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Will I be denied entry to Thailand if I travel frequently under the new visa rules?

Nov 24, 2025
5 months ago
Paul ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
I work 3 weeks on 3 weeks off and travelled to thailand 5 times this year for 18 days at a time under the new law will i be denied entry if fly out end of december just before new year thanks
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TLDR : Answer Summary
Traveling to Thailand frequently under the Visa Exempt Entry may raise questions from immigration officials, especially if you've entered several times within a short period. While many individuals with similar travel patterns report no problems, it's advisable to prepare documentation demonstrating your employment status and proof of flight out of Thailand. Being honest about your situation and having a well-documented itinerary can help ease any concerns immigration officers might have about your entries. If you have family ties in Thailand or if your travel frequency continues, considering a more suitable visa such as a NON-O might be beneficial.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
  • Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
  • For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
  • Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
  • Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
Peer *********
I did in past (before Covid) do 4-4 weeks or 5-5 weeks on/off swings working offshore. I did for several years enter Thailand with Visa Exempts that then gave Permit to Stay of 30 days. When on the 5-5 weeks rotation as it was working offshore in Australia I got some more than 30 days in Thailand on my leave times so I had to go to the local immigration to do 30 day extensions for 1900 Baht on top. I had at that time never a problem or when entering Thailand or when doing my extensions.

But it was then and things looks quite stricter now and is best to be well prepared with evidence about your work and I read you bring documentation with you to present if questioned.

I had only some issues when to check in on the flights when traveling to Thailand as I was asked quite a few times to present that I had a ticket out of Thailand. The company I worked for paid for my travels and used a travel agency in Australia even when I worked offshore in other countries. I requested the travel agency to book me a real rebook able/fully refundable so called ”Seaman’s Ticket”. These are to my understanding not nowadays cheaper. But have the advantage that it can be changed without any extra costs often as the nature of working on ships or on platforms is as it is. So I had a real booked and paid flight ticket out of Thailand as to present. Even it was some days more than 30 days in Thailand it was always then accepted when checking in flying to Thailand. As it is currently I think It’s a high likability that Immigration will part of questions when entering Thailand with your travel pattern ask for see your departure ticket out if Thailand…

In the position I worked in I could not leave the platform (beside reasons like sickness) until my back to back had arrived onboard with same helicopter as I stepped on a few minutes later to fly ashore to the nearest helicopter airport.
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Mathew **********
Hey mate I do 2&1 and have been coming every 2 weeks. In May I was warned and June they said its over I need to do something or I won't be allowed back in. I got a 6 month multiple entry and problem was solved.
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Kuu *****
There will be no problem for you as your traveling behavior is of genuine tourist. Also you didn't have any extension on any of your trip. There should be no problem. But yes prepared to answer a few questions from the immigration officials
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J **************
Phuket is being very particular
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Chris ********
FIFO
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17x a year entry not a problem… they are chasing land border runners and illegal workers … if you do get asked just give honest answers and won’t be a problem
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Brian **********
If you're not even extending, nothing to worry about at all.
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Patrick ********
I was stopped at immigration 2 weeks ago 10 minute chat she told me i need the correct visa not what I am doing, she said I am not a tourist.
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Terry ***************
Too many people are overthinking the immigration clampdown, is anyone actually listening to what the immigration department are actually saying? The clampdown is aimed at people who are LIVING and WORKING in THAILAND or INVOLVED in SCAM CENTRES not the average Joe Bloggs frequent tourist who is likely to spend a few Bob during their stay.
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James *********
@Terry **************
and it is up to what immigration officers perceive. If they look at your stay history and think you might be trying to live or work here, that's all that matters. They don't need proof of you living or working here to make that decision.
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James *********
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James ********
Are you Married to a Thai or Father of a Thai child?
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Paul ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@James *******
no james on both
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James ********
Where do you live when in Thailand?
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Paul ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
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Paul ************
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Michael ********
Get a visa that suits your needs, or a NON O and an extension of stay with multi re-entry.
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James ********
Wise advice ✅ as he's likely age 50+. AND as he is now in the UK, they will issue the Non 0 as a retiree age 50+ quickly. (It's not required to be RETIRED to get the Non O visa.
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Andrew *******
@James *******
800k needed in bank
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James ********
OR with the OA retirement Visa the $$$ can be in any bank account.
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Tim **********
@James *******
What is the difference between the OR and OA retirement Visas?
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Tim **********
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JoyfulRas*********
I also do FIFO but from Australia , I do
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and come every month under the exemption banner, and will do so again next month, but I’m only here 11-12 days of the month

I know a few people from Australia that do similar , I know a person that got questioned last week, supervisor was called , person explained he “ technically “ lives and works in Australia, he is just choosing to holiday here in Thailand a lot , because he is here (same as myself) a shorter period than out of the country & always has a return out ticket supervisor approved with no problem.

Will the stance change? Possibly, but this IS Thailand so anything is possible 😉
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Mathew **********
JoyfulRaspberry975 Mate I do 2&1 and come ever 2 weeks and May they warned me. I got my final warning June. Got a 6 month multiple entry
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JoyfulRas*********
@Mathew *********
yeah was thinking possibly that if they do ping me,
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JoyfulRas*********
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John **********
JoyfulRaspberry975 different immigration officers will have different interpretations. I would say that "technically" you are living in Thailand and working in Australia, which isn't what the visa exempt stamp is designed for.
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JoyfulRas*********
@John *********
as we are all saying it is open to individual interpretation, especially the immigration officer at the counter, and I could get stopped at any time, if it happens, no problem I will just go holiday somewhere else while I apply for a visa.

The issue I have is I think there is just not a suitable visa for situations similar to mine and the original poster
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John **********
JoyfulRaspberry975 whether there is a suitable visa or not depends on your situation married, parent of a Thai kid, over 50 etc. And there is always the Elite or Thai Privilege visa which requires nothing more than money.
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John **********
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Patrick *******
A reasonable person would determine from your pattern of entry that you are a legitimate tourist, not someone scamming the system and living here. However, might be a good idea to bring some documentation concerning your work and prepare some answers. You are tourist but not something they see everyday.

Good luck
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Paul ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Patrick ******
thank you for your advice i always carry proof of work documents with me thanks
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Paul *******
@Paul ***********
IT might be worthwhile having a translated copy of work documents also.Cheers.
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Paul ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Paul ******
thanks paul thats a good idea i have a seaman book like a passport goverment approved its goverment stamped every trip i have done and where i have been thanks
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Paul ************
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Ryan ******
DTV is the answer
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James ********
@Martin ********
I've not seen such reports inside Thailand.. any links ?

Although Thai Embassy's and Consulates are aware of the fraud applications with Bank account statements which are not the funds of the applicant.
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James ********
I agree 👍...as an oil field worker...a soft power activity such as Muay Thai training would be perfect for him and his Thai Visa needs. The Muay Thai training gym can work with him to create a flexible training schedule with the initial course covering 6 months.
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James ********
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Martin *********
@James *******
reports of DTV issued inside thailand being flagged and blacklisted
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Martin *********
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James ********
Be prepared for questions from Thai Immigration Officers upon arrival into Thailand....

Due to your many times entering Thailand as Visa Exempt Entry in 2025.

Be prepared to show PROOF of your flight ✈️ departing Thailand within the 60 day stamp you will receive on arrival as Visa Exempt Entry.

As you are a frequent traveler to your home in Thailand from your work offshore, it's possible for the Thai Immigration Officers to stamp you in... BUT have the address of where you will be staying during your visit, 20,000 Thai baht or its equivalent currency in CASH 💵 if asked by the Thai Immigration Officer.

Do you have a Thai wife or Thai child in Thailand ? IF you are Married to Thai or Father of Thai child, it's BEST to get the correct Thai Visa for your many trips to Thailand. Likely that will be the advice given to you by the Thai Immigration Officer on arrival with warning to get the correct Thai Visa for your visits to Thailand.
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Paul ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@James *******
thank you
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James ********
Read Ryan Snow's reply...I agree with him. The New DTV visa for Muay Thai training will get you a 5 year multiple entry DTV visa. With flexible training schedule to work with your times in Thailand. Follow the DTV Visa forum on Facebook for helpful information about the DTV visa and the UK Thai Embassy is very helpful in approving the DTV visa.
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James ********
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James ********
Suggest you follow the post about the new rules from the owner of this Thai Visa Advice forum... for helpful information.

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