Are there any exceptions to the 180-day stay limit for tourists in Thailand?

Nov 11, 2024
3 days ago
Marie ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Dear Community!

This question may has been asked and answered before but I still dare to ask again.

Usually one is not allowed to stay longer in Thailand than 180 days per calendar year. I wonder if there are any exceptions and if it really depends on the officers at the immigration.

Since I arrived on Sept. 19th, my tourist visa expires on Nov. 17th and I could usually extend for 1 more month. But this would mean, I'd stay here longer than 180 days (and could be rejected?), since Sept. 19th was not the first time I arrived in Thailand this year.

Can anyone who's been staying in Thailand for a while speak out of experience?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The question addresses whether there is a rule limiting foreigners to a maximum stay of 180 days in Thailand per year. The community responses clarify that there is no formal rule enforcing this limit. Instead, tax residency considerations come into play after staying 180 days, impacting tax obligations rather than entry or extension approval. Opinions vary, but the consensus suggests that extensions for tourist visas are often granted without issue, and it is essential to handle immigration matters with the correct paperwork. Ultimately, individual circumstances and interactions with immigration officers may influence the outcomes for those seeking to extend their stay.
Kenneth *******
I have not stepped out of Thailand since July 1995.
Mike ********
I entered thailand on November 24 Th 2022 and left on July 4th 2023,. 222 days all in,. Arrived with a 60 day tr visa and border bounced twice and extended 3 times,. This was when the 45 day visa exemption rule was in,.Not been back since but will be returning soon to take advantage of the new 60 day rule to give me 90 days to sort my retirement o visa out, hopefully with no issues,.
Bent *************
You may stay as long as you wish if you have the right visa!
Raymond ********
@Bent ************
hi Bent can you explain what you mean please in detail. I have a same sex partner we have discussed marriage etc??
Bart **************
First off, there's no rule that limits your stay to 180 days per year.

Second, your point is still valid. Entries and extensions could get more difficult once you go beyond 180 days. However, if you're still more than a few days below you're usually okay. Problems could start when your surpass the aforementioned threshold and then try to enter again.
John ********
You are getting confused with the new rules for the tax residency ie if you have stayed in the country for 180 days you will be required to pay the government some taxes πŸ˜‰ πŸ™„ πŸ˜€ 🀣
Chang ******
@John *******
that's what they're talking about , pay tax for what u r pension ? Unless u work here in Thailand πŸ‡ΉπŸ‡­ yes paid tax but otherwise not too worried

I have thousands of friends staying Thailand here , not even one person that paying tax yet ,
John ********
@Chang *****
very true not yet, but we will see how crazy it will become 😜
Bill *********
@John *******
I hear you... but here's the thing: taxes on what? I don't generate one single baht of income in Thailand. But I certainly spend money here. Would like to learn more on this topic.
Chang ******
@Bill ********
yes we are helping thai economy spending our money
Paul **************
As long as you are have more money and spend as long as you want to stay with your business or family members that is your choice πŸ˜œπŸ’ž
Bob **********
Won’t be a problem but now you are a tax resident
David ********
Your question is simple and the answer is go to immigration with the correct paperwork and submit your request for a 30 day extension. There are no issues with this request Thai immigration don't care about these types of extensions
Mike *****
You wi usually be allowed one extension before alarm bells at immigrations start to ring. It is best to go before your current visa runs out and make the application. Whether you are rejected and asked to leave or not again depends on the officer and or your entry departure history. There is no such thing as legally in any country if you are using tourist visa to stay long term. There are proper long term visas for every situation and some do get away with extending and going in and out and so on. But being allowed to continue doing so whether it is by extending in country or going out and coming back is at the discretion of the officer you face. They can and do have the authority to question and then deny any further extensions or entry if they so deem.
Willem ****
Show me any law that states there is a maximum stay of 180 days per calendar year for a tourist.
Marie ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thank you all for your answers!
Wylie *******
There is no such rule limiting you to 180 days per year.
Marie ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Wylie ******
everyone has a different opinion on this haha
Patrick ********
@Marie *******
most people guess that's why it causes confusion
Bart **************
@Marie *******
there are no different opinions on this. Anyone saying what you said is just wrong.

Haven't heard anyone really say it though.
Andy ************
@Marie *******
If there was such a 180-day ruling how does the DTV operate
Graham ******
@Andy ***********
and the multi-entry Tourist Visa which can get you almost 270 days in Thailand if timed correctly
Todd *********
@Marie *******
it's not an opinion. It's a fact. There is no such thing. Anyone telling you there is, simply doesn't know any better. And your 30 day extension will be granted.
Joris **********
@Marie *******
it's not an opinion, there ain't no 180 days rule. That's a common mistake.
Tim *********
Don't confuse this with the issue of becoming a tax resident. Tax resident status is assumed and automatic once you have been here 180 days in any calendar year. You can get visa-free or tourist visas several times to stay longer than that legally
THAI ******************************
It is highly unlikely that a 30 day extension based on a tourist visa will be rejected (even if you have been here longer than 180 days).

Rejections usually happen at the point of entry.
Chris *******
There is no limit of 180 days.

If you stay more than 180 you risk being considered a tax resident.

As far as entries you can enter and stay as long as you are allowed, until an IO officer stops you.
Marie ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thank you for your reply. But that's actually my question: "I wonder if there are any exceptions and if it really depends on the officers at the immigration." since I'm completely legally in Thailand, got my 2 months tourist visa and could extend like everyone else. So I'm wondering, if and why they could reject me, when there is no limit of 180 days, you know.
Kool *******
@Marie *******
they will reject you when they decide you are trying to stay long term in Thailand on tourist entries. It is at their discretion, with no set rule.
Chris *******
@Marie *******
EVERY entry is at the discretion of the IO you are in front of.

If you have no excessive history of entries, ED visas etc. You likely will have no problem.

AND usually will be warned to get a proper visa before being denied.

It is all discretionary.
Marie ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Chris ******
Thank you Chris, but I'm not talking about the entry as I'm already staying in Thailand. I'm talking about the 1 month extension at the immigration centre.
Chris *******
@Marie *******
you will have no problem for a 30 day extension.
Marie ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Chris ******
your word in the officer's ear πŸ˜„
Maksym ***********
@Marie *******
I never heard about rejection, from borderruners that stay in Thailand for years. Even in such weird immigration offices like Koh Phangan.
Brandon ************
@Maksym **********
then you don't spend much time on Facebook groups because it's getting more and more common
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