Can I re-enter Thailand on the same day after a border run with a tourist visa?

Dec 25, 2024
a month ago
Kevin *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
I spend a lot of time in Thailand and I have done border runs travelling as a tourist visa but if I flew out of the country, am I allowed to come back the same day or do I have to stay for 24 hours before I come back?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
You can typically fly back to Thailand on the same day after a short trip outside, but re-entry is at the discretion of the immigration officer. While there is no strict rule requiring a 24-hour stay outside, having a clear intent to return, proof of onward travel, and a valid visa or visa exemption increases your chances of smooth re-entry. Frequent border runs may raise questions, so be prepared to demonstrate your travel plans.
Frangipani *******
if you spend that much time in Thailand, why don’t you get a proper visa rather than trying to circumvent regulations.
Peculiar ******
According to the Thai Immigration Bureau, there is no specific rule requiring a 24-hour stay outside of Thailand before re-entering on a tourist visa. However, there are some guidelines and considerations:

Guidelines

1. *Intent to Return*: Immigration officers may ask about your intent to return to Thailand and your travel plans. Be prepared to provide evidence of onward travel or a return ticket.

2. *Visa Exemptions*: If you're eligible for a visa exemption (e.g., citizens of certain countries), you might not need to worry about the 24-hour rule. However, it's still essential to check with the Thai embassy or consulate in the country you're visiting.

3. *Tourist Visa*: If you're traveling on a tourist visa, you should be aware that Thai immigration may scrutinize frequent border crossings or same-day re-entries.

Considerations

1. *Immigration Officer Discretion*: Ultimately, the decision to allow re-entry lies with the immigration officer. They may ask questions, request documentation, or deny entry if they suspect you're attempting to circumvent visa regulations.

2. *Airline Regulations*: Check with your airline to see if they have any specific requirements or restrictions for same-day re-entries into Thailand.

To minimize potential issues:

1. Ensure you have a valid tourist visa or visa exemption.

2. Be prepared to provide evidence of onward travel or a return ticket.

3. Be respectful and cooperative with immigration officers.

4. Consider staying overnight outside of Thailand to avoid any potential complications. You should also consider reading a book or two before your travel.. I'd recommend a book "Thailand Unveiled 2024-2025" by James Anderson on Amazon..it has all the info and recommendations you need..you should check it out 😀
Graham ******
@Peculiar *****
link to this please
Kevin *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Todd *********
@Kevin ******
In other words.... yes.
Visa **********************************
The same day will be ok. Only a problem if you have been in Thailand for more than 6 months in a row. But it's up to the immigration officer on the day. It's very hard to give a definitive answer because there are lots of different factors. I think you will be ok
Brett *****
Get correct visa simple
Todd *********
@Brett ****
tourists don't need a visa. Even more simple
Brett *****
@Todd ********
if they are constantly coming in and out they do 🤡
Todd *********
@Brett ****
not really at all. Have friends here over 4 years doing it. Be ready to answer questions and enjoy. It's pretty easy.
Brett *****
@Todd ********
and does that make it right ? Takes 1 immigration officer to say no and it's been happening
Todd *********
@Brett ****
I would have to say - yes, that makes it right. Immigration can halt it when they wish. The reality is that they don't. And if concerned with outcome, use a 'softer border' or use FastTrack on airport arrival. Works great - agent will meet you at the gate
Brett *****
@Todd ********
mate I have a retirement visa no need
Todd *********
@Brett ****
- great. It's the way to go for sure. But some people gotta be innovative. I have LTR - no need to visit immigration for the next decade. Best visa this country has ever offered.
Brandon **********
You should stay and see the other country . Many benefits . One of which is fewer potential issues in the future with immigration. Just heard a guy was asked to leave after a legal less than 24 hour border run at the following time he tried to re enter the country.
Todd *********
@Brandon *********
just heard of 4 million people who did the same thing this month with no issues at all.
Brandon **********
@Todd ********
it was posted on this page.

Where did u ur 4mm number from?

Also do u believe visiting Laos or Cambodia is a bad idea ? Seems like a win win to me .
Todd *********
@Brandon *********
there are about 3.5 million tourists monthly in thailand. And a completely unknown number of long stay expats. Nobody has any idea of the real number of daily border bounces, but judging by the incredible number of agencies conducting daily runs, it's a significant number. And inevitably the odd border bounce (for people who foolishly don't use an agency) will go awry. But the percentage is miniscule. And it's a great idea to go visit any of the 4 neighboring nations anytime. Or any of the 10 SE Asia nations. But it's not always what people want. And if so, they are not required to spend any time out of thailand to come back in
Brandon **********
@Todd ********
here’s the story. Looks like he had to go to another island it was ok

*********************************************
Kevin *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Brandon **********
I’m not a visa Nazi . I just don’t get why you would waste days to just turn around at a border. Who loves thailand that much ?
Todd *********
Kevin *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon *********
one time I did a 24 hour stay in Cambodia and a local told me that if I fly out of Bangkok, I could fly right back if I wanted, I was just wondering if that was true
Kevin *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Brandon **********
Ps this example was on this forum go to recent history and find it
Jan ******************
You can normally fly back the same day, but if they will allow you depends on your previous travelling history and the discretion of the IO your standing in front of.
Jan ******************
@Kevin ******
If you just want to get a new 60 days visa exemption, your safest bet is to use a professional land border transport company. They’re fair priced (3-4000 baht), will bounce you in some hours, know the name of the game and won’t bring you unless they’re confident in getting you another exemption.
Kevin *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jan *****************
would you have any recommendations for a border transport company? I’ve never done that before.?
Gardar ***************************
@Kevin ******
depends where you at
Graham ******
No minimum stay outside but you cannot get a Tourist Visa in a day anywhere neighbouring Thailand, I think you mean Visa Exempt entry i.e. no visa
Kevin *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Graham *****
yah thanks
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