Unanswered3 years ago
Will I be denied entry to Thailand after an extended stay and immigration concerns?
My reddit thread got 300 comments but they are split 50/50 about whether or not I'll be denied entry to Thailand this May. Someone suggested I ask here.
Full story: [members only]
Summary:
- Stayed in Thailand for ~8 months total of 2023 on Visa Exemptions + Extension, and 1 Tourist Visa + Extension
- My last entry was after 1 month out, with a Tourist Visa in August 2023, extended and left November 2023
- When I entered with a Tourist visa. I was pulled out of line at the airport and interrogated for over an hour. Agent said I was living in Thailand illegally. Said I needed a marriage visa if I have a gf (never said i had a gf). Asked to see my bank accounts, go through my Instagram, took pics of my profiles, and finally said if I couldn't show an onward flight I'd be denied entry even with the visa. Showed an onward flight and was let in. After being let in I asked "can I come back again in the future?" And she just said "no" and shooed me away with her hand. Idk if she even heard me.
Full story: [members only]
Summary:
- Stayed in Thailand for ~8 months total of 2023 on Visa Exemptions + Extension, and 1 Tourist Visa + Extension
- My last entry was after 1 month out, with a Tourist Visa in August 2023, extended and left November 2023
- When I entered with a Tourist visa. I was pulled out of line at the airport and interrogated for over an hour. Agent said I was living in Thailand illegally. Said I needed a marriage visa if I have a gf (never said i had a gf). Asked to see my bank accounts, go through my Instagram, took pics of my profiles, and finally said if I couldn't show an onward flight I'd be denied entry even with the visa. Showed an onward flight and was let in. After being let in I asked "can I come back again in the future?" And she just said "no" and shooed me away with her hand. Idk if she even heard me.
Summary so far
The original poster seeks advice on their potential entry into Thailand after a complicated history with immigration, involving multiple long stays on visa exemptions and tourist visas. They report a troubling experience upon their last entry where immigration suggested future entry could be denied and advised securing a marriage visa due to relationship assumptions. The community discussion reveals mixed opinions on the circumstances surrounding their past entries and recommendations for future travel, primarily focusing on the discretionary power of immigration officers at the border.
93 repliesnewest first
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Matthew **********
That wasn't an official "no". That was a lady who, after an hour, didn't want to to get into further discussion so she gave the quickest answer.
If they stopped letting tourists for trying to (legally although pushing their luck) stay longer their economy would collapse.
If they stopped letting tourists for trying to (legally although pushing their luck) stay longer their economy would collapse.
Mohit **********************
Have you watched “A prayer before dawn”?
ฉันเป็นทางของประชาชน *********
Retirement Visa in Colombia $300/USD and only $800/month required income. Spring weather year around and yes freelancers same prices
ฉันเป็นทางของประชาชน *********
Colombia is better
Kevin *********
Check your DM's
Christopher ********
You don’t think immigration is in these groups ? 😂
Braulio *********
Christopher *************
Your a chancer , make a proper decision and get a visa or go ekse where --- too many scum bag chancers playing games
Han ********
Immigration lady clearly wants to marry you. 😉 But seriously, really a lot of people have multiple trips to Thailand. You just need to make sure you look wealthy, or look like a sex tourist. Both seem to be preferred types. Don't look like a young hippie. And make sure you meet ALL the rules, including having really a lot of cash on you, have an onward ticket, etc. And relax a little; you seem serious.
Matthew **********
@Han *******
look like a sex tourist 😂. Could put a dildo on a chain around one's neck.
Bob **********
If you been out since November you should be ok but I’d buy a tourist visa and have the three proofs 20k baht or equivalent in Dollars ,accommodation and a flight out in 60 days
Greg ***********
the "agent" you mean the Immigration officer at the border. He checks your passport and looks up the multitude of your stamps and your travel history, and decides you are MISUSING the visa-exempt entry system and consecutive tourist visa, for a longstay in Thailand. And you were told to get the PROPER visa for a longstay. So best idea is, GO GET THE PROPER VISA. Which for a 29-years old there are not many options. Non-Imm-ED or an ELITE visa, or the LTR visa
David **********
Reddit survey means nothing except as a measure of people's ignorance.
Mike **********
I had the same issue once, but that was cuz I was staying there during Covid and preferred to wait it out in Thailand instead of flying back home when all borders were closed. I got a 1y 'volunteer' visa through a very popular agency in bangkok, which caused me quite some issues later.
My advice: 6 months out will definitely do. Renew your passport that time as well. All should be reset by then.
My advice: 6 months out will definitely do. Renew your passport that time as well. All should be reset by then.
Andy ************
Can you land in chiang mai airport?
Bryan ********
OP@Andy ***********
I'm thinking if I do go then I will fly there instead of Bangkok for sure. Do you think they're more lenient there?Andy ************
@Bryan *******
I do think that and have a local hotel booked etc
Jack ****************
A lot depends on the day and the person who's line you are in. I've had one bad experience and otherwise 100% positive experience entering the country. The one bad experience was a lady (maybe the same one who you dealt with) who basically just yelled at me for staying too long, she pulled over a supervisor who told her it was fine and to let me through, she stamped my passport and then as I walked away yelled "don't stay so long next time!"
Joe *********
IO officer gave you the answer get a Thai wife
Ric ****
Next time if they ask questions, just say your Facebook and Reddit fake friends, said it was ok..
Josh **********
@Ric ***
Wow you are sooo funny dude. What about giving him actual advice?Ric ****
@Josh *********
to my point...I'm not qualified too..just like you or anyone else here!
David ********
Had the same done to me couple of years ago was ready for it only happy when I showed them healthy bank accounts my business photos my uk house etc etc they weren’t going to let me in lol sorted my visa out 😂😂😂🇹🇭🤷🏻♂️🤦♂️
Andreas *********
@David *******
in case you get pulled aside and asked for proof of funds, you need CASH. 20,000.- THB in CASH in Thai Baht or another currency. Your bank statements will NOT be accepted. Your house, your boat, your cars, your grandmother = they are not interested in that
Carlos *********
How are you funding this without working? So many questions. You've been labeled and the officer can ask for whatever they want. You could test to see if they will give you a 60 day visa but when you're denied you'll know they got your number.
Frans ******
Ask the Isaan farang people thy know more than the imagrasion
Iñigo ************
My friend stayed in Thailand for 5 years on tourist visas and covid extensios. Occasionally they pull him aside and tell him that next time he can't come in... He always bring the 3 proofs. At landborders they usually don't pull him aside.
Nigel ********
Did you show that you had enough funds before You even enter thailand in the first place to last eight months vai bank statements from your home country
Andreas *********
@Nigel *******
in case you get pulled aside and asked for proof of funds, you need CASH. 20,000.- THB in CASH in Thai Baht or another currency. Your bank statements will NOT be accepted
Adriana **********
following to find out if you are able to enter in may lol
Bryan ********
OP
Jamie *******
Best thing to do would be fly to loas and get a tourist visa and enter Thailand via land
Bryan ********
OP@Jamie ******
do you think this is a safer plan than flying into Chiang mai? I've heard mixed opinions on land borders some people saying they're safer others saying they're more risky. If I do the land route do I need an agency or can I go solo?Jamie *******
@Bryan *******
you can do it solo. Land border at Nong Khai friendship bridge is your best bet. Use the Embassy in Vietiane.
Mark *********
I think the fact that you’ve had a 7 month break since the last time you were in Thailand shows that your intention is not to live there. If you’re just going for a couple of months this time and have an exit flight already booked I reckon you’ll be let in no problems.
Tonino *****
@Bryan *******
It is all up to the immigration officer/s. People opinions, here, on this matter are totally useless. 🙆♂️Unless you pay them under the table or some agent who has power. Otherwise, just apply for the right visa yourself.
Adriana **********
@Tonino ****
how much would you have to pay in bribe 😂😂😂 asking for a friend
Darren ******
So basically , U stayed for 8 months as a tourist and u wanna come back.
Most , 99% of us pay for a year visa and wait to be over 50 to get it.
Why at 29 do U think U can do it on tourist visas without be pulled for it.
Oh Ur American , U can do what ever U want or think U can.
Most , 99% of us pay for a year visa and wait to be over 50 to get it.
Why at 29 do U think U can do it on tourist visas without be pulled for it.
Oh Ur American , U can do what ever U want or think U can.
Christopher *************
Immigration keep this chancer out of Thailand bye bye
Darren ******
@Christopher ************
so they should do , some people want everything for free.. I think this guy is a digital nomad heading to Chiang mai and he was caught out.Christopher *************
@Darren *****
agree DarrenChristopher *************
@Darren *****
haha great message ,Bryan ********
OP@Darren *****
Thanks for contributing!
Allen ********
Would you like to buy a vowel?
Yes, I’ll buy a “U” and extra spaces around commas.
Yes, I’ll buy a “U” and extra spaces around commas.
Darren ******
@Allen *******
u should be on ajarn .com "U" will make more money then U make nowJosh **********
Happened to me once, because I stayed so long during Covid, on Covid exemption.
Also got asked lots of questions:
- what I do in Thailand
- if I had a girlfriend
- purpose of travelling
After that they never asked me any questions. So idk in your specific case 😝
Also got asked lots of questions:
- what I do in Thailand
- if I had a girlfriend
- purpose of travelling
After that they never asked me any questions. So idk in your specific case 😝
Bryan ********
OP@Josh *********
So you mean they questioned you, then let you in, and you've gone back again since that time without issue? Mind if I ask how long you were out of Thailand between those visits?Josh **********
@Bryan *******
Yes, I also showed them a flight back ticket to Germany. So after talking to her boss, she let me in. I went back to Germany for about 2 months and then flew to Philippines one month and then back to Thailand. (So total about 3 months).
But I applied for visa in embassy in Frankfurt, they approved. Maybe that made it easier.
Ivan ************
@Br***
they don't necessarily know if you have been back to your home country or not. Many countries don't stamp. They may ask this but they are probably going to be more concerned about the time in or out of Thailand. Leaving it over six months since your last trip isn't a guarantee but it may help.
Andrew *******
@Bryan *******
I think the main problem with Thai immigration is that you haven’t been to your home country in 6 years. That would definitely make them suspicious.Josh **********
@Bryan *******
Last time they didn’t check anything (3 weeks ago, without a visa), was so quickly inside the country. I think they don’t care anymore bc of mass tourism.
I mean what else can you do than trying? Or get a different type of visa, student or whatsoever.
Good luck 🤞
Bryan ********
OP@Josh *********
Nice glad it worked out for you. Actually the time I was almost denied was when I had a tourist visa so I'm not sure that's doing me any favors. I'd be out for 7 months this time before going back however I haven't been to my home country in 6 years. Guess it's just a roll of the dice 💀
John **********
Nobody can answer your question, whether you will be allowed to enter or not is entirely up to the immigration officer you will stand in front of when you arrive
Bryan ********
OP@John *********
I'm curious what the purpose is of these large Thai Visa groups if the answer inevitably comes down to "nobody knows, it's up to the officer". I was really hoping someone here would have the secret recipe to success hahaJohn **********
@Bryan *******
the secret recipe to success is to get the visa that is appropriate for your stay. Spending extended periods on a mix of tourist and visa exempt entries is not appropriate and is being actively discouraged by immigration. It could be they just stamp you in, in could be they question you, it could be they deny you. All you can do is have an exit flight that fits with your entry method, have 20k baht in cash and have accommodation booked, that covers the main reasons they use for refusing entry and gives the best chance of successTullio *******
If you plan on living here you should get the correct visa to do that there are option for everyone. Sure some are costlier but that’s what it is. If you have been pulled aside and told that you will not be allowed in by an immigration office chances are this is exactly what will happen… I’m not sure how getting a different answer of social media would change your fate….
Bryan ********
OP@Tullio ******
Sorry maybe I was unclear in my post. I have no intention of living in Thailand I'm just trying to go for May-June this year.Neal *******
@Bryan *******
If I had an immigration history like yours, and really only wanted to stay May-June, I would have a return air ticket (paid) for the US and present it to the officer. Getting another TR might be difficult if you are flagged in the system.Todd *********
@Bryan *******
it was clear. But tullio seems keen to not listenTullio *******
@Todd ********
maybe you haven’t noticed that you have replied to my response tagging me, I take no interest in your opinion, but if you reply on mine, and take an interest in my response that’s where I reply no other reason. Make sure you fully understand how to click the reply on the right post tagging the right person then nothing happens. So if you don’t mind you can go away from this thread 😂Todd *********
@Tullio ******
you must be inebriated or confused. You are giving bad info. I'm answering Bryan's question about his situation. Just go away. You are simply an annoyance with no useful info for him. Carry on with your day.Tullio *******
@Todd ********
as I said, Bryan knows exactly what he can do and the consequences of his decision, it’s actually quite simple, I don’t see the point of your comments on my opinion, but apparently you want me, for some strange reason, to agree with yours.Tullio *******
@Bryan *******
you have a history now, so chances of not letting you in are quite high, probably if you are able to postpone your trip by several month and let a year pass from your last visit chances are they won’t cause you too much trouble or you may be able to explain, but you won’t find a difinite answer here.Tullio *******
@Todd ********
absolutely it’s still free will…. As I said all are entitled to opinions especially on social media were we are all great experts and giving guaranteed adviceTodd *********
@Tullio ******
I’m sure also. Many of you worthy of ignoringTullio *******
@Todd ********
be as it may, we are all entitled to different opinions as this is what it is, you are not an authority, obviously, but an expat like many of us, I could say the same about yours, mine is simply conservative and based on facts, yours is just an irresponsible way given the fact that if by following your ‘advise’ he gets rejected he is in trouble you are not…. and mind it I’m not insulting your advise as you are my opinion that should say it all…. I’m sure the OP will be smart and responsible enough to know what he is doing and the consequences one way or the other.Todd *********
@Tullio ******
you can think it all you want. I’m giving an accurate appraisal. You are giving an absurdly false story.Tullio *******
@Todd ********
I think you are giving risky advice as he has been clearly told by immigration therefore he is flagged in the system, but no risk for you though.Todd *********
@Tullio ******
nope. There is no risk at all of being denied with this history. NoneTullio *******
@Todd ********
I think you mean chances of being let back in the country are next to zero.Todd *********
@Tullio ******
chances of NOT being let back in with this history are next to zero
Eddie ******
I got pulled few days back at swampy for reason of long stay. Questioned about my Thai child and why didn't I get a visa... told me to get a visa or next trip will be a no entry.
Jonathan **************************
There is no definitive answer to questions like yours. It's up to whichever immigration officer you're in front of. There have been cases reported here of people getting pulled aside and questioned and sometimes denied even after 6-12 months away from the country, due to previous extended stays on things like Covid extensions, and back-to-back TR visas & exemptions.
Whilst, again, it depends on the discretion of whichever imm officer you're in front of, it's generally the case that you're not fooling anyone with a short-term stay in another country after 7-8 months here before trying to come back.
Whilst, again, it depends on the discretion of whichever imm officer you're in front of, it's generally the case that you're not fooling anyone with a short-term stay in another country after 7-8 months here before trying to come back.
Bryan ********
OP@Jonathan *************************
Does anyone have any idea how long they'd like you to be out of the country before visiting again? I've heard people say just a couple days, or a month, or a year. This would be 7 months out for me but these comments are making me nervous..Jonathan **************************
@Bryan *******
No one can give you a definitive answer, because like we're saying, it depends entirely on the attitude, discretion, and judgement of the immigration officer in front of you. Generally, the longer you're outside, the higher your chances of getting through without any problems.There is no central policy book they're all reading from. The only *legal* limit set in stone is no more than two land entries in a calendar year.
Peter **********
You have to understand , whilst you are in Thailand you are and remain an Alien
If you would just total the cost of your flights , hotel,food , beer, entertainment and any Visa
Immigration would be happy if you just sent that money and not come at all
If you would just total the cost of your flights , hotel,food , beer, entertainment and any Visa
Immigration would be happy if you just sent that money and not come at all
Transitvan ******
I experienced the same thing, I bought a ticket back to my country and I'm going back. The total duration is 13 months.
Chris *******
No one can answer that question for you.
Depends what notes are on your profile.
You've been warned, it will be the next IO to decide your fate.
You may get questioned again or denied or not bothered at all.
Its a roll of the dice at this point, the longer you are away the better your chances you are a tourist.
Have a plan B.
Depends what notes are on your profile.
You've been warned, it will be the next IO to decide your fate.
You may get questioned again or denied or not bothered at all.
Its a roll of the dice at this point, the longer you are away the better your chances you are a tourist.
Have a plan B.
Bryan ********
OP@Chris ******
I will have been out 7 months between leaving and entering this time. It's so frustrating there's no clearly written rule because I'd gladly follow it. Some people say stay out 1 month and others in these comments say I can never go back lol. If I get denied entry I'm not really worried about my Thai vacation but I'm super worried that denial will affect my ability to get into other countries in the future.
Paul ********
@Bryan *******
You are looking for something that defies reality.Repeat after me. "Thailand Immigration Officers have broad discretion to make independent decisions which are rarely appealable."
You may get away with something for a while, but better to find a way to stay well within the rules. Expecting to get lucky every time will catch up with you.
Chris *******
@Bryan *******
I wish someone could say for sure, its your history they look at.7 months hopefully is enuff.
Remember the 3 proofs, be prepared:
20k baht or equivalent currency in cash
Proof of accommodation
Proof of exit
Hopefully......
Roberto *********
Probably give some more information? What is your purpose in Thailand? What age/nationality are you?
Bryan ********
OP@Roberto ********
I'm a 29 year old American. Purpose is just tourism. I'm headed to Chiang Mai this time which I've never been to before.
Carla ***********
@Bryan *******
you mean you stayed 8 months but didn’t get to visit Chiangmai? Or you’re going back? Cuz if the former, I hope they let you in cuz I enjoyed the North the most in Thailand.
Rich ****
@Bruce ********
Yes it seems there is less scrutiny at land borders.
Bruce *********
Can't this person just cross the border on the ground because it's easier?
Bruce *********
@Carla **********
that was the only part I went to in Thailand where I actually got cold. It was up in the mountains.Rich ****
@Bryan *******
Ok I did the same thing as you but stayed longer. I was told NOT to enter via Bangkok. So I flew into Chiang Mai and had no problem. Avoid entering through Bangkok and you'll be ok. You are not a marked man or any of that. You just had an annoyed immigration officer.
Mike *******
@Bryan *******
Bryan, no offense but didn’t you understand the passport or visa requirements before you went to Thailand and then when you were in Thailand you should have understood how long you could have stayed or Atleast wemt to an agency to explain to you. Sounds to me like you definitely are aMarked man in Thailand for them to do that to you and probably have your name on file as to be checked thoroughly.. From what I heard there really cracking down on it. You have been in Thailand for 8mos on what type of visa?
Kool *******
@Bryan *******
you will have a serious problem until you return to America for a length of time, over a month.Carla ***********
@Bryan *******
I am not sure cuz the longest I’ve stayed in Thailand is 3 months. Got the 2 month visa exemption and then 1 month extension. Havent been back since. You can try, that’s the only way to know. But be prepared to explain wht you did for 8 months as it’s not normal duration for a tourist.Bryan ********
OP@Carla **********
@Roberto ********
Yeah I've spent basically all my time in Bangkok with some trips to Koh Samui/Phangan. I've been wanting to visit CM for a while but some people are saying here I'm permanently barred from being a tourist again lol. Wish I knew this was a possibility earlier and I would've visited CM when I had the chance. Do you have any idea if being denied entry can hurt your chances of being let into other countries in the future?
Roberto *********
@Bryan *******
You cannot be a permanent tourist in Thailand on continuous visa-exempt or TR visas. Your best strategy is to get the Elite Visa. No-one can say how immigration will decide the next time you try to enter, but it seems your card is already marked so expect at the very least to be questioned and be prepared to be denied entry. Best to be prepared for that eventualityActivity
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