This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.
Why was my METV invalidated at Thai immigration despite having a valid visa?
Jan 9, 2026
4 months ago
Bob *********
ORIGINAL POSTERI was in the UK for 5 months and arrived on a METV in September. Today I landed in Bangkok from Cambodia. I was stopped at immigration and taken into a side office. An interview then took place asking why I was coming in to Thailand so much. I pointed out that I had a METV, but they said I need a retirement visa and shouldn't be using the METV. They then asked to see proof of funds. Luckily I had a lot of baht on me. I was then told that I wouldn't be able to use my visa again even though it has nearly 2 months before it expires. This surely begs the question, what's the point of this visa if they can suddenly tell you it's no longer valid?
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user encountered issues upon arrival in Bangkok with their Multiple Entry Tourist Visa (METV). Immigration officials questioned the frequency of their visits to Thailand and suggested that they should apply for a retirement visa instead. After being asked for proof of funds, the user was informed that they could not use their METV again, despite it still being valid for nearly two months. This situation raises concerns about the enforcement of visa rules and the criteria for entry into Thailand, especially concerning long-term stay patterns.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
- Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
- For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
- Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
- Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
Pelle Eriksson★★★★★
Absolutely Bangkok's best service I highly...recently on Facebook
Luca G.★★★★★
I used this agency for my DTV Visa...recently on Google
Trusted Retirement Visa Agent
OVER 100,000 EXPATS SERVED
#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND
William *********
Why Thailand making things so hard people will find other destinations if this carries on
Mal ***********
So true im thinking of not coming back to much bullshit
Stephen *******
@Mal **********
just get a visa don't cost muchBob *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Stephen ******
I had one, thanks!Reply to
Bob *********
Reply
Aaron ******
What I can see is those who once did a 30 days extension after the 60 days exemption at either Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar will not allow entry again now without a visa simple. That will be the protocol.
Glenn *****
@Aaron *****
which is not an METVReply to
Glenn *****
Reply
Dolce *************
Can add to it more info.
The problem is not only 7 months on METV but 5 months as well.
Using METV for over 10 years.
No questions ever.
145 day in 2024 and 2025.
Stoped Aug 2025 and questioned 1st time ever.
Also told to get a retirement visa, told 145 days too many.
Told also not allowed to do a visa run.
In my case it wasnt Cambodia but Pattaya in tdac, which sparked intetest from female I/O and her supervisor.
Moral dont come from Cambodia and dont put Pattaya in tdac.
The problem is not only 7 months on METV but 5 months as well.
Using METV for over 10 years.
No questions ever.
145 day in 2024 and 2025.
Stoped Aug 2025 and questioned 1st time ever.
Also told to get a retirement visa, told 145 days too many.
Told also not allowed to do a visa run.
In my case it wasnt Cambodia but Pattaya in tdac, which sparked intetest from female I/O and her supervisor.
Moral dont come from Cambodia and dont put Pattaya in tdac.
Betty *********
Hi Bob, probably in the space of 1 year You have spent too much ( in their view) time in Thailand. Apparently, 150 days is the curent limit. Rules are getting very strict now. Did you have a return flight? Can you prove you work back home ? If your historique shows too many fréquent stays, then its normal réaction.
Bob *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Betty ********
Yes, I showed them my return flight and told them I have a business in the U.K..Betty *********
@Bob ********
you could try a différent border. How did uou come in last ? Although i really think uouve spent too much time here. Try keeping under 150 dys a year . Where are you now please ?Reply to
Betty *********
Reply
Paulccfc **********
came in on Wednesday io tried every thing to not let me in. every thing was in order but he was not happy he had to let me in. I felt sorry for the people behind me because he was definitely in a very bad mood
Jens *********
I have been in and out of Thailand 9 times in the last 17 months. Always on visa exempt. Shortest stay was a few days en route to Indonesia.
Longest stay was 6 weeks.
Total in any 12 month rolling period 4 months. Never any problem at immigration.
My question: if I continue that pattern should I get METV or just keep going with visa exempt?
Longest stay was 6 weeks.
Total in any 12 month rolling period 4 months. Never any problem at immigration.
My question: if I continue that pattern should I get METV or just keep going with visa exempt?
Graham ******
@Jens ********
Nothing there to raise a red flag to ImmigrationBob *****
@Jens ********
I think the next time you go to immigration you should ask them. they will be the best source of information for what is appropriate for your situation. I know that might seem scary and language issues and all but that truly is your best option.Jens *********
@Bob ****
Good idea. Thanks 🙏Reply to
Jens *********
Reply
Yo***
@Jens ********
in my opinion, you are Ok. But, nowadays strict enforcement is activated. Well, normally Ok but immigration officer can give you some questions. and you just answer well what you have, then I think no problem.Reply to
Yo***
Reply
Will ******
I’ve been told not to visit Cambodia as this might happen
Marc ************
More then 6 months a year in Thailand is not a tourist anymore. Besides. If more then 6 months you should pay taxes in Thailand.
So stop complaining about being unfair to you. You don't follow the rules as should. Get a proper visa.
So stop complaining about being unfair to you. You don't follow the rules as should. Get a proper visa.
Bob *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Marc ***********
Ha ha. I absolutely follow the rules, exactly to the point that this visa was designed for.Marc ************
@Bob ********
Longer than 6 months in Thailand you have to pay taxes like we all do.Reply to
Marc ************
Reply
Sasha ***********
Easy answer… Thai people who put on a uniform to go to work believe they are demi- gods! When they return home, the fantasy is over!
Graham ******
@Sasha **********
doing their job you meanSasha ***********
@Graham *****
Is that the job that 500 different employees employed to do the same job have 10 different interpretations of enforcing policy and procedures of that job? And if you believe that’s an efficient and consistent method of compliance.. then you run with that champ!Graham ******
@Sasha **********
it's called discretion, look it up ;)Reply to
Graham ******
Reply
Yo***
You already know the answer. Immigration asked you why you come to Thailand so much? What is actually your answer about this? you surely know why. If you just love Thailand, so come to Thailand so often? yes why not? but what are you doing now? If you have good financial conditions, you can get a long term visa, LTV, or elite visa. over 50? retirement visa is a good option for you. Thailand offers really various visa and permit to stay. DTV, LTV,Elite visa, retirement visa, family visa, etc.. compared to other countries, Thai visa is relatively simple and easy to get. not a high huddle. If you love Thailand, get one of these visas. Then, you feel comfortably to come to Thailand at any time you want and stay how long you want. That is what Thailand wants from foreigners.
Bob *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Yo***
I know what my options are, thank you. And a multiple entry tourist visa was perfect for me as I travel a lot. I have always used one according to the purpose they were designed for.Yo***
@Bob ********
yes but no. I understand what you meant. You really come to Thailand to travel and leave Thailand for other countries to travel for weeks or months, and come back to Thailand to get a rest or travelling on in Thailand. and leave again and come back later in months or weeks so.. right? I do not know what about your travelling history for years. But, What are you doing actually?? I am really curious, so immigration officers are really more curious about this. We just say about normal people. Many people work hard and have vacations for weeks or months or break for months or weeks in other countries. Normally if tourist on holidays, how many people can do for such long trips in other countries? how can they support financially if they have so long time trips?? no job? or breaks? all fine. you have enough savings for doing this? yes good! enough money is always good! then, why do not you apply to right visa? not multi entry permit? that may be problem with immigration? DTV? is a good option? or over 50? retirement visa is very good option. or if you have really enough budget, elite visa is simple and good too. how about LTV?? A core question to you, if you can answer, why do you come to Thailand so often with multiple entry permit??? What brings you to do this??? Do you have a business here? if so, yes, you have to come often to Thailand. or if you have Thai girl friend? yes why not? this can be a good reason to come to Thailand often. Yes. or you just love to come to Thailand? yes why not?? The things here always connected to money. enough budget. If you love or have to or want or need to come to Thailand so often, in and out so often, why do not have a proper visa for you??? proper visa is what Thai immigration wants. or if you think, you do not need to come to Thailand so often anymore in future? yes then no need to have a visa of Thailand. it does not make sense at all. So again, why do you come to Thailand so often? or why dont you have proper visa? if you want to do this? You do not have to answer but I am really curious.Yo***
agrred
Bob *****
@Yo***
these are all excellent questions. I think the answers are that people are trying to get away with what suits them at the time. One of the problems is that Thailand has so many Visa options that some people just cannot follow. I also needed help prior to coming. it's good to ask these questions because someone will have the answers. and it is always changing in some ways but not changing another's. as Brian has said here in another answer, A Visa does not guarantee entry. and having the right Visa and answers to questions when trying to seek entry. I think we just need to be able to understand what our options are and what our finances and resources are to determine what is best for each one of us.
and ultimately is up to Thailand immigration officer that is overseeing you to say or not whether you come in or not.
Reply to
Bob *****
Reply
Frank *******
A lot of people are denied entry to Australia if they can not show immigration that they are genuine tourists and/or have the correct visa .
Bob *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Frank ******
Ermm, I did both!Reply to
Bob *********
Reply
Shaughn ***********
If you are wanting to spend these longer 7 month trips in Thailand on METV (maxing out the METV as its sometimes called), etc then you really should be extending your 5 months in UK (or elsewhere) out to at least 7-8 months each time so that you are in Thailand under half the time over a longer 2 year period. With the travel pattern you describe you are likely sitting at around 58% time in Thailand on a long term average basis.
Bob *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Shaughn **********
Then what is the point of the METV?Graham ******
@Bob ********
there is a clue in the nameBob *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Graham *****
Exactly, and that is why I travel around all over before returning to Thailand.Reply to
Bob *********
Reply
Yo***
@Bob ********
that is multiple entry visa for tourists. For tourists!!! Normal tourists do not stay in a country like that long 7 months? Multiple entry visa means for the tourists who travelled around. going to Vietnam, Malaysia or such countries, and make Thailand as a hub to get rest or stop over. So they leave Thailand for laos for weeks and come back to Thailand to get rest or stop over and go on to Vietnam like this. but you are staying in Thailand for 7 months a year?? Multiple entry visa is not for you.Bob *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Yo***
I travel all around the Far East. As I said, I had just returned from Cambodia. I am perfectly aware what the visa is for!Reply to
Bob *********
Reply
Greg ***********
@Bob ********
the point of a METV is, it was never meant you should squeeze 7, 8 or 9 months out of it but use it for up to 6 months. The point is that when you maximize every annual stay to 7 months, you are not a tourist any more. The technically possible maximizing should not get "abused" by doing so every other year. Your Immigration computer profile is an open book to every IO who has scanned your passportBob *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Greg **********
Then surely they should say to a maximum of 6 months, then everyone knows where they stand!Greg ***********
@Bob ********
Thai logic is not the same as western man logic😄Reply to
Greg ***********
Reply
Brandon ************
A visa only does ONE thing. Determines how many days you receive if you are granted entry. A visa does not grant entry. Immigration officers decide that on a case by case basis. It's the same around the world.
Mike *******
It really dose seem like Thai government dose not want English or western tourists to come It’s all very confusing maybe we need to buy Indian passports then we can come and stay forever
Graham ******
@Mike ******
off you go then and good luck 😂Mikko **********
@Mike ******
That's just bollocks. With proper visa the OP wouldn’t have any problems entering Thailand.Dave **********
@Mikko *********
ME VISA is a proper visaReply to
Dave **********
Reply
Andy **********
If you realise that all the police, officials and immigration staff are effectively working on backhanders, then any process which limits their ability to earn money is frowned upon.
I have no doubt that when they realise there are no Bt1900 extensions and no under the counter bribes for the retirement visa fraud from people with DTV, then the DTV itself will come under pressure.
I cannot see how is exists long term as a visa option for Bt10k.
I have no doubt that when they realise there are no Bt1900 extensions and no under the counter bribes for the retirement visa fraud from people with DTV, then the DTV itself will come under pressure.
I cannot see how is exists long term as a visa option for Bt10k.
Charlimo *********
I don't Ike this story as it really looks immigration is giving some people a hard time. But the question is....how did your Thailand history look the last 2 years... How many my visits, how many extensions etc etc
Bob *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Charlimo ********
The last three years have been the same. Five months in the U.K. and seven months on a METV.Mikko **********
@Bob ********
Well, this clearly is not a typical tourist profile. You are not a tourist if you stay most of the year in Thailand. Get a right visa and you have no problems.Dennis *********
@Mikko *********
says you! He had a correct visa allowing him to do what he wished. Go look up various definitions of a tourist.Chris ********
@Mikko *********
he makes his money in UK and spends it's in Thailand when off work , sounds like a tourist to meMikko **********
@Chris *******
Well, if someone is living more than half of the year in a foreign country it generally doesn't count as a tourism and then a proper visa is required. No matter where the income is generated. In this case OP is basically living in Thailand and only visiting his country of origin.Chris ********
@Mikko *********
what proper visa are you suggesting then, if he's under 50 options would be very limited if any tourist visa is off the cardsElías ********
@Chris *******
if under 50, then DTV.Bob *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Elías *******
Ha ha, the most abused visa of all.Chris ********
@Elías *******
another tourist visa then 😂Elías ********
@Chris *******
that allows you unlimited entries and exits for 5 years 🤷🏻Reply to
Elías ********
Reply
Elías ********
MTEV is for tourists. The officer might consider you're no tourist and rather you're trying to *live* in Thailand without a proper visa.
Brendan *********
@Elías *******
I think the METV is seen as a "touring Asia" tool. You go to BKK for a few weeks. Bounce to Penang, visit Chiang Mai, go to Laos etc etc. If you are staying for 60 days, bouncing to (wherever) for a week, and returning. They see you as jumping through loop holes, and you get a target on your passport.Chris ********
@Brendan ********
nonsense I fly there every month for past 6 months no issue on it and if you time your last entry close to expire you get close to 8 months total . 2 days for it to be approved . But Iam currently waiting on dtv atm as Metv is nearly up.Reply to
Chris ********
Reply
Chris ********
Metv is a proper visa. Classed a tourist visa same as the dtv, if it's for 6 months, he should be able to come and go as he pleases for 6 months that's the point of it. Clearly IO was female 😂 Ive never got grilled my male one yet , always female ones that questions you like a criminal recently
Betty *********
@Chris *******
in the end its always down to the immigration office.Elías ********
@Chris *******
the MTEV and the DTV aren't the same. The DTV allows you to legally work full-time in Thailand remotely, for up to five years. The regular tourist visas, either single or multiple, don't allow you to work remotely, in theory. Also, while the DTV is good for 5 years at a time, getting a MTEV every year for several years in a row might be frowned upon for some officers. Anyways, that's not about me, you don't need to convince me of anything, but convince the Immigration officers.Note than when somebody enters Thailand in a MTEV, the IO might ask them to prove they're a tourist: what would you do in Thailand? In my case, I don't need to prove I will do tourism, I always say I come to work remotely, that's what my DTV was granted for.
Brad *******
@Chris *******
that visa is fir 6 months not 7 months…he is basically living in thailand for 7 months and this according to immigration has the wrong visaBob *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Brad ******
It can be used for up to 9 months, but that is abuse.Dennis *********
@Brad ******
one IO Officer. He is following the rules laid out by Thailand.Reply to
Dennis *********
Reply
Bob *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Elías *******
Even though I go back to the U.K. for 5 months of the year?Betty *********
@Bob ********
yes. Things are changing. Try another visa option.Graham ******
@Bob ********
yes, you "holiday" in the UKYo***
@Bob ********
then you stayed in Thailand for 7 months a year???? You already became tax resident in Thailand. And you are living here in Thailand. Normal people see so. 🤣Bob *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Yo***
I am not in Thailand for 7 months, I travel, hence I use the METV which is exactly what it was designed for.Yo***
@Bob ********
sorry not to you but to the author here.Reply to
Yo***
Reply
Elías ********
@Bob ********
I think it'll depend on your previous history, like if you have lived for years on visa exempt entries before or not.Reply to
Elías ********
Reply
Andrew ********
All about Anutin and money...
(As said to me by one who is employed as an IO)
(As said to me by one who is employed as an IO)
Tim *******
@Andrew *******
and nothing to do with getting the right visa? Good grief!Reply to
Tim *******
Reply
Dylan ********
Exactly the same thing happened to me. It's not a Cambodian issue. It's a history issue. I also had METV upon arrival, but they stamped me for 60 days and it says TR e-visa in my passport. A bit nervous now if it's still multiple entry or not.
Marc ********
@Dylan *******
60 days is normal for METVReply to
Marc ********
Reply
Greg ******
Ooof. That sucks. Do you think it was related to the Cambodia leg?
Brendon ****************
@Greg *****
that’s definitely what it was. Avoid traveling there at all costs at this timeTony *********
@Brendon ***************
I was in Cambodia a couple of weeks ago and flew to BKK without any issues whatsoeverDarren *******
@Brendon ***************
it really isn't, I know plenty of people who have gone from Cambodia to Thailand recently and haven't been questioned whatsoever.Reply to
Darren *******
Reply
Nongnuch ********
I think this Immigration officer got up in the morning on the wrong foot. Or maybe he was pissed that you visited Cambodia, the arch rival at war and race of people considered by him far below Thais
Bob *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Nongnuch *******
The officer was a she, but yes, I’m sure the Cambodia visit didn’t help. I have to say though, the two ladies that interviewed me and let me in were lovely.PeacefulRe**********
@Bob ********
Let you in sounds great— raw doggy!!Reply to
PeacefulRe**********
Reply
John **********
What's your history in Thailand?
Brendan *********
I am 50 later this year. I have a long history "staying" in Thailand. I was going to use an METV as a tool to get me to my 50th. But, after recent crackdown. I decided to return home and wait. It feels like a blanket clamp down. I hope the dust will settle after the elections and tourist season.
Bob *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@John *********
I have always done 5 months in the U.K. and 7 months in Thailand on a METV with no problem.John **********
@Bob ********
So you have been doing this every year for how long? I would say the immigration officer was correct if you use repeated METVs, I'm surprised the consulate issue them like this.Jan ******************
@Bob ********
A METV is not a right to reside, it is only a right to request entry multiple times for tourism purposes. Each entry is still assessed independently. The visa wasn’t cancelled arbitrarily. Immigration exercised discretion based on how it was being used, not whether it was formally valid. Going forward, if your travel pattern reflects retirement or long-term living, a Non-O visa based on retirement with an annual extension and te-entry permit is the correct and far more predictable solution.เดแคลน ***********
@Bob ********
and that right there is the problem. You're living long-term in Thailand on a short-term visa in the eyes of immigration.Jon **********
@เดแคลน **********
He is not living in Thailand he is a ”snowbird”Stéfan ********
@เดแคลน **********
then why offer this visa in the first place? I know several people who come to Thailand during winter months every year. If I want to visit every year, I need some kind of residency visa? Makes no sense.Graham ******
@Stéfan *******
then get a long term visa not a tourist visaYo***
@Stéfan *******
yes, so many people do this. come to Thailand for winter season and stay for a month or two or weeks or something like that, once a year. This is totally fine and normal tourism. a lot of people do this without problems.Jan ******************
@Stéfan *******
The METV is intended for genuine short-term tourism spread over multiple visits, not for de facto long-stay or seasonal residence. It allows flexibility for people who travel in and out during a six-month window, but it does not override immigration’s discretion if your overall pattern starts to resemble residence rather than tourism.Stéfan ********
@Jan *****************
well, it’s the one used by thousands of medium stay vacationers… think of people escaping cold winters. These people certainly won’t put 800k baht in a Thai bank account just to go on holiday for 5-6 months. Dumb move.Bob **********
@Stéfan *******
Go somewhere else then the tightening is because of abuse if you come for a month then off for a few weeks come back and repeat no worries but when you come and get 69+30 leave for a day and do lt again and again this is trying to live here your no longer a tourist so if your travel history to Thailand is showing that yes you’ll be denied holding a visa is no guarantee of entryDick ********
@Stéfan *******
An annual five or six month stay doesn’t sound like a holiday. That’s the point.Brad *******
@Stéfan *******
if you are spending 6 months in any one place you are living there…you should get the retirement visa to verify your stay…this is called part time living not a holidaySammi ******
@Brad ******
what about 6 months?Bob *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Brad ******
Then what is the point of the METV?John **********
@Bob ********
it is a tourist visa designed really for people who tour South East Asia using Thailand as a base, so a few weeks in Thailand, a few weeks in another country, back to Thailand for a few weeks, off to another country for a few weeks etc its not designed to allow you to spend 6 months, 7 months or more every year in Thailand. BTW 180 days in Thailand in any calendar year makes you a Thai tax resident, another sure sign you are not really a tourist.Stéfan ********
@Brad ******
then don’t offer a tourist visa that potentially allows 9 months of stay. Simple.Roy *********
@Stéfan *******
not much use arguing on here the government has flagged checking and cracking down on people misusing tourist visas. At the moment it seems to be up to the immigration agent you encounter but it’s going to become widespread so either come for shorter travel periods or get the visa that will allow longer stays. Thailand will lose more people to neighbouring countries who offer better visas and they may change again but who can predict when that happens tourism is already downJan ******************
@Stéfan *******
The METV is still a valid and sensible option for winter stays, but it is not a blanket guarantee against scrutiny if the total time spent in Thailand becomes excessive. There is clearly a practical limit somewhere, and using an METV for around seven months per year, as in the OP’s case, could obviously start to push beyond what is normally viewed as ordinary tourism if you meet the right IO.Stéfan ********
@Jan *****************
they definitely should get their ducks in a row, because there could be a substantial number of vacationing retirees who will skip out on their pool villa and condo rentals in Phuket, Hua Hin and Pattaya, or at the very least limit their time in Thailand. Holiday makers - like the OP - just want clear rules, not a bunch of mixed signals and a festival of never ending changes to visa regulations. “Book at your own risk” doesn’t do well with the average 70 year olds.Graham ******
@Stéfan *******
Their ducks are in a row but you don't like the direction.Stéfan ********
@Graham *****
Having ducks in a row means being coherent and consistent. I don’t care what direction this goes… I just want to be able to plan my visit according to the options available, and no, I’m not interested in living in Thailand. The METV was “sold” as a way to spend more or less 6 months problem free. Apparently, this visa is being interpreted inconsistently. So be it. I’ll spend 2 months in Thailand and 3 elsewhere… no fucks given.Graham ******
@Stéfan *******
Every Immigration Officer has discretionary powers, it is not tick boxes and guarantee entry, no country is come to thatReply to
Graham ******
Reply
Graham ******
@John *********
that is the key question, was there visa exempt history before the METV and was the Sept. entry a 60+30 then exit to Cambodia?Reply to
Graham ******
Reply
3 comments
4 months ago
14 comments
5 months ago
6 comments
6 months ago
10 comments
8 months ago
9 comments
9 months ago
4 comments
10 months ago
16 comments
a year ago
3 comments
a year ago
19 comments
2 years ago
5 comments
2 years ago
43 comments
2 years ago
7 comments
2 years ago
7 comments
6 years ago
18 comments
7 years ago
26 comments
7 years ago
7 comments
7 years ago
18 comments
7 years ago
9 comments
7 years ago
3 comments
7 years ago
52 comments
7 years ago
0 comments
7 years ago
0 comments
8 years ago
23 comments
8 years ago
9 comments
8 years ago
7 comments
a month ago
9 comments
a month ago
21 comments
a month ago
16 comments
a month ago
8 comments
a month ago
The ask:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.