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

Visa regulationsThailand VisaBorder runsVisa exemptionUS passportChiang KhongEntry requirements
Jan 1, 2026
20 hours ago
Brian *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
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
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user successfully extended their stay in Thailand using a border run, re-entering the country with a new 60-day visa stamp after spending 2 nights in Laos. They shared their experience, mentioning that Thai immigration did not request additional documentation such as proof of accommodation or bank statements during their re-entry at Chiang Khong. Several commenters engaged in the discussion, clarifying details about visa classifications, particularly around visa exemptions for US citizens.
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Philippe *********
Did you do this for many years?
18 hours ago
Reply
Brian *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Philippe ********
 no. I was in Thailand last year but priors were long ago.
18 hours ago
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Brian *********
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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.
18 hours ago
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Fabiola **********
It's not a Voa, you're on visa exemption 🙄
19 hours ago
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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
18 hours ago
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Brian *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Fabiola *********
 ok
19 hours ago
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Brian *********
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Graham *****
Good post
19 hours ago
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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.
18 hours ago
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James ********
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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
20 hours ago
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John **********
@Thomas **********
 there is no reset. The reset for border entries finished with the introduction of 60 day visa exempt entry
18 hours ago
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John **********
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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
20 hours ago
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Charlimo *********
@Ian *********
 whatever you call it...still same same, but different
18 hours ago
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Charlimo *********
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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.
20 hours ago
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Rob *********
Thanks for posting, as I need to do the same in February
20 hours ago
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Reply to
Rob *********
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Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
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