Will returning to Thailand after a long stay on a tourist visa cause problems at immigration?

Question

Hello all,

I  stayed with with my Tourist Visa Multiple Entry in Thailand from mid January 2024 until now (about 6 months).
During this stay, I traveled two times out of Thailand for a few days each time to extend my visa.
In summary I entered Thailand 3 times this year via airport and using always the same METV! (No visa runs or visa exemptions so far)

I plan now to leave Thailand for 3 month and would like to re-enter after probably with the new visa exemption of 60 days in November 2024.

My question is now, based on your knowledge and experience if that could be a problem at immigration since I already stayed about 180 days this year. 
For sure I will have the three proofs with me than.

Looking forward your feedback and recommendations, thanks!

Ask Thailand · Answer

A user is inquiring about the implications of returning to Thailand after staying for almost six months on a Multiple Entry Tourist Visa (METV), along with advice gathered from community comments. Key points discussed include concerns about immigration discretion, with some suggesting that a three-month absence from Thailand will help avoid any potential issues related to the length of their stay. Suggestions also recommend having a strong reason for re-entry, while emphasizing that the unpredictability of immigration officers complicates guarantees.

Shaughn *********** · Answer

Have a good reason just in case they question you.

Kool ******* · Answer

Being out of the country for three months doesn't show a pattern of trying to live here long term as a tourist. You'll be fine.

Ken *********** · Answer

As [mention redacted] wrote, no one can predict what Thai immigration will do; however, with being away 3 months, I think returning would be ok and even a 30 day extension.  But I would expect issues with any furthet entries this year without a longterm visa.

Chok dee.

Todd ********* · Answer

You will have no issues whatsoever. Could they question you? Absolutely. That’s their job to ascertain your intent. Will they deny entry? Nope

Jan ****************** · Answer

As you apparently already knows, no one can give you a straight answer to that question as everything is in the discretion of the IO your standing in front of at the immigration. 180 days seems sometimes to be a turning point, on the other hand you haven’t maximised the METV and stayed 270 days as you could and we also known people have stayed for 270 days just on single entry tourist visa. Personally I would have applied for a 60 days tourist visa before I left, even though you’re entitled to a 60 days visa exemption. Pre approved visa is always a bit “stronger” in the immigration and if something happens you’ll most certainly will manage to enter by a land border with a valid tourist visa. That’s at least the advice I would have given previously.

Will returning to Thailand after a long stay on a tourist visa cause problems at immigration?

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