This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.

Can I apply for a Thai visa from a neighboring country, return to Thailand, and do a border run to activate it?

Thai Visa Rules Visa Application Process Border Runs Visa Cancellation Risks Immigration Advice

May 29, 2025

a day ago

Gab ****

ORIGINAL POSTER

Someone try to apply from neightboor country make the payment and then come back to thailand wait the approval ? And make a border run to activate it ? 

Im in a process now i wish to know please

644

views

likes

all likes

replies

images

users

TLDR : Answer Summary

The community discusses the risks of applying for a Thai visa from a neighboring country while physically returning to Thailand. While some have reported doing so, many assert that the rules require applicants to remain in the country of application throughout the processing period. There are risks involved, including potential visa cancellation if the authorities discover the applicant's absence during the process.

Pelle Eriksson★★★★★

Absolutely Bangkok's best service I highly...

recently on Facebook

Luca G.★★★★★

I used this agency for my DTV Visa...

recently on Google

Trusted Thai Visa Agent

OVER 100,000 EXPATS SERVED

#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND

Stuart *********

People have done it. The rules technically say you need to be in the country you are applying from for the duration of the application.

As others have said they may ask you for an interview or copies of every page of your passport. If you can’t attend or provide those they may see that you are no longer in the country and can cancel the application.

Your call. You can try. You might get lucky. You might not.

a day ago

Anonymous ******************

@Stuart ********

actually rules do not state 'for duration' just initial at application, but does carry risk if you leave

a day ago

Brandon ************

Anonymous participant 893 Wrong, the rules very specifically state you MUST remain in the jurisdiction of the embassy during the entire process.

21 hours ago

Reply to

Brandon ************

John **********

You need to remain in the country you apply from until the process completes. They can call you in for interview or ask to see every page in your passport to check you remain there. No being there means your application can be rejected

a day ago

Ray *****

To answer your question, yes a number of people have reported doing it.

Could you have your application cancelled, yes it is possible and has happened

a day ago

Phirom *********

You must be physically present in the country from which you are submitting your application.

a day ago

Yasmin ***********

if they find out they can cancel your visa

a day ago

Reply to

Yasmin ***********

Do I need to stay in the country where I applied for a Thailand visa until it is approved?

26 comments

3 months ago