METV entry problems people have - only on 1st entry or 2nd/3rd?

[bbi1]

For the people who already had multiple METV in the past, are the METV entry problems people are having only the 1st time they enter with a new METV or also on the 2nd & 3rd time they fly back into Thailand?

[JackThompson]

It's not a matter of which entry from the METV, it's how much time you have in-Thailand during the previous year or two.  You might think that the METV would be a better bet than a SETV, because of the financials required to get it - but Immigration doesn't actually care about if you can afford your stay or not.  They know few Westerners would come here for a low-pay under-the-table job.

 

At bad entry-points, Immigration care if you seem to be someone staying longer / more, in which case are a good-target for extortion via an agent-based non-imm extension, which lines their pockets.  This was what happened to those reporting being denied-entry at DM, Swampy, Poipet, and more recently at Pedang Besar - all had significant previous time in Thailand.

 

But, at honest entry points, nothing has changed; if you meet the Published requirements, you will be fine - whether visa-exempt or a Tourist Visa (single or multiple).  There is no published limit/law on "time in country" as a Tourist, which is why those denied-entry don't have rejection-stamps saying anything to this effect.

[jacko45k]

There was a recent report of a Canadian having problems entering with a new METV (and a new passport). I believe it would have more to do with your past record of entries and time in Thailand than which entry it is. Obviously, if it is a second or subsequent entry, I would say the chances are slightly poorer simply due to an increased total entries. 

[Peter Denis]

As JackThompson already posted, it is not a matter of how many METVs you had earlier, but it's about how much time you have been in Thailand during the previous year or two.

There is no written rule, but the Immigration Officer can use the often cited '+180 days in a year in the country' argument.  That argument is also sometimes used when he/she cannot deny you entry for a clear reason, but has suspicions that you are not a genuine tourist but are working here, or are long-staying in Thailand without the appropriate Visa.

Normally you will not encounter any difficulties with your 1st METV, unless it is right after a long history of previous stays in Thailand (the +180 day per year unofficial guideline).  But obviously, if you are doing back-to-back METVs you will quickly be close to the "More Time in My Country than Elsewhere" unofficial criterium.

So if you are borderline or already over, here are a few tips, but take heed that they do not guarantee success:

- Avoid the notorious difficult airports if you can.  DMK has a very bad reputation for denying entry, and also BKK is not easy-peasy anymore.  The other smaller international Thai airports are more accomodating, and same goes for the land-borders (except the notorious Poi-Pet crossing).

- Behave polite and dress properly.  If you arrive barefoot in ragged clothes, they will look for reasons to deny you entry.  But don't overdress: a suit and attache case will raise the suspicion that you are coming for work and are not a tourist.  Smart casual being best.

- Not meant to be sexist, but if your are borderline on time stayed in Thailand, then try to avoid the Immigration Desks with the grumpy looking female officers. 

- Have a plan B in case you are denied (e.g. fly in from a neighbouring country, to avoid being sent back on the plane to your home-country / consider beforehand what would be your pick when IO allows you to fly to an airport of your choice)

The above is not meant to make you scary or paranoid.  I had 3 almost back-to-back METVs in the period end 2017 - begin 2019.  No questions asked, and easy entry.

But in the current climate you need to be realistic and be prepared for eventualities.

And once inside Thailand > enjoy this amazing country!