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

Nov 13, 2024
8 days ago
Lawrie *******
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 current 60-day visa on arrival applies to all methods of entry into Thailand, including land, sea, and air. However, the number of times a person can make border runs is uncertain and depends on the discretion of the immigration officer. While some may manage a few border runs, there are concerns about potential crackdowns on repeated entries. Additionally, there is no definitive information about the upcoming Southeast Asian visa or the implementation of the $13 tourist tax, which has not yet been enforced.
Thomas *******
Why did I read this in a British accent?
Stuart *********
@Thomas ******
No idea. I’m Scottish so I write slowly so people can understand my accent.
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.
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.
Phil ******
@Lawrie ******
its an Exempt visa. Ie your stamped in without a visa for 60 days.
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.
Stuart *********
60 days by land, sea or air for exempt entries. No idea on the SE Asia visa.

Tax not implemented yet.
Lawrie *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Stuart ********
Thanks.Stuart.
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