This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.
How can I extend my stay in Thailand using a border run?
Thai Visa RegulationsVisa ExemptionBorder RunUS Passport HoldersTourist VisaChiang Khong ImmigrationVisa on Arrival
Jan 1, 2026
4 months ago
Brian *********
ORIGINAL POSTERFor 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
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
TLDR : 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.
Pelle Eriksson★★★★★
Absolutely Bangkok's best service I highly...recently on Facebook
Luca G.★★★★★
I used this agency for my DTV Visa...recently on Google
Trusted Thai Visa Agent
OVER 100,000 EXPATS SERVED
#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND
Philippe *********
Did you do this for many years?
Brian *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Philippe ********
no. I was in Thailand last year but priors were long ago.Reply to
Brian *********
Reply
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.
Fabiola **********
It's not a Voa, you're on visa exemption 🙄
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 knowledgeableBrian *********
ORIGINAL POSTERReply to
Brian *********
Reply
Graham *****
Good post
James ********
@Graham ****
of only he knew what he was talking about. A Visa exemption on arrival has never been and will never be a visa.Reply to
James ********
Reply
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
John **********
@Thomas **********
there is no reset. The reset for border entries finished with the introduction of 60 day visa exempt entryReply to
John **********
Reply
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
Charlimo *********
@Ian *********
whatever you call it...still same same, but differentIan **********
@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.Reply to
Ian **********
Reply
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.
Rob *********
Thanks for posting, as I need to do the same in February
Reply to
Rob *********
Reply
3 comments
4 months ago
16 comments
5 months ago
14 comments
5 months ago
6 comments
9 months ago
9 comments
10 months ago
32 comments
a year ago
49 comments
a year ago
33 comments
a year ago
18 comments
2 years ago
86 comments
2 years ago
25 comments
3 years ago
2 comments
3 years ago
8 comments
3 years ago
21 comments
3 years ago
14 comments
4 years ago
5 comments
6 years ago
13 comments
6 years ago
4 comments
7 years ago
3 comments
7 years ago
7 comments
7 years ago
0 comments
7 years ago
22 comments
8 years ago
16 comments
8 years ago
40 comments
8 years ago
7 comments
a month ago
9 comments
a month ago
21 comments
a month ago
16 comments
a month ago
8 comments
a month ago
The ask:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.