Thought that, as a Western European, I could enter Thailand for 30 days, twice a year without a visa overland, and an unlimited number via airplane.

 

However, was quizzed twice recently, "Why you have no visa?" - First time IO noted down my flight out the same day, even though I told her I was only in transit. Second time, arriving from Malaysia overland for the first time this calendar year (and also first time overland in 11 months), I was asked exactly the same question, this time by 4(!) IOs, incl. the supervisor. What is going on? Did I, mysteriously, lose my "right" to VFEs, only because I had a METV before? Does one now need a visa when entering Thailand for a duration of less than 24 hours, e.g. a transit visa??

Edited February 8, 20206 yr by StayinThailand2much

I'm guessing Don Mueang.

No you do not need a visa to enter Thailand.

1 hour ago, StayinThailand2much said:

What is going on? Did I, mysteriously, lose my "right" to VFEs,

no rights of entry, up to io

maybe you name gives you a clue

1 hour ago, StayinThailand2much said:

What is going on? Did I, mysteriously, lose my "right" to VFEs, only because I had a METV before?

You have no “right to VFE’s”.

 

There is no set limit if arriving by air. The decision of when enough is enough is down to the IO.

 

Getting a tourist visa will reduce the chances of a grilling at the border. A Non-immigrant visa should make it go away.

About each and anyone will be yellow flagged after 6 entries to this LOS, at least in the same passportbook. This flashes on the screen. Its NOT a ban, its a sign meant to the IO to look more deeply in the case. And DMK is always here mentioned as being the most extreme in interrogation about this. You came away rather smoothly if this was the only well meant advice being made.

At most land crossings, they will give you the two visa exempt entries by land in a calendar year without any issues. However, at airports, immigration is under instructions to prevent people from using visa exempt entries to stay longer than necessary for regular tourism. Especially if you try to use back-to-back visa exemptions, you are very likely to be quizzed, and possibly denied entry.