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Will I face issues re-entering Thailand after a long absence and multiple visa exemptions?
Thailand Visa RulesVisa Exempt EntryUK Passport HolderImmigration RegulationsTourist VisaVisa ExtensionRe-entry ConcernsLong Stay Visa Issues
Nov 16, 2025
5 months ago
Troy ***********
ORIGINAL POSTERIm reading a lot about immigration clamping down on long stays.
Im a Uk passport holder and have been out of Thailand for four plus months now.
I have already had one 60 day visa exempt and 30 day extension totalling 90 days last time I came earlier in the year.
I also did the same and the end of last year so that took me upto mid January this year.
My logic is I’ve been out for nearly five months I should be fine but I’m concerned about being turned away.
Thanks for any advice in advance.
Im a Uk passport holder and have been out of Thailand for four plus months now.
I have already had one 60 day visa exempt and 30 day extension totalling 90 days last time I came earlier in the year.
I also did the same and the end of last year so that took me upto mid January this year.
My logic is I’ve been out for nearly five months I should be fine but I’m concerned about being turned away.
Thanks for any advice in advance.
TLDR : Answer Summary
The original poster is a UK passport holder concerned about returning to Thailand after being out of the country for over four months. They previously entered Thailand on a visa-exempt basis and are worried about the recent immigration clampdowns aimed at preventing long-term stays under tourist visas. Responses suggest that as long as they have a return ticket and sufficient time between trips, they should have no issues upon re-entry. Some advice includes considering applying for a tourist visa for peace of mind and being aware that extensions on visa-exempt entries may be limited.
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Nimal *************
I just got a 30day extension at CM Immigration for 1900Bhats
Damien ******
@Nimal ************
was it the first time this year that you extended?Nimal *************
Yes! It was the first time I got the extension. But I arrived 4 times (including this one) and travelled to China, Laos and Sri Lanka on 3 times and re entered. This time I was asked whether I’m going to stay the 3 months? After I said “yes” the IO granted me entry.
Nimal *************
I mean I arrived 4 times this year! But I never made any visa runs!
Reply to
Nimal *************
Reply
John **********
I've just noticed on another response that you are not in the UK but are actually in Cambodia. That may well make a difference. I'd suggest you get a visa
Troy ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER@John *********
yes you might be right there. Thanks JohnReply to
Troy ***********
Reply
Craig **********
You'll be fine. The changes are for persons border jumping trying to literally get back to back tourist visa exempt all the while living here.
I don't think anyone would have a problem visiting Thai multiple times a year staying within the 60 or 90 day period as long as there is a decent gap between trips.eg - enter for 1 month leave and return again a couple of months later and do it all again.
I don't think anyone would have a problem visiting Thai multiple times a year staying within the 60 or 90 day period as long as there is a decent gap between trips.eg - enter for 1 month leave and return again a couple of months later and do it all again.
Graeme ******
All I would say is if you have the time then I would just apply for a tourist visa then y9u shouldn't need to worry. With the changes currently taking place you only need an excited immigration officer to give you are hard time based on how they feel!!. Good luck
Mauro *********
@Graeme *****
in any case u are all the time in the hand of officerGraeme ******
@Mauro ********
you're absolutely correct so you try to make it easy for him/her to make the right decision you want which is to let you in without any hassleMauro *********
@Graeme *****
sureReply to
Mauro *********
Reply
Ralph *******
From what I’ve read, the second extension you get will only be 7 days
Steven *********
@Ralph ******
it's NOT an extension, the 7 days is for you to sort your shit and leaveRalph *******
@Steven ********
The official stuff I read used the word ‘extension’.Steven *********
@Ralph ******
I wouldn't be returning to Thailand anytime soon if I was given a 7day extension, that's for sure.Ralph *******
@Steven ********
I won’t even apply for that. Just not worth the hassle.Reply to
Ralph *******
Reply
Ian **********
Your second visa-exempt entry can only be extended for 7 days after the first 60+30
Paul *******
@Ian *********
There is no 7 day exension in Thaiiland. However, if you apply for a 30 day extension and itt is denied by Immigration, then you get a stamp in your passport advising that you must leave Thailand within 7 days - but it is not an extension of any description..Ian **********
@Paul ******
Whatever you call it you only get 7 days on your second entryDavid ***********
@Paul ******
im not sure thats now correct. In the past few days, it appears that you get 30 days stamp but the "30" is crossed out and 7 writtenPaul *******
@David **********
I think that it will become clearer over the next weeks.David ***********
@Paul ******
indeed. This was the reports from one land border from friday goneReply to
David ***********
Reply
Paul *******
Get a visa and you will not have a problem.
Troy ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Paul ******
yes you’re right, it’s just a lot of stress at the embassy here in Phnom Penh. Aren’t they limited as well per year? ThanksTodd *********
@Troy **********
no need for a visa at this point for youGraham ******
@Troy **********
Visa applications are online now and there is no specified limit ;)Troy ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Graham *****
oh really, tourist visas online. I’ll check it out. Thanks so much.Reply to
Troy ***********
Reply
Paul *******
@Troy **********
There are no legal limits on visas. As long as you apply for a visa that is appropriate to your reason for staying inThailand, no problem.Reply to
Paul *******
Reply
John **********
A visa exempt entry is not a long stay. If you are coming from your home country and have a return ticket you should be fine
Stuart *********
They’re not trying to stop genuine tourists that come to Thailand even those who come a few times a year.
They’re trying to stop the serial border bouncers who are “living here” on free visa entries long term.
That said each entry is determined by the individual officer you hand your passport to and what they perceive as your entry reason.
You should have no issues on entry but you may well have an issue if you want to extend for another 30 days.
They’re trying to stop the serial border bouncers who are “living here” on free visa entries long term.
That said each entry is determined by the individual officer you hand your passport to and what they perceive as your entry reason.
You should have no issues on entry but you may well have an issue if you want to extend for another 30 days.
Sean *****
@Stuart ********
I often read you posts and respect, but things are changing , I done 3 visits in last 12 months , all visa exemption and first 40 day then 2 x 60 day ,but no extension ever and no border bounces ever always back to uk for a month or two , last officer asked how long staying, I replied 60 day , he shook his head and said too long , I now in Cambodia, like I said at first respect your post but it is not just about border bouncesStuart *********
@Sean ****
Like I said all entries are up to the discretion of the individual immigration officer you hand your passport to. There is no “god given right” to enter Thailand - even if you have an actual visa. It’s up to them to decide.Andrew ***********
@Sean ****
shook his head and then what denied you entry or let you in?Sean *****
@Andrew **********
fortunately I was let in , but warned must get visa next time , I was just trying to let people know it just not all about extensions or boarder bounces they are just tightening up things generally, in my opinionReply to
Sean *****
Reply
Mark ***********
@Stuart ********
a very sensible comment. You get some big heads on here because they live here.im impressed with your good commensTroy ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Stuart ********
thanks for the clear information Stuart. I was just concerned after reading you can’t stay longer than 180 days in Thailand in one year, I have had two visa exempts and 30 day extensions that started mid October last year which takes me upto 180 days .
I don’t plan to extend this time but wanted to make use of the full 60 days exempt, you think this will be fine? Thanks
Yo***
@Troy **********
Everyone can say fine here though, Immigration officer you will face can think differently. yes, true tourists are not affected. They should be fine. But, what is actually true tourists??? Who are them? who can judge this?Jared **********
@Troy **********
people in the group have been reporting being told they can’t stay over 150 days at some officesJust get a visa 🤷♂️
Heinz ***********
@Troy **********
If I was you I would apply for a tourist visa to be on the safe side.Stuart *********
@Troy **********
I can’t say for certain but I would believe that to be fine for you.Reply to
Stuart *********
Reply
J **************
There is no answer fur you except good luck
Reply to
J **************
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