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Do I need to leave Thailand after 6 months on a DTV visa, or are there alternatives?

DTV Visa Visa Extensions Immigration Thailand Immigration Rules Border Runs Traveling to Malaysia Traveling to Singapore

Aug 21, 2025

3 days ago

Marvin *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hello everyone 🙂

Do we really need to leave Thailand after 6 months with DTV or there are other solutions to get another 6 months? 

Thank you very much!!

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The conversation discusses options for extending a DTV visa in Thailand, which typically allows a stay of 6 months. Users suggest that while it is possible to apply for an in-country extension, it involves a cumbersome process with extensive paperwork. Many recommend simply traveling outside of Thailand (e.g., to Malaysia or Singapore) and re-entering to obtain another 6-month stamp, noting that this is often seen as a more convenient solution.

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Nicholas ********

I don’t see any issue with getting a 180 extension. It’s the same paperwork as getting the original visa. A couple hours of paperwork is better than the hassle of flying out of country for me.

2 days ago

Marvin *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Perfect thank you for alll your answers

3 days ago

Wannikea *********

Leaving is better than the option of an in-country extension and the 0.4 meters of paperwork that will be requested. Regardless, you'd have to leave after 360 days anyway.

3 days ago

Steve *******

You can leave anytime during those 180 days and when you get back you get another 180 days.

A lot of people seem to think that they're stuck in Thailand for the entire duration of their stamp.

And yes, you can get ONE 180 day extension per entry, but the process requires the same documents you used when applying for the visa, so its easier to just fly out and in.

3 days ago

رسلان ***********

I usually fly to Singapore for a day and then back. It's a good opportunity to have some fun.

3 days ago

Andrew ********

Bro go travel. Stop being lame.

3 days ago

Ossie *********

Can you not do a border run just exit then re enter

3 days ago

Oliver **********

@Ossie ********

yes did it last month to Malaysia 🙏

2 days ago

Reply to

Oliver **********

DTV_Be*******

Just do an out/in

I used to fly to KL at 0800 go through immigration by 1100 go to check in and be on a flight by 1300 and back at DMK by 1530

It’s super simple and barely an inconvenience

3 days ago

Anonymous ******************

DTV_Begpacker do we need to clear immigration in malayasia

3 days ago

DTV_Be*******

Anonymous participant 683 yes you do on both in/out

3 days ago

Reply to

DTV_Be*******

Pete *******

In country extensions are available at your local immigration office however even they recommend just exiting and re-entering the Kingdom.

3 days ago

Nick ******

Well, you can get it extended here, in Thailand, but... you probably don't want to go through the hassle and stress of doing the extension locally, at your nearest immigration centre. They'd ask for a pile of documents and updated statements that can be hard to get. It seems to be MUCH easier to simply travel outside of Thailand and then back in, you'd get a new stamp for 6 additional months, in less than a minute.

3 days ago

Reply to

Nick ******

Why is there a requirement to leave Thailand every 6 months on this visa?

72 comments

10 days ago

Can I travel out of Thailand with a DTV visa without issues, and what happens after the first 6 months?

20 comments

a month ago

What is the best way to extend a DTV visa in Thailand - through an immigration office or a border bounce?

24 comments

a month ago