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How long do we need to stay in a third country before returning to Thailand on a 60-day visa exemption?
Thailand Visa Exemption60-Day Visa ExemptionVisa ExtensionsDigital Nomad VisaImmigration AdviceTravel with Kids
Dec 13, 2025
5 months ago
Jonah *************
ORIGINAL POSTERHow long do we need to be away (third country, not “home”) between 60-day exemptions?
I am a solo mom with two kids, all American passports on a 60 day exemption, which is up on the 26th of Dec. I intend to get a DTV as a digital nomad, but wanted to see how it is before going through the whole process, as this is our first time in Thailand.
My rough plan is to be in Taipei for Feb/ March, and apply for Thai DTV from there. In the meanwhile, we’ll be going to Malaysia over winter break and planning to return Jan 1. We won’t be there long enough to wait for the DTV to go through, so we’d be returning for another exemption. Is 8 days long enough they would be okay with another exemption? Or would they be okay with it because it would be only our second entry?
Alternately we could stay in Thailand over break and apply for an extension but I don’t know how likely it could be refused, or if the 30 days starts the day we apply, or if it gets added to our original date.
I am a solo mom with two kids, all American passports on a 60 day exemption, which is up on the 26th of Dec. I intend to get a DTV as a digital nomad, but wanted to see how it is before going through the whole process, as this is our first time in Thailand.
My rough plan is to be in Taipei for Feb/ March, and apply for Thai DTV from there. In the meanwhile, we’ll be going to Malaysia over winter break and planning to return Jan 1. We won’t be there long enough to wait for the DTV to go through, so we’d be returning for another exemption. Is 8 days long enough they would be okay with another exemption? Or would they be okay with it because it would be only our second entry?
Alternately we could stay in Thailand over break and apply for an extension but I don’t know how likely it could be refused, or if the 30 days starts the day we apply, or if it gets added to our original date.
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user inquires about the duration required to be outside Thailand (in a third country) to qualify for another 60-day visa exemption after their current exemption expires. They are considering traveling to Malaysia shortly before returning to Thailand and are uncertain whether an 8-day absence is sufficient for re-entry under exemption rules. Comments suggest that the immigration officer's discretion plays a major role, recommend obtaining a 30-day extension instead, and advise consideration of alternative locations for extended stays.
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Jonah *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Shane **********
I don’t want it to be drama! 😆Shane ***********
@Jonah ************
so many opinionated idiots on these sites, the responses are entertaining 🤣🤣Jonah *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Shane **********
omg you have no idea…Reply to
Jonah *************
Reply
James **********
I would have the cash in my wallet, and the hotel lined up
John **********
One option is go to Langkawi and then come back in on the ferry via that Satun checkpoint. This location does not have high traffic of foreigners so they will likely not give you a hard time.. especially with only 1 60 day visa exempt entry.
Roger **********
American passport you must show all your internet history.
Jonah *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Roger *********
“wow you watch a lot of Minecraft tutorials.”Reply to
Jonah *************
Reply
John **********
8 days is irrelevant in your case but much simpler just to get the extension.
Jonah *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@John *********
sorry, by irrelevant you mean not long enough, or that they would probably let us back in with less time?John **********
@Jonah ************
it will be viewed as a border bounce. If you have zero previous history in Thailand you should get back in ok, but why would you when an extension provides the time you need. Just get the extensionReply to
John **********
Reply
David **********
If you haven't already done a 30 day extension on your 60 day visa exempt entry, I would do the extension. The extension adds 30 days to the date your current entry ends (which you state is Dec 26) It costs 1900 baht per extension vs the cost of going to Malaysia with the uncertainty of being allowed back in on another exemption.
Another thing - you said your rough idea was Taipei for about 2 months. Have you considered Vietnam? Specifically Da Nang/Hoi An. For 25 dollars you get a 90 day Evisa for Vietnam and the cost of living there should be much more affordable than Taiwan. Just something to consider.
Another thing - you said your rough idea was Taipei for about 2 months. Have you considered Vietnam? Specifically Da Nang/Hoi An. For 25 dollars you get a 90 day Evisa for Vietnam and the cost of living there should be much more affordable than Taiwan. Just something to consider.
Jonah *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@David *********
thank you! Extension sounds like the safer option, so I’ll do that. Do you have an idea how likely an extension is to be approved on a first exemption? I have looked at Da Nang, and would love to go at some point! I was thinking Taipei next as we are queer and vegan and Taiwan has a reputation to be great for both. Then when we have a Thai DTV we can have a base in Chiang Mai while we visit other countries.
David **********
@Jonah ************
you will need to fill out the form for extension (I think it's called TM7), have your TM-30, copies of passport stamp, picture page, etc. and 1900 baht. Since your current exemption runs out on December 26th, you should be within the window to extend. Just go to your nearest immigration office this week. Da Nang has a GREAT vegan food scene, not sure about the queer part though.
Reply to
David **********
Reply
BrightHe*********
Don’t put your kids in an uncertain situation that comes with multiple exempt entries like this.
Jonah *************
ORIGINAL POSTERBrightHedgehog159 so what do you recommend? Getting an extension until we’re able to go to Taiwan for long enough to apply for the DTV?
Reply to
Jonah *************
Reply
Jack ********
30 day extension gets added to your original date. You won’t ’lose’ any days doing it early
Jonah *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jack *******
thank you!Reply to
Jonah *************
Reply
Brandon ************
This is not a question that has an answer. It's as long as the immigration officer you stand in front of when entering Thailand thinks is enough. Every officer has their own idea of what's enough and what isn't. If you are doubting whether you are out long enough, then maybe you aren't.
Jonah *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Brandon ***********
yes, we are on our first exemption, nearing 60 days, no extension. It would be the second exemption.Jonah *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Brandon ***********
I hadn’t been doubting when we originally planned this, but now everyone is questioning! So you’re saying now there are essentially no guidelines for a second exemption visit?Bob **********
@Jonah ************
if this is your second exemption and you didn’t extend the first one you should have no problem just stay a weekBrandon ************
@Jonah ************
pretty much. Just make sure you have the 3 proofs whatever you doJonah *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Brandon ***********
okay, thank you! Sounds like doing an extension is safest for now. :)Reply to
Jonah *************
Reply
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