6 minutes ago, transam said:

Did you....?    🤫

yes i did, it was out of this necessity i learned thai.

the new 5 year visa seem grossly inferior with a limit of 180 days in a row, as that prohibit thai driving license

16 minutes ago, Patong2021 said:

There is no need to panic. The  review is targeting the foreigners implicated in cyber and financial crime who enter on the visitor visas and who abuse them. Thai immigration is targeting the people who are on watch lists and who are frequenting the  border areas where the scam call centers are.  The people who are most likely to be stopped are  the nationals of China,  Myanmar, Philippines, South Korea and Vietnam. People like 70 year old Sven from Sweden and 80 year old Olaf from Norway will not be bothered. 

This is a totally wrong posting.The new laws is effective already.

Just now, mordothailand said:

yes i did, it was out of this necessity i learned thai

In what way did that help.....?  🤫

1 minute ago, norsurin said:

This is a totally wrong posting.The new laws is effective already.

Did you read the law?  Exactly what section   are you objecting to?

 

6 minutes ago, transam said:

In what way did that help.....?  🤫

it was very helpful in the cases people couldnt speak english, it helped avoiding speeding tickets,

and i got popular speaking lao.

my gf didnt like it

Just now, mordothailand said:

it was very helpful in the cases people couldnt speak english, it helped avoiding speeding tickets,

and i got popular speaking lao

I think they laugh amongst themselves at farangs trying to speak their lingo.....🤭

2 minutes ago, Patong2021 said:

Did you read the law?  Exactly what section   are you objecting to?

F

Listen to what the thai lawyer says on FB.Lawyer for expat Thailand.But u migth imagine u know the law better then a thai lawyer.Ur story seems like a typical barstool story.

4 minutes ago, norsurin said:

Listen to what the thai lawyer says on FB.Lawyer for expat Thailand.But u migth imagine u know the law better then a thai lawyer.Ur story seems like a typical barstool story.

I have my doubt about what I have seen before of him, he is operating in grey areas, if I'm not mistaken his previous posts. I had him blocked since constantly came up in my feed for some reason

9 minutes ago, norsurin said:

Listen to what the thai lawyer says on FB.Lawyer for expat Thailand.But u migth imagine u know the law better then a thai lawyer.Ur story seems like a typical barstool story.

Their business is to sell their visa services. I know what our legal counsel has advised and it is consistent with the same advice being given by other international law firms. All that Thailand will be doing is ensuring compliance with the existing intent of the visitor  visas. A visitor visa was never intended to be used for Long Term stays.

 

These enforcements were signalled years ago when Thailand announced its move to biometrics and the new digital arrival card.  Prior to the data management  system improvements it was next to impossible to effectively uphold the visa regulations. Now that the visitor information is available for the  immigration agent, effective enforcement of the existing regulations is possible.

 

The Thai government has been telling LTRs not to rely on the  30 day, then the 60 day visitor visas for years. The 30 day extension giving 90 days was a courtesy.  What part of the  government's long standing position that people staying longer than 90 days should obtain a long stay visa is new? 

15 hours ago, norsurin said:

I just saw a thai lawyer explained the new visa rules thats already effective,

U can get 60 days on arrival and after get 30 days more at IMM.U can only get maximum 7 days more after the visa period is over so u have time to leave.U will NOT get a new 60 days traveling outside Thailand for a few days and come back.The maximum days a tourist will get is 90. days a year.So the golden time for visa runners who have abused the system is now over!!!!

 

You have misunderstood this new regulations. Of course you will get more than 90 days a year in Thailand, just like before. But it seems 180 days will be a limit.

 

They are limiting the local extensions to be only one 30 days a year, and one 7 days a year. You can still enter Thailand on a visa exemption a few times a year, depending on how long you'll stay each time. If you choose to stay the full 60 days, pluss 30 days extension, you'll probably only get one more 60 days visa exemption, around 5 months total. Or 60+30, plus 60+7, 157 days.

 

If I needed (I don't, I'm on retirement visa) those visa exemptions to stay as long as I would like, I would try to enter on a 60 days visa exemption 3 times a year, with at least a week or more between, maybe not using the full 60 days, but with no extensions, and so keeping it under 180 days.

That is still on the table, immigration is not saying otherwise.

50 minutes ago, Patong2021 said:

. People like 70 year old Sven from Sweden and 80 year old Olaf from Norway will not be bothered. 

 

    Just been talking to  60 year old Scandinavian who got refused entry into Thailand yesterday , he was trying to do  land border run  

2 minutes ago, Nick Carter icp said:

 

    Just been talking to  60 year old Scandinavian who got refused entry into Thailand yesterday , he was trying to do  land border run  

Did he already spend 180 days in Thailand this year? Did he stay a week or so outside of Thailand before trying to enter? They are cracking down on repeatedly runs, yes.

1 hour ago, norsurin said:

U don't get it.Its maximum 90 days a year now.Ur living in ur own imagination!

This is not true, norsurin. I've thoroughly read all the immigration has posted, and I have watched several videos posting about these new guidelines, and it's not stated a maximum of 90 days a year anywhere. I don't know where you have got this from, but you must have misunderstood. Try watching what you did one more time, maybe you get it.

 

If your lawyer is feeding you with this information, he is absolutely wrong. There is no 90 days limit a year for tourists. That's 100% sure.

3 minutes ago, thaibreaker said:

Did he already spend 180 days in Thailand this year? Did he stay a week or so outside of Thailand before trying to enter? They are cracking down on repeatedly runs, yes.

 

    Think that he'd spent most of the year in Thailand and he just spent the minimum of 2 days out in Laos on  border bounce .

    Some other people got through . His  group were on  guaranteed entry into Thailand trip (the guaranteed entry bit  got cancelled)

On 11/14/2025 at 2:53 PM, findlay13 said:

It would require work.

That is of course very true but the list should be easy. Just a question of producing a filtered list.

2 minutes ago, Nick Carter icp said:

 

    Think that he'd spent most of the year in Thailand and he just spent the minimum of 2 days out in Laos on  border bounce .

    Some other people got through . His  group were on  guaranteed entry into Thailand trip (the guaranteed entry bit  got cancelled)

Okay, so immigration had a clear reason to deny entry then. It was going to happen sooner or later, if he had spent most of the year in Thailand already.

Thanks for the clarification.

On 11/14/2025 at 8:05 AM, mikeymike100 said:

Yes indeed, it was definitely been abused by some!!

Im so happy I got married,  the days of triple entry tourist visas was getting stressful.

Also worth mentioning I got my Non O visa based on Marriage  here in Thailand, thats changed too. 

24 minutes ago, Nick Carter icp said:

 

    Just been talking to  60 year old Scandinavian who got refused entry into Thailand yesterday , he was trying to do  land border run  

Ok. Well you have stated that he had spent most of the year in Thailand already.  Why then would he or you expect that he would continue to qualify for a short term visitor  visa that was intended for people staying less than 90 days in Thailand?  

 

15 minutes ago, Nick Carter icp said:

 

    Think that he'd spent most of the year in Thailand and he just spent the minimum of 2 days out in Laos on  border bounce .

    Some other people got through . His  group were on  guaranteed entry into Thailand trip (the guaranteed entry bit  got cancelled)

It also might indicate that the days of visa run guarantee service from these companies, might be over. They probably can't guarantee it anymore, on individual basis. Too many stamps, and you are at risk also with them.

1 hour ago, thaibreaker said:

You have misunderstood this new regulations. Of course you will get more than 90 days a year in Thailand, just like before. But it seems 180 days will be a limit.

 

They are limiting the local extensions to be only one 30 days a year, and one 7 days a year. You can still enter Thailand on a visa exemption a few times a year, depending on how long you'll stay each time. If you choose to stay the full 60 days, pluss 30 days extension, you'll probably only get one more 60 days visa exemption, around 5 months total. Or 60+30, plus 60+7, 157 days.

 

If I needed (I don't, I'm on retirement visa) those visa exemptions to stay as long as I would like, I would try to enter on a 60 days visa exemption 3 times a year, with at least a week or more between, maybe not using the full 60 days, but with no extensions, and so keeping it under 180 days.

That is still on the table, immigration is not saying otherwise.

This post is similar to what you have posted

https://www.facebook.com/groups/destinationthailandvisa/permalink/2214327105756900

And this post indicates maybe  immigration are going down a 90 days in 180 for the 1st visa exemption entry stamp

https://www.facebook.com/groups/destinationthailandvisa/permalink/2215187052337572

13 minutes ago, vinny41 said:

This post is similar to what you have posted

https://www.facebook.com/groups/destinationthailandvisa/permalink/2214327105756900

And this post indicates maybe  immigration are going down a 90 days in 180 for the 1st visa exemption entry stamp

https://www.facebook.com/groups/destinationthailandvisa/permalink/2215187052337572

Thanks, but I'm not using Facebook, nor do I have account there (deleted it years ago). Too many conflicting comments and claims.

I'm keeping to sources, Thai immigration, visa agents who know the rules inside and out, and youtubers who have been around a while, with a good reputation.

 

The second link you posted is in my opinion not gonna happen (didn't read it though, but I think I understand from the headline..), there is nothing suggesting they're changing to the old (but never enforced) suggestion, 90 days maximum in any 180 days period. Won't happen, in my opinion. 

 

We will see how this lands, but the claim above of maximum 90 days in a year, is obviously not true.

 

Thailand needs tourism, and they won't cut both of their legs, and end up with their tourists flocking around other neighbouring countries instead. 

58 minutes ago, Patong2021 said:

Ok. Well you have stated that he had spent most of the year in Thailand already.  Why then would he or you expect that he would continue to qualify for a short term visitor  visa that was intended for people staying less than 90 days in Thailand?  

 

 

  He was paying an agent for guaranteed entry .

I don't permanently stay in Thailand , so I just use Visa exempt for entry 

25 minutes ago, thaibreaker said:

Thanks, but I'm not using Facebook, nor do I have account there (deleted it years ago). Too many conflicting comments and claims.

I'm keeping to sources, Thai immigration, visa agents who know the rules inside and out, and youtubers who have been around a while, with a good reputation.

 

The second link you posted is in my opinion not gonna happen (didn't read it though, but I think I understand from the headline..), there is nothing suggesting they're changing to the old (but never enforced) suggestion, 90 days maximum in any 180 days period. Won't happen, in my opinion. 

 

We will see how this lands, but the claim above of maximum 90 days in a year, is obviously not true.

 

Thailand needs tourism, and they won't cut both of their legs, and end up with their tourists flocking around other neighbouring countries instead. 

This is in the news section on the  immigration website

1. Enhance and intensify screening of individuals who frequently use visa-free entry and exit without returning to their home country, which is unusual for tourists. This is to prevent individuals disguised as tourists. It has been found that these foreigners use visa exemptions to enter Thailand for a maximum of 90 days at a time, allowing multiple entries and exits per year. This presents an opportunity for some foreigners to disguise themselves as tourists and enter Thailand to conduct various transactions instead of applying for the proper visa type. 

 If a foreigner repeatedly uses visa-free entry more than twice without providing a valid reason, they will be denied entry, allowing them to apply for a visa that reflects their true purpose.

https://www.immigration.go.th/?p=34106

What we don't know is that 2 visa exemptions per year allowing back to back or 2 visa exemptions using a 90/180 rule

Turkey which is not part of the EEC has adopted similar Schengen rules of 90/180 if you want to stay longer people need to apply for a  short-term residence permit 

Just reading about an older American hippy on FB.

He Was in Thailand and flew to India , was refused entry into India and got sent back to Thailand .

   Thailand refused him entry and will only allow him to go back to the USA.

He has no money for a flight ticket home  and is now in IDC BKK

4 hours ago, gk10012001 said:

all good points, thanks.  I been to Thailand 15 times over the years.  I am sure I would pick the Pattaya area.  This trip is just a scope out and getting a bank for the future there in case I do extensions.  Everything else is TBD.  I am well funded capitally, my Social security alone is more than enough.  The only  big catch with Thailand and me at 68 is the health insurance availability and cost.  I am on USA medicare.  Not a single health issue, knock on wood.  

Same except for a few minor age issues - but I am almost 70 - knocking on wood too.

Do whatever you have to do to maintain medicare in USA - when you are 70+ things start 'falling off' and 'repairs' here in Thailand can be very expensive.  And have a Plan B - return home before you get too old - dont die here. 

 

4 hours ago, Patong2021 said:

 

The 90 days is for diplomatic passports, otherwise it is 60 days with an option to extend by 30 days  giving 90 days.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The stamp I get on my passport is always 90 days, at least that's how all the officers interpreted it. And I do have many many entries. One detail, I have never overstayed even one day. 

1 hour ago, Nick Carter icp said:

Just reading about an older American hippy on FB.

He Was in Thailand and flew to India , was refused entry into India and got sent back to Thailand .

   Thailand refused him entry and will only allow him to go back to the USA.

He has no money for a flight ticket home  and is now in IDC BKK

The US under Trump probably doesn't want him either... 

5 hours ago, Nick Carter icp said:

 

   Could you repost it here ?

 

  Its OK, I found it myself

https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=lawyer for expats thailand

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Is that guy speaking to a deaf old man with alzheimer's? 🤔

 

Also contradicts himself. He says only one VE60 allowed then says only a 7 days extension on second VE60.

 

Where are these official announcements full of numbers that he speaks of? 🤔

4 hours ago, vinny41 said:

This is in the news section on the  immigration website

1. Enhance and intensify screening of individuals who frequently use visa-free entry and exit without returning to their home country, which is unusual for tourists. This is to prevent individuals disguised as tourists. It has been found that these foreigners use visa exemptions to enter Thailand for a maximum of 90 days at a time, allowing multiple entries and exits per year. This presents an opportunity for some foreigners to disguise themselves as tourists and enter Thailand to conduct various transactions instead of applying for the proper visa type. 

 If a foreigner repeatedly uses visa-free entry more than twice without providing a valid reason, they will be denied entry, allowing them to apply for a visa that reflects their true purpose.

https://www.immigration.go.th/?p=34106

What we don't know is that 2 visa exemptions per year allowing back to back or 2 visa exemptions using a 90/180 rule

Turkey which is not part of the EEC has adopted similar Schengen rules of 90/180 if you want to stay longer people need to apply for a  short-term residence permit 

That text is obvious. That's what they're cracking down on.

But there is no 90/180 rule in Thailand. It's as simple as that. It's not stated anywhere at the immigration, nor that it is discussed an eventual change. Why some foreigners is discussing that, is beyond me, and beyond people who work and live with immigration rules at a daily basis.

It's nonsense.

how is it being "abused"??