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Answered4 years ago

Will I be denied entry to Thailand due to my past visa history and stamps in my passport?

Emmanuel *******
asked Dec 14, 2022
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Hello

I wish to ask your advices/opinions.

In the last two years, I have lived in Thailand with the following chronologically:

-3 month tourist visa (2 + 1)

-8 month of « covid visa » (4 x 2)

Exit of Thailand to Ffance

Back to Thailand after a week with visa waiver

Roasting interview by immigration on my arrival in BKK airport

-2 month of visa waiver (1 + 1)

-4 month of student visa: 3 month + 1 month extension (out of 3, so 2 month unused)

Exit thailand and back home since 2 month

Total I spent 17 month in the Kingdom. I have been home for 2 month in France.

I plan to go back to Thailand for a short holiday of 1 week next month.

Do I risk to be blocked by immigration in Bangkok. I haven’t changed my passeport yet, so it’s full of different Thai stamps.

Thank you 🙏
Answer summary
A user asks about the risk of being denied entry to Thailand after spending 17 months in the country over the last two years on various visas and waivers, and currently having many stamps in their passport. Community members respond with mixed advice, emphasizing that entry is at the discretion of immigration officers and sharing personal experiences regarding similar situations, noting that a recent student visa or extended stays could attract scrutiny.
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Terary **********
Terary **********
I recommend getting a real tourist visa (not waiver or whatever), fly in through Phuket.
Mitchell *******
Mitchell *******
I think they seem to be scrutinizing anyone with recent ED visas. Just my observations.
Kool *******
Kool *******
If you have returned to your home country then you won't have a problem, as long as you have a return plane ticket.
Jo **********
Jo **********
well here is a fact in 2020 i came in on a special non b visa for business development for 3 months. Then had 4 covid extensions. total 11 months. Then left 2 months came back for 6 months visa exempt and more covid extensions. Then left March 2022 and returned May 2022 visa exempt. since then I have entered 6 times visa exempt without a single question. Keep in mind I never had and ed visa or tourist visa. An ED visa after so many covid extensions might raise some questions
Stuart *********
Stuart *********
@Jo *********
wow. You’re lucky. Certainly would have flagged that entry history as questionable. But it’s up to the immigration officer, so if they’re not having a bad hair day then whose to say what they’ll let pass.
Jo **********
Jo **********
@Stuart ********
i think it’s that i only stay 10-20 days each time and don’t work in Thailand
Stuart *********
Stuart *********
@Jo *********
OK that time frame works. It’s the multiple entries maxing out on exempt or tourist visa entries that raise the red flag. If you try that you’re “probably working”.
Alistair **********
Alistair **********
@Jo *********
that doesn't sound like Bangkok immigration, did you fly in at a different airport?
Jo **********
Jo **********
@Alistair *********
2 times Bangkok 4 times Chiang Mai. I think there is no problem if your out of the country enough. I leave for 3 weeks then come back for about 2 weeks.
Emmanuel *******
Emmanuel *******
OP
@Jo *********
thank you
Jo **********
Jo **********
@Emmanuel ******
i was also very afraid but nothing happened not even a single question after 6 visa exempt entries this year. this many times is not luck. ask people who have had similar experience that will give some insights.
Stuart *********
Stuart *********
Are you at risk of being denied entry? Absolutely. It’s up to the individual immigration officer so no one can say one way or the other but it’s a pretty good guess to say that you would be. It’s irrelevant about a new passport as your entry history is linked to previous passports.
Emmanuel *******
Emmanuel *******
OP
@Stuart ********
May I ask you your opinion again. I need to come this weekend only for 3 days to Thailand. I have been outside of Thailand for 3 month.

I can show proof of sufficient funds, accommodation hotel, and return ticket.

Also I already have the flight tickets and accommodations for my next 2 trips in Marsh and May.

I work in France, I can show play slips, badge.

Do you think I am still at high risk of being denied entry?

Additional question, if I am denied entry once, will it set a precedent to deny me entries the next times ?

Thank you
Stuart *********
Stuart *********
@Emmanuel ******
I really can’t say. You’re certainly high risk to being questioned, but if you have all the proofs as you say then you’ll probably be let in.
Emmanuel *******
Emmanuel *******
OP
@Stuart ********
Just to give you an update. I was questioned for 2h, and everything cleared out when the immigration officer talked to my thai girlfriend. Of course all the proofs I brought helped. I stayed only 3 days. My next trip is in 2 month, again I wonder what will happen.
Emmanuel *******
Emmanuel *******
OP
@Stuart ********
My next holiday window would be in May. So, 6 month after my exit of Thailand.

Is 6 month out of the country enough to reduce the risk of being denied entry?
Stuart *********
Stuart *********
@Emmanuel ******
Can’t really say. Almost certainly it would be ok as what they’re looking for is the possibility that you’re staying in Thailand long term on the wrong visa type. With multiple Covid extensions that’s a red flag to a bull. However after 6 months away that may not be an issue.
Emmanuel *******
Emmanuel *******
OP
@Stuart ********
thank you very much.

I think I will stay on the safe side.
Stuart *********
Stuart *********
If questioned by immigration on arrival you need to provide 3 proofs for entry into Thailand.

1. 20,000 baht cash or equivalent in a major currency. It needs to be in cash. A bank statement, credit card or phone app showing you have funds won’t suffice.

2. Accommodation booked for at least the first few days. If you’re staying with family or friends then have them write an invitation letter for you to stay at their place.

3. A ticket out of Thailand booked within the number of days your entry allows, regardless that you can get an in country extension. 30 for Exempt, 60 for Tourist Visa (although the likelihood on being asked if you have a actual tourist visa is minimal). Bus train or plane. The two former must be an international ticket out, not just to a border town where you could walk across a border.

These proofs won’t guarantee you entry as that’s at the discretion of the immigration officer, but they’re the three things they’ll generally use as a reason to deny entry.
Stuart *********
Stuart *********
Written when exempt entry was 30 days. Currently 45.
Emmanuel *******
Emmanuel *******
OP

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