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How does re-entering Thailand on a tourist visa work regarding extensions and conditions?

Thailand visa O-A visa Tourist visa Visa extension Visa exemption Entry requirements Immigration rules Expats in Thailand Visa runs

Jul 5, 2020

4 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi people, just recently joined this group and this is my first post. It is about a matter you will find pretty basic but I need to clarify as I am planning on spending much more time in Thailand as I can once I am able to do so. The O-A visa is an option but seems very cumbersome to renew, especially when it comes to renewing insurance etc.

If I enter the Kingdom on an Aussie tourist visa that gives me 30 days here, do I get another 30 days if say I go to Laos for a few days and come back in or does it depend on how I return (road versus air)? I think I read somewhere that you only get 15 extra days if you re-enter Thailand via road but I never see any one on these forums mention it and people always say they get an extra 30 days.

Also, does it matter how long I am out of the country to get the extra time in Thailand (can it just be one day?) and how many times can you do it before Thai immigration put a stop to it? 

Thanks for your help, any feedback is greatly appreciated.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The post discusses the complexities of extending stays in Thailand under a tourist visa, particularly focusing on the 30-day visa exemption for Australian travelers. It questions whether exiting and re-entering Thailand (for example, through Laos) grants another 30 days, considering the methods of entry (land vs. air) and potential limitations by immigration authorities on repeated entries. Responses clarify the current rules, stating that re-entering Thailand by air generally offers another 30-day exemption, while land crossings previously allowed for shorter extensions. It also emphasizes that the duration of stay outside the country before re-entry is not strictly defined but depends on individual immigration scrutiny, suggesting that after multiple entries, one might receive more questioning regarding their intentions.

Mick *********

I came into Thailand in February as a tourist and got a 30 day extension inside Thailand in March. At that time you could do it. Don’t know what the future holds.

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Garrett ***********

You don't need to be outside the country for any period of time. As for how long you can bounce around, it all depends. As long as you're not doing anything illegal and you're able to satisfy the entry requirements (20k baht cash, proof of an exit ticket, and booked accommodations) you shouldn't have any issues. After 4-5 entries they may pull you aside and question why you're in the country. As long as you're not working illegally and able to show how you support yourself you shouldn't be denied entry.

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Ross ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Garrett **********

thanks Garrett, that was exactly the info l was after!

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Steven ***************

Garrett is 100% correct. I once flew to Singapore, walked out Changi Airport, walked back in 10 minutes later, flew back to Bkk and re entered with no issue. As long as you are stamped correctly in passport, theres no minimum time.

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Steven ***************

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Garrett ***********

Welcome to the group mate. If you enter the country without a visa, you're given a '30 day visa exempt entry" (that is, entry without the need for a visa). It doesn't matter if you enter by land or by airplane, you get 30 days.

Inside the country, you can extend that 30 days once by an additional 30 days at an immigration office for 1900 baht. If you leave the country and reenter at a border, you get a new 30 day stamp. Note that you can only enter Thailand 2 times per calender year by land crossing with a visa exempt entry. By air, or with a visa there is no limit.

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Adrian ********

If in Au call thai embassy you can extend a month then extend again in thai if still doing this in Au gives you 3 months because 30 days is single entry so you can’t exit thai check see if this still the same only embassy will give you correct information just call them

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David ****************

Pre-covid you could do a 30-day extension inside the country without leaving. Doing land crossings at one time gave a new 15 day stamp but that changed years ago. It is now the same 30-day exemption stamp when you come back, which can again be extended 30 more days inside the country. Of course, things may change by the time you are allowed to come.

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Steven ***************

Aussies get 30 day visa exemption, not a 30 day visa.

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Bim *******

If you come in on a 30 day convert to a Non O in the country and get extensions of stay based on retirement without the need for the insurance as long as you meet the requirements

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Todd *********

is that essentially the only requirement for Non O? Open an account and put in 800k?

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Sammy *******

google and see embassy or consulate websites

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Todd *********

that would involve my precious time mate...

Thx 🙏. But not my forte lol

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Sammy *******

then I sm sure there are enough people here who will be happy to spend their precious time for you.

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Sammy *******

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Stuart *********

the money has to be the account 2 months prior to applying. In an account in your name only. It needs to stay in for 3 months after applying and the balance not fall below 400k for the rest of the year. Obviously if you’re applying for another visa in a years time the balance must be back up to 800k two months prior. You need various copies of passports, bank statements etc, but basically the 800k is the main requirement and being over 50 years old.

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Todd *********

thanks! Here on a one month tourist visa since Mar 19. So if and when amnesty is lifted, looking to stay until next summer by whatever visa is easiest. I am over 50

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Stan *******

a ‘tourist visa’ is not one month, it’s 60 days, extendable in normal times by a further 30 days for 1,900 baht.

I think, because you say you are Aussie, you’re referring to a Visa Exemption which gives 30 days stay and can also be extended for a further 30 days for 1,900 baht. Note that was pre-Covid and no one really know anything about what might happen once the amnesty is over.

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Todd *********

thx! I’m actually canadian and only chose Samui at last minute for COVID. So only the standard 30 day visa on arrival. I did not need to renew it as amnesty kicked in before expiry. And yes - good points about amnesty end... who knows? Thanks for the ideas!

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Stan *******

It's not a visa on arrival either! ;-) Those are only available for 18 countries and are for only 15 days, not 30.

Canadian, Aussie, whatever, you are from one of the numerous countries who are exempt from a visa and can get a **visa exemption** because you are, er, exempt from a visa if you are staying 30 days or less and from one of those countries..

It's all in this chart - study it well.

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Stan *******

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Bim *******

I think so. Maybe have to ask someone who has done one. I know the insurance isn't required although I do have that after living here 7 years anyway.

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Bim *******

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Kevin *****

Don't know about Laos but I used to do the border run by minivan to Myanmar. First trip we actually went into Myanmar for an hour then back, second trip we stayed at the crossing point and the agents did everything then we went across the road and walked back in. Not sure any of the border crossings are open for that at the moment though, I thinks it's just cargo getting through. If they open the borders for Visa runs it depends where you are in Thailand whether you go to Laos, Cambodia or Myanmar. There are visa agencies that do the run, I think it was pretty cheap as far as I remember. As I said though, nothing is open now or will be for quite some time to come to enable you to do that.

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Michael ********

But all this may change once lockdown is over. Nobody knows

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Bobby ********

@Michael *******

. Expecting a lot of things to change once the emergency decree is lifted. I'm expecting border bouncing may be a thing of the past. The PM is paranoid enough about Covid, he's hardly likely to agree to foreigners skipping in and out of the country in their hundreds! 🤣🤣

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Michael ********

yes expecting a shake up also. Can imagine all the crazy ideas they had during shutdown with Mr Walker

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Michael ********

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Esing ********

For a non Thai to enter in d Kingdom, look at d requirements.

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Ross ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thanks!

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Ross ********

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