Unanswered10 months ago
Will I be allowed to enter Thailand after multiple visa exempt stays this year?
Hi All
I am flying into Suvarnabhumi on 18th December .
This will be my 6th visa exempt entry this year .
My first entry was on January 10th and I stayed for 13 days before flying to vietnam for a 10 day holiday .
I then re entered thailand on did 60 day + 30 extension and stayed a total.of 76 days
I returned to the UK for 2 months then entered again for 4 days before going to Vietnam for a 1 week holiday then entered thailand again for 14 days before going back to UK and not coming back to Thailand for 3 and half.months .
My last visit was from November 3rd to 23rd .
I don't live in Thailand I work offshore and visit thailand on a lot of my time off .
I only did the long 76 day stay as I fell sick in Thailand so couldn't return to work so extended my stay .
By the 10th January I would have been in Thailand a total of 152 days since I entered on 10 jan 2025 .
It's too late for me to get a visa before I fly now .
I intend to get a proper visa for next time .
Do.you guys think I will be ok entering this time ?
Thanks in advance
I am flying into Suvarnabhumi on 18th December .
This will be my 6th visa exempt entry this year .
My first entry was on January 10th and I stayed for 13 days before flying to vietnam for a 10 day holiday .
I then re entered thailand on did 60 day + 30 extension and stayed a total.of 76 days
I returned to the UK for 2 months then entered again for 4 days before going to Vietnam for a 1 week holiday then entered thailand again for 14 days before going back to UK and not coming back to Thailand for 3 and half.months .
My last visit was from November 3rd to 23rd .
I don't live in Thailand I work offshore and visit thailand on a lot of my time off .
I only did the long 76 day stay as I fell sick in Thailand so couldn't return to work so extended my stay .
By the 10th January I would have been in Thailand a total of 152 days since I entered on 10 jan 2025 .
It's too late for me to get a visa before I fly now .
I intend to get a proper visa for next time .
Do.you guys think I will be ok entering this time ?
Thanks in advance
Summary so far
An expat planning to enter Thailand for the sixth time on a visa exemption seeks advice about potential entry issues, given they will have spent a total of around 152 days in Thailand since January. They express intent to apply for a proper visa in the future but are concerned about being questioned at immigration due to their travel history, especially with new rules on frequent travelers. Responses vary from optimistic to cautionary, with many suggesting to prepare documentation proving employment and reasons for frequent visits.
83 repliesnewest first
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Stephen ********
I’ve just arrived today immigration wasn’t overly busy took around 15 mins to get through so normal traffic for time of the year. I’m on my third visa exempt this year no issues at all. Like you I’ve stayed in my home country for over 3-4 months. I intend to stay a month do another country and come back. I think too much mis information out there as long as your not scamming the system and are a tourist no issues.
Matt ***********
OP@Stephen *******
good stuff, enjoy your stay
Nick *******
It’s not the best entry record given the latest rules. It’s going to be purely down to the IO you get and the answers you can give. I’d have all your info to hand, such as accommodation and return ticket ready for inspection. Maybe getting vip fast-track ‘might’ be something to consider, can’t do any harm. If you have a girlfriend here, I’d make that the MAIN reason for your frequent visits. If you can, show them proof that your type of employment means you ‘have’ to leave on a certain date. Good luck.
Matt ***********
OP@Nick ******
I've already booked a fast track now, they have told me won't have any issues
Rob **********
Unfortunately nobody here can give you a definitive answer, it is totally up to the discretion of the immigration officer on the day of your arrival. But with your entry record this year you possibly will be asked a few questions at the very least. Can you please post again when you are either denied or granted entry as that would be a big help in answering people’s questions on this forum. Good luck🤞
Tom *******
Contingency plan advised
Tom *******
Walking a tightrope
Matt ***********
OP😃 I came to meet a friend then travel to vietnam together
Ian **********
Geez! who knows. please keep us updated. You came and stayed four days and then left! I would arrest you for suspicious travel plans :D
Bent *************
Depends totally on the officer in Immigration.
My advise is that you pick a queue to an older male officer!
My advise is that you pick a queue to an older male officer!
Olav *********
They look at how many border jumps you have from before.
Matt ***********
OP@Olav ********
noneOlav *********
@Matt **********
hawe the insurance and monney and you will be god l hope.The thai goverment wants to stop those who are here 1-2-3 monthes then take border runs,they dont want to stop the genuine touristed going in and out the normal ways.
Stephen *****************
Don't fancy your chances 😔
Kevin ******
Your travel profile will definitely be of interest to many readers. While you have been many days in Thailand, you are able to prove employment and never stay the full length of your visa exemption., except the time you were sick. I suspect you will be questioned though you can prove you work offshore. I think you will be admitted, but what do I know? 55. Time will tell and your fate lies in the hand of the IO you meet.
Keep us posted.
Keep us posted.
Kirsten *********
I work on short-term contracts in different countries, and in my free time I like staying in Thailand. This year I’ve just entered Thailand visa-exempt for the sixth time. I just came back after a ten day work trip. At the immigration desk I was asked how long I would stay (40 days) and where I would be staying (I gave an apartment address), she riffled through my passport looking at all the stamps (there are a lot - from different countries! ) then stamped me in. That was in Phuket, not Bangkok, and so far I’ve never applied for a visa-exemption extension. My previous stays have ranged from 10 days to 7 weeks. I feel like they are mainly looking for people who repeatedly do 60 day visa-exempt entry plus extensions and have very short gaps away. But next year, if I have a similar pattern, I'd choose to do the METV to avoid any worries. The only reason I didn't do the METV before is that it has always been fine to do Visa free multiple times a year.
Peter ******
You have avoided getting a visa so far, so I'm afraid I don't believe your claim that you will get one next time. You are the problem !
Ja *********
@Peter *****
crank you are the problem haven't got a clue..Peter ******
@Ja ********
the guy knows full well he should have had a visa for the last year, he didn't get one because he wanted to save money. And now he's asking random people on Facebook if he can get away with it again, as I said, he is the problem.Ja *********
@Matt **********
he's clueless ...don't give him your timeMatt ***********
OPBeen to Thailand 12 times over 6 years , only ever done extension twice and never done a border run . That's hardly taking advantage of visa exempt, it's normal tourist behaviour
Matt ***********
OPStuck to the rules they set
Matt ***********
OP@Peter *****
i didn't break any rules .Why am I a problem ?
Ally ************
It may help to carry a copy of your employment contract.. so when questioned you can evidence the fact you live and work elsewhere in asia.. and frequently enter Thailand as a tourist during your downtime.. this will demonstrate you are not trying to live or work in Thailand.. and are not abusing the system.. ie. avoiding an appropriate visa.. said contract could be the difference in getting in if the IO considers it a borderline decision.. excuse the pun 😉
Jonny *********
The big question is if the immigration officer regards you as a "genuine tourist" or no... You have not pushed it to the limit, as one extention seems to be OK. Think you will be fine.
William ***********
You have plenty of time to apply for a tourist visa. Probably best to get a 6 month multi entry visa as much as you visit. Sometimes taking that extra step can help you sleep easier.
Matt ***********
OPI have decided tp use and agent
I sent them all the details
They looked into it for me and have told me I will get in no problems , no questions asked
They meet me before immigration, fast track through the queues
4000 bhat
I sent them all the details
They looked into it for me and have told me I will get in no problems , no questions asked
They meet me before immigration, fast track through the queues
4000 bhat
Matt ***********
OPYes I have documentation about illness
Peter ******
@Matt **********
makes no difference if you didn't get extension for medical reasons at the time.
Cliff *********
Do you have some documentation from the doctor about your illness and the extended stay?
That might help.
You don’t look like you are trying to live here long term, but are making many brief visits.
Best of luck !
That might help.
You don’t look like you are trying to live here long term, but are making many brief visits.
Best of luck !
Peter ***************
Suggest you book an agent to escort you through immigration.
Liam ***********
@Peter **************
hi ,how does that work,info please?Peter ***************
@Liam **********
most visa agents offer this service. It costs around 3,000 Baht. They will meet you at your flight arrival gate and escort you through a fast track immigration lane.
Rob *********
Multiple trips, beyond two or maybr three entries per year are no longer accepted. I was questioned at length arriving 17th November and I am hoping I will be permitted to come back after trip to Vietnam in February, but there's no guarantee
Mario **********
More than 150 days? 😳😱🫣
Chuck **********
Think you’re screwed
Gilberto ********
As far as I know from and IO is that your maximum stay without visa is 180 days/year regardless of number of trips
Marcus ************
Your record shows that you are not “abusing” the system. Some stats were very short. My guess is you’ll be fine
Bob **********
My neighbor works offshore and has been coming 6 times a year for a month each time for 20 years I saw him yesterday he just got in no problem
Cesar *******
Please let us know how it went. I believe your experience will help many here.
Ja *********
just been refused me give 7 days to leave...had previous stay ...only allow 90 days a year now be warned..i had to come to Vietnam now to try arrange a visa ...border bounces are no longer any good...stopped...have to wait for days to reset in new year...i'll try to enter again 1 jan
Peter ******
@Ja ********
it doesn't reset, it's a rolling year. You are the problem.Ja *********
@Peter *****
clueless...parrot ..
Charmae *******
You should be fine
Luc ************
No problem, as long as you didn't do extensions. I do the same for years and years.
Miki **********
Marry her! Problem solved!😬
Bill *********
@Miki *********
No that's when the problems really begin!
Jack *****
Friendly Thai Visa
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Marshal *******
Honestly you should be fine , But Update us if you can . Safe travels ✈️ . Don’t forget the cash in hand !
Michael ********
150 days max seems to be the number some immigration officials are quoting. Make sure have return ticket, money and accomadation sorted for at least first night
Vaidas **********
Very risky. Most likely they will deny you
Cathy ********
I would have a plan B for Christmas lined up
Patrick ********
Who knows! I was told at immigration i need a visa next time but was let in. They are strict now
Matt ***********
OPSo far
Matt ***********
OP128 days
Luc ************
@Matt **********
i have many more days and on my 4th entry this year. About 160 days. No questions asked at immigration.
J **************
How many days in 2025 alone
Ken ********
Go to go don't think to much just smile
RubyCel*******
If I were an IO, in the spirit of the recent government initiative, without a visa application, that would be a clear NO.
Obvious abuse of visa exempt.
Obvious abuse of visa exempt.
Greta *****
That's a NO from me ❌
Greta *****
It's always great idea to ask people on FB to advice you on your possible faith.
Trav **********
@Greta ****
Exactly 🤣Then you can look for the answer you most want, and when it turns out to be bullshit you can complain you got bad advise. 😆
Richard ***********
How this helps
************************************************
Mike **********
If I was a betting man I’d go for a no entry
Sean *********
As I have read it (the new rules) they seem to be pulling people who are getting a 2nd extension. Someone put up on this before they had been in 5 times this year, they never did an extension and had no problem, just make sure you have a return flight(ticket).
Area *************
After the 2nd visa exemption + extension, they will certainly question. BUT If they can feel you are sincère and honest, specially if you already have a work or a business overseas, in your home country, they should let in again. That's m'y 2025 story.
Matt ***********
OPPartially paid for accommodation
Matt ***********
OP@Sean ********
I have a return ticket , partially paid for , Ive only done 1 extension this year , am hoping this will get me through , Have contacted a visa agent my friend used before to ask there opinion and potentially pay them for immigration fast track/safe entrySean *********
@Matt **********
i don't think that makes much difference these days. It's who you get when your at the desk
Kevin *********
No one here can give you a definite answer. Good luck. Do let us know the outcome 👍
Jordan *****
There is a good chance you will be let in, and also a good chance they will not allow you in and force you to fly back to the UK.
Steve ****
@Jordan ****
this is the answer
Eryk ************
In my opinion, you'll be okay as long as you have a return ticket and accommodation booked.
Cliff *********
@Eryk ***********
also 20K baht equivalent
Umer **************
Please provide update once you arrive. Following this post
Braulio *********
not optimistic
BraveGo*******
You'll be fine . No worries . Normally after ones that stay 60 then extend and leave across border or fly for a day or 2 and come back and do again .
Robert ********
BraveGoose7291 no I did 6 visits totalling 89 days, told I will not be allowed back
BraveGo*******
@Robert *******
but you weren't denied . Being told is nothing .you just had an unhappy IO that dayJa *********
BraveGoose7291 not no more not correct
David ******
You're probably going to face some questions at the very least.
Farang *********
Please let us know how you get on
Matt ***********
OP@Farang ********
will doActivity
55 joined55
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