Will I encounter issues when re-entering Thailand on a 30-day visa exemption after exiting with multiple COVID extensions?

Question

So a few months ago I was reading some reports about people arriving back to Thailand hoping to enter on a “30 day visa exempt” entry ( but with a lot of Covid extension stamps in their passports ) and getting hassle / refused entry in some cases at airport immigration

I was originally stamped in on a PE visa (thai elite etc ) and when that finished ( feb 2022) I decided not to renew and instead go for the non O as I’m now over 50 ,which meant I needed to leave Thailand first before applying 
So i got 2 Covid extensions which brought me to may - and am now in Penang for about 10 days

Will I have hassle coming back in ( prob via CNX ) on a 30 day exempt ??
I asked the immigration guy when I exited at DMK and he said I could come back again on a 30 day exempt ( but that’s assuming he understood me fully etc )

I’d rather not get a visa at the consulate here if I can return on a 30 day exempt ( space in current Irish passport is tight , 5 months wait at home to renew etc )and Id rather apply for the non O asap when back 
Thanks .

Ask Thailand · Answer

The poster is concerned about re-entering Thailand on a 30-day visa exemption after having multiple COVID-related extensions and transitioning from a long-term PE visa to a NON-O visa. They seek advice on potential entry hassles given their circumstances and limited passport space. Comments suggest the poster should have necessary documentation, such as proof of accommodation, funds, and possibly an outbound ticket to minimize the risk of being denied entry. Moreover, they are advised that applying for a NON-O visa in Penang may be a safer option to avoid complications.

James ******** · Answer

I think the OP has received many options... now it's up to him to decide.

Best of Luck...

Comments Closed

Robert ******* · Answer

No idea what is changed in his story by editing the text.

Apply for the visa in Penang and save space in your passport or

just get back into Thailand, apply for a new visa and an Extension of Stay at Immigration, more stamps more space needed.

If you like to change again, please add your question in the comments or use EDIT to show what is changed, you can do this by clicking on the 3 dots in the upper corner.

Mike ********* · Answer

You can apply on line for a new Irish passport (standard or larger book size available). Must be mailed to an Irish address. But you could have it forwarded to you  I just did it. Zero hassle for the record!  Took 1 week to receive it. You don’t need to surrender your existing passport if it’s within last 12 months of its expiry date.

Bim ******* · Answer

I was in the exact same position with a PE visa that expired and had many more Covid extensions than yourself. I flew back to the UK to get the Non O and got back three days ago no problem. The route you are doing coming in on a 30 day will mean you have to apply for a Non O inside the country. You will have to extend the exempt by another 30 days to get enough time to apply. Also when you do you have to show 800 thousand in a Thai bank in your name only and it has to have come from overseas. Applying for the Non O outside the country means you don't have to show the funds came from overseas when applying for your extension. Whether they let you back in on a 30 day is a risk. You may or may not be accepted but be prepared to have at 20 thousand baht in cash on you and a ticket out within the 30 days and accomodation.

Mika ******** · Answer

[mention redacted] I have enough passport pages left for a non O - I just would prefer not to waste 1 page on a tourist visa from Penang if I can come in ( as I normally did before ) on a 30 visa exempt - and get the little stamp etc

So you are saying I definitely need a ticket out ??is proof of my rental agreement ok for accommodations?? ( I have the cash requirements )

Good reasons to come back - I actually live there ( I paid for a 5 year PE  visa before ,and want to apply for a non O - hence this trip ( as the non O can’t be applied for From a PE )

Will the immigration officer not be interested in this explanation ???

Ellie ******* · Answer

Side note. If you don't have enough space in your passport for stamps　of 1 entry stamp for 1/6 page, 1 visa stamp (whatever type, regardless of where you get inside Thailand or Penang) for a full 1 page, and an extension stamp (30day tourism or 1-year retirement) for 1/6 page, you may not be able to stay until waiting for that 5months in Thailand. Check the available space and take measures ASAP.

Lewis ****** · Answer

Doubt it, you're going from a long term visa to another long term visa. The people getting hassle were mostly using tourist visas and covid extensions over and over

John ********** · Answer

If space in your passport is tight are you going to have room for a visa exempt, in country Non-O and then an extension anyway?

Ellie ******* · Answer

It might be possible. Just be sure to have three proof-of-s, an outbound ticket (hopefully to your home country), 20K cash, and accommodation. And good reasons to be back to Thailand as well.

But,

I would get a Non-O single entry visa there if already in Penang. It's a safer way with an actual visa. Pages consumed until you get a 1-year extension are the same. visa-exempt entry wouldn't save any part of the passport page compared to entry on a Non-O visa.

Will I encounter issues when re-entering Thailand on a 30-day visa exemption after exiting with multiple COVID extensions?

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