Does the 60-day visa on arrival apply to all methods of entry to Thailand, and how many border runs can one do?

visa on arrival Thailand immigration border runs Southeast Asia visa tourist tax visa exemption

Nov 13, 2024

2 days ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

In the past there was a different no of days allocated to a visa on arrival for an overland entry (15 days) to Thailand vs an international airport entry (30 days)

Does the 60 days visa on arrival now apply to all methods of entry to Thailand. If the 60 day visa on arrival applies to border runs, how many of these can you do before they shut the door on you? Has anyone tested this validity? If so what is the number reached?

Looking a bit forward of that, is there any idea yet, when and how, the mooted 'Schengen' type S-E Asian visa will come into being? Either in a total model or a phased in model?

Also when does the Thai government $13.00 tourist tax kick in and will it be collected?

Thanks in advance.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The recent changes to Thailand's visa on arrival policy grant a 60-day entry regardless of the method used—land, sea, or air. However, the number of times one can repeatedly enter through border runs remains uncertain and is subject to the discretion of immigration officers, with varying reports ranging from two to eight permissible entries. The introduction of a 'Schengen-style' Southeast Asia visa is still unclear. Furthermore, the Thai tourist tax of $13.00 has not yet been implemented.

Thomas *******

Why did I read this in a British accent?

a day ago

Stuart *********

@Thomas ******

No idea. I’m Scottish so I write slowly so people can understand my accent.

a day ago

Reply to

Stuart *********

Lawrie *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Yes it is probably too early in this new immigration 60 visa on arrival to get someone who has tested the new system limit sufficiently. I would most likely only do it once or twice....but who knows. I would guess that sooner or later someone will abuse this 60 day recurring, via border runs, to the extent that they crackdown on it. I think the old 15 day land border run visas were done to try and get rid of lol perceived undesirables that were existing in Thailand 'on the smell of an oily rag' . But who knows, another military coup, could turn everything upside down again. That is the one that Thailand is good at ..... military coups, the 2006 coup that toppled Taksin Shinawatra , was very benign.

2 days ago

Luit *****************

@Lawrie ******

You never will find a fixed limit, because there is no limit.

It is for tourist use, not for living in Thailand.

It is no visa, so even at the first attempt you theoretically can be stopped if the IO has reasons to believe you use it incorrect.

a day ago

Phil ******

@Lawrie ******

its an Exempt visa. Ie your stamped in without a visa for 60 days.

2 days ago

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Phil ******

Stuart *********

No one knows how many exempt entries you’ll get away with as it’s up to the individual immigration officer you hand your passport to. Perhaps two maybe eight who knows.

2 days ago

Stuart *********

60 days by land, sea or air for exempt entries. No idea on the SE Asia visa.

Tax not implemented yet.

2 days ago

Lawrie *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Stuart ********

Thanks.Stuart.

2 days ago

Reply to

Lawrie *******

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