Jonathan Seraphim you are familiar with Thai defamation laws-civil and criminal?

Delete!

Brad Smith this should help:



Also:

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It is entirely rational given all the circumstances. As a Viet passport holder she is entitled to the 60 days (and was stamped as such), but there is increased sensitivity because of the crackdown on scams and human trafficking.

The reduction to 30 days reflects the possible/probable reduction. From immigrations PoV they are screening for scammers and when they are content, they reduce the risk further by imposing conditions of entry (well within their power). Many Viet passport holders have been detailed or turned around.

Hope that helps!

Brad Smith staying 4 months is not the behavior of a typical tourist- hence you are flagged for further enquiry. It’s that simple. Your wife’s situation is complicated by her nationality but the general principle holds.

Immigration also find visa runs are a red flag. They are not pushing visas-Thailand can survive well without 1900baht- they are confirming your visa is valid, having regard to all the circumstances. Different immigrant officers can view things differently-entirely typical for every border I have ever travelled through.

Thai (and expat) social media and news is flooded by examples of foreigners behaving outrageously- ultimately, strict enforcement of visas and entry conditions is in the interests of all genuine tourists and residents.

Your wife’s was fortunate she was not entering the US- starvation, rape, murder, and extended periods in concentration camps seem to be normal now.

Brad please! Do some reading. This will inform you that immigration are enforcing the terms of entry/visa definitions. If your behavior (travel history) is such that it might be reasonable to infer you are not a genuine tourist but in fact closer to a resident (or something that requires a visa) then they can find you are not a tourist and are abusing the visa. Reading would also show that it is increasingly normal for immigration to closely inspect your visa history, particularly if you are an irregular visitor (not a typical tourist).

Only Thai citizens have an automatic right of entry- everyone else must understand and respect the terms of entry.

It is becoming increasingly normal to be questioned if you make a number of longer trips in one year or over multiple years. Most tourists do not do this and so such behavior is anomalous (easy to detect for their software). Probably, if you have a perfect record of complying with your visa/stay conditions (especially no overstay), and you comply with all the other conditions of entry when you enter, you will be fine after questioning.

To remove the risk, as said, consider applying for a tourist visa before and/or assess the other visa options if you are likely to keep coming regularly.

Getting refused entry can be problematic later.

Lizzie Robertson no it’s not. It simply provides immigration some of the information they use to determine eligibility for entry. It’s a legal document in the sense that it is required but it does not act to document your date of entry. The arrival stamp/endorsement does this.

Insurance cover costs have 2 big variables:age and medical history. Certain conditions are excluded from the policy- this may included well-known related conditions even if you do not currently suffer them, others are excluded (and related conditions) but have a significant impact on premiums.

Medication prices tend to be lower in Thailand and many things do not require a prescription that would elsewhere. Generics in particular can be cheaper. Other medicines more reflect international prices (although typically much lower than US).

Healthcare costs can be cheaper but many private and international hospitals are closer to international prices.

You need to research and shop around. Your precise circumstances will make a difference.

The 2025 visa rule changes related to visa extensions (border runs and number of annual trips etc) are in force.

The current proposals (including the 60 to 30 day reduction) are at an early stage. The only official guidance I found was to check from November 2026.

In short, rumors are true in that they relate to a proposal; false that they related to an actual change.

In any case, on any entry to Thailand currently, all existing rules relating to your entry type can be enforced rigorously.

Ant W Tailor very true! I was making an assumption but thought it better not to detract from the main message 😂

Retirement visa: first application, you will get 15 months (or there or thereabouts). Its expiry date is clearly marked.

You must renew it annually thereafter.

Additionally, you must make 90 day reports (or leave Thailand and return- note re entry requirements).

To make your life easier, try to ensure other formalities such as TM30 are in order.

There are various requirements related to minimum bank deposits, time periods for the funds to be in your bank account, etc etc.

Some variables relate to which immigration office, which officer handles your case, and whatever advice the Government is offering at the time you go.

Understanding the various requirements and complying with them will make your life much easier and avoid you being departed.

Best to get a competent advisor, especially for the first application process.