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How can I extend my stay in Thailand using a border run?

Thai Visa Regulations Visa Exemption Border Run US Passport Holders Tourist Visa Chiang Khong Immigration

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Brian *********

Brian *********

OP

asked Jan 1, 2026

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For all interested, with my on arrival visa about to expire January 1st 2026, I travelled to Laos December 30th, spent 2 nights there as required by Thai immigration and then re entered Thailand on January 1st. I now have a new 60 day on arrival visa stamp in my passport. I am a US passport holder 

I did this with proof of accommodations, bank statement, ample baht, and proof of departure in march. Immigration did not ask to see any of these photocopies. I only presented my passport and digital arrival card.

I’m not saying you will have the same experience under similar circumstances but this is the way it went for me through Chiang Khong.

Best of luck to all who love Thailand and wish to extend their stay.

Happy new year, friends

Answer summary

A US passport holder shares their experience of extending their stay in Thailand by making a brief trip to Laos and re-entering Thailand, receiving a new 60-day visa exemption stamp. They note that they had all necessary documents but immigration did not require them. The post sparked comments about visa categories, border runs, and personal experiences with immigration procedures.

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Philippe *********

Philippe *********

Did you do this for many years?

0

Brian *********

Brian *********

OP

@Philippe ********

no. I was in Thailand last year but priors were long ago.

0

Lynnette *******

Lynnette *******

You don't have a visa. You entered without one: visa EXEMPT "no visa". If people enter several times and within the permitted stays, no extensions and border bounces they should be fine.

0

Fabiola **********

Fabiola **********

It's not a Voa, you're on visa exemption 🙄

2

James ********

James ********

@Fabiola *********

get sick of correcting them personally. Its exhausting. They still tell you you're wrong, so let them have their little "visa" and act knowledgeable

1

Brian *********

Brian *********

OP

@Fabiola *********

ok

1

Graham *****

Graham *****

Good post

1

James ********

James ********

of only he knew what he was talking about. A Visa exemption on arrival has never been and will never be a visa.

0

Thomas ***********

Thomas ***********

Every tourist visa can have new entry as visas conplstely reset at the new year you did nithibg spwcial you just too stupid to know imigration practice

2

John **********

John **********

@Thomas **********

there is no reset. The reset for border entries finished with the introduction of 60 day visa exempt entry

1

Ian **********

Ian **********

You don't have an on arrival visa, because you were stamped in visa-exempt. US citizens do not qualify for visa on arrival

6

Charlimo *********

Charlimo *********

whatever you call it...still same same, but different

1

Ian **********

Ian **********

@Charlimo ********

No it is not. Some countries actually qualify for visa on arrival and have to purchase that visa so calling a free visa-exempt entry a visa on arrival confuses everyone.

0

Jason *************

Jason *************

How long have you been in Thailand in total in 2025 before leaving and 're entering. Was that your first border visit out and back in.

2

Rob *********

Rob *********

Thanks for posting, as I need to do the same in February

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