ChangIsMyFavBeer

That's correct. I didn't get chance to talk to any IO except the first one at the arrival desk who told me I needed DTV. Then at the the back, another officer told me and one another person - "You need visa, i can't let you in" then simply walked away. My mistake was that I didn't say anything at that point, but everything seemed so rushed in that crowded place.

whats a visa waiver? same as visa exemption?

Yes, btw I wasn't the only one there that day being flown back. There were other folks too, not really sure what their situation was. Some were arguing with the airline crews about choosing different flight/destination or not wanting to stay in the detention center, but I dont think it worked for them.

Thats correct. I was basically forced to buy ticket back to Da Nang (where I came from, same VietJet airline. I dont think i had choice to choose destination/airline at that point). I was escorted by the airline all the way to the back of the plane to my seat, before other passengers. Same thing, in reverse order once I landed in Da Nang, then escorted to IOs in Vietnam. There they were in no rush to process me, i had to wait another 4-5 hours. Then they asked me to fly to Singapore which I declined and chose to fly to Malaysia instead with a different airline at earlier time than VietJet. I even asked Vietnam IOs if I could pay the extra fee to get the expedited emergency visa to enter Vietnam but they were adamant about not letting me in. Then right before boarding the flight to Malaysia, I was given my passport back.

Are you suggesting that I shouldn't attempt another entry at all?

I flew in from Da Nang. I had single entry Vietnam visa so I wasn't accepted back in Vietnam either. They asked me to book a ticket to Singapore because i am visa exempt there. But I didn't wanted to go there, so I chose Malaysia instead which is where i am right now. The bunker looking place in BKK didn't had any wifi or cell service. So, my airline agent turned on her wifi Hotspot and made me book the return flight to Vietnam at my own expense. The next available flight was only in the morning, so i had to stay in the detention center overnight which also i had to pay as well and was a hell hole. The whole thing was a traumatic experience.

I understand. But I dont even plan to stay for 6 months. Maybe 60 days max and then I need to head back to my country. Hence DTV is an overkill for me.

Even if i use this service, is there a cooldown period before i can attempt another entry, or will the agent take care of this?

Yes this. But I dont plan to stay in Thailand 5 years training MT.

I am pretty certain at this point that its because I mentioned "Muay thai". She said to get DTV for that and come back. I would have attempted to explain (not sure if that would have helped) that my primary intention was truly for travel and maybe take few muay thai classes here and there, but they rushed me to the area where there 30+ people crowded in there who were being asked to fill out the forms and then led to this bunker looking room where there was no wifi. I was also a <deleted> scared, ngl at that point.

Hello all, I got denied entry to Thailand. This was my second entry this year in 2025 (Visa exemption, using US passport). My prior entry this year was in Feb, 2025 and I stayed for 89 days total (60 days Visa Exemption + 30 days extension) after which I flew to Vietnam for 2 weeks and flew back to Thailand via BKK airport. The IO at the desk asked me what I will be doing here, and I stupidly mentioned that I will be traveling and might take some Muay Thai classes. The female IO immediately said you need to get DTV visa and that I have already stayed long enough (89 days) and was taken to this area where they made me fill out the form. I was hoping that I would get chance to explain the situation, because my intention wasn't really to take muay thai classes the whole time. I just wanted to take 1 or 2 classes and see how I would like it. I understand now that it was mistake on my part to mention this but I didn't get chance to talk to any other IOs after being escorted to the back area. I had enough funds to show for my travel, proof of legit onward travel and 1 week hotel booked which they didn't even ask. What are my options now to go back to Thailand? I don't want to go DTV route as its an overkill. I don't plan to stay for 5 years as I need to go back to work. If I attempt to enter again with Visa Exemption, I am worried that they will deny me again because they might have attached notes in their system that I need DTV. Is getting a Tourist visa safer bet? (but I think I need to go back to my home country to apply). Or should I use the "Safe Entry" services that others have mentioned in this forum? How early can I safely attempt to go back again? Here's a brief history of my prior travels all on visa exemptions: 😭 I didn't get any rejection stamps on my passport and the airline crew assured me that I am not being blacklisted, but he said to wait at least 1 month before trying again. Edit: Have edited post at OP request.