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Will I be allowed entry into Thailand on an Elite visa after using the STV visa?

Aug 13, 2021
5 years ago
Stephen *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi guys, now I hold STV in Thailand and plan to go back home country in September. Then, I will use an Elite visa to come again in November, do you think immigration allow me entry? Since I heard friends said an immigration rule allows tourist people to stay 180 days in Thailand for a year, STV 270 days already consumed the 180 days quota, no rooms for entry this year. Am I correct or mislead two things? Thanks.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user currently holds an STV visa but is concerned about potential restrictions when switching to an Elite visa for re-entry into Thailand after travel back to their home country. There are mentions of a general exemption rule allowing tourists to stay for up to 180 days within a year, which the user fears may impact their ability to re-enter as their STV has consumed a substantial amount of this duration. However, responses indicate that since the onset of COVID-19, there have been no credible reports of rejections for Elite visa holders, suggesting a stronger likelihood of successful re-entry.
Ellie *******
Elite program is designed to let foreign people stay in Thailand on a tourist status yearly basis.
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Don-Laura *******
Yeap. We left, not having used all our STV time, and will be heading back shortly under a "retirement" visa. No issues getting that new visa.
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AF ********
Thailand Elite could also answer your question quite easily, they are very helpful.
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Benjamin ******
> Since I heard friends said an immigration rule allows tourist people to stay 180 days in Thailand for a year, STV 270 days already consumed the 180 days quota, no rooms for entry this year.

The "180 day" limit IS a "rule of thumb" for people who entered via visa exempt by air BEFORE COVID-19. *BEFORE COVID-19* there are reports of people only being able to enter twice by visa exempt BY AIR, but I also had reports of people doing it for many years.

SINCE COVID-19, there has been NO creditable reports of any rejections. I never, ever heard of any rejections on entry for elite visas
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Stephen *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
I see, thanks
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Stephen *****
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