I have traveled extensively in SE Asia for several years, and have a history of a significant number of entries to Thailand. However, my last visit was about 1,5 years ago. I'm wondering whether under the current rules I'm now able to enter twice within the next couple of months using a visa-exempt, or whether I should apply for a tourist visa.

 

I am traveling on a EU passport, and theoretically I should be good for a 30 day visa exempt. Within last 5 years, I have on average maybe 5-6 entries each year. These are for tourism or transit. Longest stays have been about 3 weeks each. It should be clear to the immigration that I am not living or working in Thailand. However, fact is that the number of entries is high.

 

A couple of years ago, after having heard that several frequent travelers had problems at the border after a large number of visa exempt entries, I moved into using single and multiple entry tourist visas. My last visa exempt entry is maybe from 2016. I've never had any questions or problems with the immigration.

 

However, now I haven't been in SE Asia for quite some time, the last time I've been to Thailand is in late 2017. I am now planning two 3 week holidays in Thailand within the next couple of months. I understand that at the end of the day it is up to the individual immigration officials, but given the history do you think that I should now be ok entering the country with visa exempt, or should I apply for a visa? I would be entering via Suvarnabhumi, having sufficient funds, hotel bookings, return flights etc.

 

Any input is much appreciated, as I find the current situation confusing - based on the published rules it should be clear that I'm ok using visa exempts, but then I hear the stories from people rejected at the border with no proper reason.

 

Edited April 6, 20197 yr by lindtraveller

Anyone who has many previous visa exempt entries since around mid 2015 is well advised to use tourist visas if possible. However, you would be very unlucky to be targeted when returning more than a year after your last visit.