4th back to back entry?

[steve0101]

Hello all. Are there any recent reports of anyone doing a 4th back to back entry on the 60-day VE. I first entered in 2024 by air, on a 30-day exempt, followed by a 30 day extension. This was followed by 2 border crossings at Nong Kai where I literally walked into Laos and walked back both times. I also used did 30 day extensions for both of those. I am planning to try this again next week when my latest 30 day extension expires but wondered if anyone had entered 4 times or had attempted a Nong Kai crossing 3 times and had experienced any issues from IOs. When I came through last time, which was my third entry in 2024 and my second entry via a land border without any stay in Laos, the IO didn't bat an eyelid. But I could be pushing my luck

[DrJack54]

Recent report of poster requiring 2 night stay using Nong Khai (without agent) 

Also some border crossings asking for flight to pp country within the 60 days.

Along with accommodation. 

 

Not sure why these threads are started. At some point entry is problematic.

 

 

 

[fresher]

4 minutes ago, steve0101 said:

back to back entry on the 60-day VE

A friend of mine entered Thailand in Suvarnabhumi Airport,  Bangkok October 2024 with a 60 day  visa exempt stamp and returned to his home country UK within the 60 days. He flew in again this month January 2025 and was challenged by the Immigration officer for requesting another visa exempt 60 day stay within a year of the October entry. Only after answering questions and showing his return ticket did he eventually get another visa exempt stamp in his passport. Apparently the granting of repeat visa exempt entries within a year of each other is entirely subject to the IO's discretion. Is this another own goal for Thai Tourism by the Immigration system?

[DrJack54]

2 minutes ago, fresher said:

Apparently the granting of repeat visa exempt entries within a year of each other is entirely subject to the IO's discretion. Is this another own goal for Thai Tourism by the Immigration system?

Suggest your friend ran into an io on power trip.

His second visa exempt entry should have been no issue

[Nick Carter icp]

25 minutes ago, steve0101 said:

Hello all. Are there any recent reports of anyone doing a 4th back to back entry on the 60-day VE.

 

   No one can give you a definitive answer .

Only the I.O can give you that answer on the day 

[steve0101]

 

22 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

Recent report of poster requiring 2 night stay using Nong Khai (without agent) 

Also some border crossings asking for flight to pp country within the 60 days.

Along with accommodation. 

 

Not sure why these threads are started. At some point entry is problematic.

 

 

 

 

Well, I guess based on the experience of @Nasa, you require a 2 night stay in Laos. I suppose it wouldn't hurt to try my luck at a quick bounce and if they refuse, go stay in Vientiane for 2 nights and try again. The timing is unfortunate as I am actually due to fly to the Middle East for work on 21 Feb Feb but my visa expires on 5 Feb. Anyway, thanks for responses from all

[DrJack54]

7 minutes ago, steve0101 said:

Well, I guess based on the experience of @Nasa, you require a 2 night stay in Laos

Just this minute thread from someone posting his recent  experience ....

"I did a border bounce to padang besar 27jan. The IO told me I had to stay 2 nights. So now same as Laos. 

I went for 60day exempt". 

 

[steve0101]

I wonder if my 4th entry (and third border bounce) at NK being my first entry in 2025 will make any difference to them. As in, does anyone know if they apply the calendar year to entries?

[ChaiyaTH]

The chiang mai visa run service now also offer same day again but became really expensive. Otherwise 2 nights stay, 10K proof and possible question for a airplane ticket out + other hassle. Friend of mine did over 10 back to back now but always stays out 2-6 days in different SE asian countries, never a issue with airport or landborder.

[ChaiyaTH]

1 minute ago, steve0101 said:

I wonder if my 4th entry (and third border bounce) at NK being my first entry in 2025 will make any difference to them. As in, does anyone know if they apply the calendar year to entries?

As far I know it is mainly the combination of a too full passport + appearance and basic good story that gets their attention. As well just by random if having the female IOs depending wether they like the way you look and how they feel that moment.

If you have money and just state you have a girlfriend here and are still looking around for permanent options it's usually fine.

[impulse]

Win, lose or draw, I hope the OP posts back with his experience.  It'll help the next guys.

 

In fact, it would be nice for everyone in an unusual visa situation to post with their experience at the border.  Details are also nice to have.

 

[steve0101]

1 minute ago, impulse said:

Win, lose or draw, I hope the OP posts back with his experience.  It'll help the next guys.

 

In fact, it would be nice for everyone in an unusual visa situation to post with their experience at the border.  Details are also nice to have.

 

I will for sure write an update when I go and hopefully add some clarification. It seems that some people have been getting hassled just trying the border bounce twice in a row, where as when I did my second bounce at NK in early DEC 2024, there was no issue at all. Didn't ask me any questions, just stamped back in and back on the bus across the bridge. I think the whole thing took 20 minutes. 

[MangoKorat]

23 minutes ago, steve0101 said:

I will for sure write an update when I go and hopefully add some clarification. It seems that some people have been getting hassled just trying the border bounce twice in a row, where as when I did my second bounce at NK in early DEC 2024, there was no issue at all. Didn't ask me any questions, just stamped back in and back on the bus across the bridge. I think the whole thing took 20 minutes. 

I don't think anyone can rely on what happens when you attempt entry.  Its all down to the I.O. on the day.  You will often read reports (usually replies) on here where people claim to have been 'border bouncing' for years without a problem. Others have been denied after just a few entries. Thankfully, its been my experience that a warning has been issued (in different circumstances) rather than a denial.

 

I think the only certain thing is, if you have a history of multiple entries in your passport, you will always be at risk and should have a plan b.

[Toby1947]

17 hours ago, steve0101 said:

 

 

Well, I guess based on the experience of @Nasa, you require a 2 night stay in Laos. I suppose it wouldn't hurt to try my luck at a quick bounce and if they refuse, go stay in Vientiane for 2 nights and try again. The timing is unfortunate as I am actually due to fly to the Middle East for work on 21 Feb Feb but my visa expires on 5 Feb. Anyway, thanks for responses from all

That's where your problem may start you're obviously of working age. They tend to wave us old timers through 😂🤣

[StayinThailand2much]

19 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

Suggest your friend ran into an io on power trip (...)

 

There seem to be more and more these days at the two Bangkok airports... 

[steve0101]

I think my best course of action is when I'm exiting the Thai side, just ask the IO if I can return on the same day, and if he says no, a couple of nights in a hotel is not so bad. Thanks all for your responses and I will update the forum with my experience when I go.

[edwardflory]

BEING negative, it looks to me, IF I was a Immigration Officer,  you are border bouncing to stay 8 to 12+ months without the / a proper extension of stay.

Ya take your chances especially IF you do not have a (..?..) ticket out of Thailand.

[MangoKorat]

On 1/30/2025 at 6:40 AM, steve0101 said:

Hello all. Are there any recent reports of anyone doing a 4th back to back entry on the 60-day VE. I first entered in 2024 by air, on a 30-day exempt, followed by a 30 day extension.

It wouldn't matter if there were positive reports, 1 person with such a history might pass through immigration without question, someone with the same entry history in a different queue might be denied.  With that sort of history its down to the I.O. on the day.

[spambot]

I did a same day border bounce Padang Besar 10 days ago - posted here  

[steve0101]

1 hour ago, spambot said:

I did a same day border bounce Padang Besar 10 days ago - posted here  

I guess it's become a requirement everywhere

[Rob Browder]

On 1/30/2025 at 1:56 PM, fresher said:

Apparently the granting of repeat visa exempt entries within a year of each other is entirely subject to the IO's discretion. Is this another own goal for Thai Tourism by the Immigration system?

 

On 1/31/2025 at 1:40 PM, edwardflory said:

BEING negative, it looks to me, IF I was a Immigration Officer,  you are border bouncing to stay 8 to 12+ months without the / a proper extension of stay.

Immigration only wants their cut of the action.  Just use their "safe entry" service by air, or van-agent by land, and no problem to do them back-to-back forever.

[StayinThailand2much]

On 1/31/2025 at 7:07 AM, Toby1947 said:

That's where your problem may start you're obviously of working age. They tend to wave us old timers through 😂🤣

 

I was always waved through till I was 50. Then suddenly I was interrogated, and, at least once, almost denied entry...

[Briggsy]

2 hours ago, StayinThailand2much said:

 

I was always waved through till I was 50. Then suddenly I was interrogated, and, at least once, almost denied entry...

I agree. There are so many factors at play that if anecdotal analysis is applied, there will always be an opposite anecdote.

 

I think it is safe to say that the longer you spend in Thailand on VE's and TV's, the greater your chance of denial of entry.

 

Here are some of the theories which on denial of entry which I discount as simply anecdotal.

 

1. Female IO's are the only ones to deny entry.

2. Youngsters/Backpacker age are more likely to be denied entry.

3. Over 50's are more likely to be denied entry.

4. Scruffily dressed are more likely to be denied entry.

5. Dressed over smartly are more likely to be denied entry.

6. People with disabilities will not be denied entry.

7. Passengers flying long haul will not be denied entry.

 

All shown to be uncertain or untrue.

 

Probably the most likely factor is when the IO's last attended a meeting in which they were reminded to flag up to a supervisor those with months of VE / TV history. And the potential repercussions for not doing so. This information, of course, we will never know.