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How many times can I enter Thailand for 90 days using visa exemption in a year?

Visa ExemptionsThailand ImmigrationUK Citizen TravelVisa RulesBorder RunsLong-Term StayVisa TypesHua Hin
Sep 3, 2025
10 days ago
Selena ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi all.

Ideally, I'd like to stay in Thailand for 90days. Travel to a different country via air (Japan) or potentially land (Vietnam/Laos), back to Thailand, and repeat. How many times is this actually allowed in a 12-month period?

I'm a UK citizen and will be travelling to Thailand on Monday, 8th Sept with my 13y/o son. We have a house in Hua Hin yet never stayed for longer than 90 days in any 12-month period. The visa thing always boggles my mind and I've been to Thailand a fair few times now so apologies if this has already been asked. I did try the search funtion but I'm possibly not using the correct key words :/
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A UK citizen looking to stay in Thailand for 90 days can utilize visa exemptions for two 90-day entries followed by potential border runs to neighboring countries. However, the current climate of immigration enforcement is tightening, with many users reporting increased scrutiny on repeat entries. Generally, it is suggested that after two exemptions or 180 days in the country within a short timeframe, further entries might be refused. To extend stays, travelers are advised to consider obtaining visas fit for long-term stays, such as a multiple entry visa.
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Simon *******
My friend just returned for the 2nd time this year after flying out and coming back after 7 days ,immigration told him this is the last time you will need a visa next time.

Look at the 6 month multiple entry visa ,it allows 60 days at a time then you can leave and return for another 60 day for 6 months or extend the 60 days to 90 twice you can get 9 months out of it if required by entering Thailand a few days before the 6 months is up and getting another 60 days then extend to 90 days ,you pay your money and take the chance
10 days ago
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Todd *********
@Simon ******
 my gf has been told it’s her last time at least 5 times. Dont sweat it.
10 days ago
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Todd *********
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John **********
You can do it for as long as you can do it then you can't. On visa exempt you can do it once for sure, everything else is a gamble. Get a visa that is fit for the purpose of your stay.
10 days ago
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Ali **************
Saharamoroccotravel.com
10 days ago
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Henrik *****
It is up to the Immigration Officer in front of you.

You may be stopped on 2. exempt entry, after they tightened the rules.
10 days ago
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Luc ************
All depends of the IO.
10 days ago
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Jan ******************
In short, if you exhaust two consecutive visa exemptions or accumulate 180 days in the country without a visa within a short timeframe, you should anticipate being refused entry on your third attempt.
10 days ago
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Selena ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
The short timeframe being days/weeks or months? Or is it a case of how long is a piece of string? One day, they may simplify it all. One day... haha
10 days ago
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Jan ******************
@Selena *******
 As you are aware, there are no official guidelines on this matter, and the outcome rests entirely at the discretion of the immigration officer in front of you. Nevertheless, indications suggest that exceeding 90 days within 180, or six months within twelve, may readily result in complications. You make things much easier for yourself by getting a customized visa
10 days ago
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Selena ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thank you. My plans aren't set in stone, but I will take everything advised into account 🙂 I've noticed that when travelling with my son, immigration seems to be a bit more nicer... Thais love children!
10 days ago
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Selena ********
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Marianne ********
It'll work as long as the Immigration lets you. That could be 2 times, and it could be 10.

But there are more and more reports about it being on the lesser side of things.

Get an appropriate visa.
10 days ago
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Selena ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Marianne *******
 My maths isn't fantastic, but I'm certain it's impossible to get it 10 times in 12 months lol Surely, the max this could work in a 12-month period is 4? What would be classed as an appropriate visa? I don't live in Thailand, I'm not of retirement age, I'm not studying... is the tourist visa not appropriate? I'm confused.
10 days ago
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Lynnette *******
@Selena *******
 UK passport? Tourist visa applied for through embassy is 60 days and without visa "visa exempt" is 60 days. Both can be extended by 30 days.
10 days ago
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Marianne ********
@Selena *******
 If you max out the time given, the chances are even smaller that they'll let you back in without a proper visa.

The "10 times" is more a hyperbole statement.

Get a Multi Entry Tourist Visa, or even a DTV Soft Power visa ( or workcation, if you are a remote worker )

the Multi Entry Tourist Visa will get you to 9 months, the DTV will get you to 5 years, but limited to 180 days per entry, that can be extended, but that's a hassle to do compared to leaving and coming back,

Thailand doesn't want people to live here on tourist visas and visa exemptions.
10 days ago
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Marianne ********
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Brown ********
You'll definitely be fine with 2 entries so you'll get 6 months no issues. Then it's a matter of luck I believe. They should make official rules for this.
10 days ago
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Jeremy *********
For the last 2 or 3 years I have spent 8 months a year in Thailand. 2 X visa exempt for 90 days each and 2 x 30 days visa exempt. In all the years I have spent in Thailand, I have never done a border run. I have always returned home to the UK. Whether I have just been lucky not to get refused admittion or not I don't know. They are clamping down on border runs. I believe that returning home every time has saved me. I can't speak for others , this is just my situation
10 days ago
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Robert *********
@Jeremy ********
 same for me .

Previously I did metv.

I think because they've I go home every year it's never been a problem
10 days ago
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Kenneth *******
@Robert ********
 what's metv?
9 days ago
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Jeremy *********
@Kenneth ******
 Multi entry tourist visa
9 days ago
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Kenneth *******
@Jeremy ********
 ah ok. Thank you🙋‍♂️
9 days ago
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Kenneth *******
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Darren *******
Last time I checked both Cambodia and Laos separated Thailand and Vietnam.

As to how long can you do this for...how long is a piece of string? They've clamped down on it a lot lately so most likely you won't get any more than 6 months out of it.
10 days ago
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Selena ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Darren ******
 6 months would do me for now. We're in the process of trying to get my mum re-nationalised in Thailand (a complicated situation), but until then...

And yup, you're right. In my head, Vietnam bordered Thailand. See, mind is boggled haha
10 days ago
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Selena ********
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