Multiple entries without a visa

[limbu]

Are there regulations about how many times one can enter Thailand in a year?
After many years of renewing my retirement visa but never spending more than 5 continuous weeks in Thailand I'm thinking of not renewing it. Instead, I would get the 30 days entry stamp, arrive with an onward airline ticket 5 times a year and stay 30 days each visit for a total of 150 days a year. I have a UK passport. Any comments?
Thank you.

[STEVE G]

I've been visiting Thailand every couple of months for the best part of 16 years on 30 day visa exemptions and have never had any problem whatsoever. Apart from that conversation required for politeness, the last time an immigration officer spoke to me was when he read the address I'd put down in Hin Lek Fai, he told me he'd been to Wat Mongkol the previous weekend.
I think as long as you spend enough time out of Thailand to not be living there full time, they're happy.

[Ginjaninja]

I am in a similar situation as Steve and can confirm no issue. Just make sure and avoid overstays would be my only advice...

[HHTel]

I have no personal experience. However, I've read multiple posts saying that there is no hard rule at airports but land borders are not so lenient.

[Gregjam]

I have a non Imm O that expires shortly and was due to return before then but am unlikely to make it in time. I am just looking at perhaps using the KL flight every month of my 3 month normal stay to keep a stamp up and get my non O sorted next time I am at work. Possibly as cheap to fly than to go to a land border and come back.

[lomuamart]

I'm not up to speed as I used to be on these matters, but be careful to anyone who is thinking about crossing by land borders - I believe you're allowed 2 a year.

Edit - I meant the 30 day entry stamps. I don't think that if you're crossing a border to activate a part of a multi entry visa, that applies.

[christopher1]

Just a quick one. A friend has his son visiting next month. he's flying in and getting 90 days, he wants to stay for 2 months. Can he do a border crossing and get another 90 days?
Cheers!

[Nereus]

Just a quick one. A friend has his son visiting next month. he's flying in and getting 90 days, he wants to stay for 2 months. Can he do a border crossing and get another 90 days?
Cheers!

How does he get 90 days? As far as I know 2 months is 60 odd days. What visa does he have?
A single entry tourist visa gets 60 days on entry, extendable for the remaining 30 days after paying 1,900 Baht.


http://www.thaiembassy.org/london/en/se ... -Visa.html

[christopher1]

Sorry, Nereus. The post should have read...30 days upon arrival and will he get 30 days if he does a crossing?

[Nereus]

Sorry, Nereus. The post should have read...30 days upon arrival and will he get 30 days if he does a crossing?

Yes, as far as I am aware that is still an option. Not sure how many times that you can do it though. There is some difference between a land crossing and doing it by air, as far as I know, but not sure of the details.

[christopher1]

That's why I'm asking. Not sure if you get 30 days with a land crossing?

[Nereus]

That's why I'm asking. Not sure if you get 30 days with a land crossing?

There is no date on this post, but I believe that these are the new regulations:

https://www.thaiembassy.com/thailand/new-visa-rules.php

30-day Visa Entries Now Limited to 2
Border runs have been cut short due to the very recent change in rules regarding overland entry by Thai immigration. Foreigners under the Visa Exemption List who are entering Thailand via border posts at Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Malaysia without securing a prior visa will now be granted 30-day visa exemption stamp TWO times per calendar year, from January 1 to December 31.

According to a spokesman for the Thai Immigration Bureau, the new regulation was created to encourage foreigners to secure the proper visas in advance from a Royal Thai Embassy prior to their arrival. The new rule will also limit the amount of back-to-back visa runs being made by foreigners to extend their stay.

However, this change only applies to visitors who have not obtained a visa beforehand, and are entering from the border by land. Those who arrive at the airport without a prior visa will continue to receive a 30-day stamp up to 6 times per calendar year. Extensions at Thai Immigration for the visa exemption stamps remain to be 30 days for a fee of 1,900 baht.

The only exception to the new regulation will be Malaysian passport holders traveling from Malaysia, as they will continue to receive the 30-day Unlimited Visa Exemption stamps.

[christopher1]

Cheers, Nereus.

[stretch]

If he has 30 tourist entry go to blue port extend for another 30 days 1900 baht.

[uncle tom]

My general understanding is that on land crossings the officers are concerned about the traffic of people who have very little money to spend. At airports it's generally taken as read that you can support yourself.

On the matter of overstaying, I accidentally overstayed by one day earlier this year, 'fessing up as I handed over my passport at BKK together with a 500 note for the fine. The reaction: 'Oh, one day doesn't matter' the banknote quickly returned..