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Why was I pulled aside by immigration when re-entering Thailand on a 60-day visa exemption after frequent visits?

Thai immigration tourist visa visa exemption entry requirements long-term visa options visa rules for expats frequent travel to Thailand DTV visa

Oct 30, 2024

2 months ago

Adrian **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hey everyone,

I’m a German citizen and have been spending several months a year in Thailand since 2021, always entering with a tourist visa or the 30-day visa exemption. I’ve never had any issues with entry before, always arriving by plane.

Last week, I took a short trip to Vietnam as my tourist visa had expired and tried to re-enter Thailand using the new 60-day visa exemption. But this time, immigration pulled me aside, pointing out that staying too long as a tourist is an issue. I had to fill out a form (attached) and show proof of an onward flight before they finally stamped my passport with 60 days.

I always thought there weren’t any limitations for entry by plane, so this was totally unexpected. The officer spoke very little English, and I couldn’t get a clear answer about the issue. Interestingly, I wasn’t the only one pulled aside—others around me seemed to be facing similar questions.

Has anyone else experienced something like this recently?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

A German citizen has had experiences with Thai immigration questioning their repeated use of tourist visas and exemptions, particularly after returning from Vietnam with a new 60-day exemption. Others in the community shared similar encounters, suggesting that frequent entries might prompt scrutiny by immigration officers. Suggestions included considering a long-term visa like the DTV, avoiding excessive border hopping, or taking land border crossings to minimize questioning. The community warns that immigration has become stricter regarding those perceived as trying to reside in Thailand without the appropriate visa.

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Dale *******

If your a regular through Swampi, they have a lot of immigration officer trainees that aren't as fluent with the flexible rules. 2 entries a year on visa exempts but you can extend the visas. The problem arises when you border hop without an exit flight or current multi entry visa or extension

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Chris ******

As long as the DTV is so easy to get I would just get one and be done with it for the nxt 5 years if I was you

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David ********

The issue for the Immigration officer is to determine whether you're using repeated tourist visas or exemptions when your actual intention is long-term residence in Thailand without applying for a long-term visa. Some people get away with it as scrutiny is not always strict and thorough, but you've had a close shave. Decide for yourself whether a long-term residence visa is more suitable for your lifestyle choices, and get your act together on the financial requirements that go along with applying for it. Immigration have discretion to refuse entry if your pattern of travel indicates you're resident in Thailand without the correct visa.

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Steven *********

I flew to Vietnam for one night and flew back into Chiang Mai with the hope of another visa exemption.

I was thoroughly interrogated by immigration and was convinced I wasn't getting back in, but luckily they stamped me back in after warning me not to try again 🤷

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James ********

@Steven ********

yep 👍 that Vietnam flight and return is problems for many seeking a new visa exempt entry STAMP. Do land border bounce entries and suggest you use an experienced border run service company to take you to get the 60 day STAMP and back same day.

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James ********

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Alex ***********

I guess it's time for you now to look for a proper visa if you want to stay in Thailand like this (or stay out of Thailand for at least 90 days every time before re-enter). Because immigration flagged your name now in their systems, so when you leave Thailand next time for only a "short trip" again and come back, chances are quite high that they will deny entry to the country in this time.

Since there are now several legit visa options for younger people under 50 also without having a job in Thailand (DTV, Elite Visa etc.) Immigration is now way more strikt on that.

Good Luck!

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Ryan ********

@Alex **********

they had gotten strict before the DTV existed.

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Ryan ********

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Mango *******

I've had them do it to me this year in bkk and in CM. I have child support visa for years and I let it lapse this year because of my work. Just came in on tourist as it's what I had time for. They pulled me over and told me I can't be boarder hoping. I was like what ?! I'm going to my home country to work and come back. They said get a proper visa again or don't come as a tourist. 🫥

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Jordi ********

Thai immigration turned into bad behavior with $$$ requests to stay in country. Although married with Thai and ….. too complicated to mention. Fed up.

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Jordi ********

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Chris ********

Was that at don muang airport by chance? There seems to be the main airport they ask questions ….

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James ********

we are seeing Reports of questioning and denied entry at Don Mueang, BKK Suvarnabhumi, Phuket and Chiang Mai airports. Get the correct visa for your planned stay in Thailand. No worry's.

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Chris ********

yes I’m over 50 … way over lol . And yes I know evisa but each time new pics submitted and cost ….again 17x a year runs into big cash grab

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James ********

get it in your home country

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Chris ********

so far I don’t need … logistically if I have to get a visa for each entry it will signal the end of Thailand as a destination …. It’s just not practical

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Chris ********

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Chris ********

sadly it’s not as simple as that … work offshore so not retired, don’t qualify dtv even though many thousands of klm to closest

****

…. Kids Thai but over 20 yr old so not a factor for visa … tourist visa impractical as Thai consul even further away than

****

and I wouldn’t pay for 17 tourist visa a year …. I have been questioned 2 x by immigration and said same to them as there is no single visa that is applicable without lying (retirement) or business when I no intention of owning a business etc immigration colonel agreed what I said and thus far (5 years) I’ve never been hassled since. Silly really as the numbers in similar jobs etc is in the thousands every week , a new fb group just for fly in fly out workers living in Thai is already up about 400 members and that only seems to concentrate on mining out of Perth Australia

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James ********

FYI there's NO need to visit any Thai Embassy or Consulate in Australia. The Evisa online application system is NOW used for Aussies.

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James ********

are you age 50+ ??

IF you are, get one of the retirement visas. Being retired is not needed. It's your age 50+ which is required.

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James ********

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Adrian **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Suvarnabhumi

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Adrian **********

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Tod *********

Totally not uncommon to be pulled aside and asked what you're doing here on free visa exempt entry stamps. Now especially as it went to 60 days free entry for 90+ countries they're wanting to know what you're doing and if you're trying to live here on free stamps.

If your goal is to only maximize the time in thailand on free entry (meaning that was the reason you went to the other country) you might as well bounce out and back by land rather than fly in. There is less scrutiny when entering by land, especially if you use a service to bounce you out and back to get a new free entry stamp.

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Adrian **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

No limitation of two entries by land in a calendar year?

Are there any known cases where „tourists“ were denied entry with a visa exemption, even though they were able to prove finances, accommodation and an onward travel ticket?

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James ********

@Adrian *********

yes, MANY.

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

@Adrian *********

yes, many.

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

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