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. 😄

Has anyone applied for a DTV in Kuala Lumpur? How was it? How long did it take to be approved?

‼️ SYDNEY ONLY ‼️ this may not be useful for any other consulates

I thought I’ll come here to share my experience with fellow Sydney-siders, very smooth experience.

I got a soft power DTV (cooking class)

it worked well.

I applied Thurday 11th at night, got approved Monday 22nd (today) at 10:30am

What I provided:

Over 25k in a bank statement, didn’t have to be in the account for 3 months or anything like that.

Proof of class by partnered DTV class, I only got the 6 month option.

All the details put in correctly.

Professional digital passport photo.

That’s literally it.

Hope this helps and goodluck

Guys, interesting story about DTV visa - basic conclusion is: avoid applying in China for dtv visa.

Suvarnabumi airport, 2nd time, no problem, no question, stamp 6 month.

My second re-entry on DTV this year. No questions asked. I did give them a DTV visa printout, which they fold and scan (god knows why should be just in the system)

I forgot about this new TDAC arrival card nuisance and had to spend 20 minutes in line and then filling it on tablet. I recommend doing it online if the website works properly (it didn't work on my phone)

Posting this because I see some fearmongering and entry problems from anonymous people.

Hi everyone,

I could use your advice on Thai immigration.

Here’s my situation:

• I first entered Thailand on a 3-month tourist visa,

• Then I switched to a 1-year ED visa,

• After that expired, I did a 1-month visa run.

During the visa run, it was a close call: the immigration officer pulled me aside and only let me in after I booked a return flight on the spot. I was on crutches and explained that I needed more time in Thailand to fully recover.

Now I’ve been out of Thailand for almost 2 months, and I’d really like to go back — I miss it a lot, to be honest.

My question is:

👉 If I fly in without a visa (I’m eligible for a 60-day visa exemption), is there a risk they’ll deny me entry at the airport?

I’m planning to stay on this 60-day exemption and then apply for a DTV (Digital Nomad Visa) once my funds have been in my account for 3 months (the required 500,000 THB).

I know I’m a bit impatient to get back 😅 but I want to avoid any trouble at the border.

Has anyone had a similar experience?

Thanks in advance!

I am currently in Thailand on a visa exemption and planning to apply for the DTV. I'm wondering how urgent it is to apply.

So far this year, I’ve already used a visa exemption and extended it to 90 days. I left the country to the US and came back again on a new visa exemption, and I’ve now been here about 30 days. I'm going to Korea next week. Before all this, I also spent about 1.5 months in Thailand at the end of last year.

Can I return to Thailand one more time on a visa exemption, or is there a high risk that I’ll be denied entry at the border?

Hello,

I applied for the DTV in Cambodia on June 9th.

Since then, I haven’t received any updates.

I’m curious to hear about others’ experiences or if anyone else is in a similar situation.

Thank you!

any positive chicago consulate stories for families of 5?