What should I do if I'm frequently questioned by Thai immigration as a tourist?

November 10, 2019
5 years ago
Paul ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Got pulled over arriving bkk airport yesterday and questioned,why i come here so often,i probably stayed no more then 6 weeks in total since last newyear..2weeks in jan,same june,same sept,and now only 8 days...soon he opened my passport he went OHOOO..i said i worked offshore and on my time off i come here to spend time and money and loved being here...he asked me to prove i worked offshore and show return ticket...in the end he gave in and stamped but certainly put the shits on me...whats best option for me...advice pls chaps
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A user shared their recent experience of being questioned by Thai immigration upon arrival, highlighting concerns over repeated visits and the implications of visa regulations. Multiple comments suggested that frequent travelers are increasingly being scrutinized, with some recommending that long-stay visas, like the Thai Elite Visa, may provide more stability. Others noted the rising difficulties for tourists and expats in Thailand due to stricter immigration policies, leading some to consider alternatives for spending their time abroad.
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Keith *************
It makes you realise why tourist arrivals are down when you read these stories .talk about shoot yourself in the foot ....
Nigel *********
I don't think Thailand is that difficult to enter as a foreigner, thry entering the UK as a Thai national. I think it's referred to as "hostile environment"
Brett *********
@A-***
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Brett *********
Hmmm....so, let me ask a follow up question. What has Thailand not joining a political bloc during the cold war got anything to do with economics today?
A-I-*****
Nigel *********
@A-***
you seriously think the UK is a 1st world country anymore?
A-I-*****
@Nigel *********************
Comparing Apples (1st world) and Oranges (3rd world)? Anyways pretty easy these days if you have a boat... 🤣
Michael ********
My wife never had no problem entering uk
Sammy *******
Soy **********
I have been here 5+ years - in-and-out, in-and-out every 3 months like a good little habitual tourist. Never an issue. I know it is in part good luck. But the other side of that coin,
*****
tourist come and a few have issues - does that mean all tourist have issues?
Christov ********
Same here. No isssues
Carl ***********
Seems to me that Thailand is making it rough for any farang to come here. They will be sorry when we stop coming. They forget that this is a third world country.
Наталья ***********
@Carl **********
Thailand is first world country by the way)
Nathan ***************
I’ve said to my wife that the state of western affairs from Britain and USA and Europe it feels like thailand are shutting their borders before massive expat to Thailand occurs

But clamping down on those like retirees etc etc is a bad move

Since they and we put so much into the economy

To hear many are leaving to other Far East countries is madnes
Whitey ******
I do on and Off work 28 28 and get that shit often... Even refused entry 2 times.. So fuck Thailand unless I want a drug fuelled 3 some in Pattaya.

Realistically I ask my boss to buy in advance and if he doesn't.... Because sometimes he's a tit, I buy a throw away ticket to the cheapest place... Myanmar or Cambodia etc for 2000 baht.... Or 1 third or the aforementioned 3 some.
Mazi *****
When i arrivad at bbk and i got married with my wife out of thailand but i am holding thai non immigrants visa .After open bank accounts i visit more then 10 time to immigration but i still complicated my paper work .They change everyday and every officer is different .So i call a agency to help me out .She tell me all.my paper is perfact .One day she can do it .So i was so happy and ask her how nuch ur fees.She smile and said 45k ..So i just tell her thank u and i moving my ass again and go immigration everyday before i apply for 1 years visa and ask every officer what document you need more .They see me come everyday and finally tell u can come with your wife all is good ..So i give 1900 and its good for years..Thailand has change a lots anf thais are also changing .We understand thai government are make bad people out but government officer are now get more money coz things are not easy..🤪🤪 I am shock when i go immigration i see 1 person holding more then 20 pasport .and its took more.then hours. when all good people come them self and waiting .Its matter of fact living anywere even my own.country not good enough so no complain to other just give thai simle with lots of hates🤪
Michael ********
Paul, do you have your seamans book ? You are entitled to one even though you dont need it offshore. I used to show this it negates the need legally to show a return ticket. Its also very useful to have generally, you can get double baggage allowance and cheaper plane tickets.
Paul ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Michael *******
yes i have,i will look into get them seamans tickets too i know some tugfirms doing it..thanks
Zabel ******************
He asked you answered and he let you thru after you had thing's in order

These are the consicvence of all does who are misusesing the visa extempt or tourist visa over the year's and still are doing it then this happens to real tourists like you sad but true
Brahim ******
@Zabel *****************
wrong they possibly red flaging him
Robert **********
You’d figure that they’d want tourists I was reading that more people are checking out Burma Vietnam Lao
Fra *****
Look for another country to spend your time off , the immigration officer make themself a joke , by clearly not understanding the concept of travel
A-I-*****
We are sorry to hear that. Unfortunately this is getting out of control. We are processing a few cases pushing for some changes if you would like to give us a statement we would be happy to add it with the others.
Markus **********
@A-***
what you are doing is amazing. Please proceed with the cases
Mark ********
Go to Vietnam mate..bit more welcoming there.
Paul ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@A-***
you see what i ve written,thats it...dont want to make a big deal out of it,i just want to know what to do for the future..
Wayne ********
they are red flagging regularly travellers here trying get people to come in longer stay visas and not tourist visas 2 mate if mine who work offshore also has same problems and own property here and family’s so took Thai Elite visas another who lives in hkg and comes and plays golf here regularly had same issue another 2 mates who have foreign girlfriends one from china another korean both put on planes and sent back because too many visits per year xx
Michael ********
@Sammy ******
same for me, and downturn couple of years ago meant sometime was off for two months, duh still got plenty money to spend and no intention of working in Thailand for a fraction of the money
Ivan ************
Someone who has only come a handful of times and for six weeks total really shouldn't need an Elite visa. They should be fine just showing up. But it is what it is.
Michael ********
They need an offshore worker visa (dont say elite) they have lost a lot of high spending tourists.
Michael ********
Guys all answering about getting six month visas its difficult when your offshore to get a visa
Sammy *******
@Wayne *******
boy, ive been coming to Thailand about 30 years, the last 15 living here, first jomtien, then years in bkk, and now years in cm-- it has changed so very much.
Sammy *******
boy, these are the kinds of real travelers- tourists that Thailand wants-- and needs-- spend their money here, helping economy. noble goal to get the bad guys out, but they're sweeping up many good guys too.
A-I-*****
Wayne Klapko We would be interested in the statements if they are willing.
John *********
Take no notice.
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