Tourist visa on arrival: DMK vs BKK

[Hal65]

I'm an American and have been staying in Thailand on ED visas. When my current one expires I'm thinking of staying a week in Manila before coming back here for a 60 + 30 day visa on arrival.

 

In my experience BKK immigration tried to test me before, but I got through because I had a beginner level visa at the time. Makes me cautious to use them again even for a tourist visa.

 

For tourist visas is this not a concern? Or if it is, is Don Mueng any better?

[ExpatDraco]

Imo, avoid DMK if you can. And always choose a male IO.

[Hal65]

3 minutes ago, ExpatDraco said:

Imo, avoid DMK if you can. And always choose a male IO.

Interesting, I'd have thought BKK was the worst. And that female IO advice makes a lot of sense, I can see them wanting us (even) less

[elviajero]

9 minutes ago, Hal65 said:

In my experience BKK immigration tried to test me before, but I got through because I had a beginner level visa at the time. Makes me cautious to use them again even for a tourist visa.

If you’re entering with a SETV they will be more concerned that you’re trying to live in the country as a ‘tourist’.

 

The chances of being denied entry are low, but the chances of being questioned about what you’re doing in Thailand is high at either DMK or BKK.

[BritTim]

I assume you do not really mean visa on arrival or visa exempt entry (although your post implies these, you talk about 60+30 days and have entered Thailand by air before so should know the basic rules).

 

If you are entering with a tourist visa issued in Manilla, your risk will depend on how much time you have spent in Thailand on tourist entries, especially over the last year. If you have spent a lot of time here, entering at either airport involves risk, but Suvanabhumi is probably a little safer than Don Muang.

[Suradit69]

On July 6, 2019 at 3:14 PM, Hal65 said:

I'm an American and have been staying in Thailand on ED visas. When my current one expires I'm thinking of staying a week in Manila before coming back before  coming back here for a 60 + 30 day visa on arrival.

Americans cannot obtain a visa on arrival. You might mean a visa exempt entry, but then you mention 60 + 30 days, which would be a tourist visa which you would obtain at a Thai embassy or consulate.  A visa exempt entry would get you 30 plus 30 days.

[travelerjim]

Be prepared to be denied entry even if you have a new Tourist Visa in your passport.

Clearly you are at risk with your living in Thailand under multiple visas, entries etc.

Thai immigration now uses face recognition software and fingerprinting. Best you rethink your next steps...and if you do have a Tourist visa, its best to avoid airport arrivals...use a land border...such as Nong Khai. Good luck????

[DrJack54]

"Staying in Thailand on ed visas..." Does not give complete picture. You need give full history to get good advice. Travelerjim has given good advice above. You have not given detailed history or responded to thread. 

[jacko45k]

No such thing as a 60+30 day Visa on arrival. 

You can arrive with a tourist visa and do 60+30 days.

Or use a Visa exempt for 30+30. 

[Briggsy]

8 hours ago, travelerjim said:

Be prepared to be denied entry even if you have a new Tourist Visa in your passport.

Agreed.

 

This is a high risk entry in the current environment. You can eliminate the risk by flying to Vientiane and entering at Nong Khai. 

 

If you fly into either Bangkok airport, mitigate the risk by having a cheap ticket out to KL or Vientiane preferably with the same airline you flew in on, if that is possible. Ensure you have sufficient battery power, data and balance on your phone. Also you might need a credit card to access cash in a foreign country.