Will frequent visa exempt entries cause issues in Thailand?

Apr 24, 2018
7 years ago
ASKING FOR A FRIEND

"Will I have problems coming here too often visa exempt?

For 1.5 years now, I’ve been staying in Bangkok with a non-O (volunteering) visa. I just came back to BKK visa exempt for the second time this year. I’ll fly to somewhere for a weekend in May before my visa exemption expires. Then June, I’ll be abroad the whole month for work. Then I need to go back to BKK.

I’ll be staying here in BKK until end of August. Is it more advisable for me to get another non-O (volunteer) visa for my stay in BKK in July and August? Wouldn’t the switch from visa exempt to non-o to visa exempt and to non-O look suspicious?

P.S. Not sure if it’s relevant but I’m about to get my new passport this week. Or they really check their records as to how many visa exempt entries I’ve had?"
245
views
1
likes
4
all likes
2
replies
0
images
2
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is concerned about the implications of frequently entering Thailand on a visa-exempt basis, especially after having held a non-O (volunteering) visa for 1.5 years. They plan to travel out of Thailand and return visa-exempt before considering whether to apply for another non-O visa. Commenters suggest that switching visas frequently or making back-to-back visa exempt entries might raise concerns at immigration, and it's advisable to be prepared to show sufficient funds and proof of income at entry.
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.
Krizel ********************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Okay, so basically nothing to do now, except be ready to show cash and proof of income. Thank you!
Robert *******
New passport is irrelevant at Immigration, the database will link it to the old passport. Coming and going on Visa Exempt Entry back to back or with short periods in between or switching to Non O based on Volunteer can both raise an eyebrow at Immigration. They can ask how you provide yourself with funds, so be ready to show the 20.000 Thb cash and some proof of income from abroad.
Thai Visa Advice
... members · 40% approval rate
The Thai Visa Advice group is a specialized Q&A forum for visa-related topics in Thailand, ensuring detailed responses.
Join the Group
Thai Visa Advice
View the Conversation
Thai Visa Advice