Will I have issues with getting a 30-day free visa on arrival in Thailand after a month away?

Mar 11, 2024
8 months ago
Ran ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi,

I had 2 months Tourist visa + 1 month extension.

I left for a month outside of Thailand and i am coming back via bkk airport - a month later.

1. Will I have problems getting 30 days free visa on arrival? ( the previous Tourist visa was the the only one I had in the past 3 years)

2. Will i have problem extending this for +30 ? ( again, after being there for 90 days till a month ago)

Not sure what are the clear rules via bkk.

Thanks!
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user inquired about potential issues with receiving a 30-day visa on arrival after previously holding a tourist visa. Community responses generally indicated that, upon arrival in Bangkok, the user should not encounter problems receiving this visa exemption. There was confidence expressed about extending the visa for an additional 30 days. Discussion encompassed requirements like showing an onward ticket and adequate funds, though it was noted that proofs are rarely requested by immigration.
Jan ******************
With just one tourist visa and arriving by plane you will most sure not be questioned at the immigration and get a 30 days visa exemption which for sure can be extended with 30 days at the local immigration.
Ran ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jan *****************
do i need to show onward flight? Money? Or just hotel?
Jan ******************
@Ran *****
That’s right for extension of visa exemption after 30 days you’ll ned a TM.30 with residence. And if you don’t stay in hotel your address also have to be registered at the immigration the second day of your stay.
Arbie ***********
@Ran *****
if you stay in bkk and need to extend visa just show hotel reservations in bkk only thats all needs and the application form you can make it when you visit to immigration.
Jan ******************
@Ran *****
Formally you’ll need and onward ticket within 30 days buts it’s rarely controlled at the immigration. But sometimes your air carrier ask for this at check in and a cheap bus ticket out should in that case be sufficient. The TM. 6 is suspended by air, so no question about hotel and money is rarely checked at the immigration.
Ran ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks all, anything i need to show or say on why did i come again? You don't really need to show cash right? Just hotel? Flight out?
Jan ******************
@Ran *****
I’ve probably arrived 20 times on visa exemption. Never showed any money or hotel, but you had to give your address/hotel in the TM.6 card. (No documentation) This is suspended now since Covid. If you apply for a visa you’ll need a hotel, but first night is sufficient. As told formally an onward ticket for visa exemption is required.
Ran ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jan *****************
so only the onward ticket right? nobody ever asked me for cash, people say this for years but I can't recall any person I know that had to present cash in the past 10 years
Jan ******************
@Ran *****
Never heard of it either and the formal requirement are;

“Travelers entering Thailand under the Tourist Visa Exemption Scheme must possess adequate cash of or equivalent to 20,000 Baht per person or 40,000 Baht per family.”

“cash or equivalent”… should mean that showing your app from your bank is sufficient.

Personally never or heard of someone showed their onward ticket at the immigration, but I know people have been denied check in at their national airport because their air carrier can be responsible for their return if formal requirements not is for filled.
Graham ******
@Jan *****************
give a link to where you took that quote as I'm sure the wording is
*****
B cash or equivalent currency as a bank statement/app is not accepted
Jan ******************
@Graham *****
“However, please make sure that you are in possession of a passport valid for at least 6 months, a round-trip air ticket, and adequate finances equivalent to at least 20,000 Baht (450 pounds) per person or 40,000 Baht (900 pounds) per family. Otherwise, you maybe inconvenienced upon entry into the country.”

Same in Vienna;

“Travellers entering Thailand under the Tourist Visa Exemption Scheme must possess adequate cash of or equivalent to 20,000 Baht per person or 40,000 Baht per family.”

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Jan ******************
@Graham *****
First I’ve not heard someone asked to show proof of cash or funds unless they arrive on visa upon arrival. I’ve entered app 20 times on visa exemption myself without any questions. But I don’t see any formal statement about this from the thai immigration. Just on websites to several thai embassies;

“Travelers entering Thailand under the Tourist Visa Exemption Scheme must possess adequate cash of or equivalent to 20,000 Baht per person or 40,000 Baht per family.”

*******************************************************************************************************
Graham ******
@Jan *****************
Clearly states cash and the equivalent applies to Baht in this requirement
Jan ******************
@Graham *****
ok, you’re probably right, but several people don’t bring 20 000 thb in cash from abroad into Thailand even if they of course can prove that they have the same amount in other currencies or bank. I always bring my money for Thailand in a thai bank which my app can prove if asked.
Graham ******
@Ran *****
*****
B or major currency equivalent in cash
Ran ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Graham *****
I hear this amount a lot, and of the 25 times I enter this place in the past 15 years, I was never asked about this. ever. Nor my friends.
Graham ******
@Ran *****
Not many are asked to show it but it is the law and the reason why entry is denied for many
Bart **************
No problem
Phil ******
@Ran *****
don't think so but its really up to immi. Get a good story to tell them
Bob **********
No worries
Nigel *********
No answer for this.
Jon **********
No problems
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