Answered4 years ago
Can I exit Thailand on my visa expiration date and reenter on the same day?
🌞 Hello, I entered Thailand on a 45-day visa exemption. Then I got a 30-day extension. If the latest stamp in my passport says 'permitted to stay up to 16 Dec 2022,' for example, that means it's fine for me to exit the country on the 16th of December, and then reenter again on the same day via a land border, doesn't it? I was going to exit the day before the expiry, but I underestimated the overland travel time, so now it feels easier to leave on the date that's stamped in my passport. Thank you. 🌴
Update: Thai immigration at the Pedang Basar border crossing didn't let me reenter Thailand the same day that I'd exited. They said I had to spend a couple of days in Malaysia before reentering. Which was annoying - among other things, I'd already booked a hotel in Thailand and I didn't have any Malaysian currency and my phone batteries were low.
Update: Thai immigration at the Pedang Basar border crossing didn't let me reenter Thailand the same day that I'd exited. They said I had to spend a couple of days in Malaysia before reentering. Which was annoying - among other things, I'd already booked a hotel in Thailand and I didn't have any Malaysian currency and my phone batteries were low.
Answer summary
The original poster sought clarification on whether they could leave Thailand on the expiration date of their visa and reenter on the same day. After some exchanges, it was clear that while generally allowed, specific borders may enforce waiting periods before reentry. The user then encountered issues at the border when they were not allowed to reenter on the same day and were informed they needed to spend a few days in Malaysia before returning.
29 repliesnewest first
Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.
Falcon *******
careful when doing a turn around Thai immigration can refuse your entry.
Robert ******
Can someone describe for me the simplest "border bounce" at the Malaysian border? You simply cross the border, pass through Malaysian Immigration and then return immediately (or a couple hours later)?
Also, how many times can you enter Thailand "visa exempt" (45-day) within 12 months?
Also, how many times can you enter Thailand "visa exempt" (45-day) within 12 months?
Stuart *********
@Robert *****
I’ll let others comment on Malaysian borders (there’s more than one). You can enter visa exempt using land borders twice in one calendar year (Jan 1-Dec31). Technically no limit on entries by air, except at some point an immigration officer will question why you’re trying to stay in Thailand for long term without a correct visa. No one can say whether that would be after 2,4 or 8 times but it will happen.
Alex *******
@Stuart ********
So if you are only staying for a few days every time you come, like 3 days Thailand followed by 1-2 months outside with the cycle repeating many times all over, this should not be a problem because the person is clearly not living in Thailand?Stuart *********
@Alex ******
yes. Many do. Over and over and never have an issue. But there could be a time where they question you if they feel you’re trying to abuse the system. With that sort of entry history though probably not.Robert ******
@Stuart ********
thanks! So I can just cross the border, go find lunch somewhere, and then cross back over? Cool.Robert ******
@Stuart ********
Malaysia. Train from Hatyai.Stuart *********
@Robert *****
yep. Depends on what border.Robert ******
@Stuart ********
if you enter by land, you get 45 days - same as by air? I recently entered by air visa exempt (45 days) and am ruminating over my next peregrination in January... I had an OA visa, then a 2 month tourist visa, and now have the visa exemption. I've spent all the past year except around 4 weeks in Thailand.Stuart *********
@Robert *****
45 days by land, sea or air. Until April 1st when it’s set to revert back to 30. No one knows if that will change closer to the time.
Brandon ************
@Robert *****
you can enter visa exempt at a land border 2 times per calendar year. There is no official limit by air. If you area doing this repeatedly, after 2 or 3 times immigration will ask you a lot of questions and tell you that you're not a tourist and possibly deny you entry.Jo **********
@Brandon ***********
this year since May I have entered by air 7 times visa exempt one time every month. I have never been asked a single question. So clearly it’s not how many times you enter, but another factor.Jo **********
@Stelar ******
agree exactly.
Incognia **********
@Jo *********
but you spend time is less each time inside Thailand.Immigration is asking questions to tourists who entered to Thailand and stayed 1 month or 45days and extended 1 more month and left Thailand last day and made this 3 4 times this is problem.Your history is not problem.Jo **********
@Brandon ***********
ok that helps clarifyBrandon ************
@Jo *********
99% of the people asking "how many times can I enter visa exempt" want to stay long term in ThailandJo **********
@Brandon ***********
did not mean that way but wanted you just to know my high level of frequency. and yes I don’t max out my stay. but we need to make that clear. some people are becoming fearful to enter Thailand when they shouldn’tAlex *******
@Brandon ***********
So if you are only staying for a few days every time you come, like 3 days Thailand followed by 1-2 months outside with the cycle repeating many times all over, this should not be a problem because the person is clearly not living in Thailand?Brandon ************
@Jo *********
you're also not maxing out your stay each time and trying to live in Thailand on visa exempt. Don't pretend like you don't know why people are getting denied entry to make my answer look false.Jo **********
@Tony *******
i think if they question you it’s ok, that’s there job. There are no restrictions on how many times you can enter visa exempt by air.
Tony ********
@Jo *********
depends on immigration officer? Officially you can enter 3 times on visa exempt in a 6month period (UK PP).. for the first time ever in 8 years I was questioned about having too many visa exempt stamps…maybe it was strict immigration officer 😂🤦🏻♂️🙏🏼
Marc ********
Yes
Jeremy ********
I would travel on the 15th do a border bounce and return for 45 more days
Karine *******
OP@Jeremy *******
Thanks. By a border bounce, do you mean exit Thailand and reenter Thailand on the same day?Jeremy ********
@Karine ******
yes that is what a border bounce isStuart *********
You can leave anytime prior to 11:59pm on the day your stamp expires. Depending on the border you choose there may be restrictions on how quickly you can return. Generally only one border at PoiPet in Cambodia enforces that but seeing reports on others.
Stuart *********
Let us know which border you’re thinking of and someone with experience of that one may be able to confirm.
มิแรนดา **********
@Stuart ********
generally any borders with Malaysia ie Danok or Padang Besar requires a minimum 1 night stay in Malaysia. Have been denied reentry on the same day.Karine *******
OP@Stuart ********
Thanks for your reply. I'm going to cross one of the borders with Malaysia that's near to Hatyai.Activity
12 joined12
people
Related
25Will switching from a Non-B visa to an LTR visa reset the 3-year continuous clock for Permanent Residency in Thailand?
1.7k10282mo
What are the rules for obtaining a stamp when re-entering Thailand on a DTV from Malaysia?
427104mo
Is the Thai visa exemption still 60 days?
5.5k1774mo
What agency is recommended for obtaining a DTV visa in Thailand?
1.3k3305mo
What visa do I need to visit Thailand for a month and what are the retirement visa options?
5.7k50567mo
Which date is binding for my visa exemption: the official 60-day rule or the passport stamp date?
1.6k13147mo
Can I enter Thailand again after a 60-day visa exemption and a 30-day extension, having recently traveled to Vietnam?
3.1k26279mo
What are the current visa exemption entry rules for Thailand in 2026?
5.5k264710mo
Is it possible to get a third 30-day extension of a visa exemption in Thailand within the same year?
11.9k10710910mo
What are the current rules for visa exempt entries into Thailand and extensions for expats?
12.5k482631y
Will I receive another 60-day visa exemption after returning to Thailand from Hanoi?
5.2k231041y
Is it possible to do a same-day border bounce through Chiang Khong?
1.3k5181y
Does it make a difference if my Thailand visa is categorized as soft power or work cation?
4.7k45351y
What is the best way to stay in Thailand for 4-6 months as a UK citizen?
2.3k20102y
Will not having an accommodation booking affect my entry into Thailand on a 60-day entry stamp?
2.1k13202y
Can South Africans convert a Non-O visa to a tourist visa at a Laos border instead of a Thai embassy?
1.2k862y
What are the consequences of multiple border runs and how can one stay longer in Thailand?
32.8k2344803y
Do I need to apply for a 60-day visa for my stay in Thailand or can I just use the visa exemption?
1.2k4183y
Can I still get a visa exemption for Thailand after using two border crossings?
2.7k22213y
Should we use visa exemption for our entry into Thailand and then get a 60-day visa for our second entry after visiting Laos?
529124y
How long can I stay in Thailand with visa extensions and border hops?
1.1k5114y
Will I face issues re-entering Thailand on a visa exemption after leaving on an education visa?
1.2k1044y
Do my wife and I need 800,000 THB in a bank for a Thai Non-O visa if we get a tourist visa first?
3.6k26414y
Can I return to Thailand for another 30-day visa exemption after leaving for one month?
634315y
When should I get a re-entry permit for my upcoming trip to the US from Thailand?
690338y
Resources
Need help with your Thai visa?
#1 visa agent · 4,000+ reviews · 100,000+ expats served