What happens if the airport officer refuses the visa?

I wanted to share a real-world update from my current stay in Thailand in case it’s helpful to anyone stressing about border runs. I’m married to a Thai (4 years now) and usually stay in the village at her home. My pattern is pretty simple: I come for about two months at a time, every six months or so. U.S. passport, long validity, nothing exotic.

This trip I planned a longer stay — around three months — splitting time between Koh Tao for diving, village time to work on the house, and a quick side trip to Laos for some ziplining and waterfalls. We use my wife’s online immigration account (tm30.immigration.go.th) to log my address every time, so immigration has had a complete record of my movements for years.

Here’s the part people worry about:

When I left Thailand for Laos, I had 2 days left on my original visa-exempt entry. Zero issues leaving. I did the visa on arrival at Chong Mek (not the e-visa — timing didn’t work), which did take up a full passport page. Stayed two nights in Laos. When I came back, Thai immigration stamped me in with a fresh 60-day exemption with no comments, no questions, no drama.

Despite all the fear-mongering (one attorney/agent even told me not to go), the reality was simple: If you’re not trying to live in Thailand indefinitely off back-to-back tourist exemptions, you’re probably fine. My travel pattern is normal, my stays are reasonable, and immigration treated it exactly that way.

Posting this for balance — the internet tends to amplify the horror stories, not the routine experiences that go smoothly.

-- Pic of me and my wife added for a bit of flex. And yes — before anyone says it — I’m fully aware I’m punching above my weight class. 😄

Hi everyone! I’m a bit confused about the new visa-exempt rules (60 days + 30-day extension), so I’d really appreciate your help.

I’m planning to stay in Thailand for about 90–97 days total, but during this period I will need to leave the country for a few days for international sports events.

My questions are:

1️⃣ If I leave Thailand before completing the first 60 days, and then come back, can I still apply for the +30-day extension later?

Or will immigration only give me the 7-day grace period after re-entry?

2️⃣ If I re-enter during the same 90–97-day overall window, does my time outside Thailand count toward the 90 days, or does the clock only count the days spent inside Thailand?

3️⃣ Basically:

– Can I leave once or twice within the 90–97-day allowance and still use the full 60+30 days?

– Or does leaving “interrupt” or reduce the extension?

I’ve watched several update videos, but the explanations weren’t fully clear on how exits and re-entries affect the new 60+30 system, so any firsthand experience or clarification would help a lot!

Thank you so much in advance! 🙏✨

I have a question regarding changing my visa-exempt stamp to Non O based on marriage. Has anyone had experience doing this within Thailand?

I have read mixed reviews on this, but it seems like this can be done at Chaeng Wattana.

I meet the requirements on documentation, but have also read that it’s not as plain sailing as it seems and can just be down to officer desecration on the day 🤔

Im 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.

ATTENTION ALL MEMBERS:

PENDING CHANGES TO VISA EXEMPT ENTRY/EXTENSION PROCESS

There is no doubt that the "winds of change" are blowing regarding the 60 day visa exempt entry program and the extensions associated with them. It also appears these changes (what ever they turn out to be) will take effect Monday Nov 17th

The inter-web is rife with every Tom, Dick & Somchai influencer :O posting about the changes like they have some back-channel path to what's really gonna happen

BUT

at this time there is no real direction from the immigration office as far as what will happen and how any changes will be implemented.

Because of this, we're not letting posts on the group asking about it and we're deleting comments that try to quote what the changes will be. Until we get hard evidence from immigrations spelling out exactly how these changes will work, who they will affect, and what they really are we're keeping a lid on the rampant speculation sweeping the tiny portion of the inter-web that is thai related.

We realize these changes will affect many people and as soon as we know ANYTHING concrete as far as what will be happening we will indeed share it

We're just not gonna fan the flames of mis-information that are raging out of control on the inter-web..

Thanx one and all for your understanding in this matter...

I'm planning on staying 6 months in Thailand or 2 x 3 months a year. Can anyone help me with what visas I would need? I'm 61 from the UK. I'm just struggling with all the different visas. Thanks in advance

Previously I had a Non-Imm O. I have been out of Thailand for a few months. I wish to return for 60-90 days this time. I own a condo in Bangkok. However, I am wondering how strict they are on having an ongoing flight or train ticket etc?

Hello to all,

I have done already 2 Visa Runs on Thailand on the North Border (by land both), everything was very smooth.

Now I want to make the 3rd by air, going to Malaysia, to stay in Thailand for the Christmas, after that I have other place to go.

🤔 Is it possible to make it (3rd)? By air is something different? Should I apply on Malaysia for a visitor visa or just get back to CNX? (Visa on Arrival?)

*If someone knows an agent who are good with this, please let me know. 🙏

Can anyone help me understand the part circled in red? I arrived on a visa free entry 60 days and then got my 30 day extension. Do I need to go get a re entry permit to leave and come back