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Can I extend my stay in Thailand with a border bounce for an additional 180 days?
Thai Visa RulesBorder BounceExtension of StayNon-O VisaThailand ImmigrationTravel AdviceExpat Life in Thailand
Feb 2, 2026
3 months ago
Piotr *******
ORIGINAL POSTERHi. Can I just do a border bounce (literally step in and out) to extend for another 180 days?
Cheers.
Cheers.
TLDR : Answer Summary
Yes, you can perform a border bounce to reset your stay in Thailand for another 180 days. Many expats have shared their experiences confirming this practice. However, it's essential to understand that this is not an official extension but a fresh start; your current stay will void once you exit Thailand. You can do this anytime, not just before the 180-day mark. It's also advisable to prepare the necessary documents, like your passport and visa, and consider taking the opportunity to explore nearby countries instead of making it a mere formality.
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Michael ********
I have done ths like 10 times in the last 19 months of having the DTV - no issues whatsoever
Si ****
Hi, do you have got Thai tax numbers and in case, how you got it?
Bob **********
Obviously you haven’t been in SEA very long it’s nice to visit other countries take a look around Thailand isn’t going anywhere
Piotr *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Bob *********
i have visited SEA. Im coming here from 2016. Now i live in Thailand for two years. Usually im leaving Thailand by plane to visit other countries but this time i dont want to go. Just want to do a quick one. "Obviously "Reply to
Piotr *******
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Andrew ********
Did it two weeks ago no probs. Immigration in Laos asked if I was here for a border run. Did mini bus from CM very hard on the back. Good driver just a long day
Andrew ********
I had about 15 docs - everything. They just wanted pport and copy of visa but I would take everything
Reply to
Andrew ********
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Nick *********
I just did it via plane to Malaysia and back. Went for lunch, returned, no issues and new 180 day stamp. Im probably going to do a land border next time
Steve *******
Yes. You have a valid visa.
But it's a MUCH better option to use this opportunity to take a weekend trip to Kuala Lumpur, Da Nang, Hong Kong or some other amazing city nearby.
Don't sit in a van all day when you can enjoy a hot bowl of Ichiran Ramen or see the view from the Petronas Towers skybridge.
But it's a MUCH better option to use this opportunity to take a weekend trip to Kuala Lumpur, Da Nang, Hong Kong or some other amazing city nearby.
Don't sit in a van all day when you can enjoy a hot bowl of Ichiran Ramen or see the view from the Petronas Towers skybridge.
Oliver **********
@Steve ******
why?? You can get on the 5am ferry drive down to Malaysia be back home by 6pm easiest quickest waySteve *******
@Oliver *********
if that's your idea of a good time, I won't try to change your mind.Reply to
Steve *******
Reply
Piotr *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Steve ******
usually i do that. This time i just need to do a quick one. So i shouldn't expect any problems?
I just need a passport (obviously) and the DTV visa, right?
Asso ******
I don’t see why anyone would waste money on an agent to escort them during a border bounce. Spending that money on a nice day (or two) in another country seems to be a much more pleasurable option... But may be it is just me
Alexander ***********
@Piotr ******
it’s not quick at all anymorePiotr *******
ORIGINAL POSTERAlexander ***********
@Piotr ******
Border runs to Laos. They pick you up at 17:00 and you come back the next day in the evening. It’s a torture. Flying out is a much better option.Reply to
Alexander ***********
Reply
Elías ********
Not a extension but a new fresh start. You don't need to wait until the 180 days mark, can do it anytime.
Piotr *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Elías *******
yeah. I know that. Thanks.Reply to
Piotr *******
Reply
DTVPeck********
It depends on the border crossing. In the north, Chiang Khong is pretty safe for a same day border bounce. But I still have an agent escort me to get me back into Thailand with no issues.
James ********
Wise advice ✅
Reply to
James ********
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Robert *******
Yes, but you do not extend.
Your current stay gets void at exit and after the entry and exit stamp of neighbor country you get a new max 180 day stamp at entry into Thailand.
Be aware that you need a new TDAC, tdac.immigration.go.th
Your current stay gets void at exit and after the entry and exit stamp of neighbor country you get a new max 180 day stamp at entry into Thailand.
Be aware that you need a new TDAC, tdac.immigration.go.th
Dany ********
yes. thats what many people do
Reply to
Dany ********
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