Answered4 years ago

Can I do a border run to Penang for an extension after overstaying in Thailand without a tourist visa?

Visa Rules Border Run Thailand Immigration Tourist Visa Covid Extension Penang

Yuri *********

asked Oct 12, 2022

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Hello.

Currently I'm in Phuket since April without any visa (immigration stamp for 30 days originally), I've applied Covid extension 3 times (ending in the beginning of November). 

Is it possible for me to go to Penang for border-run and get 45 days more without acquiring tourist visa?

Answer summary

The user inquires about the possibility of conducting a border run to Penang to extend their stay in Thailand without acquiring a tourist visa, given their current status of having overstayed past their initial visa allowance. Comments indicate that while it is possible to perform the border run, the user may face questioning regarding their status as a tourist upon re-entry.

9 repliesnewest first

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Pete **********

Yes I am currently on the mini bus having been in the same position as you. Its a long journey but I was asked no questions

4 years ago

Vincent ********

@Peter *********

Hi, Did you use a visa run service by Mini bus?…

4 years ago

Pete **********

@Vincent *******

yes I did. It was no problem at all. No questions asked by both borders . Very easy . Just be prepared for a 15 hour journey. I got 45 days

I intend to do the same again when I need to extend. Many Russians who have been doing the same for the past year but only got 30 days. Now it's 45 days until March 23

4 years ago

Pete **********

@Vincent *******

Phuket/Satun, I planned to drive down as well. But should anything be questioned I may not be able to provide the right answer. By using the visa service they: " guarantee " that you will get a extension

For example a couple of Russian had overstays by a few days but they appeared to have just walked through like I did

So, uncomfortable as the journey was, the peace of mind compensated for that as the visa staff will resolve any issues. That is the reason a fee of 1300 baht was paid. To smooth any issues. I had tourist and 2 covid extension and now a 45 tourist which I will extend. I will then get the business visa with work permit

Drive down and maybe get asked something or visa mini bus at 3600baht and you will get the 45 days . I did not want to take the gamble so paid for the visa service. Hope this helps

4 years ago

Vincent ********

@Peter *********

Thank you, Please could you tell me which border crossing did you use, was it Penang? I’m hoping to drive to it then walk over? And re enter by foot too?

4 years ago

Darren *******

Sure but you might be questioned upon your return as to whether you're a genuine tourist or not.

4 years ago

Yuri *********

@Darren ******

Thanks for reply. Do I need to prepare any documents for this "questioning" like airplane tickets away from thailand or smth?

4 years ago

Darren *******

@Yuri ********

if they question you then you should have 20k baht on you, flight out of Thailand within the visa/exempt period, and proof of accommodation. Even then it doesn't guarantee you entry.

4 years ago

Darren *******

Although whether you get 45 days will be based upon your nationality too

4 years ago