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Answered2 years ago

Can I return to Thailand after a short trip to Cambodia or Malaysia if I've already extended my stay?

Samantha **********
asked Apr 19, 2025
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Hi! If I came from the USA to Thailand on 60 days and then extended on 30 days would I be able to fly to Cambodia or Malaysia for 2-3 days and come back for another 30?

Thank you!!!
Answer summary
The original question is about the possibility of extending a stay in Thailand after a short trip to Cambodia or Malaysia. Key responses indicate that while it is technically possible to re-enter Thailand after such a trip, there is a risk of being questioned by immigration officials about the length of stay in Thailand. Prolonged stays can lead officials to scrutinize one’s tourist status, especially after an accumulation of 90 days on a visa-exempt basis. If re-entering, it’s emphasized to be well-prepared for questions and understand that entry is at the discretion of the officer. Some commenters suggest alternative strategies, such as leaving Thailand before the initial 60 days are up to avoid complications.
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Peter **********
Peter **********
If you’re planning to stay in Thailand more than 90 days but less than 120 days total, then you don’t need to bother with getting the 30 day extension. Just leave before your 60 days are up and then you’ll get another 60 days when you come back. That’ll save you the hassle and cost of extending, and as others have mentioned might make it less likely you’ll be questioned upon re-entry to Thailand (but still be prepared for the possibility).
Samantha **********
Samantha **********
OP
@Peter *********
I already extended the 30 days :/
John *********
John *********
Why all the fear mongering?

Some people want to spend more than 90 days here. Maybe even 180. Taking time off from work, working remote, don’t plan to stay long enough to get a DTV.

Plenty of people spend half the year in one country. And half the year in the next.

Are you suggesting they should get a tourist visa for the second “90 days” ?

That’s reasonable. Just takes a little bit of planning. You’re not breaking any rules.
Samantha **********
Samantha **********
OP
@John ********
I only wanted to stay 2 more weeks :,)
John *********
John *********
@Sama****
you’ll 100% be ok. Chances are you can show a ticket out of the country. End of case.

Good chance you get stamped without a question. They’re humans. Tell you overbooked your stay. Popped out to avoid overstay (because you respect Thailand and its laws) and you’re coming back for 2 weeks.
Leroy *******
Leroy *******
Have u asked a thai visa agent?
Bob **********
Bob **********
You’ll get another 60 plus you can extend but it’s up to the IO you stand in front of and many reports of people the extended being denied
Larry **********
Larry **********
Go spend a few weeks in the Philippines take your girlfriend I think you’ll have no problems and you get to live in a English speaking country for a few weeks
Jeff ******
Jeff ******
@Larry *********
if you can stay away from Manila , big shithole that it is
Phil ******
Phil ******
On re-entry you get another 60-day VISA EXEMPT but its up to the IO to let you enter. You may be questioned why so make sure you the 3 important requirements to enter.
Paul *******
Paul *******
If you get the 60 day visa exempt stamp and extend by a further 30 days at the Immigration office, Immigration class you as a tourist. If you then attempt to enter again on a visa exempt stamp, Immigration rightly consider that after on 90 day stay in the country that you are no longer a tourist but that you are attempting to live long term in the country. While there is no legal limit to the number of Visa exempt entries, once the Immigration officer believes that you are no longer visiting the country as a tourist he will deny you entry. If you have already stayed for 90 days on a visa exempt entry, then in future to guarantee entry into Thailand, you need to obtain a long term visa suitable to the reason for your stay.
Hans ******************
Hans ******************
@Paul ******
OK, but on this thai-trip i made a little mistake. I needed to stay 110 days, and went to the immigration office after the 60 days, and extended for 30 days.

I thought I'd get another 60 days.

So I had to go a small trip to Malaysia, and when o got back to Thailand I got 60 days more. Should have done that trip instead of going to the immigration office.

Next time I'll make the visa before leaving my country. Live and learn. 😉
Brandon ************
Brandon ************
Yes it's possible, but expect to be questioned upon re-entry. After you've spent 90 days in Thailand and then leave and return, they immediately know what you are doing (abusing the visa exempt system) and they no longer consider you a tourist. Your entry is at the discretion of the immigration officer.
John **********
John **********
Goggle it
Samantha **********
Samantha **********
OP
@John *********
I did and it’s mixed, thanks John :)
Timothy ***********
Timothy ***********
@Samantha *********
btw yes you can. I’m in BKK now and a friend of mine just got back from Laps. No worries
Timothy ***********
Timothy ***********
@Samantha *********
Be happy. I wouldn’t take advice from someone who can’t even spell Google 😅😂
Samantha **********
Samantha **********
OP

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