Can I obtain a 6-month visa in Thailand for health and fitness work, or should I do a border run?

Question

Hi all , I’m here in Jomtien on a tourist visa and have already used my 60 days + 30 days extension that it allows me. I would love to stay for 6 months more here to work on my health and fitness. Is there way or a paid service via an agency here in Pattaya that I could get a 6months visa (Muay Thai, cooking?) .

Technically I could just leave do a border run as they say from Vietnam/combodia re-enter and get another 60+30, however I have read recently that people doing this have been questioned on entry??. I love Thailand and have long term goals of being here , hence I don’t want to take a mis-step. So I was looking if maybe a visa agency in Pattaya could help me with a paid service for a 6 months visa. Thanks

Ask Thailand · Answer

The user in Thailand on a tourist visa is seeking advice on extending their stay for 6 more months to focus on health and fitness. They have exhausted their initial visa period (60 days + 30-day extension) and are hesitant about the border run method due to potential scrutiny at immigration. Community responses indicate that a 6-month visa cannot be obtained while in Thailand, advocating for a border run instead using professional services to handle the logistics. There are warnings regarding possible complications based on the user's nationality and recent changes in visa policies that may alter tourist immigration rules.

Gurdavar ******** · Answer

The Thai government is implementing a change where the visa-free stay period for tourists will be reduced from 60 days to 30 days. This change is expected to be effective soon, with the exact implementation date still being discussed. The reduction is primarily aimed at addressing concerns about the misuse of the visa exemption program, particularly illegal business activities and employment.

While the exact date of the change is still pending, it's likely to be implemented soon. The Tourism and Sports Ministry, along with other stakeholders, are currently discussing the details of the implementation. Tourism operators and authorities have voiced concerns about the exploitation of the 60-day visa-free stay by some individuals for illegal activities, leading to the decision to reduce the stay period.

Nairit ******* · Answer

May I know which passport do you have, if it's a South Asian passport, the immigration officers at the border might make problems when you do a border bounce, better to take a flight and re-enter  from Airport immigration. Flights from Thailand are quite affordable to neighbouring countries.

Steve ******* · Answer

You won't be doing a border run to Vietnam, it doesn't border Thailand!

Kabir ******* · Answer

While doing border run, search for visa on arrival board where they charge 200 baht at bkk airport when arriving back. They will not ask any questions.

John ********** · Answer

Use a dedicated border bounce company to take you out and back. They won't take you unless they can be sure to get you back in

Gardar *************************** · Answer

I would border run with car service. Add them on line they take you 5am and you back before 5pm. 2900 baht included a lunch on the way back.

Brandon ************ · Answer

You don't have any options except a border bounce. You don't even have enough time yet arrange an agent

Jan ****************** · Answer

You can’t get a six months visa inside Thailand. Soft power options for a DTV is an option but it’s a five years visa and also have to be applied for outside Thailand. Personally I would just have used a professional transport company to bounce me out and back for another or maybe two more visa exemptions.

Brad ******* · Answer

Just take a quick flight out for a weekend and return..if it's your first time I doubt you'd face any problems at airport immigration.

Can I obtain a 6-month visa in Thailand for health and fitness work, or should I do a border run?

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