Afternoon all

 

Just seeking peoples thoughts on the Visa Exemption arrival rules and my issue.  I am an Australian.

 

I currently work in the south pacific area on a fly-in fly-out roster.  I work a 28 day roster, at work for 17 days, and then on break for 11 days.  For my break, i always travel back to Bangkok.

 

In the past, i have had no problems arriving back in Thailand each break.  I always have a ticket to fly out in 11 days time, and always carry 20,000 baht on me when i fly in to Thailand - i have been doing this for about 5 years.

 

For the fast few months however, i have been questioned by the immigration staff when flying in.  They all ask the same questions.... "where do you work?.... what do you do?.... how long you spend in Thailand?".    I always explain to them that i do not work in Thailand, and that i am fortunate enough to have a break from work every month.  I always ensure that i have money when coming in, and have a copy of my work and residential visa for the country i work in.  I also explain that i have travel insurance and am covered during my holidays to Thailand.

 

When i flew in last month, the immigration officer called another officer over to have a look at the screen after he scanned my passport.  I was then told that i have too many Visa Exemption arrivals, and that next time i would have to get a visa.

 

Is this the case?  I cannot see anywhere on the thai government web sites that put a limit on the amount of entries you can have on a visa exemption arrival.  

 

Does anyone know if they could deny me entry trying to use the visa exemption arrival?

 

Appreciate any comments

 

In my opinion, your use of visa exempt entries is appropriate. As you say, there is no official limit. However, some officials dislike people using lots of them. This is more likely at some airports than others. I would be more worried flying into Don Muang than Suvarnabhumi.

 

Unless you have something written in your passport warning you to get a visa in future, I do not think you will be denied entry. Ensure you have the equivalent of 20,000 baht cash.