BANGKOK, THAILAND – A long-term traveler has voiced concerns about recent changes to Thailand’s visa and re-entry policies, seeking clarity and shared experiences from fellow visitors.
In 2025, the author spent a total of nine months in Thailand, split across three three-month stays. The initial stay was covered by a regular visa, with the subsequent two leveraging an exception permit. Following a two-month period in Vietnam, the traveler re-entered Thailand in January of this year via Don Mueang Airport with a pre-arranged visa.
During passport control, an immigration officer noted the extensive time spent in the country during the previous year. This led to a brief, secondary check involving fingerprinting, though the process was quick and without question. The traveler was issued a 60-day permit, which was later extended by an additional 30 days without issues.
Re-entry Concerns
After the visa expired, the traveler returned to Vietnam, where a previously rented accommodation for 90 days proved unlivable due to constant, extreme noise from adjacent construction. This situation forces a decision: either find new accommodation in Vietnam for the remaining 30 days or return to Thailand earlier than planned, using a standard 60-day tourist visa.
The primary concern is the possibility of being denied entry, despite holding a valid visa. The traveler questions whether others have experienced similar issues recently at Bangkok or Chiang Mai airports. Chiang Mai is being considered as a potential alternative destination within Thailand.
Visa Extension Regulations
A second point of concern revolves around visa extension regulations. Reports circulating since the beginning of the year suggest that the standard 30-day extension may now be granted only once per calendar year. A second extension within the same year reportedly could be limited to seven days.
It remains unclear for whom this restriction applies. The traveler wonders if it affects all visitors or specifically those who entered without a visa and relied on exception permits instead.
The author is seeking firsthand accounts from individuals who have experienced a second 30-day extension this year, particularly after entering Thailand twice with a regular visa. While such precedents might be rare mid-year, the number of affected individuals is expected to grow as the year progresses.
Any shared experiences or assessments are greatly appreciated by the concerned reader. The editorial team notes that readers who have also observed changes or had similar airport experiences are encouraged to share their knowledge in the comments or contact the publication directly, as their experiences will assist other travelers.