Almost Refused Entry at Chiang Mai Airport -Be Warned! - 2nd Visa Exemption

[ukrules]

5 hours ago, falangUK said:

There’s zero friendliness at the border anymore.

 

There never was, the smiles are fake.

 

[Jack1988]

3 hours ago, NorthernRyland said:

Just bad luck maybe, you could have had a totally different experience with another officer probably.

I said many times, just avoid female officers. They are bipolar and always moody

[Jack1988]

1 hour ago, it is what it is said:

they use tourist visa exempt entry to stay here long term

it's just a free exemption stamp, not a tourist visa. And obtaining a tourist visa in your country is a proper visa by the way. I don't understand why you should be denied entry if you come back with a tourist visa every 6 months for example

[BrandonJT]

4 hours ago, gk10012001 said:

yes I have read that.  I am hoping it stays at least for the next few months so I can at least take advantage of it this year, probably August is my travel time.  I would love to get 90 days in or at least the 60 days with little effort.  Have done an extension now and then over a decade ago and it was not a big deal really.  But 60 + 30 would be the bee's knees, 

You can still get 60+30 even if they change it. Just apply for a tourist visa online through the e-visa system before your trip. Takes all of 5 minutes.

[Woke to Sounds]

9 hours ago, falangUK said:

Mentally prepare for being treated like a criminal, even if your paperwork is perfect.

 

No biggie.

 

That's how I'm treated every time I go back to - or leave from - Canada.

 

#StaySafe  #StayHome

 

Further training to come.

[DrJack54]

7 hours ago, falangUK said:

probably the 2-entry limit is for land border crossings, I don’t think there’s a limit for airport entries,...,

There is no stated limit for visa exempt entry via air.

Previously there existed a limit of 2 visa exempt entry via land per calendar year.

That limit was removed however some land border crossings have introduced few "rules" such as staying 1-2 nights outside of Thailand.

For same day border run (bounce) it's a good idea to use an agent minivan company.

Depends where you are located in Thailand. 

It's not all beer and Skittles at some land borders now.

Even not long ago there were issues at Nong Khai.

Recent updated report later on in this thread...

 

[gk10012001]

2 hours ago, BrandonJT said:

You can still get 60+30 even if they change it. Just apply for a tourist visa online through the e-visa system before your trip. Takes all of 5 minutes.

 

Yes it can take 5 minutes, but it requires documentation and proof of some things that I never ever have done.  I have never booked and paid for a hotel in advance.  Sure upon arrival the old TM 6 was it, had you write down where you were staying and I would put a hotel I knew of and might stay at. But I learned very early on to always see the room first before I pay.  I might be able to get something good enough for the E visa, but it is so much simpler to just do the visa exempt.  I first went to Thailand because it was convenient.  My contracting jobs never started or ended on firm dates, so just being able to book last minute flights and travel and enter visa exempt got me there 15 times.   And while as I read the Evisa has a validity of I think three months, or something like that, before you have to use it, I prefer not to use it.  If I have to as they seem to be going that way, then so be it.  It is like the old Single Entry Tourist Visa SETV.  And being able to apparently get a multi entry up front, it actually is not too bad looking