Answered2 years ago

How can I maximize my stay in Thailand after entering with a visa on arrival?

Visa on Arrival Thailand Visa Rules DTV Visa Education Visa Visa Extensions Immigration Policy

asked Mar 16, 2025

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Please forgive me if this has been asked and answered but, you know,  adhd....lol

I recently visited Thailand for two weeks and I am looking to stay in Thailand longer. If I enter Thailand in May, will that still be  with a visa on arrival for (60) days and with an extension for 30 days, making my total stay 90 days or will my previous visit be counted towards the 60 days?

Can I then do a border run to Viernam or Malaysia, stay for a week or two, re-enter for another 60 days with a 30 day extension? Can I leave again to Vietnam or Malaysia,  then apply for a dtv or education visa? I am still a bit confused as to how to maximize my stay before utilizing a dtv or education visa.

Answer summary

The conversation addresses how to maximize a stay in Thailand after an initial entry using a visa on arrival. The user inquires whether their previous stay counts towards the new entry and learns they can extend their stay for a total of 90 days initially. Commenters warn the user about potential issues with immigration officers if they frequently use visa exemptions to stay in Thailand without a proper visa. They suggest applying for a Digital Nomad Visa (DTV) from a neighboring country to secure a longer stay.

13 repliesnewest first

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Anonymous ******************

If you have the resources, I would recommend applying for the DTV from a nearby country ASAP. The visa is still somewhat new but the requirements may change over time and become more strict.

2 years ago

Asia ********

Anonymous participant 510 I think I will do that. I may take a side trip while I am there...but do you know if the 2 weeks I just spent there counts towards the 60 days?

2 years ago

Anonymous ******************

@Asia *******

As long as you exited after the two weeks, you will receive a new 60 days next time you visit.

2 years ago

Asia ********

Anonymous participant 510 ty

2 years ago

Tod *********

Doubtful you came in visa on arrival <- that is something sold to people from 31 countries for 2000baht for 15 days only

It is far more likely you showed up here without any visa and were stamped in FREE for 60 days on the visa exempt entry program

What you're not gonna do (for very long at least) is live here milking free stamp entries w/30 day extensions 😮

I would say come here free stamp 60 day entry, take the 30 day extension if you want to,

BUT

during that time find a way to get the DTV and go to a nearby country and apply thru the thai consulate there. Then come back in on it and get the 180 day entry stamp you get from a DTV

You wouldn't be fooling any one at passport control with the "go to a nearby country, stay a few days or so, come back to thailand for a new free entry stamp". They'll know 100% that the only reason you did that was to get a new free entry stamp for 60 days

They are far harder on people who they think are living here free stamp now that it's 60 day free entry than they were when it was 30 days free entry. You run a risk of being denied entry.

Just come here and plan on getting the DTV after the first 90 days

2 years ago

Asia ********

@Tod ********

"Doubtful you came in visa on arrival <- that is something sold to people from 31 countries for 2000baht for 15 days only

It is far more likely you showed up here without any visa and were stamped in FREE for 60 days on the visa exempt entry program

What you're not gonna do (for very long at least) is live here milking free stamp entries w/30 day extensions 😮 "

These parts of your response was VERY unneccessary since I was just asking a question.

1. You can " doubt" all you want and " It is far more likely you showed up here without any visa" I havent even left the States yet and was asking for clarification.

2. The " what your not gonna do is live here milking free stamp entries" tells me you THINK you can talk anyway you want to people....very wrong.

The next time, refrain from answering anything I post with your passive aggressive answers. If you can't just provide a clear and concise response without being rude or sarcastic, don't respond at all!

2 years ago

Jason *********

@Asia *******

unfortunately there are a few people like that on here. The know it alls. The “ do your research before asking” type. If you don’t want to answer respectfully don’t answer. Prob the unhappy people in life. Anyways if you need any help feel free to reach out.

2 years ago

Toni *******

Get your visa now, they can deny your entry any time if you dont have one.

2 years ago

Asia ********

@Toni ******

2 years ago

Wannikea *********

Better to go to a neighboring country for the DTV after your first visa exempt entry and extension. DTV is good for 5 years, 180 days each entry

2 years ago

Asia ********

@Wannikea ********

2 years ago

Greg ********

Each time you enter on Visa Exempt it is 60 days which can be extended in country for another 30 days. As for the amount of times this is possible in a short period is down to the discretion of the Immigration Officer. In the past people did this and TR's for years but at the moment there seems to be a clamp down on this. If the IO thinks you are not a genuine tourist they can refuse you entry. Been a few reports of this recently.

2 years ago

Asia ********

@Greg *******

2 years ago