Answered2 years ago
What tips should Non-O Visa holders consider when traveling back to Thailand from neighboring countries?
Tip for Non-O Visa Holders Visiting Thai Family!
If you've used your 60-day extension, be cautious with land border runs. My husband was denied re-entry from Cambodia but flew back from Siem Reap to Bangkok and got his 60-day stamp easily. Consider flying for a hassle-free return! ✈️😊
If you've used your 60-day extension, be cautious with land border runs. My husband was denied re-entry from Cambodia but flew back from Siem Reap to Bangkok and got his 60-day stamp easily. Consider flying for a hassle-free return! ✈️😊
Answer summary
A tip for Non-O visa holders visiting family in Thailand is to be cautious with land border runs after using the 60-day extension. A user shared that their husband was denied re-entry from Cambodia but successfully flew back from Siem Reap to Bangkok to receive his 60-day stamp without issues. Another commenter added that after using a 60-day visa exemption and a 30-day extension, further entries might raise concerns at immigration about long-term residency. To ensure hassle-free entry, obtaining a long-term visa may be necessary if you've exceeded a 90-day stay on visa exempts.
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Dca *****
@Phirom ********
Where was this specific Land Border?? Poipet ( อรัญประเทศ /Aranyaprathet)??Phirom *********
OP@Dca ****
poi pet.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. 3. 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.
Brian *********
It is for all from the country be it business tourist education. Etc etc Jesus how hard is it for you to understand this. Why you always want to argue and be right - read the rules they are quite simple
Michael *******
@Brian ********
business travelers (of which I was one for many years across all continents) and tourists have a distinctly different profile, I rarely spent more than a week in a country on business, so never got challenged on frequent visits, some countries I was in and out of 5-6 times a year, Kenya, Mauritius, Ethiopia, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia to name but a few. However as we all know many visitors to Thailand are gaming the system using exemptions, tourist visas, border runs etc etc to live here most of the year…..they have brought these entry denials crashing down on everyone incl many who are not long term gamers of the system……..ETA will clear this mess up and un muddy the waters, hopefully……….
Phil ********
@Paul ******
Think you've miss understood her post.
Steve *******
@Brian ********
Who is the visa exempt for then?It's DEFINITELY AND I REPEAT DEFINITELY FOR TOURISTS!
Dave **********
The Thailand Visa Exemption program allows citizens of certain countries to enter Thailand without a visa for up to 60 days. This program is for tourism and short-term business trips.
Nongnuch ********
@Paul ******
I think you confused what the OP described . . . . . the way I understand the OP, her husband entered Thailand on a 90-days Non-O visa, then got the 60-days extension "based on family visit". Before these 60 days were up, he did a border run to Cambodia and tried to re-enter visa-exempt. Normally this setup would be absolutely acceptable (however ONCE only on a visa-exempt), but doing border runs by yourself to a Cambodian land border, without the help of an agency that takes you there and back safely, is a risk on itself. You should never try to do it by yourselfPhirom *********
OP@Nongnuch *******
My husband actually went with my college friends travel agency and the other people was let in no problem just my husband. But the company help with transportation to the airport and hotel. My friend also called the immigration to ask what happen and they said my husband have too many stamps which is not true. He have been to Thailand 3 times in 10 years and this is his 1st time crossing the border. At least they advised him to take the flight.Phirom *********
OP@Brandon ***********
Thank you. Will check it out.
Brandon ************
@Phirom ********
Next time use a border bounce agency, not a regular travel agency. An agency specifically for border bounces that you pay a fee, and part of that fee is them paying the officers at the border to make sure you can get out and back in without any issues.Phirom *********
OP@Nongnuch *******
I spoke with the immigration officer after she asked my husband to call me. We were following advice from an officer in Bangkok about leaving and returning for a 60-day stay, but they didn't specify border restrictions. The officer said this might be seen as a visa run using the wrong category, and we should find another option to avoid his passport being flagged. I asked how he could return, and they advised taking a flight and calling a number they provided for visa help. He was understandably nervous when others could cross but not him We're exploring other options since we'll be in Thailand for six more months before returning to the US.Nongnuch ********
@Phirom ********
that's very sad to hear. Absolutely harsh from the border officials. Has there maybe been more to it, did your husband act agitated?Paul *******
@Brian ********
It will always be up to the Immigration Officer why greets you at your arrival airport in the land of smiles. My post is based on the experience of a number of Westerners who have been denied entry on attempting to enter on a second 60 day visa exempt entry. If you do not believe me try it yourself and let me know how you go. Brian, I know that you are not the village idiot, but Be aware that I heard him talking about moving to a new village.
Brian *********
@Paul ******
rubbish visa exempt is NOT I REPEAT NOT FOR TOURISTS WHOEVER WRITE THIS SHITE SHOULD BE EXECUTEDActivity
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