Can I enter Thailand on a 30-day tourist stamp and extend my stay through border runs or flights?

Question

I'm coming for 5 or 6 months in the winter and have been looking at getting a long stay visa from the embassy here in Canada, but now am wondering if  there is any reason I couldn't come in on a 30 day stamp, extend for 30 days, and then either do a bus border bounce, or grab a cheap flight to Cambodia or Vietnam for a weekend, and then fly back in, get a fresh 30 day stamp, another extension, etc.? Is there a limit how many times they'll let you do this, or could they just decide I'm abusing the system and deny me entry?

Ask Thailand · Answer

The user inquires about the feasibility of entering Thailand on a 30-day stamp, extending it, and potentially using border runs or short flights to maintain their stay for 5-6 months. Comments suggest applying for a single-entry tourist visa or a METV for longer stays, noting that land border crossings have limitations, while air travel does not impose the same restrictions. They also mention the possibility of obtaining a retirement visa for those planning to stay annually for extended periods.

James ******** · Answer

I believe that you have options as presented in the replies to your question. Explore them. We wish you success.

BTW .. time's have changed since COVID 19. IF you not wanting a long stay visa which can be extended Year after Year, then get the METV multiple entry tourist visa.

Comments Closed

Nigel ************** · Answer

No limit if you fly in. Only 2 land border crossings in a calendar year allowed

James ******** · Answer

And if you have plans for staying in Thailand each year for 6+ months, Suggest you do as most Canadians choose to do .. get the retirement Visa. It's easy to get as the EMBASSY of Canada in Bangkok STILL offers the Affidavit of Income needed to obtain the Non O Visa as retiree and the One year extension of stay as retired from the Thai Immigration office.

Just enter Thailand Visa EXEMPT and that will get 30 days stamp plus one 30 day extension of stay at Thai immigration office for 1900 Thai baht. Contact the Embassy of Canada in Bangkok to apply for the Affidavit of Income. If you have proof of your income, they will give you the Affidavit of Income and you will obtain the retirement in Thailand without the need for deposit of 800,000 Thai baht in a Thai bank account in your name only.

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Brandon ************ · Answer

At the bare minimum, get a single entry tourist visa before you come to Thailand. The application is completely online now and your visa will be a PDF you receive by email.

This will give you 60 days on entry and you can get a 30 day extension.

It's a very easy application to submit and will get you well on your way to 5-6 months. One more border bounce after that shouldn't raise any red flags. Though 2 border bounces and 5+ months might be pushing it a little.

James ******** · Answer

Bottom line is your not 🚫 going to be able to use visa exempt entry and border bounces to stay in Thailand long.

Suggest you look at getting the METV multiple entry tourist visa from your home country Thai Embassy or Consulate. With planning it can get you up to 9 months stay in Thailand.

Read this Post for the METV multiple entry tourist visa

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Can I enter Thailand on a 30-day tourist stamp and extend my stay through border runs or flights?

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