Hi all, I would like to make another trip to the kingdom in April 2020 on an SETV however I'm concerned I may be denied entry due to my history of in/out in 2019.

 

Some background:

 

This year I used 3 VE's and finally 1 SETV back to back, from Jan to Sept 2019. The first VE entry was in BKK, the remaining 2 and the SETV were via Krabi. On my final entry in Krabi with the SETV I was asked to stand aside by the IO. He then came over and asked for my onward travel, which I showed him. I had an address where I would stay but no 20k bhat (he did not ask for proof of finances though). His English was minimal but basically proceeded to threaten to not let me into the country as he thought I was not a tourist. After some discussions and pleading on my part he reluctantly let me in but warned me verbally that I cannot come to Thailand again on a tourist Visa.

 

Having done my research since then I understand why this happened. if I had intended to stay for such a long time I should have got myself an METV in the first place. However I made choices spontaneously (and clearly naively) during my travelling without being aware of the repercussions/rules around using back to back Visa's like this.

 

So having left Thailand on 21st Sept 2019 I was hoping to make another trip back in April 2020, 7 months later...

 

I'm aware that its often down to the IO that I meet on the day as to whether I get in or not and that I may be more likely to succeed at land borders so I intend to make the attemp via a Malaysian border (also to avoid being sent all the way home to UK if denied)

 

Does anyone have any idea as to my chances of success next year?

 

With your history and the amount of time you will out of the country I see no reason for you to have a problem.

You have had longish time outside of Thailand. No problem for next entry. 

I would be also very surprised if you had any problems. Just get that visa to make sure.