How can UK citizens extend their stay in Thailand through visa exemption and what are the best options for a border run?

Question

Hi there, 
I have a question regarding visa exemption extension and, possibly, boarder runs please. I’d be grateful for any help anyone can give. We’re UK citizens.

We’ve been in Thailand for about 45 days having arrived on a 30 exemption and renewed at the Blue Tree immigration office in Phuket once already. Our stamp says we can only be here until 3rd June but we’d like to stay until early July. From what we’ve been told, it’s not possible to get our exemption renewed again so instead we have to leave the country and re-enter, in which case we’ll get another 30 day exemption which can then be renewed again (once) at an immigration office.

Firstly, Is that all correct as I’ve set out above please or have we misunderstood anything?

Secondly, we’re in Koh Lanta at the moment but thinking over moving to Ko Samui shortly. What would be the most hassle free way to do a boarder run from either of those places please, and what does in entail? 
We’re thinking of going to Kuala Lumpa by plane potentially. 
Is it a boarder ‘run’ or a boarder ‘bounce’ that we’re doing? 
How long do we need to be out of the country for? Are there any risks of us not being let back into the country? 
Any other hints and tips hugely appreciated.

Many thanks in advance 🙏😊

Ask Thailand · Answer

The user is inquiring about their eligibility for extending their stay in Thailand under a visa exemption, specifically after initially entering the country on a 30-day exemption and extending it once already. They seek confirmation of their understanding that they need to leave Thailand and re-enter to obtain a new exemption, as well as guidance on the most convenient border run options from their current location in Koh Lanta to potentially Ko Samui and then to Kuala Lumpur. Responses confirm their understanding of the visa rules and suggest various border run options, including flying to Kuala Lumpur, making a stop in Ranong, or using agents for assistance.

Leo ****** · Answer

Fast boat to Koh Lipe and then Ferry to Langkawi.. Spend a fee days in Langkawi and then Ferry back to Koh Lipe.. Check back in and travel to wherever..

James ********* · Answer

Thank you everyone - really helpful and very much appreciated 😊

Todd ********* · Answer

Find an agent on Koh Lanta to take you on one of their border bounces. Meet some new friends and good experience. Shorter drive than from Koh Samui

Richard ********* · Answer

as above head to Ranong via mini bus from Lanta to krabi bus station an than local bus to Ranong ( 7-9 hours total ) long tail boat across to Kwathoung Burma<$10 to stamp in an out of Burma.

Back to Thailand< Boat is 50 baht/seat one way or 500 baht/boat r/t

easy and than head to Samui...

PS: Immigration wont let ya depart if they wont let ya back in  🙂

OR fly

Nigel ********* · Answer

On your way to Koh Samui, stop off at Ranong. Do your border bounce there then head on to either Surathani to get to Samui. Or keep it simple and fly to Kl

Onne *********** · Answer

out/in

Brandon ************ · Answer

Yes your understanding is correct.

It's a border bounce, but border run is fine to say as well.  As long as you don't call it a visa run.

Flying to Kuala Lumpur and back is just fine.  There's no minimum time to be out of the country, but you'll need to stamp out of Thailand, stamp into another country, and stamp back into Thailand.  So if you go to Kuala Lumpur for example you need to go through passport control and not just sit in the airport until a flight back to Thailand.  But crossing through passport control then going straight to the checkin desks to checkin to a flight to Thailand is perfectly fine.

Roberto ********* · Answer

If you've no recent history of multiple entries you'll have no problem. Border bounce or border run is the same thing, just work on your spelling! 😆

How can UK citizens extend their stay in Thailand through visa exemption and what are the best options for a border run?

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