Answered2 years ago
How can I extend my stay in Thailand for 3 months or more without land border runs?
Hey guys, I’m currently in Thailand and trying to figure out how to stay longer—around 3 months or more.
I’d like to avoid land border runs (I really don’t trust those mini-vans 😅), but I’m trying to plan things out properly.
Here’s my situation so far:
- June 2 to July 10, 2024: I stayed in Thailand earlier this year (used the 45-day visa exemption + 30-day extension).
- December 9, 2024, to February 7, 2025: I’m currently here again (planning to use the 60-day visa exemption + 30-day extension).
I'm from Portugal, Europe..if that matters.
In February 2025, I’m thinking about leaving by plane for a week, go to China for a few days, and then flying back to Thailand.
My goal is to get another visa exemption for another 2-3 months.
I know it’s ultimately up to the immigration officer, but how strict are they considering the days I spent here the last year?
Would this work, or should I look into another solution?
I’m planning to get an DTV/ED in June 2025, so I just need to figure out how to handle my stays until then.
Thanks for any tips or experience you can share!
I’d like to avoid land border runs (I really don’t trust those mini-vans 😅), but I’m trying to plan things out properly.
Here’s my situation so far:
- June 2 to July 10, 2024: I stayed in Thailand earlier this year (used the 45-day visa exemption + 30-day extension).
- December 9, 2024, to February 7, 2025: I’m currently here again (planning to use the 60-day visa exemption + 30-day extension).
I'm from Portugal, Europe..if that matters.
In February 2025, I’m thinking about leaving by plane for a week, go to China for a few days, and then flying back to Thailand.
My goal is to get another visa exemption for another 2-3 months.
I know it’s ultimately up to the immigration officer, but how strict are they considering the days I spent here the last year?
Would this work, or should I look into another solution?
I’m planning to get an DTV/ED in June 2025, so I just need to figure out how to handle my stays until then.
Thanks for any tips or experience you can share!
Answer summary
A Portugal national currently in Thailand is seeking advice on how to stay for an additional 2-3 months without using land border runs. They plan to utilize the 60-day visa exemption followed by a 30-day extension and are considering a trip to China before returning to Thailand. The user is concerned about potential scrutiny from immigration due to their travel history. Various comments suggest that they may be able to successfully re-enter Thailand under the visa exemption, but advise on different strategies including visiting a local immigration office for clarity on their options.
21 repliesnewest first
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Benjamin *********
What do you mean by don't trust minivans? This is the best solution for you to achieve your stated goal. Quick border bounce through agent will guarantee your next visa exempt entry of 60 days. Then you can extend it for 30 more.
António *********
OP@Benjamin ********
I know it's the best way, but too many accidents and bad drivers related to them, sadly.Benjamin *********
@António ********
up to you I guess. Ive had no issues, but of course there are risks in anything.Bart **************
Be aware that February 7th is one day too long in your case. For a single day the 500 baht fine is normally waived, but you will still get an overstay stamp. The count works calendar day based, yielding one more day than a duration-based count would.
I think you should be fine with a third entry. Although you'll max out one stay, the one in June/July barely exceeds 30 days. There should be room for one additional entry. If they ask how many days you plan to stay, you could help your case presenting a lower number than 90.
You could also consider getting a tourist visa. Then the check of your travel history is done upfront. If the embassy is good with it, immigrations is not supposed to deny entry.
I think you should be fine with a third entry. Although you'll max out one stay, the one in June/July barely exceeds 30 days. There should be room for one additional entry. If they ask how many days you plan to stay, you could help your case presenting a lower number than 90.
You could also consider getting a tourist visa. Then the check of your travel history is done upfront. If the embassy is good with it, immigrations is not supposed to deny entry.
Dmb *******
How about go to your local Immigration office and ask what your options are and get it straight from the horse's mouth, ever office has it's different take on the rules and will ask for different documents, all you will get here is "think they know it all" people giving yoi conflicting answers so you will be non the wiser anyway
Bart **************
What a bunch of crap. The immigrations office cannot give him anything useful. Here, on the other hand, is where you can find people who know the ins and outs and can think along. If that's not you, perfectly fine, but don't send people to places that won't get them and further please.
Dmb *******
@Bart *************
your talking utter BS, every immigration office has a list if requirements for each type of visa, all are slightly different fact. So what crap you are spouting here, where do you recommend he goes and asks? A pharmacy? A flip flop shop? Give your head a shake and get back in your boxBart **************
@Dmb ******
sorry sir, I'm not talking BS there, but you are. Immigrations offices aren't even dealing with visas in the first place. You're speaking with way too much confidence there.I've already told you where the best place for advice is. It's here. For specific visa questions, the embassy is the go to place. Not immigrations.
Frankie *******
Once in thailand contact thai visa center n they can assist u in the best method n which route u can take that better suites u to stay longer n for what purpose n not just boom boom the thai gals one after another in the massag parlours freelancers n the bars from the waist up in one night in Bangkok
Ralph *******
@Frankie ******
How unnecessary to assume what he’s doing in Thailand. He just wants visa advice.Jo **********
you fine don’t worry
Kim *********
@Jo *********
well you are not inside the brain of the immi officer he will face so you really don't knowJo **********
@Kim ********
well after 150 entries in some years 10 visa exempt entries in a single year I have a lot of useful experience. And one of wife’s closest friends is a IO at the airport. The poster is not abusing the system as some doJo **********
@Kim ********
yes they are. They used to put up with people who would come visa exempt and then get an extension and then leave the country then repeat the cycle over and over again. They are not happy with that.Kim *********
@Jo *********
all right - but I hear they are getting more strict now
Luit *****************
3 times visa exempt within one year is a bit of a gamble, maybe better choose a organized trip, despite the fact you don't like the vans.
When they accept you, you are OK.
When they accept you, you are OK.
Steven *******
Visa-exempt is now 60 days plus one 30-day extension, so you’re good.
Graham ******
You do know that Visas exist, do you?
Brandon **********
@Graham *****
no they don’t. don’t need them anymore
Bob **********
There is no DTV/ED read the soft power requirements and you should definitely have the 3 proofs on you when returning as there pulling people aside for to many exempt stamps you’ll need 20k in baht or another currency,a flight onward within 60 days and accommodation
Chris *******
your plan should be fine. regarding dtv try to get it earlier, they might tighten up the requirements if you are going the soft power route. you could fly to vietnam instead and apply, should only take a week to get approved.
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