New visa exempt arrivals

[bbi1]

On 10/26/2024 at 12:03 AM, 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?

OP are you over 50? Maybe they want you on a retirement visa since you are here each and every year for up to half a year.

[Chivas]

Just now, Caldera said:

 

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.

 

I'll politely respond

It is relevant. Far too many were claiming "nothing had changed" and yet (and I'll use Royal Thai Embassy in London as an example) the Visa Exempt entries were "highlighted" as now TWO per year.....it was and probably still is highlighted in red

 

15th July that was updated and what happened on that specific day.....!  We changed to 60 day VE entry

 

There was no way on earth that "unlimited until told otherwise" was going to allow 60 days plus 30 day extension indefinately

 

Now I acknowledge that in actual fact if I return in January it will only be 2 entries either in that rolling 12 months (or only one within 2025) but these identical style threads are simply not only on this forum ok they're everywhere

 

Lesson learnt and next time I'll get the METV and peace of mind

 

I'll leave it there

[Expat4life66]

On 10/25/2024 at 8:03 PM, 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?

OP, as others have said, depends on the IO and your history (you don't mention previous years) that they see on the screen when you arrive.  

 

You mentioned Bluport so I assume you stay in the Hua Hin area.  In HH, another option to improve chances would be overland visa run companies that take people in vans on full day trips down South to the open Myanmar border (Ranong) for exit and entry.  I see some of these companies post in the Hua Hin FB forum.  The cost is most likely cheaper than a return ride to BKK + flight.  

Edited October 27 by Expat4life66

[Dan O]

1 hour ago, Caldera said:

 

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.

The use of or thinking Visa Exempt entries as being "unlimited" is slightly inaccurate. They are not unlimited, there is just no limit specified as they used to with land entries. It seems like a petty small difference but in actually that is what it is. That in my opinion is where many fail to understand when Imm Officers question that approach or deny an entry which is pretty seldom if you look at the number of visitors coming into the country. 

[bokningar]

On 10/25/2024 at 3:03 PM, 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?

Story not complete, did they let you in?

[Pattaya57]

20 hours ago, Enoon said:

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.

 

So you have been travelling to Thailand extensively for 16 years (and always had flight 5-6 months after arrival). You also have a brand new passport where IO would be viewing an extensive history on computer.

 

I would think it perfectly normal for IO to be asking you questions given your significant history. That's all this seems to be as you weren't dragged off to the office or detention, you were stamped in and waived through.

 

Edited October 27 by Pattaya57

[NanLaew]

6 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

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.

 

With my passport almost full and already non-compliant with EU rules on 6-month validity, I have deferred on getting the proper Thai visa and subsequent extension in country as I am quite busy this year, popping in and out for work. I plan on renewing both my passports in the UK early next year.

 

In the past calendar year, I have done six back-to-back visa-exempt entries and leery of an IO seeing my long history of previous marriage and retirement extensions and breaking my balls. So far, no issues although on IO politely asked if I was going to Udon Thani to which I answered in the affirmative. The agency I work with provide me with an onward one-way travel itinerary before I repatriate to Thailand, just in case an IO asks for one.

Edited October 27 by NanLaew

[NanLaew]

16 hours ago, Bvor said:

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.

 

 

Unfortunately, since the MFA issues a visa and the RTP handles the subsequent immigration, the fact that the former has accepted proof of overseas domicile and issued a visa doesn't mean the RTP automatically accepts that you are just visiting.

 

Despite foreign ownership of condominiums in Thailand being legal for decades, the concept of 'snowbirds' appears lost on Immigration. It took them long enough to come up with a visa that (sort of) accommodates the digital nomad.

 

When confronted with a history of visa-exempt entries in one's immigration history on his computer, one can (almost) appreciate the IO's reticence.

[post]

21 hours ago, NanLaew said:

Travel booking confirmation. Easy, He just made a booking on agoda that DID NOT need prepayment. Pay at desk option. Download, then upload

Does the "Pay at desk option" mean you can pay for your air ticket at the airline desk on the date you travel? 

[Rob Browder]

20 hours 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

Better pay off immigration at the airport with this service:
https://aseannow.com/topic/1336926-setv-metv-still-around-now-that-visa-exempts-are-now-60-days/?do=findComment&comment=19217493

Otherwise, best would be to do the Vietnam visit first or after Thailand, then use a Safe Honest Land Border for the 2nd entry.  Thailand's capital-airport immigration are documented stamping false-reasons into passports as the "official reason" they denied entry, as punishment for not using their agent partners. 

 

20 hours ago, Pattaya57 said:

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?

Yes, because there is no published rule to follow, so could be denied entry.   Is 7 days enough?  Is 14?  30?  180? 

 

6 hours ago, Caldera said:

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.

We have no idea what the "guidelines" are, is the problem.  Or, rather, Immigration's "trick" to maximize agent-assistance sales.

[DrJack54]

11 minutes ago, post said:

Does the "Pay at desk option" mean you can pay for your air ticket at the airline desk on the date you travel? 

If onward flight required you would step away from desk and obtain a ticket either by "rent a ticket" or cheap throw away ticket..

[Bvor]

5 minutes ago, NanLaew said:

the fact that the former has accepted proof of overseas domicile and issued a visa doesn't mean the RTP automatically accepts that you are just visiting.

Yes, but during IO interrogation may at least provide some substantiation of ones true domicile status.

Using VE'S and TR's I have holidayed in Thailand 5/6 times a year for the last 20 years barring COVID years.  I own nothing in Thailand as I don't want to live/retire in Thailand (hence Non O and other visa's not a good fit for me.

Everything I own is in Oz where I live and own home,family, grandkids,etc.

From time to time I get worried that IO will one day claim "come too many times"  -  I have too many holidays in my retirement WTF?

The problem is with IO absolute discretion being inappropriately applied and contrary to MFA policy thereby making for russian roulette style decision making - sure I have survived thus far but for how long?  

[NanLaew]

1 hour ago, post said:

23 hours ago, NanLaew said:

Travel booking confirmation. Easy, He just made a booking on agoda that DID NOT need prepayment. Pay at desk option. Download, then upload

Does the "Pay at desk option" mean you can pay for your air ticket at the airline desk on the date you travel? 

 

My mistake. Of course you cannot do that with air tickets.

 

But if you can't even afford the air ticket in the first place...

[NanLaew]

51 minutes ago, Bvor said:

Yes, but during IO interrogation may at least provide some substantiation of ones true domicile status.

Using VE'S and TR's I have holidayed in Thailand 5/6 times a year for the last 20 years barring COVID years.  I own nothing in Thailand as I don't want to live/retire in Thailand (hence Non O and other visa's not a good fit for me.

Everything I own is in Oz where I live and own home,family, grandkids,etc.

From time to time I get worried that IO will one day claim "come too many times"  -  I have too many holidays in my retirement WTF?

The problem is with IO absolute discretion being inappropriately applied and contrary to MFA policy thereby making for russian roulette style decision making - sure I have survived thus far but for how long?  

 

A visa, any visa for any country, does not guarantee entry to said country. Thailand is not unique in this matter.

 

If you encounter an ornery IO, you should have the proof that you don't live here... and a long, long history of living here on their computer.

 

You are a frequent tourist, so you can get a METV. Since it is all done online with an eVisa these days, it's even easier.

[Bvor]

1 hour ago, NanLaew said:

you should have the proof that you don't live here... and a long, long history of living here on their computer.

Seems to be a contradiction if one can provide both - apologies if I am misreading.

Quite right about eVisa METV.

[post]

On 10/26/2024 at 2:44 PM, 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

Can one apply for the E-Visa online anywhere rather than the place he/she has citizenship or residency status only?

[BritTim]

3 minutes ago, post said:

Can one apply for the E-Visa online anywhere rather than the place he/she has citizenship or residency status only?

 

It is not supposed to be allowed.

[Upnotover]

4 minutes ago, post said:

Can one apply for the E-Visa online anywhere rather than the place he/she has citizenship or residency status only?

There have been many posts about e-visas being issued when people are simply legally present in the applicable country.  With several nearby countries recently joining in the scheme, Vietnam for instance, chances are if you can show you have entered legally (passport stamp) and are physically present at the time of application it will not be an issue.

[DrJack54]

40 minutes ago, post said:

Can one apply for the E-Visa online anywhere rather than the place he/she has citizenship or residency status only?

No.

Just scam by usual suspects to use various sideways movements eg IP address etc.

Also had a spat of posts re obtain eVisa even if in pp country and then not show at immigration on arrival as a plan to obtain visa exempt entry and use visa later.

A METV is applied for in pp country or country where you have permanent residence status. 

[keysersoze276]

Wasn't there a big fuss over this a couple weeks back because the 60 day border bounce + extension of stay was unlimited, or at least indefinite?  Of course, it's up to the IO as always, but wasn't this intended to be unlimited in order to promote tourism?

[driver52]

On 10/26/2024 at 4:38 AM, GypsyT said:

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.

 

so do you stay in Nam for the full 45 days? cheers

[driver52]

On 10/26/2024 at 9:59 AM, Enoon said:

I also got **** last week at BKK

you didn't though, they let you in.....and it sounds like you didn't even get a cuppa in the 'side office'? 

just an overzealous young operative before a 'big bro' came along? 

[driver52]

12 hours ago, Chivas said:

 

I'll politely respond

It is relevant. Far too many were claiming "nothing had changed" and yet (and I'll use Royal Thai Embassy in London as an example) the Visa Exempt entries were "highlighted" as now TWO per year.....it was and probably still is highlighted in red

 

15th July that was updated and what happened on that specific day.....!  We changed to 60 day VE entry

 

There was no way on earth that "unlimited until told otherwise" was going to allow 60 days plus 30 day extension indefinately

 

Now I acknowledge that in actual fact if I return in January it will only be 2 entries either in that rolling 12 months (or only one within 2025) but these identical style threads are simply not only on this forum ok they're everywhere

 

Lesson learnt and next time I'll get the METV and peace of mind

 

I'll leave it there

i might be being thick but what's the point of getting a METV at a cost of 150 quids, when it still only allows 60 days which is the same as Visa Exemption on entry?

are there any actual cases of a 'westerner' being put back on a plane in recent years? if not, MEH 

[GypsyT]

9 hours ago, driver52 said:

so do you stay in Nam for the full 45 days? cheers

Shortest has been 4 days. Longest 43 days.

[shdmn]

On 10/26/2024 at 12:30 AM, raz0r21 said:

 

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. 

When I emailed my local Thai consulate about that requirement they told me that 2 days would be fine.

[shdmn]

13 hours ago, driver52 said:

i might be being thick but what's the point of getting a METV at a cost of 150 quids, when it still only allows 60 days which is the same as Visa Exemption on entry?

are there any actual cases of a 'westerner' being put back on a plane in recent years? if not, MEH 

I think the logic is that there is less chance of you getting hassled using an METV for multi-entry instead of coming and going multiple times using the visa waiver.  Probably not much point paying for the single entry tourist visa anymore though.

Edited October 28 by shdmn

[Enoon]

14 hours ago, driver52 said:

you didn't though, they let you in.....and it sounds like you didn't even get a cuppa in the 'side office'? 

just an overzealous young operative before a 'big bro' came along? 

 

What I didn't mention was that the IO had been doing to the same to the second person ahead of me and the senior initially arrived to take that person away.

 

It was my presumption that his return was to update the IO on the outcome of that.  What would have happened had he not returned when he did is anyones guess.

 

My worry is what sort of treatment those snowbirds, such as me, who arrived in Sept/Oct, are going to get when they BBounce (after 30 day extension) and return for a 2nd VE in Dec/Jan.

 

There there may be reason for wider concern as to we are going to be "tret", over the total duration of "seasonal" stay, having  previously had no problems when using visa entry........bearing in mind that that it was officially stated that VEs would be available for multiple re-entrants.

 

It did not take long for me to get over it.........I couldn't be @rsed to write it up in the nearly 2 weeks since I arrived and only did so when  stimulated by the OP.

 

I look forward to reading reports from those, in similar circumstances to mine, who have had no problems with their BBounce.

 

I will find a satisfactory solution whatever.

 

🫠

 

 

 

 

Edited October 28 by Enoon

[NanLaew]

17 hours ago, Bvor said:

19 hours ago, NanLaew said:

you should have the proof that you don't live here... and a long, long history of living here on their computer.

Seems to be a contradiction if one can provide both - apologies if I am misreading.

 

I suggested that since the IO's database will show a long history of your living in Thailand, you should bring evidence to prove that you do not, just in case the IO starts to gurn about it.

Edited October 28 by NanLaew

[NanLaew]

16 hours ago, Upnotover said:

There have been many posts about e-visas being issued when people are simply legally present in the applicable country.  With several nearby countries recently joining in the scheme, Vietnam for instance, chances are if you can show you have entered legally (passport stamp) and are physically present at the time of application it will not be an issue.

 

I seriously doubt a non-Vietnamese person on either a visa-exempt entry to Vietnam or a Vietnam tourist visa will be allowed to apply for Thai eVisa.

 

However, I will accept your "chances are" opinion until someone proves otherwise.

[Bvor]

9 minutes ago, NanLaew said:

since the IO's database will show a long history of your living in Thailand, you should bring evidence to prove that you do not

yeah will do and maybe IO's database can then reflect a long history of my holidaying............maybe it already does hence why i've never been interrogated and/or denied entry.

cheers.