How many times can a US passport holder extend their stay in Thailand on a visa exemption?

Jul 12, 2024
4 months ago
Nika ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Since Google did not provide me with a solid answer …

US passport holder, on visa exemption with an extension for 30 days from the immigration office. After 60 days, left country and returned on another 30 days exemption. It is time for either another extension or visa run.

My guestion for you All … how many times (in a calendar year) can I visit immigration office, pay 1900 thb and extend? Is there a limit?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A US passport holder can extend their stay in Thailand on a visa exemption an unlimited number of times, subject to the approval of the immigration officer. However, there are nuances regarding the number of visa-exempt entries allowed each calendar year—specifically, two land borders and potentially unlimited air entries. Recent rumors suggest that the visa exemption rules may be changing to allow for longer stays.
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Terary **********
There is no limit to extensions but there is a limit to visa exempt (2 per calendar year by land, no limit by air).

The rules are suppose to change Monday to allow 60 days per visa exempt entry.
Joe **********
All these visas!.......it's as if we're not wanted here!
Gary *********
********************************************************************************************************
*****
56/thailands-new-visa-promotion-scheme-to-start-monday
Mark ******
Get a proper visa!!
Bart **************
Mark ******
@Bart *************
true, why?!!
Bart **************
@Mark *****
instead of supporting the question it would be great if you could enlighten us with an answer :p . Because for all we know, a genuine traveler who enters only two times and doesn't max her stays out can do so on exemption.
Phil ******
@Nika *****
border run and on the 1yth enter 60 days Visa exempt

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85-thailand-to-waive-visa-requirements-for-tourists-from-93-countries-starting-july-15/?utm_source=
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2-12
Nika ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Phil *****
love the comments under the article!

Thanks for sharing 🙏
Phil ******
@Nika *****
nah this time its true
Nika ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Phil *****
about time!!! But I will wait until I see first stamped passport hehe
Frances ********
Depends on immigration officer. We got chastised and something typed in the computer with the admonition “next time get a proper visa”. We only entered on a 30 day exemption twice! We travel around; a month in Thailand, a couple weeks in Laos, a month in Malaysia, back to Thailand…we didn’t think we were abusing the system.
Bart **************
@Frances *******
you weren't. IO had a bad day.
Todd *********
@Frances *******
you aren't abusing the system. Simply using the system provided. And for travellers, the TV, METV, or visa exemption is the way to go. As many times as you wish when travelling around the region
Sonja ******
@Todd ********
thank you 🙏
Sonja ******
I visited Thailand for first time last year.

I entered for 30 days then did a visa review at office. I then went to Vietnam for 15 days. And returned to Thailand for 30 days then went to Laos. For 3 weeks before having to head back to Thailand for a flight back to uk.

I returned to Thailand this year after 9 months away and they had an issue with me asking why I had returned? I had been out of the country for over 9 months!!! They said I was not allowed to renew my visa again? I don’t understand why they had an issue when it had been so long. Don’t know if I will be allowed back

In, in the future? I never overstayed a visa.
John *******
@Sonja *****
from uk she wouldn’t need a visa
Nika ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Sonja *****
I think, we are missing key info here … what visa did you enter with? What visa did you try to renew?

This post is about visa exemption- basically, no visa just an entry stamp on arrival and extending it in the immigration office (for a fee)
Sonja ******
@Nika *****
yes it was a visa on arrival or entry stamp sorry I’m not on the terminology. The first time I had it renewed at an office and each time after that, I left the country for a period of time and then came back the last time just to catch a flight home
Nika ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Sonja *****
ouch! In this case, imitation officer probably had a shitty day
Sonja ******
@Nika *****
I hope so as it really rattled me. I would love to return this year but am now a little worried about it! Was wondering if there was a visa I could apply for online before I go?
Joe ******
Immigration will stop you eventually.
Joe ******
@Todd ********
chill out dude, don't be sad and angry that you need to do border runs and pay dodgy agents to help you every year 😂😂
Joe ******
@Todd ********
go and book your bus trip to the border. 😂😂😂
Todd *********
@Joe *****
do you mind sending me your resume?
Joe ******
@Todd ********
looks like you lost it completely, maybe Thailand isn't working out for you 😂
Todd *********
@Joe *****
I’m stamped in until 2032 Joe boy. You? 😂😂😂😂
Joe ******
@Todd ********
2032 is that all? 😂🤣😂

You prebooked a lot of buses 😂😂
Todd *********
@Joe *****
l love your clueless spirit Joe. You must have been mocked relentlessly in real life’s, !

Buses? Do they have buses to escort us thru FastTrack at every airport?

Yup. That’s the max. Now look at your pathetic stamp facing 8 more renewals and knob gobbling at the bank and immigration. Sounds fun pool boy.
Joe ******
@Todd ********
it's sad when you get to your stage in life and you try to impress people with your passport stamp and fail 😂😂😂
Joe ******
@Todd ********
oh you are doing mom insults now.

You really do seem to have issues as a sad expat.

Like I said, Thailand is obviously not making you happy. 😂😂
Joe ******
@Todd ********
you are great at telling people you are a cheap fake without telling them you are a cheap fake.

I get your message 😂
Todd *********
@Joe *****
see ya Joe. Maybe one in 50k people has an IQ so low they need to be blocked. Best of luck pool boy. Seriously this #joemann child is posting memes. Bye Joe
Joe ******
Todd McGowan hold on, you are sitting with other tourists by the pool at 10pm with your 10 year visa, talking to them about their visas so you can prove something vague to me about your ludicrous claims?

You should try getting a real life old boy before it's too late 😂😂
Joe ******
@Todd ********
you seem desperate to impress me with something 😂😂😂

You just seem like a sad depressed bored expat, who thinks they are an expert 😂😂
Todd *********
@Joe *****
you mean facts lol?
Joe ******
@Todd ********
your facts that you know lots of people who stay longterm in Thailand without a visa 😂😂😂
Joe ******
@Nika *****
but you have no knowledge, or any choice without a visa, you will just have to see what immigration says. Good luck 👍
Joe ******
@Todd ********
nope, you cannot live in Thailand longterm without a visa.

You really should know this 😂
Todd *********
@Joe *****
I know dozens who are. And you probably do also… Sorry to disappoint you
Joe ******
@Todd ********
no you don't, please don't make up stories 🤣😂

I know many people like you who every year extend their dodgy retirement visas and panic every year not knowing if they will be caught out or not though.
Todd *********
Of course. Why would you worry? People crapping their pants over the potential of getting questioning is just ludicrous. Get a set of nuts and come in like most people do. If truly concerned use an agency or get FastTrack services.
Joe ******
@Todd ********
so you are happy arriving in Thailand with the possibility of not being allowed entry? I guess if you are just a tourist you can go elsewhere if refused.
Todd *********
@Joe *****
for sure. Or any country. There is always the ‘possibility’ but the likelihood is extravagantly remote. And if you use an agency or FastTrack (because of dubious history), you have no worries. Simple
Joe ******
@Todd ********
why not just get a visa if you really want to live in Thailand longterm though?

Simple 😊
Nika ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Joe *****
what visa? Retirement? Way 2 early! Student? Way 2 late … maybe let’s find Thai husband ✌️
Joe ******
@Nika *****
depends on your circumstances, there are many longterm visas you can get.

You don't need to use agencies, gamble or grow balls to stay in Thailand for long term. 😀👍
Nika ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Joe *****
except, I don’t want to stay here long term :)

Already have my 90 days visa for Vietnam for mid August.
Joe ******
@Nika *****
so why ask how many times can you extend?

You were not clear 😂
Nika ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Joe *****
because I might try to visit again in November and stay for Christmas.

Knowledge is power
Joe ******
@Todd ********
your advice is to grow balls and gamble, and that you know many people who live in Thailand longterm without a visa.

Grow up, you clearly know very little and have to use an agent to help you 😂🤣
Todd *********
@Joe *****
my advice is to continue on the precise pathway she is. You have lost track here lol. As I originally stated, there is NO LIMIT to number of extensions you can get annually. Dial down the silliness and help the poster out
Joe ******
@Todd ********
you are just making up stuff like you can stay in Thailand longterm without a visa.

Total nonsense.
Todd *********
@Joe *****
please come on down. I’m happy to introduce you to dozens of people here for years without long term visas. Don’t be afraid to converse with people
Joe ******
@Todd ********
there are millions of people in Thailand not on visas every year. But you can't stay in Thailand for years without a visa 😉
Todd *********
@Joe *****
tell that to the two people standing beside me now here since 2020 and 2019. Are you honestly this clueless mate??? Seriously. Thousands are doing this
Nika ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Todd ********
might not be earning much if Thailand asks for taxes. I believe, they are gearing up to tax anyone who stays more than 183 days
Joe ******
@Nika *****
don't worry about the taxes as you are only short term and won't go over 180 days.

But if you pay taxes already on your expatriated funds, then likely you will not owe much or anything at all depending on where you pay tax on your funds.
Todd *********
@Joe *****
you can decide that when you need to. The visas are easy. No point getting one until you are sure. And if still travelling a lot in and out of the country, might not be needed. Especially with new 60 day visa exemptions coming.
Joe ******
@Todd ********
you miss the point of the question of can you stay in Thailand doing visa runs? The simple answer now is no.
Joe ******
@Todd ********
never had to do a visa run or border bounce or use a dodgy agent in 20 years in Thailand.

I just do it better than you obviously 😂😂
Joe ******
@Todd ********
so you lack means to stay in Thailand without border runs and dodgy agents. Good to know.

That's why you have a belief you can stay longterm in Thailand without a visa. 😂
Nika ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Joe *****
let’s be positive! I don’t think they will unless we abuse the system
Joe ******
@Nika *****
I would not gamble on it if I really want to stay in Thailand. But you are abusing the system in a way instead of obtaining a long term visa
Nika ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Joe *****
huh??? Came for 30 days and extended in imitation once! Allowed?

Met someone great, would love to stay few extra weeks so decided to do visa run. Where am I abusing?

Asking a question for the future and learning few new things is not an abuse 🙄
Bart **************
@Nika *****
you're not abusing any system.
Joe ******
@Bart *************
you would be if you tried to live in Thailand without a visa long term doing border runs.
Bart **************
@Joe *****
Joe, take it easy dude. She is not living here, she's not staying long term, she's not close either. It would be fair if you removed the laughter emoticon, and your entire initial reply, because you're a bit lost on this one.
Joe ******
@Bart *************
chill dude she asked how many times you can extend on a visa exemptions and visa runs.

I just said the obvious fact that you can't. 😀
Todd *********
Honestly get a load of this
@Joe *****
fcukwit
Joe ******
@Todd ********
stop raging, get out of the bar and book your bus ticket to the border like you always do.

You are such an expert 😂😂
Todd *********
Look at this tool
@Joe *****
lol. it’s such a laugh. Tell us you have a single digit IQ and a Thai date to babysit you without telling us 😂😂😂
Nika ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Joe *****
glad you are not working for the immigration office! Where do you see any mention of living here long term?
Joe ******
@Nika *****
you obviously can't stay in Thailand indefinitely without a visa. You were asking how many times you can do it.

If you are just on holiday get a tourist visa, or if you want to live in Thailand get a long-term visa.

If you just want an extra couple of weeks, that's just up to the immigration officer.
Todd *********
@Joe *****
maybe. Maybe not.
Joe ******
@Todd ********
so do you maybe or maybe not want to gain entry into Thailand?
John *******
On the plus side of all this I hear a rumour that you may be getting 60 day visa free stamp as from Monday 14th…and extend that at immigration for a further 30 days each stamp…90-+ 90 = 180….plus x2 land crossing with 2 visa free entry stamps plus extension = 180 will be almost a year…..until someone clamps down on it
Lee ***********
@John ******
I read the same in the BKK news that the 60 days waiver starts on Monday 14th, however it said maximum 60 days, so wonder if the 30 days extension will be allowed, let's see.
Bart **************
@John ******
lots of assumptions there that I would regard highly ambitious.

Let's first consider that to date, IOs are generally less keen on letting you in once you go beyond the 6 month mark in a 12 month period on tourism-purposed visas or alternatives. There's no sign this soft limit changes with the new measures, so a fair assumption would be that you'd be let in twice to max out 90 days, and you could try to push your luck for more, but no guarantees. And that is not dependent on whether you enter by land or air.

All irrelevant in this case because the TS is staying far below 6 months. She's good with it without new norms.
Todd *********
@John ******
first entry 60+30. Border bounce twice is 60+30 each time. Total 270
John *******
@Todd ********
then do a flight and back ya never know ya luck….i know it’s pushing it a bit though
Todd *********
@John ******
would likely be just fine
Brandon ************
@John ******
no one knows if the 60 day visa exempt is going to be eligible for an extension.
Nika ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John ******
that would be sweeeeet! But let’s believe when we see it hahah! People got excited starting June 1st about that 60 days exemption 🤣
Todd *********
@Nika *****
it’s now in the Royal Gazette. Starts on Monday
Graham ******
Todd *********
@Graham *****
yessir. No further details though. But should start on Monday
John *******
Land crossing x2 per year (1st jan to 31st dec) by air is until the immigration decides your living there on tourists visas…so it won’t be unlimited times….at a wild guess id say you’d probably get away with around 9 months stay until they stop you entering
Nika ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John ******
wonderful, thank you for your time replying
Ning ******
unlimited, subjected to immigration's approval...
Nika ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ning *****
got it! Thank you
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