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Answered7 months ago

What should I do if I'm held at BKK immigration and refused entry?

Jodie ********
asked Mar 14, 2026
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Held at BKK immigration

Hi all,

Does anyone have experience being stopped at immigration at BKK and refused entry? I have a friend who tried to re-enter Thailand today. He had been home in the UK for a few months, but had done the visa-free stamp twice in the past 12 months. He’d planned to come back on a tourist visa (in keeping with new rules), however the visa was delayed and the flight came around before the visa was fully processed. He hoped because it was a new year he might be allowed entry anyway on another stamp. Unfortunately he couldn’t change his flight, so it was the only option other than cancel the trip entirely.

I realise the situation is a little silly and he should probably just have cancelled the trip. But does anyone have any experience in this situation or being detained at immigration? He’s currently held in transfer area at BKK. They’re saying the only option is to be deported back to UK on Monday (and sleep on a bench until then), but I was wondering if maybe its possible they would allow him to book a flight to another country (Vietnam, Malaysia etc) rather than be sent back to the UK?

Any help would be appreciated.

EDIT: Update

Thanks for everyone's input - the conclusion is that he is being returned to the UK, no option to travel elsewhere. The return flight is provided by his original airline, but he does not have to pay for it. To clarify, he had entered twice on the exemption stamp and extended the extra 30 days on both. I think this was the main caveat. Also, he had travelled to Thailand a lot over the last few years - although always with legit entry stamps/extensions/tourist visas etc, but I think this generally counted against him as they were able to suggest he looks like he is not acting as a genuine tourist. He also got a particularly badly-mannered immigration agent, so I think in some cases he probably could have gotten through even with these circumstances. For those travelling soon bear in mind the visa application process seems to be extra long at the moment, probably due to these new rules, and beware for extra scrutiny coming in if you travel to Thailand frequently.
Answer summary
A user described their friend's negative experience attempting to re-enter Thailand through BKK airport after being away for a few months. The friend had used visa-free entry twice within the last 12 months and intended to return on a tourist visa, which was delayed. Despite being held in the transfer area, he received no option to book a flight to another country and was instead being sent back to the UK. The discussion emphasized the importance of understanding Thai entry regulations, including limits on the number of visa-free entries and the potential scrutiny frequent travelers may face. There were mixed opinions on the selectivity of immigration officers, highlighting that individual cases can vary significantly.
120 repliesnewest first
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SunnyChe*********
SunnyChe*********
Unfortunately the days of taking the pi$$ and pushing it are over.

Get the correct visa or pay for a safe entry service.
Dave ********
Dave ********
They normaly only send you back to where you flew from
Walter *********
Walter *********
The new rules state only 180 days a year in country. If he entered twice for 60 days with 30 day extensions that's time up.
Lucian *********
Lucian *********
Weren’t only 2 visa exempt entries in the last 12 months allowed recently according to the new immigration rules?
Will ******
Will ******
slate shd be wiped clean for the new calender year… but lots of stories like this in last two weeks
Emiliano ******
Emiliano ******
Should have waited for official authorization to enter.
Jodie ********
Jodie ********
OP
Thanks for everyone's input - the conclusion is that he is being returned to the UK, no option to travel elsewhere. The return flight is provided by his original airline, but he does not have to pay for it. To clarify, he had entered twice on the exemption stamp and extended the extra 30 days on both. I think this was the main caveat. Also, he had travelled to Thailand a lot over the last few years - although always with legit entry stamps/extensions/tourist visas etc, but I think this generally counted against him as they were able to suggest he looks like he is not acting as a genuine tourist. He also got a particularly badly-mannered immigration agent, so I think in some cases he probably could have gotten through even with these circumstances. For those travelling soon bear in mind the visa application process seems to be extra long at the moment, probably due to these new rules, and beware for extra scrutiny coming in if you travel to Thailand frequently.
Brian *******
Brian *******
who knows...
Winston ************
Winston ************
"I have a friend" ha ha we know it's you Jodie
Pat *********
Pat *********
2 a year m8.
John ***********
John ***********
I was told two visa free entry per calendar year..
Kåre ******
Kåre ******
Let's do the math. 60+30 times 2 = 180 days. That's the max on entry unless you have the proper visa. Whether that's calendar year or rolling year is above my paygrade. Personally? I want a multiple entry visa... but entry protocols and paperwork confuse me.
Alfie ******
Alfie ******
Tell us if he extended the exempts if so how many times ??
Keith ********
Keith ********
Happened to me a couple months ago.

Have to get returned to the country you first boarded.

He/she won't get his/her passport back until they touch down at the place they first boarded.

I was 'lucky' enough to get returned the same day.

They won't be able to move around the airport alone.
Darek *********
Darek *********
been there, done that... unfortunately international laws say in case of denying entry to any country the airlines that brought you there have the obligation to take you back to the port of origin
Fritz *********
Fritz *********
Fakt ist doch, er hat sich nicht an geltende Visa Bestimmungen gehalten. Ok. Dann kann man ihn natürlich die Einreise verwehren. Auch klar.

Aber wohin er dann reist, nach England zurück, oder nach Australien, oder nach Afrika, das haben nicht die Beamten der Einreiseämter zu entscheiden.

Er muss nicht ins Land gelassen werden, ganz klar, ohne Zweifel.

Aber niemand !! kann ihm vorschreiben wohin er - ausserhalb von Thailand - reist.

Genfer Konvention !!
Scott ***********
Scott ***********
555....
Dâu ********
Dâu ********
Almost seems like they're wise to you guys and have decided they're done with the lies. 🤣😅
Na ****
Na ****
Does he have ties to Israel?

Lots of dangerous people trying to flee from there now.
Raymond *********
Raymond *********
Earlier this year i got denied entry after a short trip out, I've been living in Thailand 16+ years, active work permit, invested millions of dollars of my own money in business and properties, employ many thais, heavily involved in charity, as well as responsible for huge amounts of money invested into Thailand via my businesses. Doesnt count for a thing if you get the wrong a-hole behind the counter.

My issue was all sorted in a couple of days, but a very horrible way for immigration to treat people, and i can understand why many travellers are ditching Thailand for more welcoming nearby countries.
Christopher ********
Christopher ********
Not 100% about this but sure i seen the kingdom says you can come into the country twice in one year as a tourist. I never had any problems I been in. 3 / 4 times a year. But I only do stay for 2 weeks at a time
Arnault ********
Arnault ********
i have been 4 times in thailand in the last year with visa exempt. No worry. My history was 14 days in februay 2025, 35 days in july/august 2025, 19 days in december 2025 and 25 days in february 2026. Always coming from my country of origin (France). I plan to comeback this summer. Enjoy your hollidays
Ryan *******
Ryan *******
I need clarification so youre not allowed 3 visa exempt entries in 12 months?
Andy ********
Andy ********
Being honest, the immigration dept's do not know the immigration rules, laws and updates. So good luck to yr mate.
Larry *********
Larry *********
is it no more than 2 entries per calendar year or in a 12 month period.?
Brandon ************
Brandon ************
@Larry ********
12 months
Paul *********
Paul *********
He chanced it and failed. Happens to the best of us.
Jérôme *********
Jérôme *********
I was questioned once a few years ago at BKK and I was given the choice to go back to Laos where I was for a visa run or to my home country.
Paul ********
Paul ********
Always up to that immigration officer at the end of the day but people can help themselves by dressing nicely and being ultra polite

Next time you're in that snake waiting just look around you
Kay ******
Kay ******
Western Europe can learn a thing or two from Thailand.
Bruno ***********
Bruno ***********
@Kay *****
Western Europe has no leaks at the airports but at other borders

Just as, I am pretty sure of, Thailand
Kay ******
Kay ******
Bruno Vaglienti They still have some, because if someone can enter Eastern Europe somehow. They can fly into Western Europe without to much hassle. Also they can lie themselves into the country.
Dale *********
Dale *********
Just reading this did he extend his stay after the 60 days as far as am aware I thought you could go for holiday for say 3 weeks and go home few months the if you want another holiday you can go back I thought they were Just stopping pepole who extends there visa all the time strange how this guy has been stopped if only been two times??as far as am aware there is or nothing saying you can't go holiday 2 or 3 times year for 3 weeks Nothing In Thailand Rules has said this and they can stop you
David ********
David ********
I applied for multiple entry visa from thai embassy in London on line 1 month before my flight to Bangkok, paid £150 ,they took the money from my bank but I never got the visa, tried to call them and e mail but never got through or any reply before my flight. Was worried about being let in but I was allowed entry for 3rd entry within a year.
Dale *********
Dale *********
David Hughes that's how it should be there should not be problem there is nothing saying in Legal you can't go for holiday say 3 weeks 3 times year they are trying to stop pepole who are extending the 60 days and doing land boarders so this guy getting stopped he maybe has done 60 days went out in another 60 days but going for say 21 days and not coming back say for 6 months or 7 months shouldn't be problem getting in
Roy *******
Roy *******
Cheers mate ive just booked via viator,see what happens.
Mohammad ***********
Mohammad ***********
I was denied entry once. Had to wait in detention room until the next available flight. This is the procedure for everyone unless you are acquainted with someone in the top 1% of this country who might be able to get you out.

For a UK passport, you can try to talk with the immigration officer and check if they will allow you on a flight to Malaysia. A DJ from the UK was deported back in December 2025 and she managed to get to Malaysia instead of UK.
Night *******
Night *******
Why such a rush to Thailand? Could not wait for the visa. I bet he is lying

He did not apply for any visa. He thought he had white privilege to come and go whenever he wanted.
Tyler **********
Tyler **********
Sure let’s just be blatantly racist and accuse someone we’ve never met of lying when we know nothing about their situation. Because that kind of thinking always ends well…
Matthew *******
Matthew *******
Night Rider white privilege lol what a retard
Andy ********
Andy ********
Night Rider you racist mush ? Whats the "white priveges" all about. Twat
Calum *****
Calum *****
Night Rider who the fook are you to make assumptions on something you know nothing about. Calling people liars when you know nothing idiot.
THAI ******************************
THAI ******************************
Once the arrival process has already been completed, there is unfortunately very little that can be done.

If a situation like this begins to develop, you can try contacting us immediately and we will do our best to see if there is anything we can do to assist.

The best approach, however, is to reach out to our team before your trip so we can prepare in advance and arrange VIP entry for you.
Todd *********
Todd *********
@THAI *****************************
what is the cost of a VIP entry (what does this entail) for someone arriving on a tourist visa with no prior immigration problems. Just tired of the hour long wait for the queue.
Brandon ************
Brandon ************
@Todd ********
your case would probably be like 2000 baht. You'll be brought to the fast track line and ushered through quickly.

To get an actual price quote, you fill out their TDAC form and on the 2nd page choose the fast track option. It'll ask you a few questions and give you the price.

*******************************
Ter ******
Ter ******
@THAI *****************************
yeah if in doubt gotta go VIP, whats with people
THAI ******************************
THAI ******************************
You can contact us just in case:

**********************
Solazzi *********************
Solazzi *********************
20.000 tbath not problem
Cymraeg *******
Cymraeg *******
Book fast track. This will increase his chances of entering Thailand.
Calum *****
Calum *****
@Cymraeg ******
I fly business class and get automatic fast track. Only time ive ever been questioned was last time business class. I entered from Vetnam after being back to the UK twice, Taiwan twice and Italy. But been too Thailand 4 times same calender year sometimes only a week or 2 and flying back out to work. She wasn't gonna stamp me. I got my Seaman's book out proved id been to these places for work. She stamped me but had miserable face. Never go in lane with women Officer again. Never had any trouble in 23 years. Times deffo changing. Should be clamping down on longterm border runners not people flying in and out for work putting £1000s of hard earned cash into there economy each month. I've spent over million pounds in my 23 years and now to be questioned. If it don't change im splitting 6 months travelling Asia each year To new places ,Indonesia Japan, Philippines
Succ*****
Succ*****
Whoops 😬
Ashley **********
Ashley **********
An amateur traveller, with no clue about travelling. 🤦
Jack *******
Jack *******
If you are denied entry you have to go back to your country of origin, speaking from experience
Jack *******
Jack *******
Next time just use a VIP service
Russ **********
Russ **********
How come the TDAC process didn't stop him from boarding the flight inbound?
Faron *************
Faron *************
Russ Marriott it is a digital arrival card, not an immigration check.
Jonny *****
Jonny *****
Why does one poster find this funny, there's some freaky trolls on here
Charmae *******
Charmae *******
@Jonny ****
because it is
Jodie ********
Jodie ********
OP
Thanks everyone for your comments, am going to see about an agent or lawyer.
Nicholas ******
Nicholas ******
Lawyer will waste your time. That’s my advice.
John **********
John **********
@Jodie *******
************************
Todd *********
Todd *********
Jodie Taylor reach out via messenger or Line to
@THAI *****************************
Sean ********
Sean ********
Jodie Taylor the owner of this group is
@THAI *****************************
.

They might be able to help
Martyn *******
Martyn *******
Long story short came in visa exempt extended stay by 30 days. Middle east war kicks off so flew to Singapore to avoid overstaying. Came clbsck after 5 days and explained situation given further 60 days
Jan ********
Jan ********
i do not know for sure. but I have read that they allow max. two visaruns a year. ask the embassy. not facebook.
Trevor **********
Trevor **********
Do you have the reason he was refused entry? You've given circumstances but immigration would have given a reason. Ie Too many days on tourist exempt, not having 20,000 tbaht or equivalent in cash ,not having onward travel etc.
Larry *********
Larry *********
Trevor Champion the whole post sounds shady.
Brian ********
Brian ********
A friend convinced them to deport him to Laos.

However, it was due to a 3rd party error (a school) and the school spoke with immigration and got the temporary reprieve rather than being deported to the Usa - so they could sort the issue out.

Perhaps - a small token of appreciation might convince the IO to allow a similar flexibility.
Dca *****
Dca *****
Charmae *******
Charmae *******
Dca Dca and can U translate please ?
Rachel ****************
Rachel ****************
Get a flight to Vietnam da nang it’s unreal
Yashar *******
Yashar *******
How many days did he stay on visa free entries last year? Did he max them out ?
Syed *************
Syed *************
If the passport is not stamped as deported than he can just book the flight and go to any other nearby country
Darek *********
Darek *********
Syed Sabir Shah not true at all
Ash **********
Ash **********
Syed Sabir Shah can't be deported from a country you haven't entered.
Proficient**********
Proficient**********
So a couple things, ibhate when people say they are getting deported, he is not being deported, he was refused entry, being deported means he was already in thailand and then deported.. 2 totally different things. Second, when you are refused entry you must return to the country you originated from, that is the rule.. Now the one thing he could try and due while being detained in bkk is get an agent to help him, it will cost a few baht but agents have work around..
Bruno ***********
Bruno ***********
ProficientTurtle7614 and most likely the airline will be fined (5000$) for having taken a passengers with no proper docs to enter.

Airline will eventually charge him back

Wondering what he said at the check in usual questions.
Peter *******
Peter *******
Bruno Vaglienti I doubt it, he was flying visa exempt, so no visa required, and I doubt the airline has access to the immigration database, nor qorry about the number of previous entries as that is an immigration issue, rather than some person on a check in desk an another country.
Night *******
Night *******
ProficientTurtle7614 wrong wording. Not the brightest one.
Adrian ******
Adrian ******
Night Rider why so rude. Wrong wording not mean not bright
Todd *********
Todd *********
ProficientTurtle7614 It's not the rule. You can return to country the flight originated OR home country.
Ben ***********
Ben ***********
ProficientTurtle7614 is he detained?
Charlimo *********
Charlimo *********
Happened to a friend if mine...

Melbourne/Singapore/Bkk. Got refused entry.....she asked to be let stay in Singapore....they said, if Singapore accepts her.

They kept PP and escorted her into the plain, than...she got picked up again of Singapore immigration.....got questioned....

Because it wasn't deportation, but refused entry, they gave her a tourist visa.
Charlimo *********
Charlimo *********
Ben Pellegrom he probably is in a cell at the airport waiting for the flight back...
Robert ***********
Robert ***********
As John says, it sounds like that he was not being denied entry since they have left him airside but not in clink.

There is no reason he could not go to another country providing he never leaves airside (technically he is not now in Thailand).

However, this is entirely at their discretion. He needs to observe full Thai etiquette (he is asking for them to grant something to him) and request permission to leave to a third country.

I am pretty sure they have verified he has a visa application in progress- which obviously he should have waited for- and there is no reason why what they have done so far would endanger that process. At the same time, he is not in compliance, so they refused to let him pass.

I am sure they are open to the right persuasion.
Torhild ******************
Torhild ******************
Robert Gillespie This isn't a denied light situation. He will be denied entry due to excessive use of exempt entries and won't have the option to choose another country. There's no reason anyone shouldn't be able to go to another country, but that's the regular practice.
Todd *********
Todd *********
Torhild Myraker Harkjær there is no such thing as excessive use of exempt entries. And if denied, you generally have the option of return to where your flight came from, or home country. Sounds like it's the same country in this case
Roy *******
Roy *******
Shit im in Vietnam now on my second visa free,im due to enter Bangkok next week . Got a bad feeling about this.
Night *******
Night *******
Roy James why living in Thailand with visa exempt entries only? IOs assume you are working illegally.
Jesper ********
Jesper ********
Galenus Gold No nonsense, just use
@THAI *****************************
guarantee you will come in, used them 2 months a go when i already stayed on tourist visa and entries for more than a year. They wil wait for you on airport, recommend to do this for Roy.
Spicy******
Spicy******
Roy James I wouldn't bother trying personally. Just go ahead and book your next leg to a different place from Bangkok
Succ*****
Succ*****
Roy James gonna get buffooo'd
Jack *******
Jack *******
Use a VIP service and it is guaranteed
Charles **********
Charles **********
Roy James arrange fast track with an agent is a must , but you might still be refused
Ja***
Ja***
Charles Harrison Need safe entry, not fast track. Fast track only reduces the queing time (same as business class or APEC card), it doesn't decrease your chance of being denied entry. Safe entry is what you need to guarantee entry.
Spicy******
Spicy******
Charles Harrison fast track and refused is too crazy.. why bother at this point
Roy *******
Roy *******
Charles Harrison Any idea which agent?
Jesper ********
Jesper ********
Roy James i used this one with no problems at all, very nice staff. stayed more than a year on tourist visa entries.
@THAI *****************************
Jordan ********
Jordan ********
Roy James it took me 5 days
Peter ********
Peter ********
Roy James just get your dtv before you come back
John **********
John **********
@Roy ******
try the one that owns this group
Fox ****
Fox ****
Roy James i know a good one. Used them for years. If you need their contact pls let me know.
Andy **********
Andy **********
Call a good lawyer. He will get in
Jodie ********
Jodie ********
OP
Andy Falconer Thank you, don't supposed you have any to recommend? I have tried a couple but no one is responding as its the weekend now.
Andy **********
Andy **********
No sorry
John **********
John **********
@Jodie *******
************************
Andy **********
Andy **********
12,000 baht
Ben *****
Ben *****
Andy Falconer isn't it worth it?
Sam ************
Sam ************
Yes, I had that experience. I came from Vietnam and I was already on my second tourist visa and I was in process of a work permit already but had not been approved yet. I showed all of documentations to the officer but they don't give a rats a.. what kind of papers you have. SUVARNABHUMI immigration has no leeway for extending circumstances. Hey are very strict. They sent me back to Vietnam and unfortunately you will also be sent back to UK as well.
Steve ******
Steve ******
Sam Phomsoukha if it not been approved does that not give you a clue I may be wrong sorry if I am 🤔
Gary ********
Gary ********
Steve Lowe it speaks volumes
Olivier *********
Olivier *********
Sam Phomsoukha you can't get a WP prior getting a proper Non-B visa...
Diane ********
Diane ********
Olivier O'Brienyou can get a letter showing your WP application has been submitted. Use it to apply for non B.
John **********
John **********
Normally if you're denied entry you go back to where you came from. It would be odd if they allowed him to go to a nearby country just so he could try and enter again
Bruno ***********
Bruno ***********
@John *********
immigration will ask the airline he flew in to take him back.

They can't refuse

Then it will be a matter between him and the airline
Johnson *****
Johnson *****
Bruno Vaglienti absolutely correct. It's the very reason airlines check ability to enter at the source airport, as they're liable to return you when declined.

The idea that you can just go elsewhere and try there is utter fiction; as the liability to return an 'unlanded passenger' starts and stops with the carrier.

Unless of course it's a movie by Tom Hanks
Garrett ***********
Garrett ***********
@John *********
Only if he's legally refused entry. Often they'll allow people to voluntarily not enter Thailand and find somewhere else to go.
Nongnuch ********
Nongnuch ********
@Garrett **********
that rarely happens. As a rule, it always means going back to the departure country. And most of all, it must have been a direct flight, not passing through the Middle East. I guess he will be sitting in the IDC for a while until he finds a flight back. And the price will be sky-high
Paul ********
Paul ********
Ouch indeed....

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