Answered2 years ago
How does the 180-day rule affect tourists staying in Thailand on exempt visas?
Maybe someone who actually experienced this can give clear explanation. About the 180 days, is it total stay in Thailand even though we go out after 90 days..so with 60 visa exempt +30 ext, then go out to come back with another 60 + 30 extension, is that it, comprising the 180 days allowed? How long do we need to be outside after this 180 days to be able to come back using the 60 +30 days again? Tia..
Answer summary
The discussion clarifies that there is no strict '180 day rule' governing how long travelers can stay in Thailand using visa exemptions. Travelers can enter Thailand multiple times on visa-exempt entries (usually 60 days with an extension of 30 days) after exiting the country, without being restricted by a 180-days-per-year rule. While concerns about potential immigration officer scrutiny exist, many participants share personal experiences of crossing borders to renew their stays and emphasize that the process is uncomplicated and often does not require extended time spent outside Thailand.
39 repliesnewest first
Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.
Terary **********
You are only required to be out for as long as it takes to come back in. My last border run, 2 weeks ago, I was in Cambodia for 15 minutes.
Maxim ***********
For those nervous about the "180 days" ruling. I've been here for over a decade. I did my third border run of the year 10 days ago, no question asked. I'm married so I can always get a marriage extension if I need to, but hate the 400k requirement and bouncing is less expensive than using an agent. Do not listen to angry old fart with zero experience bouncing in and out of Thailand. It takes 10 min. You get out, turn the corner on the other side of the Nong Khai bridge and come back into Thailand. It's that quick.
Todd *********
There really is no 180 day rule at all
@Alma **************
. Every time you enter, (Canadian passports?) you will get 60 days, which can always be extended for 30 days more at any immigration office for 1900 baht. After 90, if you wish to stay, simply exit and come back when you wish. You can border bounce on same day with a visa agency or take a little time to visit nearby country and return. Each time you will get another 60 days which can always be extended. There is no 180 day per year restriction. You could quite easily do 360 like this if you are actually here for tourismLuc ************
@Todd ********
555 until you are stopped by the IO. Spending 365 days in a year on a tourist exempt is not possible.Maxim ***********
@Luc ***********
I'm on day 4356.Todd *********
@Maxim **********
that’s definitely more than a year 😂Luc ************
@Maxim **********
👏👏👏👏👏Todd *********
@Luc ***********
555 u must be new. It sure is possible.Todd *********
@Luc ***********
not new. Many people for many years. There are no specific restrictions on how many times you can repeat this cycle. And now it’s easier than ever with 60 day visa exemptions. If concerned about immigration issues, people border bounce with agencies or pay for FastTrack services at airport entriesFrom Buriram, I imagine people use the nearby Cambodian border points?
Luc ************
@Todd ********
new? Live in Buriram.
David *******
180 days in Thailand during a single calendar year （eg 2024） means you are considered to be Resident in Thailand and must comply with Thai laws for Residents which includes a tax declaration on 31 March the following year.
Ian **********
@David ******
Only if you have a tax liability in Thailand. There is no obligation to file a return if there is no liability.David *******
@Ian *********
i think you're wrong. Even if you owe zero as a Resident it's your responsibility to make a tax declaration （eg “i owe zero”）and be able to prove it. Apparently （if we're to believe what we're told） governments who are signatories to an international agreement share your financial and banking information with other governments so in theory Thai authorities can check your banking information in home country （I'm very skeptical but that's the line being pushed by the tax advisors here）Ian **********
@David ******
Every tax resident can be investigated and if found to be evading tax they will be prosecuted but if found to owe no tax then no action will be taken. In Thailand, it is illegal to evade paying tax but it is not illegal if you don't file a return because you owe no tax.Ian **********
There is no limit on how many times you can enter visa-exempt by land, sea or air but your entry is always at the discretion of the IO. The 180-day rule has to do with tax residency. It is doubtful it will affect tourists
Kevin *******
@Ian *********
I thought foreigners were only allowed to enter by land twice a year?Ian **********
@Kevin ******
That changed when the visa-exempt entry was changed from 30 to 60 days
Garrett ***********
@I**
Your entry isn't at the discretion of an IO, there are laws everyone on both sides have to follow. If an immigration office wants to refuse you entry, there must be a legal basis to do so. Entering Thailand often isn't a legal basis to refuse someone entry.Ian **********
Total rubbish. If an IO thinks you are not a genuine tourist then he or she can select you for secondary screening and you are then subject to all the petty rules that are not normally enforced. 20,000 baht in cash, proof of accommodation for the first 24 hours, and evidence of a return/onward flight within the initial visa-exempt period. If you comply with all these, they will tell you it is your last visa-exempt entry this year and mark your file. Even an official visa does not guarantee you entry as all entries are at the discretion of the immigration officer and that is the law!
Alma ***************
OP@Ian *********
so we can just always keep our fingers crossed that an Io is in a good mood everytime we reenter..we have been here for years just doing extensions and border runs without any problem. It is new to me this 180 days if one of the changes included in the new rule. We are over 55 and decided to just stay here in Thailand till we finally decide to go back to canada
Cissi *********
@Alma **************
if you are living in Thailand you should get a proper visa! The visa exemption is for tourist purposes and it is just a matter of time until you will get denied entry because of that reason... As Thailand starts with the ETA system (around new year) you will not be able to continue doing what you've been doing...Cissi *********
@Todd ********
sure, I can agree with you to some point - using or abusing the system... to me it's almost the same thing. As I see it, is clear that visa exemptions are not meant to be used for living in Thailand for years - that people choose to and succeed to do so doesn't mean they are meant to. I think I made my point and I definitely understand what you are writing... and as I wrote, the OP can keep going in and out on visa exemptions as long as it works. Is it right? Well, everyone is entitled to their own opinion...Todd *********
@Cissi ********
you can’t really ‘abuse’ the system at all, as they will stop you if you feel you are. It’s the system they built for tourism and long stay and you can absolutely use it as you see fit. It’s only westerners who perceive ‘abuse’ of the system. Which is simply irrational. There are people here for many years without visa for whatever their reasons are. If and when they feel you should have a different visa or mode of entry, they will let you know. Until then, keep using the system as you see fit. It’s SE Asia. That’s how things work
Cissi *********
@Alma **************
since you made a comment that you've been doing this for years you are not considered to be a tourist by the immigration laws - even if you consider yourself as one - hence I stick to the opinion of getting a visa for long term staying. But hey, of course you can choose to continue abusing the system of Thailands generosity with their visa exemption scheme - I mean as long as it works, it works...
Entry into Thailand, no matter what visa you hold or not hold, is at the discretion of immigration.
When they decide a person is trying to stay in Thailand long term on tourist entries, they will eventually question it and put an end to it...
Alma ***************
OP@Cissi ********
we are basically tourists spending more money than other tourists helping the economy by virtue of this country's generosity inviting foreigners to spend money here instead of other asian countries. As Todd said if we don't need one we don't need to get one..we have been exemplary tourists here and never had issues with the law. But thanks for the concern ...I think we believe that only those with wrong intentions and bad stories should be weary and afraid of what might be..for us it's just a matter of buying the ticket if need be.Alma ***************
OP@Todd ********
thanks Todd..Todd *********
@Cissi ********
that’s exactly it. And then next time use agency or FastTrack. Or different entry point. There will always be some lax ones. With ‘proper visas’ in Thailand there has always been a large challenge for people under 50. Retirement visas easy. But now, with DTV, Thailand has created one of the easiest to acquire 5 year residency visas on earth. So people planning on long stay may as well use that now. Easy and dirt cheap
Cissi *********
@Todd ********
you are right, they wont get denied entry, they will be questioned and most likely warned/told to get a visa next time.My opinion and advice is still to get a proper visa.
Todd *********
@Cissi ********
if you don’t need one, don’t get one. And it’s not a matter of time at all. They won’t be denied entry, they will be warned. There will be a discussion. And then you consider your options. Get a visa. Use a border bounce agency. Use FastTrack services. ETA might change things. Might not.Ian **********
@Alma **************
There is no new rule. 180 days in any calendar year makes you a tax resident in Thailand and that has always been the case but you only have to file a tax return if you have a tax liability in Thailand. Eg, you earn money here, own shares or investments in Thailand or bring money onshore that has not been taxed under a double taxation agreement. Many ppl have had trouble at border points with multiple visa-exempt entries so it is best to use an agency to do a border bounce as they have agreements with border staff. Poipet border should be avoided as it makes its own rules.Alma ***************
OP@Ian *********
thanks..we don't have any of that tax issues..we still file our 0 income tax in Canada, we don't work here not receiving any pensions from overseas..
Rini *********
@Ian *********
is it for me better( i am 50+) and want to learn thai on school.To take the DTV and leave Thailand with 179 days ? Thanks
Ian **********
@Rini ********
The DTV can be extended for a further 180 days for 10,000 baht or simply leave and come back visa-exempt for 60 days which can also be extended for 30 days @ 1900 baht
Graham ******
@Rini ********
If you have a valid DTV you will get 180 days each entry, it is not a total of 180 days per yearRini *********
@Ian *********
thank ian ...when i go to Cambodja for one day ( border run ) will i get the extended 60 days ? Or do i have to stay for say 3 days ? What is your advice. Thank you. Also when i want to live every year in the summer for 179 days in Thailand. Is it better for the i.o. to apply for the DTV . Mutch thanks for your advice
Brandon ************
There is no 180 day rule. There is no requirement to stay out of Thailand for any amount of time.
Luc ************
@Brandon ***********
correct but the IO will start asking questions after 180 days.Graham ******
@Luc ***********
The IO could also start questioning after 90 days, 180 is not a majic number for IOs
Jo **********
@Luc ***********
not alwaysActivity
14 joined14
people
Related
25Will I be able to enter Thailand on a 30-day visa exemption if I have a return flight booked for November 10th?
1.3k10162mo
What are the changes to Thailand's visa exemption rules from September 2026?
16.9k1352192mo
Has the 60-day visa exemption for travelers been reverted to 30 days?
2.2k23114mo
What should I do about my 90-day flight tickets to Thailand now that there are new visa extension rules?
11.5k951395mo
When will the 30-day tourist visa in Thailand be reinstated?
5.6k51536mo
Are there limits on the number of times I can visit Thailand in a year under the new visa rules?
1.6k13157mo
Can I re-enter Thailand again in May 2026 after two recent visits under the visa exemption rules?
2.4k19197mo
Which neighboring country offers the fastest turnaround for obtaining a 60-day tourist visa if Thailand changes its visa exemption policy?
7.9k321768mo
What are the chances of getting a 30-day extension for a tourist visa at Koh Phangan after a border run?
7416210mo
Why should I get a Tourist Visa if I can enter Thailand visa exempt for 60 days?
14.3k932311y
What are the new visa exemption restrictions for entering Thailand?
7.3k47911y
Can I do another border run in Thailand after using my initial visa exemption and returning from Laos?
5k25532y
What are the drawbacks of the current visa options for expats in Thailand?
11.3k871372y
Can I spend 6 months in Thailand by using a combination of tourist visa and visa exemption?
3.4k21462y
Can I re-enter Thailand for another 90 days after exploring Southeast Asia for 5 months?
1.2k782y
Can I obtain a transit visa for a border run to Laos instead of a tourist visa?
2.5k20122y
How long can a married couple stay in Thailand on a visa?
1.2k1032y
Can I get a free 30-day visa upon re-entering Thailand after leaving for Laos?
2.2k2133y
What is the best method for a short re-entry to Thailand after exceeding a visa exemption extension?
2.4k14243y
How many visa exemptions can European passport holders receive in one year?
2.9k16413y
How many times a year can I receive a '30-day visa exemption' in Thailand?
4.5k29553y
Can I do a same-day border run to Laos for a visa exemption in Thailand?
3.2k30124y
Can we extend our stay in Thailand beyond 90 days on a tourist visa or visa exemption?
1.4k1075y
What should travelers know about proof of funds when entering Thailand?
6.3k171528y
Can I obtain another 30-day tourist visa for Thailand by exiting to Cambodia or Laos and re-entering?
1.9k16118y
Resources
Need help with your Thai visa?
#1 visa agent · 4,000+ reviews · 100,000+ expats served