@Burnard ***

What kind of visa did you use, and what were you trying to achieve at the immigration?

@Nick ***********

OP ask for a way to stay in the country without having to do border runs, and the EV fit that description. Maybe it would be a waste of money for you, but for others it can be the only way to stay long term in the country. Not all of us that live here / want to live here, fit into the typical visa categories.

@Michael *******

If you are able to find the rule in writing please direct it my way. I have previous searched myself, but couldn't find anything official on the matter. 🙂

@Michael *******

Thank you for the explanation 🙂

It seems that it is entirely up to the IO, and not a written rule if they let you in or not.

I was living here for around 7 years on tourist visa, visa exempts, extensions and a few EDs before I got pulled aside in DMK coming home from a holiday in Bali. He was certain that I was working in the country, and wouldn't let me in.. I called for his superior and after showing proof of international transactions for the entire period of stay, I got my exemption. After that, I only extended 1 more time, did a border run over land, and went for a month long holiday in my home country. I figured it was time for a new strategy and had to fork out for an EV as I had no other options.

EDIT : What I wanted to say before I started my bedtime story is that it seems a bit odd, that you have the right to unlimited visa exempts if you go by plane, but only 2 by land border. Why not add a rule that you can only have a certain amount in total per year, or clearly state that you can only stay up to 6 months per year on exempts if that is the way they want it to be. The uncertainty if you get your exemption or not, is imo an unnecessary headache.

@Michael *******

what is the reason that more than 6 months per year on visa exempt can cause problems?

@Nick ***********

Why would it not help? Minimum 5 years without having to leave the country seems pretty easy to me 🙂

@Berto *****

I don't like false or wrong information either, and I very rarely post about things I do not know about.

You and the rest in here are correct that a small overstay for the majority will mean absolutely nothing. I have overstayed myself several times, and I probably have a longer overstay than the rest of the people in this thread have combined.

I ain't no saint, and what people they do are none of my business. But I think that people should know the complete rules before they make their decision to overstay or not. 🙂

@Berto *****

@Kevin **********

I didn't invent the rules, just citing them.