What should I prepare to ensure smooth entry into Thailand with my METV as a tourist?

Thailand visa rules METV (Multiple Entry Tourist Visa)Immigration advice Entry requirements Proof of funds Proof of accommodation

Sep 17, 2019

5 years ago

Lindsay *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi, finally a thai expat page that doesnt just troll people! :) My question is.... 

I have been working in thailand for the past 5 years (5 '1 year' non b visa' with work permit) however i decided to stop working at the end of the last school year (April) since then i did a run to Malaysia (air) and a run to cambodia (land) (120 days total)

After the last one ended i went back to the UK and got a METV, im on my first entry but im hearing a lot of horror stories of people getting rejected at immigration, even with an METV. I have property in the UK and dont work and have the income and funds, i am litterally taking a year off. Im flying to Malaysia for 4 days in Nov with my girlfriend but worried about my apartment and entering again even though im not working and i am sort of a tourist. How can i justify this if im asked as we all know that trying to explain things to immigration often doesnt go well. Also do i need to book another flight out, get a UK bank statement and all the rest just incase? :( 

Thanks for taking the time to read if you did lol.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user, a former expat living in Thailand, has concerns about re-entering the country on a METV after taking a break from work. They are worried about immigration scrutiny and are seeking advice on how to substantiate their status as a tourist. Key suggestions from comments include carrying 20,000 THB in cash, proof of accommodation, and an onward ticket to ensure a smooth entry at immigration.

Rob ********

I would like to agree with your first sentence. Almost every CM social media FB group features the same group of the biggest assholes I’ve ever come across on social media. Same commenters over and over all insulting and trolling anything that’s not their superior opinion. They sit there waiting. Pathetic losers.

Shows the low class of expats that Thailand attracts which is why my wife and I are leaving for better pastures. But you will get great advice on this group. Cheers

5 years ago

Robert *******

a sort of tourist? On entry everybody can be asked for the 20.000 Thb or equivalent currency in cash, proof of onward travel within the 60 days and proof of accommodation.

5 years ago

John **********

@Lindsay ******

still here after 5 years sounds pretty settled to me. Hope you can get something sorted

5 years ago

Lindsay *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@John *********

yes I have another ten years to go for that 555 yes obviously I need to secure a different visa by the time this one ends in another 5-7 months. Elite is not the way to go though for me as I wouldn’t be prepared to pay that for staying here with how things are at the moment. Marriage or get a job or start a business are my only options long term if I decide to settle here.

5 years ago

John **********

@Lindsay ******

I'm sure 3 months is fine but you will run into problems eventually. You don't look old enough for a retirement visa so elite is really the only option other than a marriage visa

5 years ago

Lindsay *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@John *********

so what am I? I have had the correct visas/wp for over 5 years. However now I want to relax and appreciate life I should be treated differently? I’ve only had a tourist visa for three months.

5 years ago

John **********

@Lindsay ******

so not a tourist at all as you live here. Might be time to look at an appropriate visa. Have you checked out the elite visa?

5 years ago

Lindsay *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

sort of a tourist = I am based in one place, spending money here and not working. However, being here for 5 years i doubt immigration would see me as a tourist is what i mean.

5 years ago

Reply to

Lindsay *******

Randy **********

Come with the 3 proof ofs. 20k baht, hotel booking, and ticket out of Thailand. Nobody here can tell you what the IO will do on the day you arrive.

5 years ago

Reply to

Randy **********

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