Answereda year ago
Will I face issues re-entering Thailand after multiple short stays in a year?
I arrived in Thailand on the 21st September on a 60 day exempt and have a flight booked for Laos after 58 days where I’m staying for 9 days i then come back to Thailand and have another flight booked for Bali after 58 days, where I’ll be spending 10 days i then arrive back in Thailand beginning of February and have my flight booked home to the Netherlands end of March. My question is will I have any problems at immigration? I don’t expect to as I’m not doing any extensions to my 60 days and I’m going home within 6 months, to me this is just a holiday but would welcome views from people who know more than me concerning the re entering Thailand etc. I don’t really feel like applying for a retirement visa yet as I’m only going to be here for 6 months in a year. Advice, thoughts accepted. Thanks
Answer summary
The user seeks advice on potential immigration issues while traveling in and out of Thailand on a 60-day exemption visa. They arrive in Thailand, plan trips to Laos and Bali, and return to Thailand multiple times within a six-month period. Community responses emphasize that immigration decisions are at the discretion of the officer, noting the importance of having required cash and exit tickets. Some members express concerns about the frequency of entries and the perception of 'abusing the system,' while others suggest it's reasonable if done with legitimate travel intentions.
31 repliesnewest first
Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.
Dave *****
I don't see an issue as he is not doing border runs but actually touring the surrounding countries using thailand as his base.
Hope the io can see it this way
Good luck
Hope the io can see it this way
Good luck
Kevin **********
@Dave ****
That's what I was thinking
Nick ********
I would say your abusing the system and it can piss off some imagination officials which ends up effectively ruining it for others!!
Joe **********
@Nick *******
Like you you mean!
Alan *****
Last year I arrived in Thailand in mid November.got 60 days. Did a border run got back to Thailand. & then went to Laos for 3 days. Went home & went back to Thailand in April but got pulled over by immigration. I had to go into the office. But I had a return flight booked, so they let me through. The IO said that the Thai government was poor & I should be paying for some type of visa 🙄
J **************
Frankly you are abusing the system
Betty *********
@J *************
rubbish. Hes a tourist! and will not be breaking any rules!Jim ******
@Betty ********
exactly! If someone wants to spend 6 months in Thailand while also spending time in other SEA countries with no plans to live there, they are a tourist!!Jim ******
@Betty ********
thanks BettyBetty *********
@Jim *****
sure it would be clearer if the immigration have specific dates. One thing is sure they don't like anyone really going OTT. Lots of embassies say not over 6 months in one year. Also, as stated by many, it often depends on the IO who stamps you in. They have all your details online in front of them, dates, previous stays etc . Some of them are unfriendly. Lots say avoid the lady IOs. I always advise dress nicely, and act normally polite. Have your papers clear and ready. Flying in is usually better than land border, and apparently Chiang Mai airport is better, don't know if that's true.
John *******
There's a system?
Alan ********
@J *************
no he is not and also he asking for good helpful reassurance not claptrap. For peace of mind get a multi entry visa depending on your history.
Rune ********
@J *************
how?
Michael ********
Todd *********
@J *************
frankly, that is an utterly clueless comment based on sheer lack of knowledge
Dennis *********
@J *************
Actually he is following the system. Nothing apparently is in writing which states how many times you can come in; how long you have to leave Thailand before returning; and it is all up to the IO you meet. If they wanted to do it correctly they would put clear requirements which could be understood and followed.J **************
@Dennis ********
ok he is “taking advantage” of the systemDennis *********
@J *************
the same thing took place in Panama for years till they finally implemented a law limiting time to six months then you had to be out of Panama for I think 6 - 12 months unless you had some type of official visa — never ending border hopscotch Costa Rica stopped. Thailand would be best served to implement something official like Panama or Schengen Countries of EU (US Immigration isn’t any better than Thailand)
Vicky *****************
Just remember to do the TdAC online each time you are coming into thailand. You can only do it three days before.
THAI ******************************
If you want complete peace of mind, you can use our prescreening and VIP Fast Track service, priced between 2,000–4,000 THB.
You can apply directly through this page:
Once you submit your TDAC page, you’ll see options for prescreening and fast track services. This form can be used to submit your TDAC at any time (even months in advance).
You can apply directly through this page:
*******************************
Once you submit your TDAC page, you’ll see options for prescreening and fast track services. This form can be used to submit your TDAC at any time (even months in advance).
Jim ******
@THAI *****************************
So the fast track guarantees entry no matter what?Brandon ************
@Jim *****
if they don't come back and tell you that you're not accepted then yesSteve *********
OP@THAI *****************************
thanks I will do that for piece of mindTodd *********
@Steve ********
you have chosen the best option
Chuck **********
My thoughts are yes, they will look at your stamps and may have problems. Do things the right way!
Joe **********
@Chuck *********
He is doing it the right way!
Chris *********
@Brandon ***********
is correct although in general flying in and out doesn't seem to be an issue to immigration staff unlike crossing land borders which are limited, although I can't work out the why they make a difference 😂
Marc ********
@Chris ********
land border is unlimited nowBrandon ************
@Chris ********
completely wrong. The airport is MORE of a problem. Hundreds of people per week are denied entry in Bangkok alone. And at least at a land border you can just easily return to the country you were entering from. At the airport you're put into detention until you can pay for a ticket to where they tell you that you have to go.
Maitin *******
Maybe... It's up to the IO
Brandon ************
No one can give you an answer because it's up the immigration officer you're standing in front of. If they don't give you a warning the 2nd time, you'll probably be able to enter the 3rd time because they usually (not always) give you a warning before denying entry. Just make sure you have the cash requirement for entering as a tourist which is 20,000 baht or equivalent in another major currency in cash. And also have your flight ticket out of Thailand printed and available.
If they pull you out of line, expect to be interrogated for 30-60 minutes.
If they pull you out of line, expect to be interrogated for 30-60 minutes.
Activity
22 joined22
people
Related
25Can I switch from applying for an EDV to a DTV after my statement at immigration?
540452mo
Is it difficult to get an METV visa if I've already stayed in Thailand for 140 days this year?
548453mo
What are the best visa options for a US citizen currently in Thailand, and how can I apply for them?
11.4k482345mo
Can I apply for a dependent DTV visa for my baby while traveling to Thailand on a tourist visa?
35127mo
Can I change my holiday visa to a Non-O retirement visa while in Thailand?
4.9k415110mo
What are my options for obtaining a 6-month visa for Thailand in April?
2.1k171810mo
Will I have any problems at Thai border control after multiple visits this year?
3.5k303010mo
What should my friend do after being denied exit from Thailand for visa issues?
16.6k1062711y
What should I know about re-entering Thailand with a Non-B visa after multiple entries this year?
582251y
What are the risks and options for extending my stay in Thailand after a 180-day tourist visa?
3k23301y
Can I switch from a tourist visa to an extended yearly visa in Thailand?
5.6k55252y
How Many Times Can I Enter and Leave Thailand in a 12 Month Period?
14.3k912032y
Can I activate my DTV Visa by exiting and re-entering Thailand on a tourist visa?
2.5k18162y
Can I travel to Thailand on a tourist visa if my DTV application is pending?
1.5k1052y
What should I know about filing my 90-day report after returning from Laos to avoid fines?
7.7k57952y
Can I enter Thailand on a visa-free stamp and extend my stay while applying for an ED visa?
2.7k20253y
How long do you have to wait to re-enter Thailand on a tourist visa after an education visa expires?
1.1k753y
Am I Allowed to Enter Thailand Again for a Tourist Visa While Awaiting My Work Visa?
1.3k1153y
What should I do if I haven’t received my Thai visa before my flight?
4.2k33374y
What are the experiences and recommendations for obtaining a retirement visa in Thailand without an attorney?
5.7k46564y
How long can I stay in Thailand after my Non-B visa ends and can I switch to a tourist visa without leaving?
783244y
Can I apply for a TR Visa while my ED Visa is still valid in Thailand?
1.5k11115y
What are my options for a 60-day visa and extensions upon arrival in Thailand if I currently only plan to enter with a 30-day exemption?
1.1k837y
What is the best visa option for a UK passport holder visiting Thailand for 34 days?
3.6k38118y
Can I apply for a Non B visa in Bangkok while my job is in Krabi with a tourist visa?
953638y
Resources
Need help with your Thai visa?
#1 visa agent · 4,000+ reviews · 100,000+ expats served