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Do I need to leave Thailand for at least one night for a visa run in Phuket?
Jan 5, 2026
4 months ago
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTERJust spoke with Immigration at Phuket town. They said you have to leave the country minimum 1 night. They dont accept visa runs the same day anymore. So lucky checked.
TLDR : Answer Summary
Recent communications with the Immigration office in Phuket indicate that individuals must now leave Thailand for a minimum of one night and cannot complete a visa run on the same day. However, comments from the community suggest that this information may not be universally applicable, as experiences with visa runs at different borders, such as Ranong, imply that same-day re-entry is still permissible for some residents. There is an overall consensus that clarity on these regulations varies by location and that it's essential to verify with local immigration points or visa run services for the most accurate information.
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Mo ******
I left 1 month ago. I hope this is enough…
Tod *********
You and the immigration office are confused.
Keep in mind the immigration office inside Thailand has nothing to do with you actually getting into Thailand because that's done at entry points and the immigration office is not one of those.
There is no rule about how long you have to be out of Thailand, none nothing written not at all.
There are Visa Run companies that take people to the border bounce them out bring them right back and they are fine, although they pay at the border to get you out and back that quickly.
Keep in mind the immigration office inside Thailand has nothing to do with you actually getting into Thailand because that's done at entry points and the immigration office is not one of those.
There is no rule about how long you have to be out of Thailand, none nothing written not at all.
There are Visa Run companies that take people to the border bounce them out bring them right back and they are fine, although they pay at the border to get you out and back that quickly.
Andrew ********
Immigration office is not the immigration at airport but this is solid advice - either way
Chris **********
No it isn't, it's absolute nonsense
Andrew ********
@Chris *********
my point is the IO at port of entry will do what they want at the time you are there - like any country the IO at entry decision is final and can counter the advice at any immigration office. They may not care about same day then they may deny cause they dont have a good feeling about history and deny exempt stampChris **********
@Andrew *******
My point is that it is not solid adviceAndrew ********
@Chris *********
why not? Doesnt hurt to wait a day i mean you are going to travel anyway why not take a day to enjoy some place newReply to
Andrew ********
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Peter **********
Ranong visa run can be done same day for DTV. I did last week. That is possible for Phuket residents.
Paul *******
@Peter *********
That's interesting and unusual....in 2024, Ranong was very particular about showing the 3 proofs, even if you were on a multiple entry marriage visa and you were heading to Myanmar for several days. While you could talk your way out of them, at first, they were insistent on all of them.
I didn't like my experience there, though it was routine on my way back...no questions asked.
Peter **********
@Paul ******
maybe I just got the IO on a good day.Paul *******
@Peter *********
Well, either way, I'm glad everything went well for you! It re-affirms my desire to go down there. Not for a border run, but for the same reason I went in 2024 - to see the islands of southern MyanmarReply to
Paul *******
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Dan *******
Immigration in Phuket Town will probably not know the correct answer to your question.
The people who will know are working on the land border check points and the way you will find out is by asking the border run company’s who have direct contact with them.
The people who will know are working on the land border check points and the way you will find out is by asking the border run company’s who have direct contact with them.
Paul *******
@Dan ******
If you happen to be at a land border you can ask yourself.At certain land borders, they post the actual rules...but most are related to rules on visa exempt bounces.
One border, namely Chiang Khong, has a very interesting list of requirements for DTV bouncers...however, I assume these rules apply only to 1) actual same day bouncers and 2) particularly those who have a history of maxing out or almost maxing out their stays.
Dan *******
Yes correct and you also need to know whether these rules apply when using a border run company
Reply to
Dan *******
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Alex *****************
It doesn't mean anything
Todd *********
Phuket town doesn't issue visas for returning border bounces or visa runs. What are you talking about?
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Todd ********
I called them and asked if I have a DTV visa can I go and come back the same day. I asked in July 2 diffrent officers at the airport and they told me yes you can no problem. I just dont want to stand there and get denied ...Todd *********
Anonymous participant Why would you call them? They don't stamp you back in at Phuket town.... When you return from Thailand via air or land you are stamped back in by IO's at that location. Not at an immigration office in a city. You have a 5 year visa with unlimited entries. Feel free to use it.
Reply to
Todd *********
Reply
I **************************
Nothing to do with DTV!!!!
Anonymous ******************
Some things applicable to Phuket got nothing to do with the rest of Thailand , so needs to be double-checked
Greg ********
Was that the airport immigration saying that or the local office?
Harold *********
@Greg *******
thanks you just saved me a trip. I was worried because I am going to Vietnam for 3 weeks and I was hoping not to have any problems on returning. I will bring proof of funds a copy of my return ticket and the receipts from my rent Lots of Love ❤️
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Greg *******
Phuket town office. Her English was good and said they don't accept that anymore you need to stay 1 night. So I'm a bit confused... Rather not waste a night there unless need too ... But dont want any problems coming back either...Greg ********
Anonymous participant Good info. I would just play it safe and enjoy a night or two somewhere.
Reply to
Greg ********
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