Held at BKK immigration

Hi all,

Does anyone have experience being stopped at immigration at BKK and refused entry? I have a friend who tried to re-enter Thailand today. He had been home in the UK for a few months, but had done the visa-free stamp twice in the past 12 months. He’d planned to come back on a tourist visa (in keeping with new rules), however the visa was delayed and the flight came around before the visa was fully processed. He hoped because it was a new year he might be allowed entry anyway on another stamp. Unfortunately he couldn’t change his flight, so it was the only option other than cancel the trip entirely.

I realise the situation is a little silly and he should probably just have cancelled the trip. But does anyone have any experience in this situation or being detained at immigration? He’s currently held in transfer area at BKK. They’re saying the only option is to be deported back to UK on Monday (and sleep on a bench until then), but I was wondering if maybe its possible they would allow him to book a flight to another country (Vietnam, Malaysia etc) rather than be sent back to the UK?

Any help would be appreciated.

EDIT: Update

Thanks for everyone's input - the conclusion is that he is being returned to the UK, no option to travel elsewhere. The return flight is provided by his original airline, but he does not have to pay for it. To clarify, he had entered twice on the exemption stamp and extended the extra 30 days on both. I think this was the main caveat. Also, he had travelled to Thailand a lot over the last few years - although always with legit entry stamps/extensions/tourist visas etc, but I think this generally counted against him as they were able to suggest he looks like he is not acting as a genuine tourist. He also got a particularly badly-mannered immigration agent, so I think in some cases he probably could have gotten through even with these circumstances. For those travelling soon bear in mind the visa application process seems to be extra long at the moment, probably due to these new rules, and beware for extra scrutiny coming in if you travel to Thailand frequently.

Advice please

1st entry: May 29, 2025=60 stamps + 30 days extension

2nd entry: August 26, 2025=60 stamps + 30 days extension

3rd entry: November 25, 2025= denied entry

Send back to my origin country but I didn’t do it. Instead I enter Singapore.

Is there a chance to visit Thailand again? If yes when?

TIA

I just watched a YouTube video posted today from a visa agent in Pattaya, he stated that a maximum of 2 visa exempt entries in 1 calendar year into Thailand is law now and that anyone trying to re-enter more than twice on visa exempt in 1 calendar year will be refused entry at immigration, regardless, even if you have never applied for an extension or done border bounces before.

My friend is due to arrive from Australia on Wednesday, he has done 2 visa exempt entries this year and has always returned to Australia after each visit, his last entry in to Thailand was August this year.

Will he be denied entry this time, he is applying for a tourist visa today after hearing this news but he may not receive the visa in time for his departure flight from Australia this Wednesday?

Hi everyone, my first post and want to clarify even of its been asked a hundred times… Cheers

I am an Australian citizen, and I am writing to seek clarification regarding my eligibility to apply for a Digital Nomad (DTV) visa.

Recently, I was refused entry at Thai Immigration at Suvarnabhumi International Airport. The reason provided was the frequent use of visa exemptions, not any visa overstay or legal violation. I was informed that I could return to Australia and reapply for a proper visa if I wished to stay in Thailand for an extended period.

Before I proceed with my DTV visa application, I would like to confirm whether my previous entry refusal will affect my eligibility, and whether any record in the immigration system would prevent me from obtaining a DTV visa.

For your reference, I have never overstayed in Thailand and have always complied fully with immigration laws. My intention in applying for the DTV is to stay lawfully in Thailand while working remotely for my overseas clients.

My visa is now pending approval however it has been 3 and a half weeks already almost 4 and still not approved.

I am starting to get worried that it wont be approved. I see many others getting their in a more efficient timeframe.

I spoke to an agent in Pattaya last week who told me that they’re stopped doing DTVs as they’re checking people so much and people being refused entries etc

Another agent told me they’re good to go for 95-100k Baht and enrollment into a cooking course is all that is needed and border runs or immigration stamp every 6 months

Anyone had one for a long time doing a cooking course or similar and not had/had any issues?

Hi all..I've been a bit concerned of reading posts of people getting refused entry when arriving at bkk.i have been coming to Thailand for many years. only staying for the 30 days then back to UK.. work for 3 to 4 months then back...I always go to prasat where I have a long term girlfriend which we plan to marry in June.. I stay at her home.if I was refused entry at some point which would be my best option.do not want to fly back to UK.thx

Dear members,

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Hello team Tod / Robert

I have already 8 x 60 day tourist visa's in my passport, each one extended 30 days. After reading posts of people being refused entry for to many TV, I am going to apply for an A-O multy entry in my home country (UK) but 2 questions I am not 100% sure what they are asking.

I am over 50 years of age.

Please assist 🤔

Hmmmm.....another refusal to enter even with issued visa...times are changing which impact many.

Admin......posted solely to share the refusal to enter experience of another.

Hi Im not sure if you guys can help with this question.

If someone violates Immigration Act

Chapter 2

Entering and departing.

Section12

Item 2 and 3

What are the consequenses if you are refused entry and have to return to your country and they write the reason as stated above.

I hope this is not too confusing.