I've been reading the many recent posts about denial of entry into Thailand based on using too many Multi entry Tourist Visas. I've also seen a few Youtube videos and web articles about the same topic. I'm sure some people are leaving out details, but I suspect most are as stated and there is growing hostility towards certain tourists i.e TM30. My wife and I used the METV from May 2018 - Feb 2019 (A full 9 months) we started getting heavily scrutinized towards the end but no mark in the passport or computer I know of. We are now planning to return to Thailand Dec 1st on two new METVs, entering in Chiang Mai airport and having been out of the country for 10 months.

 

This is the last time we plan to use the METV. I want to buy 2 Thailand Elite visas in May 2020 when more funds become available to me. I also will be 45 by then and a 5 year TE visa would fill the gap between now and a retirement visa.

 

Now my question: Suppose we were refused entry this time around. After leaving Thailand would I be able to expedite my purchase of the Thailand Elite visa and come right back or would we receive some type of ban and have difficulty returning and even getting a TE visa?

 

If I had no choice I can afford the TE visas now but I strongly prefer to wait another 6 months for budgetary reasons. If the worst that could happen on our second METVs is we were not allowed entry but can return with TE visas that would be unpleasant but I could accept it. If we run the risk of being banned that is another story. I would hope and expect to be allowed entry but I want a plan B given the recent happenings.

 

It amazes me I'm even contemplating this issue, but times they are a changing.

A refused entry is not the same as a ban. If refused entry in one place, you can often try to enter with the same visa at another checkpoint.

If denied entry you can go to another country and enter at a different entry point.

People have been denied entry at a one land border crossing and went to another one in the same country and were allowed to enter.

With your history of visas and entries I would say you have nothing to worry about when you return to Thailand.