Answered2 years ago
Why do Thai immigration officers ask if you are leaving for a short or long time?
In mid-march I left Thailand for the first time on DTV after staying for 3 months. Immigration officer asked me if I was leaving for "a short time or long time." Seems like a pretty harmless question, but kinda odd, so as I over analyze it, anybody have any thought on the purpose of the question? I told them I was leaving for a couple months. I received a regular exit stamp.
Answer summary
The question asked by the Thai immigration officer about whether the departure is for a "short time or long time" is perceived as a common practice in Thailand, often seen as casual conversation rather than a significant inquiry. Many expats have reported similar experiences, noting that Thai immigration officers tend to be friendly and approachable. The nature of the response varies, with some travelers indicating they rarely interact with immigration officers during departures, implying that the question may not be directed at them. Overall, it seems to be interpreted more as small talk, particularly among those who enjoy a lifestyle of remote work.
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George’s *******************************
is there a inbetween time…
Irene ******
We're not mind readers.
Josep *********
Same question to me when i exited at phuket airport past january. Now i think the officier only would to be courious about the life style of a remote worker.
Toni *******
Only anonymous people get "weird questions"
Toni *******
Troll post I bet, and not true
Adnan ********
in thailand "Short Time / LongTime" is very common, get used to it
Donna ******
Honestly, I get the impression that sometimes they are just making conversation. Without fail, I've found Thai immigration officers to be rather pleasant. Maybe I've just been lucky. I do think smiling and saying good morning/afternoon, etc and hello in Thai helps though.
Bob **********
The DTV is a 5 year multi entry tourist visa shouldn’t be any problems
Rory *********
@Bob *********
I came back in on my dvt for the third two days ago and was pulled in the office and asked why I was back . I should the paper copy if my dvt and still h as f questions. Could be because I am from the US I don’t know . Was stamped and let goColin ********
I left in mid March exit was all automated never seen immigration officer or exit stamp
John *******
@Colin *******
i will leave end of month for first time for a month our so IAM guessing no stamp just a passport scan at a machineColin ********
@John ******
yes
Brian ********
I’ve never even seen an immigration officer on the exit route. 🤷🏽♂️
Jack ********
@Brian *******
you must be newAnonymous ******************
Short time or long time sir. Quite a common question in Thailand. 😅😏
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous participant 432 ps next time, I advise a response “short time 1000, long time 2500” it will work wonders 😭
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