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Will applying for a METV before leaving the UK resolve issues with multiple visa exemptions in Thailand?

Thailand Visa Visa Exemption METV Tourist Visa Immigration Issues Visa Rules UK Citizens Border Bounce

Aug 25, 2025

2 months ago

Jakee **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi all after some advice. UK citizens who spend approx 6mths past 3 years in Thailand - although visited most years previously for shorter periods. We usually come in visa exempt and extend / border bounce / occasionally visit another country. Both got hassled separately at BKK customs last time and told too many visas - so wondering if it will be the same if we apply for the METV in UK before we leave? We'll still have to extend / border bounce to stay 6months so will still be getting more visas. We don't want to live in Thailand full time. Thanks for any helpful advice. I did search and know it was possible previously but seems customs are getting harsher 😉

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TLDR : Answer Summary

A UK citizen seeks advice regarding their travel to Thailand after experiencing issues with immigration due to frequent visa exemptions. They inquire if applying for a Multiple Entry Tourist Visa (METV) before traveling will mitigate problems at customs. Several comments suggest that obtaining a METV or another type of visa would help avoid complications related to multiple visa exemptions, with additional insights on demonstrating sufficient proof during immigration checks.

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Andrew *********

Remember Cambodian and Myanmar borders are closed if you plan on a border bounce.

a month ago

Kim **********

@Andrew ********

Thai-Myanmar boat border crossings are still operating..... business as usual.

a month ago

Reply to

Kim **********

Mark ********

I have been three times since September 2024 on visa exemption for up to 50 days at a time. The last time I got questioned, but I had welcome letter from partner, proof of return tickets, income etc. And was let through.

I had read that there were issues with those with multiple Visa exemptions with people being turned back.

Going in Sempteber again and this time, I applied for a visa. I got it 1 day after submission online. That should be fine.

a month ago

Peter **********

Do yourself a favor and get a METV before coming here

2 months ago

James ********

@Peter *********

Wise advice ✅

a month ago

Reply to

James ********

Rob *******

I'd bet you weren't hassled because of too many visas but more like too many free visa exempt stamps and no actual visas. As Tod suggested, get a SETV and border bounce or a METV and you should be fine because those are actual visas which you are paying for. And just for clarification, it's not customs who hassle you, it's immigration, as they are the government body who allow or deny entry, whereas customs are only concerned with what you bring with you.

2 months ago

Russell ********

If you actually purchase a visa with multiple entry, rather than rely on multiple exemptions, any issues with Immigration should be negated. They just want people to pay their way when they stay longer term.

2 months ago

Tod *********

A 6 month METV would work without much issue at all.

OR

even a single entry tourist visa and then bounce by land with a service out/back to get a visa exempt entry would give you the time.

We've seen more and more tightening up on free stamp entries since they went to 60 day visa exempt entries in July 2024 and a LOT of people (as in many thousands a week) get denied entry trying to come in visa exempt (most with extensive entry/stay histories on free stamp)

Best of luck with it, safe travels

2 months ago

Dan *******

@Tod ********

what are the rules for this 6 month visa? I normally get a 90 day married to a Thai wife visa, but I need to stay for just under 4 months this trip…what would you recommend?

a month ago

Tod *********

get the 90 day Non-O based on marriage to a thai and then when you're here get the one 60 day visit thai family extension at the immigration office where you live for 1900baht

a month ago

Reply to

Tod *********

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