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

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.

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.

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

Phuket is being very particular

FIFO 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

If you're not even extending, nothing to worry about at all.

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.

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.

Are you Married to a Thai or Father of a Thai child?

Get a visa that suits your needs, or a NON O and an extension of stay with multi re-entry.

I also do FIFO but from Australia , I do 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 😉

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

DTV is the answer

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.