Will I be rejected at Bangkok immigration after multiple COVID visa extensions and a history of overstaying?

Visa Extension COVID Extensions Immigration Rejection Visa Runs Tourist Visa Thailand Visa Regulations Overstay Issues Visa Exemptions

Sep 13, 2022

2 years ago

Travis *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

hey guys, 

like many of you have to do a visa run on Thurs but I'm hearing a lot about people being rejected who have had covid extensions. 

I've been in Thailand about a year and half, starting with a ED visa, left and back on a visa exempt which I extended twice twice with covid extensions. 

I have one overstay so I was advised to leave and start a new visa, 

will there be a strong chance of me being rejected by bkk immigration or is it just luck of the draw? 

I should be entitled to another exempt but I'm just wondering do I take my chances or do I a land border run.

any perspective is appreciated

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user is concerned about potential rejection at Bangkok immigration after having been in Thailand for a year and a half on various visas, including extensions due to COVID-19. They are uncertain if they should attempt a visa run or obtain a new visa from a Thai consulate. Responses indicate that entering as a tourist after an extended stay may raise red flags with immigration officers. Suggestions include applying for an actual visa abroad, preparing necessary documentation, and considering expedited entry services.

Julie ******

@Travis ******

@Juan **************

hey guys, what did happen at the end ? I'm in a similar situation.

2 years ago

Julie ******

@Juan **************

ohhhh !! did you hired an agency or did the trip by yourself ?

2 years ago

Juan ***************

@Julie *****

by myself, crossing by land the Padang Besar border and spending some days in Penang

2 years ago

Reply to

Juan ***************

@Julie *****

it worked! I’ve been on covid extensions since 2020 and they didn’t ask a single question / papers nothing, the easiest visa run of my life

2 years ago

Reply to

Juan ***************

I’m on a similar situation. I just went to Samui immigration and they told me to go to Malaysia and come back and there should be no problem 🤷‍♂️

2 years ago

Brandon ************

You are likely to run into trouble no matter what you do. You are trying to enter Thailand on the basis of being a tourist when you've been living in Thailand for over a year. Any immigration officer will question this and potentially deny entry because you are clearly not a tourist.

The best odds will be to go to a Thai consulate in another country and purchase an actual visa (if they will sell it to you based on your passport history), and then attempt to enter and make sure you have the 3 proofs with you.

1 - Proof of funds. 20,000 baht or equivalent in a major currency, IN CASH ONLY

2 - Proof of lodging. Hotel reservation for the first week or so that you will be in Thailand. If you have a condo lease or something like that, you don't want to use this, because it's more proof that you are not a tourist.

3 - Proof of onward travel. Proof that you will be leaving Thailand within the time you will be stamped in for.

You may want to look at purchasing expedited entry if you enter through BKK airport.

@Thai *****************************

offers this service where they will have someone meet you and help to solve any problems you may encounter while going through the Fast Track lane at the airport.

2 years ago

Travis *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Brandon ***********

thank you for taking the time!

2 years ago

Martyn ***********

@Brandon ***********

no there's the definition of the pergect answer... Watch and learn!... 😉

2 years ago

Reply to

Martyn ***********