Answereda year ago

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

Thai visa application DTV visa border run visa regulations expat advice

Gab ****

asked May 29, 2025

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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

Answer summary

The discussion revolves around whether it's permissible to apply for a Thai visa from a neighboring country, make the payment, and return to Thailand while awaiting approval. Many commenters emphasize that applicants must be physically present in the country where they submit their application throughout the process. Leaving the country could lead to visa cancellation. While some have reported successful applications despite leaving, the consensus is that it carries significant risk and is not advisable. Official guidelines suggest the need to remain in the location of application to avoid complications.

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James ********

Don't do it ❌❌❌ Stay in the country where you are applying for the DTV visa.

a year ago

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 year ago

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

@Stuart ********

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

a year ago

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

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

a year ago

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

Anonymous participant 893 so the fact that EVERY Thai embassy in the world will cancel your application if they find out you left isn't enough for you? Use your brain. This is also written on many embassy websites. Here is one example.

There's a reason the embassies follow up and check to see if you're still in the country or if you have left. Because it's a RULE to remain there.

a year ago

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

@Brandon ***********

You guys keep saying that, yet to see single one of you providing an official source that actually says that. At time of application you must be there, yes, after that though no such rule written on any offcial site. Same as the you must continue doing the soft activity to keep your DTV, no such rule written anywhere

a year ago

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 year 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 year ago

Phirom *********

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

a year ago