Do I need to be out of Thailand for a specific duration before returning on a visa-exempt status after a COVID visa extension?

Visa Rules COVID Visa Extension Visa Exempt Border Bounce Immigration Advice Thailand Immigration Visa Regulations

May 16, 2022

3 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hello! My COVID visa extension expires on May 28th. My plan is to do a border bounce but not sure to where yet. My question is: do I have to be outside of the country for a certain amount of days before returning to Thailand on a visa exempt? Any other contingencies I should be aware of?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user inquires about the conditions for returning to Thailand after a COVID visa extension set to expire on May 28th. Responses clarify that there is no strict minimum duration required outside Thailand before re-entering on a visa-exempt status, but factors such as past extensions may draw scrutiny. Users recommend being prepared with onward travel tickets and proof of funds. Additionally, questions arise about the possibility of obtaining another extension and the varying practices of different immigration offices regarding extensions.

Kimberly *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Yikes…yeah, I arrived on visa exempt end of September 2021, did a 30 day extension followed by 3 COVID extensions 😬

My Thai friend called the Petchabun immigration office and they said they weren’t doing extensions anymore. Is there a particular office that’s more like to grant me one?

3 years ago

Zap **********

Have you applied for another? Believe you can until May 24th.

3 years ago

Nigel *********

Michelle Zaparaniuk yes, that would be the easy option of course

3 years ago

Reply to

Nigel *********

There is no minimum time stipulated in law as to how long you need to be out of the country before you can return to Thailand. Some land borders have a local rule of 1 day ( I can't remember where now) . It all depends on your circumstances really, how long you been in Thailand ,how many extensions bla bla bla. Also some entry points appear to be more laid back than others. Have the 3 proof of's ready and you should be good to go.

3 years ago

Brett **********

How many covid exstensions did you have? If you've been here for quite a while and then do an immediate bounce they may well be suspicious of your reasons for being here. An onward ticket and proof of decent funds would be wise

3 years ago

Will ************

No but they will interrogate you thoroughly as a Covid extension was due to being unable to travel

3 years ago

Reply to

Will ************

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