New visa exempt arrivals

[Lancelot01]

For the first time this year I arrived at BKK on 23 July and was given a 60 visa exempt entry until 20 Sept.

On 17th September I went to Hua Hin Immigration at Blu Port and extended the stay until 20th October. 

On 17th October I flew to HCMC until today 25th.

On arrival at BKK the IO told me I need a visa, too many entries.

I was escorted to the 'interrogation' area where, after explanation by a second IO a senior lady IO said (my translation) Bai, let him (me) in. 

I was then escorted to the 'Priority' lane where a 3rd IO said 'I can't stamp you in? You stayed too many days, you must get a visa in your country.

From what I understand, the new ruling is that you can enjoy 60 days, plus 30 day extension and, if you leave Thailand, for whatever period,  the 'clock' resets for a 60 + (if required) 30 day extension. 

 

I would add that I only spend between 4 to 6 months each year in Thailand. 

 

Am I misinterpreting the July ruling?

[DrJack54]

10 minutes ago, Lancelot01 said:

Am I misinterpreting the July ruling?

Bottom line....you were admitted to Thailand? 

[BrandonJT]

3 hours ago, Lancelot01 said:

For the first time this year I arrived at BKK on 23 July and was given a 60 visa exempt entry until 20 Sept.

On 17th September I went to Hua Hin Immigration at Blu Port and extended the stay until 20th October. 

On 17th October I flew to HCMC until today 25th.

On arrival at BKK the IO told me I need a visa, too many entries.

I was escorted to the 'interrogation' area where, after explanation by a second IO a senior lady IO said (my translation) Bai, let him (me) in. 

I was then escorted to the 'Priority' lane where a 3rd IO said 'I can't stamp you in? You stayed too many days, you must get a visa in your country.

From what I understand, the new ruling is that you can enjoy 60 days, plus 30 day extension and, if you leave Thailand, for whatever period,  the 'clock' resets for a 60 + (if required) 30 day extension. 

 

I would add that I only spend between 4 to 6 months each year in Thailand. 

 

Am I misinterpreting the July ruling?

All that means is you get 60 days IF you are let into the country. It doesn't mean you are entitled entry to Thailand.  The same as any every country in the world, the immigration officers at entry have full discretion to let you in or not. In Thailand they have determined you are abusing the system and trying to live in Thailand without a proper long-term visa.  If they did let you in, then take this as your warning that you can no longer do this.  If you were denied entry and sent away, then you now know that you cannot return without a long-term visa for someone who wants to live in Thailand.

[Maestro]

3 hours ago, BrandonJT said:

...In Thailand they have determined you are abusing the system and trying to live in Thailand without a proper long-term visa...

 

Two back-to-back visa-exempt entries plus 30- day extensions to make a six-month stay per year. I can't think of a convenient visa suitable for the OP for this scenario.

[gk10012001]

I was hoping to do the exact or near exact thing right after the New year.  But I would be sure I did NOT exceed a total of 180 days to avoid the mythical undocumented but sometimes enforced 6 month stay is too long without a long term visa and also to avoid any of the current or proposed tax implications if one is in country for more than 180 days in one year.

 

  So somewhere along the line I guess after the first 60 days and 30 day extension I would not stay those entire 90 days but would exit say on day 87 to be safer.  Then I would expect that if I left and came back in on another 60 day visa exempt I would have no trouble getting in nor any trouble getting the 30 day extension if I wanted. 

[Phillip9]

19 minutes ago, gk10012001 said:

I would not stay those entire 90 days but would exit say on day 87 to be safe

 

You seriously think that leaving 3 days earlier is going to make a difference?   😂

[raz0r21]

The mistake OP did is to fly out and do a visa exempt run by air by himself/herself. Never ever do that if you are at the slightest concerned about questions at entry. There are many visa run services running daily in Thailand for this exact reason. This is Thailand, and these are the unwritten rules. Best to get with the program, or face the consequences.

Edited October 25 by raz0r21

[Caldera]

Airport IOs are quite allergic to seeing someone return for another visa exempt entry to Thailand after just a few days or weeks out when they had just maxed out a visa exempt stay with an extension.

[Dan O]

I suspect there's more to his entry history before this series of trips and thats what the Imm Officers are referring to. If they are primarily visa exempt entries then there's a good chance thats the trigger  they see after repeated visits like this. 

[GypsyT]

I've been coming and going on 60 day entry but never have extension at Immi.

I go to Vn for 45 days visa free and then re-enter for 60 days.

Newer problems.

 

[Chalky0w]

8 hours ago, Maestro said:

 

Two back-to-back visa-exempt entries plus 30- day extensions to make a six-month stay per year. I can't think of a convenient visa suitable for the OP for this scenario.

 
Multiple Entry Tourist Visa (METV) is designed for this I think.
 

Did hear a few reports of people being questioned even when using one of these but I had a few for consecutive years and never had any problems personally.

[GypsyT]

Too much Red Tape;

1. Biodata page of Passport or Travel Document
2. Photograph taken within the last six months
3. Document indicating current location
4. Travel booking confirmation
5. Proof of accommodation in Thailand, e.g. Accommodation bookings, invitation letters from family/friends in Thailand

That's for 6 mo tourist visa from EU.

Can't use it, don't know where I stay and how long. Plus travels around all the time.

 

60-day walk in 2x only way. One trip outside in between. Can't be easier than that.

I've started to use Senior line at Immi. It's same as "Thai Only". They, officials, are nicer there. Even smiling! Well, it happened only once but still...

 

 

[shdmn]

18 hours ago, Lancelot01 said:

For the first time this year I arrived at BKK on 23 July and was given a 60 visa exempt entry until 20 Sept.

On 17th September I went to Hua Hin Immigration at Blu Port and extended the stay until 20th October. 

On 17th October I flew to HCMC until today 25th.

On arrival at BKK the IO told me I need a visa, too many entries.

I was escorted to the 'interrogation' area where, after explanation by a second IO a senior lady IO said (my translation) Bai, let him (me) in. 

I was then escorted to the 'Priority' lane where a 3rd IO said 'I can't stamp you in? You stayed too many days, you must get a visa in your country.

From what I understand, the new ruling is that you can enjoy 60 days, plus 30 day extension and, if you leave Thailand, for whatever period,  the 'clock' resets for a 60 + (if required) 30 day extension. 

 

I would add that I only spend between 4 to 6 months each year in Thailand. 

 

Am I misinterpreting the July ruling?

Something similar happened to me last year.  A few people on here tried to tell me I must not have dressed nice enough or smelled bad...because they have never had a problem. 🤣🤣

 

I was gonna write off Thailand this year because of that incident....until they came out with the DTV.  We shall see how things work out coming and going with that.  

Edited October 26 by shdmn

[Dan O]

23 minutes ago, GypsyT said:

Too much Red Tape;

1. Biodata page of Passport or Travel Document
2. Photograph taken within the last six months
3. Document indicating current location
4. Travel booking confirmation
5. Proof of accommodation in Thailand, e.g. Accommodation bookings, invitation letters from family/friends in Thailand

That's for 6 mo tourist visa from EU.

Can't use it, don't know where I stay and how long. Plus travels around all the time.

 

60-day walk in 2x only way. One trip outside in between. Can't be easier than that.

I've started to use Senior line at Immi. It's same as "Thai Only". They, officials, are nicer there. Even smiling! Well, it happened only once but still...

 

 

The requirements are pretty easy to accomodate. Don't be surprised if you get rejected at some point and turn away.

[raz0r21]

45 minutes ago, GypsyT said:

Too much Red Tape;

1. Biodata page of Passport or Travel Document
2. Photograph taken within the last six months
3. Document indicating current location
4. Travel booking confirmation
5. Proof of accommodation in Thailand, e.g. Accommodation bookings, invitation letters from family/friends in Thailand

That's for 6 mo tourist visa from EU.

Can't use it, don't know where I stay and how long. Plus travels around all the time.

 

60-day walk in 2x only way. One trip outside in between. Can't be easier than that.

I've started to use Senior line at Immi. It's same as "Thai Only". They, officials, are nicer there. Even smiling! Well, it happened only once but still...

 

 

 

You dont have to supply hotel bookings for the whole trip, just for a few days. I usually book 5 days, and it has never been a problem. Document indicating current location I just take a photo of my drivers license, always works. Photo you can take yourself with your phone against a white background. 

[raz0r21]

44 minutes ago, shdmn said:

Something similar happened to me last year.  A few people on here tried to tell me I must not have dressed nice enough or smelled bad...because they have never had a problem. 🤣🤣

 

I was gonna write off Thailand this year because of that incident....until they came out with the DTV.  We shall see how things work out coming and going with that.  

What I have read so far, they dont question DTV holders. But time will tell in a few years or so. I will also be applying for DTV next trip, I have had it with these guessing games while using tourist visas. 

[Enoon]

19 hours ago, Lancelot01 said:

For the first time this year I arrived at BKK on 23 July and was given a 60 visa exempt entry until 20 Sept.

On 17th September I went to Hua Hin Immigration at Blu Port and extended the stay until 20th October. 

On 17th October I flew to HCMC until today 25th.

On arrival at BKK the IO told me I need a visa, too many entries.

I was escorted to the 'interrogation' area where, after explanation by a second IO a senior lady IO said (my translation) Bai, let him (me) in. 

I was then escorted to the 'Priority' lane where a 3rd IO said 'I can't stamp you in? You stayed too many days, you must get a visa in your country.

From what I understand, the new ruling is that you can enjoy 60 days, plus 30 day extension and, if you leave Thailand, for whatever period,  the 'clock' resets for a 60 + (if required) 30 day extension. 

 

I would add that I only spend between 4 to 6 months each year in Thailand. 

 

Am I misinterpreting the July ruling?

 

I also got **** last week at BKK, where I have been arriving for 16 years (with never a problem) on a visa of some sort.

 

Always had a return flight to UK booked for 5-6 months after initial arrival in Thailand......same this year.

 

This time I was making my initial arrival VE (first time ever, during 16 years, for initial entry) after being out of Thailand since April 1st.

 

Happily the IO was interrupted by a senior mid-way during the incident and I was carelessly stamped in (brand new, empty passport) and brusquely waved through.

 

I have never attempted a second entry by air in the 5-6 months or so that I normally stay in Thailand.

 

Visa or VE I have never had a problem overland.

 

Will not be taking any chances on my second VE in early January.

 

 

PS On this initial entry I had accommodation docs + onward flight doc + wad of Charles 1 £50s.....never got to showing any of that.

 

 

 

 

Edited October 26 by Enoon

[shdmn]

1 hour ago, raz0r21 said:

What I have read so far, they dont question DTV holders. But time will tell in a few years or so. I will also be applying for DTV next trip, I have had it with these guessing games while using tourist visas. 

Just removing the worries about an onward ticket makes it worth it for me.  My airline actually checked the visa this time too.  Now I can stay as long as I want until my return in under 180 days with no worries about extensions and border runs or any other BS.  Doing all that stuff last year was a PiTA.  That was the first and hopefully last time I ever have to do that.

Edited October 26 by shdmn

[NanLaew]

14 hours ago, Maestro said:

 

Two back-to-back visa-exempt entries plus 30- day extensions to make a six-month stay per year. I can't think of a convenient visa suitable for the OP for this scenario.

 

Q. What's a "convenient" visa?

 

A. The one you don't apply for.

 

There are options for 6-month stays using visas. Using back-to-back visa-exempt entries is only convenient until it isn't, as the OP and many others have discovered.

 

3 hours ago, GypsyT said:

Too much Red Tape;

1. Biodata page of Passport or Travel Document
2. Photograph taken within the last six months
3. Document indicating current location
4. Travel booking confirmation
5. Proof of accommodation in Thailand, e.g. Accommodation bookings, invitation letters from family/friends in Thailand

That's for 6 mo tourist visa from EU.

Can't use it, don't know where I stay and how long. Plus travels around all the time.

 

60-day walk in 2x only way. One trip outside in between. Can't be easier than that.

I've started to use Senior line at Immi. It's same as "Thai Only". They, officials, are nicer there. Even smiling! Well, it happened only once but still...

 

 

 

This is what my mate in the UK provided for his TR visa.

1. Biodata page of Passport or Travel Document. Easy. Take picture with his phone. Upload
2. Photograph taken within the last six months. Easy. Took picture at a photo booth then did as 1. above. Upload
3. Document indicating current location. Easy. He used tax bill  (bank statement, mobile phone statement, credit card statement, etc.,wlll work), as 1. above. Upload
4. Travel booking confirmation. Easy, He just made a booking on agoda that DID NOT need prepayment. Pay at desk option. Download, then upload
5. Proof of accommodation in Thailand, e.g. Accommodation bookings, invitation letters from family/friends in Thailand. Easy. They only need proof of the FIRST address (see 4. above)

Then he got an extension.

 

You are just being lazy. Comes with age, I guess.

[GypsyT]

My Age?

- I really hope you get old age insurance.....

 

"NanLaew replied to Henk Langeweg's topic in Insurance in Thailand

Is old age one of them? Does the fact that most insurance companies won't take on anyone +70 answer your question? Can't have a claim denied if they won't sign you up from the get-go."

 

[Chivas]

Concerning because I intend to do exactly the same....

 

Trip to Vietnam at 90 days for a week then rinse and repeat

[DrJack54]

2 minutes ago, Chivas said:

Concerning because I intend to do exactly the same....

 

Trip to Vietnam at 90 days for a week then rinse and repeat

Should be fine.

Note: airline will ask for onward flight.

I fly often to Saigon and they always want to see my reentry permit to fly to Thailand.

A week out is good plan.

 

[Pattaya57]

9 minutes ago, Chivas said:

Concerning because I intend to do exactly the same....

 

Trip to Vietnam at 90 days for a week then rinse and repeat

Well there are two people in this thread reporting they had problems with Visa exempt, and yet both were allowed to enter Thailand so how big a problem really?

 

Edited October 26 by Pattaya57

[Bvor]

22 hours ago, Lancelot01 said:

a 3rd IO said 'I can't stamp you in? You stayed too many days, you must get a visa in your country.

Whether VE or VR has been deemed to have "stayed too many times" already - so what visa "in your country" is he referring to.?

[DrJack54]

18 minutes ago, Bvor said:

so what visa "in your country" is he referring to.?

A METV visa provides up to 9 months stay. 

Granted each entry gives a 60 day stamp that can be extended by 30 days. 

Obtained in passport country or country where you have permanent residence status 

[Bvor]

1 hour ago, DrJack54 said:

Obtained in passport country or country where you have permanent residence status 

I hope your rightI. If that's the deeming way of  IO I will  keep my fingers cfossed..

thx for input. 

[Bvor]

11 minutes ago, Bvor said:

hope your rightI. If that's the deeming way of  IO I will  keep my fingers cfossed..

Oops keyboard skills showing my age. 

However I take on board your point that in IO mind, visa obtained in country of residence equates to that countries "permanent overseas residence status"  thereby should negate any  IO accusations of attempted and/or living  in LOS.

thx again.

 

[Chivas]

I genuinely only said to one of my mates yesterday back in the UK prior to this thread that when I go Vietnam I was going to go via Suvarnabhumbi rather than Don Muaeng (which was actually £25 cheaper) but reading stories down the years about DM immigration being somewhat more harsh when coming back in

 

I really wish I had obtained the METV now back in the UK in advance. Peace of mind.

 

For my October 2025 trip for 6 months I certainly will be

 

I've never been happy with this unlimited visa exempt entries under the new 60 day version and if you go back through my posts this last summer you'll see my reservations over it

 

in fact I was actually kicked off FB Thai visa forum for making this point. Chickens coming home to roost "RL" because am sure you're reading this as is "TD"

 

Hopefully all will be well in January but its put a downer on the trip

 

 

Edited October 27 by Chivas

[Caldera]

14 minutes ago, Chivas said:

I've never been happy with this unlimited visa exempt entries under the new 60 day version and if you go back through my posts this last summer you'll see my reservations over it

 

How's that even relevant? Visa exempt entries by air were already "unlimited" before, and yet, airport immigration have long had their own guidelines for limitations. As far as I can tell, they haven't changed at all.

 

Meanwhile at land borders, the change to "unlimited" was a big thing, especially for those using border run services.

 

I can see how beating that dead horse can get you kicked out of FB groups.

[DrJack54]

20 minutes ago, Chivas said:

I genuinely only said to one of my mates yesterday back in the UK prior to this thread that when I go Vietnam I was going to go via Suvarnabhumbi rather than Don Muaeng (which was actually £25 cheaper) but reading stories down the years about DM immigration being somewhat more harsh when coming back in

The denied entries at BKK and DMK became an issue in 2019.

As posted earlier with a 7 day stay in Vietnam a second visa exempt entry should be fine.

Include onward flight within the 60 days as airline may require that.