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How can I split my time between Thailand and Cambodia without issues related to my visa status?

Thailand visa rules Visa exempt entry Tourist visa Cambodia immigration Expat advice Visa extension Frequent border crossings Immigration regulations

Mar 28, 2024

7 months ago

Troy ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hello everyone. 🙂

I want to split my time between Thailand and Cambodia. 

I have a UK passport and have just been to Thailand and used my 60 day visa, left and now in Cambodia.

My plan was to stay in Cambodia for 30 days and then back to Thailand get 30 day visa on arrival and then extend days while there making another 60.

I’m very confused by it all and wanted to know how many times I could do this in a year as it’s not clear to me? 

Effectively 60 days in Thailand followed by 30 in Cambodia and keep repeating this….

If need be I can stay longer in Cambodia each trip for example 60 days in Thailand and 60 days in Cambodia as visas not an issue in Cambodia.

Thanks in advance for any input. 🙏🏼 😊

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user plans to split time between Thailand and Cambodia using a UK passport. They seek clarity on visa rules, specifically regarding the ability to stay for 60 days in Thailand followed by 30 days in Cambodia, and repeat this cycle. Commenters warn against relying on tourist visas and visa-exempt entries for long-term stays, suggesting potential refusals at immigration. They recommend applying for a proper tourist visa at a Thai embassy to avoid complications.

Lloyd ****

Apply for a 60 day visa at Thai Embassy then get a 30 day extension when in Thailand after that go to Cambodia or wherever and apply again for a 60 day then get a 30 day extensions this will be easier and cheaper on you.

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Graham ******

Many Thai Embassies are now limiting Tourist Visas to one per 365 days to stop this type of behaviour

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Graham ******

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Christopher *************

Just get the right visa and there should be no problems. Immigration are getting a bit antsy when it comes to what you are doing. Just maybe, one day one will say no wat through and put a stamp in your passport?

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Frank *********

Your playing with fire

Immigration is not as relaxed about this approach to long term stays in Thailand on visa free entries…

Why not buy the correct visa so no need play musical countries?

It’s only money…

Probably cheaper than traveling multiple times between the two

Buy the visa and save yourself the trouble of needing to worry about being denied

Is just a thought… 😂

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Troy ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Frank ********

yes I understand, but I have family there and not eligible for a retirement visa or any other than I can think of. The education visas not ideal either. Thanks

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Graham ******

@Troy **********

Family as in a Thai wife or child because, if so, problem solved?

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Troy ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

no unfortunately not kids or a wife it’s my brother I’m trying to stay close to, my home is normally Cambodia which is easy for the visa. Thanks

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Troy ***********

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Christopher *************

Can you not get a visa that allows you to do waht you want?

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Marc ********

Once they see you have been in Cambodia for a month they will not make a problem.

They just don't like if you only stay a week or two

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Troy ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

reassuring, thanks.

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Troy ***********

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Henrik *****

Instead of leaving in the end of 60 day touristvisa, you could have extended with 30 days, then leave for Cambodia for a period, apply for a new 60 day Tourist visa from there, which again can be extended 30 days.

Fewer bordercrossings in play, and maybe a longer robe before the inevitable serious talk with a Immigrationofficer, who only do his job, seperating real tourists from longtime stayers on a wrong visa.

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Jamie ******

99% of non Thais are all tourists no matter how long they stay ..so I’m confused by your thinking about “ real tourist “

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Henrik *****

You got your definition of tourists, completly wrong.

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Henrik *****

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Troy ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

thanks, I was shy about approaching the Thai embassy in Cambodia for another 60 day visa. I thought it better to fly in direct and extend whilst there but maybe I’ll give it a go. The worse they can do is say no. Thanks

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Troy ***********

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Bart **************

It's gonna stop when immigrations (or an embassy) sees that you are using tourist visas and exempt entries to stay long term in Thailand. Give it 6-12 months, then you'll be refused entry.

It could stop sooner if you try to enter by land a third time in a calendar year. That is not possible. But then you can still get a tourist visa from a nearby embassy.

It also stops if you try to get a second tourist visa within a calendar year at a nearby embassy. Embassies further out do not have a specific limit, but neither will they endlessly grant you tourist visas.

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Troy ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Bart *************

I thought month in Thailand and two months in Cambodia on a cycle would be fine but maybe it will catch up with me. Thanks

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Bart **************

@Troy **********

going at the limit may still be seen as pushing it and not endlessly work. But as long as you leave yourself enough time to still exit Cambodia if you are refused, you could just test your luck.

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Troy ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Bart *************

sorry back to your last message you mentioned only be granted one tourist visa at the embassy per year. I just had that from the Thai embassy in Cambodia. Does this mean I shouldn’t try again through them and just fly straight in an get a visa on arrival? Thanks

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Bart **************

@Troy **********

I don't know exactly how that count works. It would make sense that any embassy that limits tourist visas to one per calendar year now wouldn't grant one to you anymore for this year, because the rule would be too easy to work around (just go to another nearby embassy, there are enough of them). But logical thinking has shown to not always be the best predictor of Thai visa rules.

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Bart **************

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Troy ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Good to know, I might make it two months in Cambodia and two in Thailand and see what happens. Thanks

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Bart **************

@Troy **********

you're still

***

of your time in Thailand. The soft limit that some embassies and other bodies communicate is

***

of your time. But it's not a set rule.

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Bart **************

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Stuart *********

There is no such thing as a 30 day visa on arrival. I believe you are referring to a free 30 day stamp that UK passport holders get. It’s not a visa. It’s just a stamp. It’s called a visa exempt entry.

By land borders you can do two of those in a calendar year. Each entry gives you 30 days and you can get an extension for another 30 days at a local immigration office.

By air there is no set limit, but at some point in time you’re going to get questioned why you are trying to stay in Thailand long term without a correct visa - and could possibly be denied entry.

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Troy ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Stuart ********

thanks for your time, excuse hey confusion.

I guess I will give it a go and see how it works out, do they give you a warning the first time they pick you up on it or literally say you can’t come in?

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Troy ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

I wonder if being cleanly shaven and dressed smart helps or if it’s just politics and down to passport country. 🤔

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Jan ******************

@Troy **********

Cambodia is as I’ve understood more liberal regarding stay and entries. A long stay visa with multiple re-entry permits on your extension in Thailand could maybe be a better and more safe alternative. Then you can come and go at least in Thailand as you wish. (If you’re passed 50 years and have income min 65k thb a month).

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Jan ******************

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Sigurd ************

@Troy **********

It is up to the Immigration offiser, but I think you will get a warning.

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Stuart *********

@Troy **********

That’s going to be up to the individual officer but in practice they generally will give you a grilling and then say “OK, this is your last time you can do this” or such. Heed that warning.

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Troy ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Stuart ********

thanks so much

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Troy ***********

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Graham ******

@Troy **********

Land borders they will refuse you, turn you around and tell you to try by air, at the airport the normal resposnse is to give you a grilling in a side-room and tell you next time you must get a Visa before stamping you in.

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Troy ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

thanks for the info

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Troy ***********

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