŸ‡¹šŸ‡­ gf.

Options to consider are available here:

************************


Good luck! šŸ˜„
Krystian ******
Need ED or DTV I got best agent $$$ DM me.
Brandon ************
Ho ******
1 y was already long time.
Dave *********
No such problem in the UK you don't even need a passport
Tony *********
I go visa exemption every 2 months from Australia and only ever stay a maximum of 3 to 6 weeks depending on when in the year. . Ive been doing this since 2022 . Never been asked ever
Abhishek *******
Two years on tourist exempt for me one month on one off always smooth entry except once when immigration officer was new
Arnold **********
@Abhishek ******
that is coming to a end
Abhishek *******
@Arnold *********
am going again next week will keep you all posted
Wannikea *********
If you can't afford a visa how can you afford a girlfriend?
Per-Arne ***********
You said you have stayed here for over a year on a tourist visa ? You have the wrong visa! Get a proper visa and you won’t have any problems.
John **********
Sounds like they did their job correctly. Visa exempt is issued for tourism not for living in Thailand with your girlfriend. You need to find a proper visa that you can apply for that allows you to spend extended periods of time in Thailand. You don't look over 50 and your not married so your main options are the DTV or the Thai Privilege visa, other than that get a job or sign up for a course of study (which you'll need to actually attend and learn)
Davis ******
@Richard *******
He’s the absolute worst one on here, just pulled out any old crap from his arse and posts it as facts. What’s a ā€œProper visaā€

There’s no under 50 visiting girlfriend visa
Nongnuch ********
@Richard *******
the drivel is upon you . . . . . there actually are two visa categories available for those "over 50"
John **********
@Richard *******
you have trouble reading?
Richard ********
@John *********
"if you don't look over 50"

Jeeze, another drivel post.

Or is there now a "look over 50" visa?
Dany ********
then get a proper visa. marry your gf or get a DTV or do some ED visa… there is solutions… doing border runs on visa exemption or TR are not viable
David *******
@Dany *******
there's plenty of well connected border bounce agents making big money and they GUARANTEE re-entry at Thai immigration land crossings. So get off your fxckin high horse!
Arnold **********
@David ******
that’s why hundreds are denied entry
David *******
@Arnold *********
too simplistic. You ignore Thailand Immigration at LAND BORDERS actively issuing thousands of admissions every day for 60 days of people who have done multiple bounces. Big difference between Suvarnabhumi Immigration and Land Border Immigration. They wear same uniform and have same Employer. Don't assert ā€œthat's why hundreds are turned away...ā€ try understanding what's actually happening. I'll go back after 4 months outside late June. We can't be accused of living there when we lived somewhere else for 4 months. They will be in different situation anyway losing tourists nervous about earthquakes and others who left in aftermath. In addition they're in a new situation economically with Trump doing back to them what they did to USA and western countries for years:tariffs! so they need to be careful to protect income from foreign currencies buying the baht or the baht will sink!
Dany ********
@David ******
if you prefer the sketchy and illegal way then do it. but at some point you will be very unlucky ;) i dont care 🤣🤣
David *******
@Dany *******
sketchy and illegal immigration officers. Dozens of them with supervisors ? You think it's done secretly and Bangkok and Suvarnabhumi know nothing about it? U dick. Of course it's not illegal it's accepted otherwise it would be stopped and all the officials would be in jail. The agents are well connected maybe family members of Senior IOs. Wake up. Smell the coffee?
Dany ********
@David ******
maybe you have noticed that immigration getting stricter and stricter. plenty of people getting denied lately in the airports. be prepared for the day when you will be rejected. get a proper visa like everyone else. why beeing a cheap charly???
David *******
@Dany *******
u knob! Hundreds of African prostitutes and other nationalities in Pattaya and sukhumvit nana. All working. All tourist visas. High ups paid off? I paid 15k to Thai agents for border bounces for me and my gf. Not for free ok? My gf too young to retire and education visa prohibitively expensive for an ASEAN citizen. I could get retirement visa easy enough but I'd be on a different arrangement to my gf then. We do what we can and border bounce as necessary. At the moment spending 4 months in Boracay on the beach. We'll return later in year and duck and dive as necessary to stay legal.
Calvin ******
@David ******
you could get married to her. Then she could be your dependent on the DTV if you got it right?
David *******
@Calvin *****
too risky that. I like to be able to walk away without complications. But thanks anyway. Recruitment and replacement is thankfully straight forward in Asia.
Calvin ******
@David ******
fair enough mate haha.
Steve *********
If you are saying you are staying 90 days then leaving for a few days and coming back in for a further 90 days each time for a year. No wonder , it looks like you here permanent. Which is not a problem if you have correct visa. You are taking the piss with what you are doing
Davis ******
@Steve ********
what law is he breaking? There’s no limit on visa exempt entries or length of stay in the country
Steve *********
@Davis *****
I am just telling you how it is , this has been bought up many times. The immigration officer feels he is using a visitors visa to stay here long term , and had no doubly told him to get the correct visa if he wants to stay here long term .
Nigel *********
Next time just remind them that you pay their wages, I find that always goes down well.
Henrik *****
Make Io Officer ( and other civil servants) to ā€œloose faceā€ will do no good for you.
Arnold **********
You are not a tourist.well done immigration
Aaron *********
@Arnold *********
why do you care?
Arnold **********
Aaron *********
@Arnold *********
still no answer?
Arnold **********
@Aaron ********
became it makes it hard on the proper tourists
Aaron *********
@Arnold *********
again, why do you care?
Arnold **********
@Aaron ********
why do you care about me
Aaron *********
@Arnold *********
it's a simple question, why not answer honestly?
Per-Arne ***********
@Arnold *********
exactly! If you are coming in and out for over a year, I understand you have stayed here more or less for one year? That doesn’t look like a normal tourist does it?
Jordan *****
@Per-Arne **********
some of us have money and I understand why they would abuse exemptions and tv’s since there are no written rules regarding how long you can stay. If Thai authorities want to stop what the OP is doing they should write some rules (like 180 days on x visa and so on)
Per-Arne ***********
@Jordan ****
yeah agree, some guidelines like that existed long ago..

but it’s obviously up to the IO to stop what he thinks is abuse of the ā€œunclear ā€œ rules.
Arnold **********
Greg *********
You’re not supposed to use a tourist visa to stay long term. Feel lucky you got away with it this long.
Cris ******
So.... an IO questioned you abusing a visa exempt system that is meant for tourists... and your upset they are wanting you to get a real visa. Well heck
Ralph *******
@Cris *****
And corrected them saying it was an exemption not a visa🤣
Cris ******
@Ralph ******
that's my favourite part. Haha.
Paul *******
If you get the 60 day visa exempt stamp and extend by a further 30 days at the Immigration office, Immigration class you as a tourist. If you then attempt to enter again on a visa exempt stamp, Immigration rightly consider that after on 90 day stay in the country that you are no longer a tourist but that you are attempting to live long term in the country. While there is no legal limit to the number of Visa exempt entries, once the Immigration officer believes that you are no longer visiting the country as a tourist he will deny you entry. If you have already stayed for 90 days on a visa exempt entry, then in future to guarantee entry into Thailand, you need to obtain a long term visa suitable to the reason for your stay.
Henrik *****
Most international conventions define tourist status as up to 3 months.
David *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Paul ******
thank you Paul for the response. I appreciate that.
Brett *********
@Paul ******
yes. I have had long term visa in the past. But last time I came visa exempt and did a border bounce. That really got them upset this entry from Australia by air after 3 weeks in Australia!
Paul *******
@Brett ********
Mate, Just like the Immigration officers, it looks to me like you are not a tourist (usually recognised as staying in a counrty for up to 90 days in a year) but are attempting to stay longer in tHailand than a tourist. So if you want to enter Thailand again in the future, then I recommend that you come on a visaq appropriate to your readon for visiting Thailand. Otherwise you will surely get denied entry.
Davis ******
@Richard *******
he’s one of these guys who mixes up what he thinks with imaginary immigration rules. Why do so many old men in Thailand do this?
Max *****
@Richard *******
there Is multi-entry visa if you want stay 6 months.
Jordan *****
@Richard *******
the people here trying to define here what a tourist is are splitting hairs like the interpreters of the Talmudic law. Unless you work in Thailand they cannot prove you are not a tourist.
Richard ********
@Jordan ****
Yep.

Passing through immigration would be utter hell if the finger waggers, ad hoc rule makers, castigaters and holier than thou lot were manning the desks.
Richard ********
@Paul ******
"usually recognized blah blah".

No, it's not.

You are just making this up.

If tourists were 90 days in one year, then what are you going to call those on six month tourist visas?

Tourist plus?
Uchiha ***********
so you did something illegal and when you got called out you're making them to be the badguy??????

how entitled are you wtf
Davis ******
@Joseph ***
semantics indeed. I mean, visa exempt is literally the opposite of having a visa.
Joseph ****
@Davis *****
Your sloshy brain "literally" thinks you have a point. OP got caught abusing the "VISA." This visa exemption and a VOA are not opposite in function. I used one label as mere short-hand for the other and you are embarrassing your ED brain with these failing attempts to make a point.
Davis ******
@Joseph ***
non stop personal insults and think literally not having a Visa is the same as having a Visa.

What an odd fellow
Joseph ****
And you never did show where I "dole(d) out advice. Pray, do tell.

And while at it, show where I said OP did anything "illegal."
Uchiha ***********
it is illegal to be living in a country while just being under a tourist visa for a year.

Thats why they have proper visa to live long term, you can’t abuse the system and be surprised. Try that on a western country if you’re from a 3rd world and they’ll deport you right back.
ą¹€ąø®ąø“ąø™ąø£ąøµą¹ˆ *********
@Uchiha **********
no it is not illegal
Sophie *********
@Uchiha **********
Are you serious?
Christophe **********
@Uchiha **********
oh yeah almost on the level o fthe Biden illegals getting free housing, money, apartment, medical etc in the USA
Nika ******
@Uchiha **********
what ā€˜illegal’ did he do?????

Rolling my eyes
Joseph ****
@Nika *****
Well, he's basically living in Thailand for a year on tourist exemptions. Plenty others have been doing that and OP wasn't hurting anyone in my book, but they want him here on a proper visa.
Davis ******
@Joseph ***
right, but what did he do that was illegal?
Joseph ****
@Davis *****
I am not the guy who say he did anything "illegal." It sounds like he's violating the spirit of the visa exemption, but that's between Thai Immigration and him. I have no axe to grind with OP. Others say his tone regarding immigration is not justified and I tend to agree with that, too. But he's not a bad guy here and, again, I see nothing illegal.
Davis ******
@Joseph ***
ā€œspirit of the visa?ā€ That’s just something you made up now
Joseph ****
@Davis *****
Idiot Boy, go shove it up your you-know-what. It's a TOURIST VISA, not a residency visa. Oh, and did I say shove it?? Find something worthwhile to do with your wasted life other than pollute Thailand and live off the people's good graces and mine.
Davis ******
@Joseph ***
it’s literally not a Tourist Visa, it’s visa exempt. I mean you are just making things up for some reason
Joseph ****
@Davis *****
What.an.imbecile. It's a tourist visa by an other name--who the hell cares about it's technical designation??? Wāš“.
Davis ******
@Joseph ***
it’s literally the opposite of a visa. Good lord man, get a grip.
Joseph ****
@Davis *****
"Tourist visa" is shorthand for the longer proper designation. Who cares??? Hey, you clearly get titilation from these stupidest of non-points you want to argue. Maybe I shouldn't have called you a wāš“ because you can't even get the plumbing to do that anymore. Doing this on FB is all you have in your life.
Davis ******
@Joseph ***
Joseph, you are sat there dolling out advice, passing judgment and confusing the thoughts in your head with Thailand immigration law, not content with that you don’t know the difference between a Visa and Visa exempt.

Please, for the love of god stop giving advice.
Joseph ****
@Davis *****
Do you do this all the time and forget your object of wāš“ing?? Didn't "give advice." Stop that wāš“ing while trying to argue about a distinction with no important difference. OP has been living in Thailand on the visa exemption. That's not what it's for. Immigration busted him on it and ended his party. So you, too, not welcome or cared for in your own country, will now have to nurse cheap beers in a dirty bar in Cambodia and long for the old, tattooed bar maids there which couldn't help you get a thrill even if you could come up with the riels for it.
Davis ******
@Joseph ***
incredible contribution all round. Look at you ranting about the spirit of the visa (which is the exact opposite of a visa) and something something Cambodia. I hope the OP listens to your wise words
Joseph ****
@Davis *****
Nah. You showed up and picked fight, hoping to get your jollies, and all you did was fail at a pointless game of semantics with no purpose or point, accuse me of "doling out advice" where I did not, and yet, you're still left packing your backpack and having to figure out where is left for you to rot away on the cheap. Cambodia IS probably too good for you.
Nika ******
@Joseph ***
ok, I can read and I understand but this Hashirama person said that OP did something illegal. If it’s not correct it doesn’t make it illegal
Joseph ****
@Nika *****
Yes, I get both sides. Anyway, OP knows what he now has to do.
Tania **********
They are simply filtering , had enough abuse of people been ilegal on their Country .

We knew this was coming…

They like Respect !
David *******
I respect honest humble fair minded Thai people. I can't be instructed to respect those in authority merely because they hold power. Remember. ā€œpower corrupts. Absolute power corrupts absolutely.ā€ I'm diplomatic and cautious. I treat others as I expect to be treated. I won't kowtow to criminals even if they wear shiny badges.
David *******
@Tania *********
nonsense. African prostitutes all around Sukhumvit Nana and Pattaya actually "working " on tourist stamps. Obviously the high ups are paid off. Rules inconsistently applied when the IO u approach isn't one of the beneficiaries.
Tania **********
@David ******
Not anymore !
Tae'lur ********
@David ******
you’re late, there’s been a crack down of them getting deported because of it
David *******
@Tae'lur *******
they'll be back. Sucking off the police for free. That's how they hid in plain sight.
Tania **********
@David ******
Wrong ; you should Respect Thailand; be quiet and humble.
Brett *********
@Tania *********
visa free entry is not illegal.
Ralph *******
@Brett ********
The visa free entry is for the purpose of tourism. The author is not a tourist.
Jordan *****
@Ralph ******
unless he works he is still a tourist in my opinion
Ralph *******
@Jordan ****
Or studies. Or has retired. Or has an elite visa.
Ralph *******
@Jordan ****
Great. Go tell immigration that.
Brett *********
@Ralph ******
define tourist
Ralph *******
@Brett ********
Immigration will do that for you.
Brett *********
@Ralph ******
do what for me? Make me a coffee?
Ralph *******
@Brett ********
I have no idea what you’re talking about. FB is not showing the post I assume you are responding to.

And you can make your own coffee. You’re a big boy now!
Brett *********
@Ralph ******
right now I have no idea myself 555
Brett *********
@Ralph ******
I get a Barista for that now.
*****
Tania **********
@Brett ********
Many, do not follow their rules : 180 days a year .

Many, come with ā€˜free tourist entry’ , and work illegal, overstay etc .they are aware , and talk a lot about .
Wylie *******
@Tania *********
there is no 180 day rule. Many countries have that, but not Thailand.
Tania **********
@Wylie ******
Immigration told this , and like to Respect .

Obvious, each one responsability .
Wylie *******
@Tania *********
as everyone says, the IO you're standing in can deny anyone for almost any reason. Each one has their own idea of how long is too long. That doesn't make it a rule you're breaking. Just like using visa exempt until they decide to deny you entry isn't illegal.
Tania **********
@Wylie ******
Right, up to you.
Wylie *******
@Tania *********
i agree with what you are trying to say and people should expect trouble trying to live here off of short term entries meant for tourists. But doing so is neither illegal or breaking any rules. Those are simple facts. Nothing to do with being up to me.
Brett *********
@Tania *********
no. Up to IO
Brett *********
@Tania *********
that was not what you said
*****
Tania **********
@Brett ********
?

I said: they have enough of people abusing , all kinds .
Brett *********
@Tania *********
you said illegal. How can they be illegal if an immigration officer stamped them in to the country? Do you read your posts before you hit send?
Asso ******
Well, to be honest, if you use the 60 day free stays (or even a tourist visa) to stay in Thailand long term, they should not be letting you in. You need to get a correct visa. If you are living in Thailand long-term, you are not a tourist.
Aaron *********
@Asso *****
who are you - the Immigration Police?
Betty *********
@Aaron ********
, Asso Kork is correct.
Tae'lur ********
@Aaron ********
no he’s someone who respects the country
Asso ******
@Aaron ********
What a childish comment... Do I have to be police to think that people should follow the meaning of the law? Someone who stays in Thailand enough to have a "stable relationship with his Thai gf" is clearly not a tourist and should not be (ab)using exemptions and visas meant for tourists. That's it! Or if they want to (ab)use these opportunities, they should at least not whine, if someone stops them from doing it.
Deb ******
@Asso *****
definitely šŸ’Æ
Aaron *********
@Asso *****
I'm with you on the not whining part, but what has the rest got to do with you?
Asso ******
@Aaron ********
Oh dear, I must’ve taken a wrong turn on the internet! I thought I was on Facebook, not applying for a visa to North Korea or registering with a state-approved opinion board in Russia.

See, in this part of the world, people are actually allowed to have opinions —even on things that don’t revolve around their own backyard. Shocking, I know.

If my comment rattled your worldview, that’s unfortunate… for you. But rest assured, I’ll continue commenting on whatever topic I please. And whether you like it or not, that’s your personal little struggle—not mine. šŸ’ā€ā™‚ļø
Aaron *********
@Asso *****
your comment didn't 'rattle my worldview', it just made you seem like a total bell end. And yes ,your profile pic was exactly as expected. Thanks for giving the rest of us a bad name in these parts
Chris ******
It made me get a retirement Visa ,was tired of the scrutiny and funny looks .
Tae'lur ********
@Chris *****
good, ppl need to stop abusing it and just get the proper visa
Brian *******
@Chris *****
how many days after 50th birthday can you get it? im about 17 months away..
Chris ******
@Brian ******
I would surmise you could apply on your birthday ,maybe start the process before .. not sure .
Brian *******
@Chris *****
was it easy when you did it?
Al ********
@Chris *****
was that an easy process ?
Chris ******
@Al *******
I used an agent in Hua Hin .. painless .
Anthony ******************
I was told there is a limit of two entries in a calendar year. This makes sense and they should formalise this policy.
Henrik *****
The 2 time limit was discontinued
****
2024.

Now you may be rejected on 2. attempt to enter Thailand.
Anthony ******************
@Henrik ****
Yes but I think it should be brought back,
Nika ******
@Anthony *****************
where did you read that ā€˜legend’?

If your info is not confirmed, probably smarter to keep silent
Anthony ******************
@Nika *****
I am report facts from my experience. I do not make things up. I respected their decision and support these limits.
Nika ******
@Anthony *****************
dude there is NO limit entering by air.
Anthony ******************
Mate we call every one mate.. (Australian) You're a joker Yank. . Again I think there should be limits to the "Visa Exempt" visits. Makes sense.
Nika ******
@Anthony *****************
Polish not ā€˜Yank’ and keep ā€˜thinking’
Anthony ******************
still stupid as.. you want to retire in Thailand get a retirement visa, Clearly you do not hold a APEC Travel Card. I do, that is why I got 90 day entry.
Nika ******
@Anthony *****************
did you see OP’s profile pix? He is ā€˜few’ years away from retirement 🤨
Anthony ******************
The he needs to fund another visa and not relay on the visa exempt system. There are a number of options he could consider.
Anthony ******************
@Nika *****
You are not listening mate. I was told there was a limit. I traveled by air returned from Vietnam. I was issued a 30 days visa and arranged to return to Australia and applied for a Employment visa, i think there should be limits. I respected their decision and was happy to comply, which I did.
Nika ******
@Anthony *****************
i am not your MATE

And what you ā€˜think’ is not relevant

āœŒļø
Paul *******
@Anthony *****************
There is not two entry limit. Prior to the 60 day Visa Exempt Entry, there was a two land entry limit but that is no longer. It is up to the Immigration officer to let you in. If he believess that your entrys indicate that you are no longer a tourist, then he/she will deny you entry.
Betty *********
@Paul ******
exactly !!! If the author wants to stay a long time then he just get the appropriate Visa. As it is he is " abusing" the system.
Anthony ******************
Tell that to Immigration. I flew in and was told that They would give me a 30 day visa as opposed to the 90 day APEC visa I was entitled to, I was setting up an office in Thailand. I returned to Australia and applied for a work visa. My point is they should put limits on the number of days on a 'Visa exempt" entry per year.
Jim ***********
So u border bounce a year and it's IO fault? Get proper visa.
David *******
@Jim **********
border bounce is 3500 baht a,time. "connected" thais making big money and the IOs know that. It's certainly not FREE
Matthew *********
@David ******
the wallet visa is the easiest visa 555
David *******
@Matthew ********
what is it?
Matthew *********
@David ******
money solves all problems in Thailand
คุณไรอัน ******
@Matthew ********
you are right
Jim ***********
@David ******
yes that's why proper visa better
Nika ******
Did you go in and out on ā€˜exemption’ every 60 days or did you also get extension stamp from the immigration office?

Asking, because some people think, that the extension stamps are the trigger
David *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Nika *****
yes. I had 2 times an extension. I never overstayed any visa.
Mary *******
@David ********
how many times did you enter and go back in total? Am curious as I have come and gone twice recently and am going again on Wednesday
Mike ******
@Mary ******
I just came in last night at DMK, this was my 3rd entry in the last year and they questioned me quite a bit, seems they are cracking down.
Henrik *****
Prepare your self, you may not be let in again.
Nika ******
@Henrik ****
they will but with warnings and questions
Nongnuch ********
@David ********
you never had a "visa". If you always entered on a visa-exempt, all you got stamped was a "stay permit". You seem to think that all those visa-exempt entries you did during the recent year, were granting you a "tourist visa". No, they didn't. You most probably NEVER entered with a singe entry 60-days tourist visa within this period. In the eyes of every border official, you have obviously been misusing the visa-exempt entry for a longstay in Thailand. And up goes the orange flag!
Nika ******
@David ********
well, as mentioned - the extensions might be the trigger.

Honestly, if you over 50 - get retirement visa

If you work remotely - DTV

You can also apply for some Thai classes and get student visa

And if you need to enter again soon, probably smarter to do visa run with agency (Myanmar or whatever the closest border near you).
Ruud ******************
Get a proper visa and don’t complain Immigration officer
Jo **********
@Ruud *****************
if he has not been here in 1 year why would you need a visa
Ruud ******************
@Jo *********
read!! He came in and out over a year
Jo **********
@Ruud *****************
oh dear! it was not clear to me!
Nongnuch ********
@Jo *********
it seems he thinks that all those visa-exempt entries he did during the recent year, were granting him a "tourist visa". He most probably NEVER entered with a singe entry 60-days tourist visa within this period. He has obviously been misusing the visa-exempt entry for a longstay in Thailand. And up goes the orange flag!
Porky ******
@Nongnuch *******
orange flag? What’s that??
Nongnuch ********
@Porky *****
one could also call it "red flag". A synonym for the word "warning"
Porky ******
@Nongnuch *******
So why complicate it with orange when the term is Red Flag?? 🤣
Nongnuch ********
@Porky *****
because most people get warned first, told to use a visa fit the purpose of stay, and then being admitted after the warning. This is the YELLOW CARD in a football game. It is NOT the red card, yet. So I keep calling the flag that goes up before the first warning the ORANGE FLAG, and it will be an orange flag in the Immigration central computer. After this, your next visa-exempt entry attempt will raise the RED FLAG - and result in an entry denied
Porky ******
@Nongnuch *******
So this additional orange flag is an actual thing in the immigration computer system then or just something that someone once said in a bar? šŸ˜†

I remember someone trying to start an Orange Flag trend decades ago when I was living in Phuket in the early 2000’s… back when the internet started to became popular… 🤭
Nongnuch ********
@Porky *****
if you get warned, it will be logged in the central computer. So every immigration officer can see that you have been warned. You better stop thinking that they are stupid
Jo **********
@Nongnuch *******
yes agree. in 2022 after Covid I entered 8 times visa exempt in a 9 month period never a single question. Why? i would never stay more than 20 days. And each time leave for 7-10 days. And had a work position and residency in singapore. Never an extension
Henrik *****
The big difference in what is allowed is before or after
****
2024.

Everything before
****
is history, and has no relevance any more.
Nongnuch ********
@Jo *********
cool, this is absolutely possible. If you don't maxx out every visa-exempt entry and spend some time outside of Thailand, you can do a couple of visa-exempt entries during one year without running into a problem. Worst that could happen is being questioned onyour intentions, and you were prepared for it
Brett *****
Michael ********
This is easy compared to Thai trying to do the same as in the west. They are right get a proper visa.
Brian *********
Where may I ask?

So trying to understand, this was your first exempt stamp after a tourist visa or is it more?
Nongnuch ********
@Brian ********
it seems he thinks that all those visa-exempt entries he did during the recent year, were granting him a "tourist visa". He most probably NEVER entered with a singe entry 60-days tourist visa within this period. He is obviously misusing the visa-exempt entry for a longstay in Thailand. And up goes the orange flag!
Brian *********
@Nongnuch *******
ooook! That smells plausible. šŸ‘
Cissi *********
@Brian ********
DMK = Don Mueang Airport, Bangkok.
Brian *********
@Cissi ********
didn’t catch that, thanks?
Thaimer ******
@Brian ********
he wrote where. DMK immigration
Brian *********
@Thaimer *****
didn’t catch that, thanks?
Garrett ***********
They'll still let you in. They just like to pretend they're important.
Porky ******
@Garrett **********
They’re important enough give you PNG status after saying that to their face… šŸ‘šŸ»šŸ‘šŸ»šŸ‘šŸ»

But you would do that would you? 🤣
Frangipani *******
@Garrett **********
I can’t help but asking, what alternative universe do you (pretend to) live in?
Frangipani *******
@Garrett **********
What a stupid comment!
Tania **********
@Garrett **********
They are the Important here !
Victoria **********
@Garrett **********
They kind of ARE important because if they decide not to let you in you aren't coming in.

Don't pretend otherwise
Garrett ***********
@Victoria *********
Nah, thailand is still a country of laws. They need a legal basis to deny someone entry. There's 10 lawful reasons to refuse entry, "coming in on tourist visas too often" is not one of them.
Dave *******
@Garrett **********
they really don’t it all depends on which immigration office you get and if he’s had a bad day .laws lol šŸ˜‚
John *****
@Garrett **********
he's not entering on a tourist visa. He's entering on a visa exemption.
Nongnuch ********
@Garrett **********
well, he didn't "come in on a tourist visa too often". He was misusing the visa-exempt entry for a longstay for over a whole year. That's what will raise the orange flag, rule or no rule
Daniele *******
@Garrett **********
enter or not,also whit proper visa in your passport its allways at discretion of immigration officiers..it may be denied your entrance also if you got a visa..very remote possibility,but its possible!
Victoria **********
@Garrett **********
Good luck with that šŸ˜…šŸ˜…
Garrett ***********
@Victoria *********
You're more likely to be refused entry for that neck tattoo than entering on a tourist visa to many times.
Dave *******
@Garrett **********
April fools has gone now
Tania **********
@Garrett **********
Absolutelly not; so many tattoos nowadays
Victoria **********
@Garrett **********
I very much doubt that šŸ˜…šŸ˜…šŸ˜… Lived here and visited more than 30 times and only ever been asked about "reason for visit" or "Where's you go after?".

The only tattoo related thing I've ever had (other than men on the Internet saying they don't like them) is "Wow! Farang, sexy, many tattoo" šŸ˜…šŸ˜…šŸ˜…
Barry ********
@Victoria *********
no need to justify yourself
Paul *******
Victoria **********
@Paul ******
Like, why anyone thinks they're not important is beyond me.

Mess about with them and watch as you're boarded onto the next available flight back to your original destination or your home country!
Anthony ******************
@Victoria *********
It is their country after all.
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