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Does the 180-day stay rule in Thailand operate from January to January or from the date of entry?

Oct 12, 2025
3 days ago
Jim **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Can someone tell me if the 180 stay is from January to January or 365 days from the day you enter? I was there November to January 21st then came back in March for 60 days, did a border run and was the for 136 days this year. Thanks for your help.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion revolves around whether the 180-day stay rule in Thailand is calculated from January to January or from the date of entry. Responses clarify that for tax residency, it generally follows the calendar year. The original poster is concerned about their ability to return to Thailand given their past stays and the implications for their allowable days remaining.
John ******
Yes 1st January till 31st December is thai tax year some countries like Australia it's 1st January till 30th June
David *******
@John *****
Australia is 1st July to 30 June
Robert *****
Calendar year
J **************
DTV=DUMB TOURIST VISA
David *******
@J *************
It's really starting to look that way!
Jim **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thank you. I was under the impression the immigration would only allow you to stay 180 days a year.
Graham ******
@Jim *********
your impression is wrong
Judy *******
@Jim *********
it depends on the visa you have
Michael ********
180 days is tax resident no direct link with immigration and entry yet. Gray area
Alastair *******
180 days or greater accumulated in a calendar year as the Thai tax year uses the calandar year. Local tax office can help you fill in the Thai tax return, which needs to filled in the following tax year.
Lynnette *******
What 180 days rule do you mean?
Jim **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
It matters because I want to come back in November and if it’s from January to January I’ve already been in Thailand 136 days which means I can only be there 44 more days this year so I can’t come back until November 17 and stay through December.
Graham ******
@Jim *********
There is no 180 day Immigration rule
David *******
@Jim *********
I don't know where you're getting those numbers from
Ian ******
If you are referring to tax residency I understand it is from January to January. It refers to days not nights so if you come one day and leave the next it counts as two.
Bob **********
What does it matter
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