Elías Molina I'm not sure the Department of Foreign Affairs, which is responsible for visa issuance abroad, has access to databases, which check for blacklisting etc

That's why we hear of people being granted Thai visas but then refused entry at the border.

While I don't think he has been blacklisted or has any ongoing legal issues, if I were him, I'd take the risk and show up at the Thai border, arriving by land from a neighboring country.

If one doesn't want to chance it or spend the money on finding out, then better don't come at all and find greener pastures.

It's all about what risks one is willing to take.

I personally think the risk of showing up, by land, from a neighboring country is minimal.

The OP talks about not wanting to "waste money", well, a lawyer would cost good money, applying for a DTV would cost money (applying from Europe, you pay irrespective of the result) and a plane ticket costs money.

If at the end of the day, the worst happens and you're refused entry, let's say, if coming from Malaysia, then just spend a couple of weeks vacationing there and go home. No big deal.

Kajetan Michalewicz Aha...the plot thickens, but OK, it sounds like you should be alright.

@Brian ********

That seems a bit unlikely although with that said he was accused of theft.

The OPs case alleges damage to a bike, not theft. Quite different.

@Charles *********

Exactly my thoughts.

Kajetan Michalewicz Well, if you want to come to Thailand, it's going to be expensive regardless of whether you fly direct or via Malaysia.

Again, I can't see anyone being banned over something so small.

If you stole the bike, possibly a different story.

Kajetan Michalewicz You may need to hire an immigration lawyer but for your particular case, the way you described it, I don't see an issue.

Why not come over and see for yourself? Probably the best way would be to fly into a neighboring country and attempt to enter by land. If you're refused, you get bounced back to the country you just left, no big deal. At least you don't waste a whole flight ticket that way, because then at least you can explore the neighboring country you flew into (such as Malaysia or Vietnam).

@Dean ****

Not necessarily true. In theory, you're right, but in practice, some borders may require you to spend at least a night outside the country.

If you come back in the same day through a different border, that may work though.

@Rory ********

That's different, because you were going from one type of visa (visa exempt I presume) to another (DTV).

Ideally, you should spend a couple of nights outside the Kingdom between entries.

However, at some borders and in some circumstances, same day re-entries should be permitted but I wouldn't do it each time.

Once is OK but not on each bounce.

When the Myanmar borders are open, such as Mae Sai or Mae Sot, especially the latter, only a same day stay in Myanmar is allowed without a visa. Hence a same day bounce at that border is all that can be expected and is permitted without issue.

However, currently those two borders aren't open to foreigners, but should they reopen at some point in the future, expect the old status quo to return.

Yes. Applying online or via embassy is roughly the same. You choose what works better for you.