How many border bounces can I do in a year on a visa-exempt entry to Thailand, and will using different passports matter?

Question

I was hoping to spend 6 months in Thailand this year. As I understand it, you can do two border bounces per year to achieve this. I wanted to spend two months in the South, and four in the North. Unfortunately, I messed it up, did a border run in the South, but only stayed for a week before leaving. Then had to do an emergency border bounce from Vietnam to BKK, to extend my stay in Vietnam, and was only in BKK for a couple of hours. So I've already technically entered on Visa exempt twice this year. How likely will I run into trouble if I try to enter Chiang Mai next month, and bounce once from Chiang Mai? Would it matter if the entries are in different passports? The first two are in one passport and the other is in another.

Ask Thailand · Answer

The user inquires about the rules concerning border bounces for entry into Thailand under visa-exempt status, particularly after having already entered twice in a year. They express concern about potential difficulties re-entering Thailand at Chiang Mai after another bounce and whether using different passports for entries may affect their situation. Community comments clarify that: 1. There is a general limit of two visa-exempt entries via land borders each year, but no limit when entering by air. 2. Entries are linked via biometrics regardless of the passport used, making attempts to circumvent restrictions ineffective. 3. Based on their limited time in Thailand, they are likely to face no issues and are advised to consider applying for a 60-day tourist visa instead.

Michael ******* · Answer

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Todd ********* · Answer

Fly out and fly back. Should be no issues

Kilie ******* · Answer

Why don't you just apply for a 60 day tourist visa which you can then extend by 30 days.

Brown ******** · Answer

Sounds like you haven't spent enough time in Thailand for red flags. You should be fine to enter and bounce

Stuart ********* · Answer

Entries in to Thailand with different passports are linked via biometrics. Trying to circumvent the system by using one versus the other won’t work. Your entries are all linked.

Zac ******** · Answer

As above you can only do 2 visa exempt entries at land borders per calendar year, this doesn't apply to entering by flight

Brandon ************ · Answer

The limit is 2 entries without a visa (visa exempt) at a land border. There's no limit when you fly, until the officers decided you've done it too much.

How many border bounces can I do in a year on a visa-exempt entry to Thailand, and will using different passports matter?

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