Dear all,

 

I am 54 years old from the Netherlands. I intend to spend most of my time living and working in Asia. I consider Chiangmai as one of my bases and I have been staying here for the last 2 months, based on visa exemption and extension. I booked a flight to Vietnam on August 8th and I intend to fly back to Thailand a couple of days after that.

 

This year I have already have been in Thailand for these periods:

- 20 Dec 2022 - 2 Mar 2023, Tourist Visa & 

- 18 Apr - 27 Apr, Visa exemption

- 10 Juni - 8 Aug, Visa exemption & extension

 

When I get back to Thailand I intend to stay in Thailand shorter than 30 days, so ideally I would go for a visa exemption.

 

- How big is the risk that I get refused on entry to Thailand?

- Alternatively I can get a tourist visa in HCMC, but I just read the unsettling post where someone was refused entry to Thailand while in the possession of a tourist visa.

 

Any information or advice is much appreciated.

 

Best regards,

Jeroen

PS. I do intend to apply for a retirement visa when I am sure I will be staying in Thailand long term.

You shouldn't have a problem, your previous stays weren't anywhere near consecutive, you spent significant time out of Thailand in between.

 

As you plan to stay less than 30 days, it would be a good idea to book your outbound ticket before re-entering. In case you get questioned, that will be helpful. 

1 hour ago, Jeroen said:

I booked a flight to Vietnam on August 8th and I intend to fly back to Thailand a couple of days after that.

If reading your post correctly you are currently in Thailand.

A SETV from Saigon consulate requires an appointment. 

Thinking they are booked weeks in advance.

Disregard the current thread where guy was refused entry with a tourist visa.

That can happen but rare and his history is far more extensive than yours.

 

Flying back Saigon to CNX visa exempt ,doubt you would have any issues.

Why spend such a short time in Saigon. Ripper joint.

 

Have you used both your visa exempt border entries the calendar year? 

That would be simple option.

48 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

If reading your post correctly you are currently in Thailand.

A SETV from Saigon consulate requires an appointment. 

Thinking they are booked weeks in advance.

Disregard the current thread where guy was refused entry with a tourist visa.

That can happen but rare and his history is far more extensive than yours.

 

Flying back Saigon to CNX visa exempt ,doubt you would have any issues.

Why spend such a short time in Saigon. Ripper joint.

 

Have you used both your visa exempt border entries the calendar year? 

That would be simple option.

Thank you for your reply. I might be spending more time in Saigon. I haven't been there in a long time and if I like it I might stay longer. What does Ripper joint mean?

 

I have already had two visa exemptions this calendar year. Are you saying that you can only have 2 visa exemptions in a calendar year?

Historically, denied entry at Chiang Mai airport has only occurred under quite extreme circumstances. You are very unlikely to have a problem.

30 minutes ago, Jeroen said:

Thank you for your reply. I might be spending more time in Saigon. I haven't been there in a long time and if I like it I might stay longer. What does Ripper joint mean?

 

I have already had two visa exemptions this calendar year. Are you saying that you can only have 2 visa exemptions in a calendar year?

Only two visa exemptions BY LAND per calendar year.

Unlimited visa exempt via air but if done ongoing with little time out of Thailand you can be warned and refused entry. 

 

Ripper joint means fantastic place.

I prefer to stay Bui Vien district 1.

Very lively. 

 

You are visa exempt for entry to Vietnam. Nice deal.

 

You have better options that what you have been using for stays in Thailand 

 

9 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

Only two visa exemptions BY LAND per calendar year.

Unlimited visa exempt via air but if done ongoing with little time out of Thailand you can be warned and refused entry. 

 

Ripper joint means fantastic place.

I prefer to stay Bui Vien district 1.

Very lively. 

 

You are visa exempt for entry to Vietnam. Nice deal.

 

You have better options that what you have been using for stays in Thailand 

Hi DrJack,

 

I appreciate the info about Bui Vien. Luckily the hotel I booked is only a couple of minutes away.

 

Are you sure I am Visa Exempt for Vietnam? When I checked last week, I found that people from the Netherlands are required to get a tourist visa for Vietnam.

12 minutes ago, Jeroen said:

Are you sure I am Visa Exempt for Vietnam?

You are correct. 

Netherlands is not included in visa exempt countries for Vietnam.

 

I also had to recently obtain a visa for trip to Vietnam.

Oz folk also require visa for Vietnam.

The only option available is eVisa 30 day single entry. 

Very simple process.

Takes 5 business days. 

Cost $25usd.

 

17 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

You are correct. 

Netherlands is not included in visa exempt countries for Vietnam.

 

I also had to recently obtain a visa for trip to Vietnam.

Oz folk also require visa for Vietnam.

The only option available is eVisa 30 day single entry. 

Very simple process.

Takes 5 business days. 

Cost $25usd.

 

I guess I should be ok then. I applied last weekend.

11 minutes ago, Jeroen said:

I guess I should be ok then. I applied last weekend.

Yes just print it out when it arrives.

 

Note: for your flight back to Thailand the airline at Saigon airport will (almost) 100% require you to show onward flight. 

There are threads on options for that.