Why am I required to get a visa for Thailand despite being a Singaporean passport holder?

Thailand visa rules Visa exemption Immigration policy Visa application Singapore passport travel Tourism in Thailand Frequent visits to Thailand

Mar 3, 2024

9 months ago

Dunk ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi i am singapore passport for the pass few years i have been coming to Thailand use visa free 30days. Then go back singapore for one month then come back again sometime extend my visa for  another 30days at the local immigrationThe last month when i come at don mueang airport i was ask why i keep coming to thailand,i say for tourism,the said i have to apply for visa at my home embassy if the next time i have to come if not they will not let me in Thailand.they told me I can’t use the visa free too often.But why must i apply for visa when singapore passport is visa free to Thailand,can anyone advise or have any information about immigration requirements? Thanks 🙏

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user, holding a Singapore passport, has been visiting Thailand visa-free for 30 days at a time but recently faced scrutiny from immigration officials for frequent entries. The officials suggested that due to the excessive use of visa exemptions and perceived attempts to reside in Thailand, the user must apply for a visa through their home embassy for future visits. Several comments affirm this perspective, indicating that repeated, extended stays may lead immigration to suspect illegal residency, thereby necessitating a proper visa.

Nick **********

problem after that. Then went to extension of stay for perpose of retirement.

9 months ago

Nick **********

13 years go I used 6 30 day stamp in a row over about an 8 month period of time. On the 7th, I was taken into the office and told next one in they want a paper visa from a Thai Embassy/Consulate. Was no pronlem

9 months ago

Stuart *********

That’s pretty unusual for a ASEAN country to be asked to get a visa. I suspect the officer was having a bad hair day. There is no technical limit to the number of visa exempt entries you can do to enter via air using a visa exempt entry. They do pull up those that try too often but the first I’ve heard from a Singaporean.

9 months ago

Bart **************

If you spend

***

of your time in Thailand, you're basically living here. You cannot do that on visa exemption. You need a long term visa for that, matching your purpose of staying. If there isn't a visa for that purpose, it means that you cannot stay in Thailand.

9 months ago

Graham ******

Too much time in Thailand as a "tourist" over a period of time with insufficient time back "home"

9 months ago

Jonathan **************************

Gotta love that ASEAN community harmony

9 months ago

Christopher *************

Get a visa, easy.

9 months ago

Nigel **************

They are clamping down like this on everyone who tries to come every year. I have also been told to get a proper Visa before I come back again

9 months ago

Frank **********

Sounds like your days of going back and forth on Visa exempt are over.

9 months ago

Brandon ************

A tourist doesn't spend 50% or more of their time in a country. They visit and then return home for months and then maybe return 1 or 2 more times.

Immigration has flagged you for trying to live in Thailand and are likely suspicious that you're illegally working in Thailand. If you want to travel to Thailand in the future you'll need a visa, or risk being denied entry.

9 months ago

Aake **********

9 months ago

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Aake **********

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