What should I do to successfully re-enter Thailand after multiple visits this year?

Sep 25, 2024
3 months ago
Danny *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
I am looking to re-enter Thailand for the 4th time this year. I've been pulled to side on my 3rd re-entry for not having an onward ticket ready to show at the immigration gate but was able to show it when I was pulled aside to speak with an IO. I had to fill out a form of where I was staying and a bit more info but was eventually let in. The IO stated that I should get a proper visa before my next entry or I might get denied.

Has anyone been able to re-enter more than 3 times to Thailand. I am looking to re-enter to also buy a plane ticket back to the US because it would be the cheapest and easiest route (BKK => US Airport). If I re-enter I would have an onward ticket, accommodation and funds.

Thanks for any help! I know no one here is an IO and its completely up to the IO but wanted to ask.

Edit: A bit more info, I entered 3 times in the beginning of the year with maybe 1-2 weeks or 1 month in-between each trip to Thailand (total of 98 days in Thailand this year). Now I've been away for 4 months going to Japan, Vietnam and the US.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user seeks advice on re-entering Thailand for the fourth time within the year after previously facing scrutiny from immigration for not having an onward ticket. They were let in but warned to obtain a proper visa to avoid future entry issues. The discussion includes personal experiences of other travelers, suggesting obtaining a visa, buying onward tickets to nearby countries, and sharing concerns over potential immigration risks.
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Baz *********
Apply for a visa at a Thailand embassy in your home country before you enter Thailand..

Problem solved
Ian *********
i got asked for onward flight after 3 entries .but i had it and was going home a month later .so got 30 days at the time.no problem .
Minenhle ******
Why dont you do visa extension? Don't need to leave the country
Carlein *******
I border just for since coved no problems but I now on a non o since new laws
Jim ***********
Is being turned back on arrival not a hassle ? Get proper visa
Cliff *********
You have been warned, surely you are flagged in the system. Do you REALLY want to get stuck in immigration jail and deported?

Just get the visa and stop playing stupid games.

You put yourself and the rest of us at risk…..
Jo **********
before I got my current visa I was entering 8-12 times a year visa exempt so I don’t understand what their issue is with you. I don’t think you will have a problem if you have been away that long.
Christopher *******
It all changed Dec 1. Not VOA, will need to fill ETA form. All Americas
Chad ********
@Christopher ******
hasn't been apporved...it's in discussion...they don't even know if it will even start...all talk
Ronald *******
Just buy VIP entry about 4000 baht. (No questions asked and guaranteed entry, no queues) I’ve used.
@123Hap******
and their service has been flawless.
Pertti *************
@Ronald ******
visa cost 1900baht😁
Vinee *******
Get a visa before going there
Phil ******
Get a proper visa with and onward ticket simple
@Danny ****
Robert *****
Bus ticket to Lao. $12
Andrew *******
@Robert ****
is that from bk ? Which company does this
Gary *******
Just buy a cheap ticket to Cambodia or somewhere else then they not stop you
Gardar ***************************
Just get a proper visa? 🤷
Danny *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Gardar **************************
I'm deciding whether to get a Tourist Visa at the embassy or just risk it and go to BKK airport...

The hassle comes from the requirements/docs you need to bring to Embassy. Application Form, Round Trip of Flights, 6 months worth of bank statements, receipt of accomodation for ENTIRE time in Thailand, and photographs. It isn't that difficult TBH but much less work to just buy a plane ticket and show up at the airport.
Gardar ***************************
@Danny ****
well now you have 'border run' with car. the company should take you back and forth without issue. If you staying like say Pattaya they take you 5am and you back before 5pm for less then 3k bath. Unsure about Bangkok but quick search in the group you get your answer. If you staying somewhere else, probably another group that you can ask about border run
Mark ******
Gardar ***************************
@Mark *****
if that's to much hassle, why do you want to stay long time? 😂
Eric ******
How was Japan and Vietnam compared to Thailand? I have them on my list too.
Eric ******
Yea, just can't get used to Thai food, so am spending more on food. You gotta love restaurants that charge people to cook their own food though!😄 I'm tempted to try it, but no idea how to do it.
М. ****
@Eric *****
man i am over 2 years in Thailand got food poisoned only one time and i think problem was in me that i didnt cook properly the bbq. For less then 2 weeks in hcmc i got infection that gave me terrible throat ache just because of the polution. Sitting randomly in the park two women approached me and told me to be very careful what and where i eat and if i get sick or someth to go only in the biggest hospitals because two of her friends foreigners recently died because of poisoning. I literally ate the same food all the time because of it. Also mega hard to find fresh fruits and places to eat without bugs running around your table all the time, none of this ever happened to me in Thailand. And since i am single girls also matter for me, in order to fuck viet girl u have to date her a few months otherwise u cant even touch her….. so just stay da nang and thats it. In the gym i met two guys, viet and philipino guess what they told me too, both were waiting for their dtv in order to permanently move to Thailand, i think that’s enough or at least for me it was…
Danny *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
Those two countries are *must-visits*, wouldn't even compare it, just go. Both places are convenient, amazing food, great people and ton to do. Vietnam is on the same level as far as price (might even be cheaper) but Japan is a bit more expensive.
Eric ******
@Danny ****
i’m not seeing where Thailand is so much cheaper like everybody says. Everything I see is relative pricewise if not a little more than in the US. I had chosen Ho Chi Minh City and Tokyo to check out. are there better alternatives? Thanks for the reply. 
Chris *******
@Eric *****
sadly then you are not doing right.

As even in Phuket its great value.
Eric ******
@Chris ******
what am I missing then? I just got back from Phuket last night. Once you translate the baht to the US dollar, the prices are virtually the same except on street food.
Chris *******
@Eric *****
not at all, if you are staying in Patong and going to tourist restaurants you are paying super premium prices.

Went to a nice little noodle shopnin Phuket town for late lunch.

2 thai tea

Split appetizer

2 beef noodle soups.

209b

Ice creams at a artisan ice cream shop 1 scoop on waffle cone 89b

And that's expensive fancy.

Didn't have dinner because we were both full from that.

There are great values all-over the island, even in Patong.

Heck I know Thai buffets that are AYCE 99b

AYCE BBQ buffets 195-350b
М. ****
@Eric *****
Vietnam is shit in each aspect, may be just da nang is worth something
Ray ********
@М. ***
Vietnam 🇻🇳 a rip off you have to pay extra for the milk in your coffee taxi service no good rip off
Andi ***********
I travel 4x year no problem but there is 3 mths between each trip. Your earlier trips were fairly close together hence the stop. You should be ok now since it 4 mths since your last visit.
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