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Which Thai airports are known for being relaxed or strict with entry visas?

Nov 6, 2022
3 years ago
Zachariah ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Are there any Thai airports that you feel are more relaxed with entry visas? Any that are the most strict? Curious your thoughts. It seems like Bangkok is more strict. Thank you!
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TLDR : Answer Summary
Users discuss their experiences regarding entry visa practices at various Thai airports. Notably, Phuket and Chiang Mai are mentioned as more relaxed, while Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi and Don Muang) is criticized as being strict, especially for travelers with a history of Covid extensions. The conversation highlights personal experiences and anecdotes, suggesting that while many travelers report smooth entry, others face scrutiny based on their visa history or nationality.
Giorgio ******
you have 1000km of jungle along th burmese border .
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Will ************
If your paperwork is correct and you are not trying to live permanently in Thailand on visa exempt or tourist visas you have nothing to worry about
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Sophie *********
@Will ***********
That's not actually true. Unbeknown to me, a CM immigration person failed to stamp the new visa date in my passport. When I got to BKK, all hell broke loose and I was shouted at and threatened. There was a distinct absence of a Thai smile. And I had the CM receipt etc. I got fined and an overstay stamped in my pp. On another occasion I went to Hong Kong. When I got into CM, I was told to get on a plane back to HK. The assumption was that I was working as I had so many stamps in my pp. I was not. They made it clear that I had to pay a bribe. There were 5 of them. And this has happened to many, many people. (The bribe they like is about 2000 I believe. I didn't know that as I've never had to pay a bribe in my life and so ended up paying 4.
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Sophie *********
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Sri ***
If you are flying as per rules then why do you worry
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Greg ********
looks like somebody overstayed their last visit
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Zachariah ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Greg *******
Nope, I did not.
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Zachariah ********
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David *********
Never had an issue at any but then again I don’t cheat the system
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Patrick ********
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Patrick ********
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Walker *********
Regional airports such as Phuket or Surat Thani in the south are likely better. Bangkok is most challenging unless you have fast track. Islands are typically very easy entry but more expensive to fly to.
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Robert **********
@Walker ********
Some say the fast track immigration officers have more time to be particular, maybe better off with a male officer in the general queue.
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Robert **********
To question people who have had multiple visa-free entries, Covid extensions, tourist visa, etc.
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Julie ******
@Robert *********
Wht do you mean with "particular" ?
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Julie ******
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Reece ********
I have been in and out 5 or 6 times a year last 8 years never had a problem at bbk
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Michael *******
@Reece *******
It depends on your nationality.
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Luc ************
@Reece *******
same here.
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Luc ************
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Rv **************
I am coming from last 6 years . I never faced any problems
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Billie-Joe ********
If it’s in regards to having covid extensions prior, I came through DMK yesterday but I was pulled aside and questioned (I was expecting this). They weren’t mean just wanted to know what I was doing in my previous 9 months (went to bali for 16 days then returned). None of it seemed to matter once I was able to provide them with my flight home etc.
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Billie-Joe ********
That’s just personal experience though, you never know what will happen on the day!
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Billie-Joe ********
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Ben *****
Definitely not Suvarnabhumi or Don Muang
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Jo **********
Chiang Mai
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Rob **********
They are mostly the same, if you have the correct visa, you will not have any problems at any airport in Thailand.
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Puja ********
I don’t understand your question. The way to get visa is the same .
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Steve ********
They're all relaxed unless you're trying to cheat the system.
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Brandon ************
Rumors that Phuket has been getting more strict lately, but they are known to be easy along with Chiang Mai.

Both BKK and DMK are known for being difficult if you have a history of Covid extensions or long stays in Thailand and trying to enter on a short term visa.
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Zachariah ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
Thank you for this 🙂
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Reiwa *******
@Zachariah *******
I second the rumours. Phuket wasn’t an easy one to enter. That was 2 weeks ago
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Reiwa *******
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