SETV / VE - how far back do they consider your history?

[yamplaadukfuu]

Hi all, hoping to get some advice on my next entry to Thailand.

 

I've had a work permit since 2015, but now that the job is finished the Non-Imm B has been cancelled. I'll be travelling to Spain for a month and plan to return to Thailand in late October to wrap things up here and move on to my next destination (TBD). Seems I can't get a Thai visa in Spain as I'm not a Spanish resident, so my options seem to be (a) try to get visa exempt stamp on arrival at BKK airport or (b) get transit flight via BKK (no entry) to Laos, apply for SETV there and try to enter Thailand by land at Nong Khai.

 

My question is how far back will they consider my visa / visa exempt history in determining whether to let me back in?

 

Prior to my most recent work permit, I had one for a year 2014-2015. In 2015, between the 2 Non-Imm Bs, I had one SETV and one VE entry. But in 2013-2014, prior to the first work permit, I spent a year and a half in Thailand using 2 SETVs, one DETV and a lot of VE entries. I never worked in Thailand outside the Non-Imm Bs; I was here on money earned outside Thailand.

 

It's been 3 years since I last entered Thailand on anything other than a Non-Imm B, but I'm concerned they will look back 4-5 years and deny me entry if I fly into BKK looking for a visa exemption.

[ubonjoe]

You will not have a problem entering the country and getting a 30 day visa exempt entry. They will not take into consideration your old history of entries.

[yamplaadukfuu]

Thanks for the speedy reply, ubonjoe! I was beginning to feel anxious after catching up on how the Thai immigration climate has changed over the past few years, but feeling much better now thanks

[8OA8]

18 hours ago, ubonjoe said:

You will not have a problem entering the country and getting a 30 day visa exempt entry. They will not take into consideration your old history of entries.

Surely the 30 day visa exempt entry will be subject to the passport holder being from a country that is on the list of 55 countries allowed to use visa exempt entry

[ubonjoe]

7 minutes ago, 8OA8 said:

Surely the 30 day visa exempt entry will be subject to the passport holder being from a country that is on the list of 55 countries allowed to use visa exempt entry

Of course but the OP did mention that he has done visa exempt entries before.

18 hours ago, yamplaadukfuu said:

My question is how far back will they consider my visa / visa exempt history in determining whether to let me back in?

[8OA8]

3 hours ago, ubonjoe said:

Of course but the OP did mention that he has done visa exempt entries before.

Sorry, I hadn't picked that up.

[JackThompson]

On 9/7/2018 at 3:32 PM, yamplaadukfuu said:

My question is how far back will they consider my visa / visa exempt history in determining whether to let me back in?

They have been known to cite prior years when threatening or denying entry to some - even when they have not been in the country for months.  Some IOs - especially at Bangkok Airports - detest longer-staying farangs. 

 

But, if you were to tell them you are arriving only to "settle your affairs and leave," and show a departing-ticket the matches this story, they will be more likely to let you through Visa-Exempt (though will see all that history, and likely not believe you).  Be sure to have your "TBD" destination story worked out at that time - new job, great money there, "just need to get my things," etc. 

 

On one hand, if they did refuse your Visa-Exempt entry, you would have to book a last-minute flight all the way back to Spain.  On the other, you took a full month in Spain, so it is not as though you are doing a quick in/out.  I'd say your odds are very good, but there are no guarantees where the rules in-force are made-up on the spot with no oversight.  Be sure to have at least 20K Baht worth of cash to show (more is better), in addition to your ticket-out.

 

As to the flight through to Laos - I see no reason at all that would be a problem.  And no one with a valid Tourist Visa (and no ban/criminal-issue) has reported trouble entering at Nong Khai.  That is the zero-stress plan, in my book.

[yamplaadukfuu]

Hmmm....thanks Jack. I'm looking for the least complicated plan while still staying honest. Going for a visa exempt entry at BKK would definitely be the least complicated, but disconcerting if I don't yet have my TBD next destination worked out and have to make up a story & buy a fake itinerary. Will think about this a bit more before deciding.

 

@8OA8, I had made a lot of visa exempt entries in 2013-2014 when it didn't seem to be a problem, and since then only one in 2015.

 

[JackThompson]

38 minutes ago, yamplaadukfuu said:

Hmmm....thanks Jack. I'm looking for the least complicated plan while still staying honest. Going for a visa exempt entry at BKK would definitely be the least complicated, but disconcerting if I don't yet have my TBD next destination worked out and have to make up a story & buy a fake itinerary. Will think about this a bit more before deciding.

You will need some sort of outgoing-ticket for Visa-Exempt - usually to board the flight (not in every case, but likely).  IOs can ask to see this, if so inclined - as well as the cash.  A ticket to Malaysia should be around 1000 Baht.  Visa-Exempts are given by immigration at their option, which is why it is generally better to enter with a Tourist Visa. 

If you haven't purchased your flight yet, maybe get a TR-Visa in Malaysia, then fly to Spain from there?  I haven't checked flights / prices - but KL has good connections in general.  TR-Visas are good for entry for 90-days from issuance, so plenty of time to come back while it is valid.   Alternatively, hit Malaysia on the way back - flying there from Spain, then on to Thailand with the TR-Visa.

[yamplaadukfuu]

5 minutes ago, JackThompson said:

If you haven't purchased your flight yet

I already have my flight booked RT BKK-MAD. Sounding more like I should just book the ongoing flight from BKK to Laos so I have it in hand and still stay honest about my plans...

[JackThompson]

20 minutes ago, yamplaadukfuu said:

I already have my flight booked RT BKK-MAD. Sounding more like I should just book the ongoing flight from BKK to Laos so I have it in hand and still stay honest about my plans...

I would do that - but some would say I am over-cautious.  UJ has a lot more experience and seems to think you will be OK.  We read the horror-stories here - but not all the successful "no problem" entries - which skews perceptions. 

 

But, in any case, you will likely need a flight going somewhere within 30-days to board your flight, if coming to Thailand without a visa. 

[ubonjoe]

12 hours ago, JackThompson said:

I would do that - but some would say I am over-cautious.  UJ has a lot more experience and seems to think you will be OK.  We read the horror-stories here - but not all the successful "no problem" entries - which skews perceptions. 

I based my opinion upon what he wrote in the OP.

The biggest factor is that he was on a non-b visa and extensions of stay based upon working for the past 3 years not tourist or visa exempt entries.

[yamplaadukfuu]

Just to close the loop on this, I returned to BKK today and had no problems getting a 30-day visa exempt entry. There were no questions about cash on hand, departing flight, past entries or anything.