For the first time in over 15 years I have been stopped at immigration desk for entry issue.
Back in the good old days I used to get the ME O for having Thai child but now due to my work rotationally outside Thailand and also having to be present in home country to get E-visas which isn’t always viable, the 30-day exempt was usually what I would enter in maximum 4-5 times a year on every 40 days or so for maximum stay of 32-33 days (extension if needed).
Only been present in Thailand this year 65 days since January. Today was the 66th.
The officer was friendly and understood I had a daughter here and visit her but insisted I get a visa next time and made notes on the computer about this.
Due to my flights leaving for work, I have stayed last 2 times for 33 days (getting extension for both these - never ever overstayed even by 1 day - ever).
This isn’t a rant, but I’m just a bit surprised that given the obvious large time between visits (>40 days each time) I was told to get a visa though I suspect the last 2 extensions this year stamped in passport maybe drew their attention.
Getting a Multi Non O isn’t an option (single O then extending this at immigration to multi) as I’m never here long enough. Will try and get a multi tourist and hope this is allowed and hope this lasts to the end of the year for validity and the 30-day exempt resets next year.
All the above for information purposes to those in similar situation….