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Answered10 months ago

Will I face immigration issues returning to Thailand for a short stay after a previous visit?

InspiringW**********
asked Jan 4, 2026
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Hi, last year I stayed in Thailand from April 4th until August 23rd (including a border run).

I’m going back to Thailand next week from January 9th until January 21st, then I’ll fly to Hanoi (flight and hotels already booked).

Do you think I might have any issues with immigration, or would it be better to use an agent?
Answer summary
A user inquired about potential immigration issues when returning to Thailand after a previous stay. Comments suggest that since the user has been away for nearly 5 months and their next visit is short (12 days) with confirmed travel plans to Hanoi, they are likely to be assessed as a genuine tourist. It's advised to have proof of funds, accommodation, and an onward flight available, but entering Thailand without an agent or a tourist visa should not pose significant problems.
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Violeta ****
Violeta ****
You won’t have any problems. I’ve done the same and 0 issues at immigration.

Before the trip I was worried and asked the embassy and they told me I don’t need to apply for any visa this time, so don’t worry.
Bradley ***********
Bradley ***********
Why not just get a tourist visa to be sure instead of guessing? 🤔
InspiringW**********
InspiringW**********
OP
@Bradley **********
why spend money on something if its not necessary👍
Bradley ***********
Bradley ***********
Well nobody here can tell you if you’ll be good or not. 🤷🏾‍♂️ only the immigration officers can. I’d rather be sure but, good luck 🍀
Jim **********
Jim **********
How are you going to use an agent to get into the country
Jan ******************
Jan ******************
@Jim *********
It’s possible to apply for a so called Safe Entry Service or pre-scan through an agent and get a safe entry if you’re approved.
Jan ******************
Jan ******************
Based on the dates, you spent roughly 140–145 days in Thailand from April to August last year, followed by more than four months outside Thailand, including time in your home country. Your upcoming stay in January is short (about 12 days) with a confirmed onward flight to Hanoi and accommodation booked. This still gives you good grounds to be assessed as a genuine tourist. That said, your earlier stay does place you toward the upper end of what is normally accepted under the visa exemption system, so entry remains discretionary. As long as you can show your onward ticket, accommodation, and funds if asked, issues are unlikely, and using an agent would not normally be necessary in this situation.
Bob **********
Bob **********
I would have the three proofs 20k baht or equivalent in other currencies and flight out and accommodation
Ant ***********
Ant ***********
No issue
Alan **********
Alan **********
No, you've been gone for almost 5 months, so you're obviously NOT trying to live in Thailand. Those are the people they're trying to keep out.
InspiringW**********
InspiringW**********
OP
@Alan *********
a year before i also stayed 4 months with a border run. I forgot to add that in my post. But if i have all my documents ready (flight ticket, hotel bookings) I should be fine right?
Alan **********
Alan **********
InspiringWallaby2091 OK, so in 2024, you also were in the Kingdom for 4 months. Still shouldn't be a problem.

Thailand WANTS tourists. They bring in money to the Kingdom.

What Thailand does NOT want is people coming in time and time again to where they could be considered as living in Thailand without getting a proper long-stay visa of some sort; i.e. abusing the visa-exempt situation by basically going 60+30, exiting for say 1-5 days and coming ringt back in for another visa-exempt 60+(extension) days. 👍
InspiringW**********
InspiringW**********
OP
@Alan *********
okaay ill make sure i have all my bookings ready and ill bring 1000 euros in cash. Thank you!

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