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?"
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.
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