I just got back into Thailand on a second 60-day visa exemption, and this time my arrival at Suvarnabhumi Airport wasn’t the smooth process I’ve been used to. Instead, I was pulled into secondary inspection, questioned by three different officers, and asked for all kinds of proof before I was finally stamped in.
Since a lot of travelers wonder if back-to-back exemptions or short visa runs to Thailand still work in 2025, I thought I’d share exactly what happened to me.
My Timeline This Year
- First stay: June 5 – August 2, 2025 (60-day exemption)
- Quick trip: 3 days in Mumbai, India
- Return: August 5, 2025, hoping for another 60-day exemption at Suvarnabhumi
What Happened at Suvarnabhumi Immigration
When I got back, the line I joined had an officer who was already giving a Burmese traveler a tough time—25 minutes of questioning, raising her voice, and shouting at the rest of us in the queue to move forward. Most people behind me quickly switched lines, but I stayed put.
When it was my turn, she flipped through my passport and immediately asked:
- “Why are you back?”
→ I told her I was here on holiday to see my wife. - “You were here for 2 months.”
→ I said yes. - “When do you go back?”
→ I answered September 31.
She pressed a button, a red light flashed, and another officer came over. He asked me the same questions again and then said, “Please come with me.” That’s when I knew I was headed for secondary inspection.
Secondary Inspection: Step by Step
The first officer there wanted to know if my wife was Thai. I said no, she’s Indian and works as a teacher here. He asked to see her visa. I called her on a video call, but he quickly put his hand over my phone camera and said “no video.” So I had to pull up a copy of her visa instead.
Then another officer took me to a desk. She gave me a form to fill out and again asked to see my wife’s visa. She asked where I’d be staying, and I explained I had a Nok Air flight booked to Sakon Nakhon. That seemed to make her relax a little—she even smiled.
Next she asked if I had a return ticket and money. I told her I did, and I wrote down how much I had in my account. After about half an hour of back and forth, she finally stamped me in and gave me until October 4, 2025.
What I learned from this
Honestly, the whole experience surprised me. I’ve been coming to Thailand almost every year during summer vacation, usually staying 2–3 months before heading back to Uzbekistan where I teach ESL. From 2008 until 2023, I even worked at a school in Thailand, and in all those years I never had anything like this happen.
This time, though, it was obvious they were watching my travel pattern closely. Coming back just three days after spending two months here looked too much like a visa run, even though I’ve got a steady job abroad and wasn’t planning to stay longer than my holiday.
I think immigration wanted to be absolutely sure I wasn’t trying to live in Thailand long-term on visa exemptions. That’s why they asked about my wife, my return flight, where I’d be staying, and even how much money I had access to.
In the end, I was lucky—I got in. But it was a reminder that things are stricter in 2025 than in past years.
Advice for anyone planning a visa run
If you’re considering a second 60-day exemption or a short visa run, here’s what I’d tell you based on my experience:
- Expect extra questions – they will notice if you just spent a long stretch here.
- Have documents ready – onward ticket, proof of funds, accommodation details, anything that shows you’re a genuine visitor.
- Stay calm in secondary inspection – it feels intimidating, but the officers were professional once I cooperated.
- Know the risks – frequent visa-exempt entries can raise red flags, even if your intentions are legitimate.
FAQs About Visa Runs and 60-Day Exemptions
Can You Get Two 60-Day Exemptions in Thailand in 2025?
Yes, it’s possible—I just did it. But it’s not guaranteed. Immigration officers review your travel history carefully, and if they think you’re abusing the system, they can deny entry.
What Happens at Secondary Inspection in Suvarnabhumi Airport?
Secondary inspection is a deeper check. They may ask why you’re returning, how long you plan to stay, where you’ll be staying, and whether you have funds and onward travel. In my case, they also wanted proof of my wife’s visa.
Do You Need Proof of Funds for Thailand Visa Exemption?
Yes. Officially it’s 20,000 baht per person (or the equivalent in cash/accessible funds). I was asked to write down how much I had in my account, but others have been asked to show actual cash.
Is a Return Ticket Required for Thailand Visa Exemption?
Yes. Immigration almost always asks for proof of onward travel. Having a ticket out of Thailand is essential.
Are Visa Runs Risky in 2025?
Yes, more than before. Immigration is stricter, especially if they see repeat entries close together. If you plan to stay longer, applying for a proper tourist or non-immigrant visa is safer than relying on repeated exemptions.
Finally stamped in!
In the end, I was stamped in until October 4th, and I’ll enjoy my time here before heading back to Uzbekistan. But my experience at Suvarnabhumi shows that Thailand visa runs in 2025 aren’t as straightforward as they used to be. If you’re relying on exemptions for longer stays, just know that secondary inspection is a real possibility now.
Have you had a similar experience at Thai immigration recently? Share your story in the comments—I’d love to hear how others handled it.
Don’t forget to fill in your Thailand digital arrival card at the official immigration site for TDAC