Is a border run still the best option for renewing a DTV visa in Thailand, or is an immigration extension recommended?

Question

DTV 6-Month Renewal: Border Run vs Immigration Extension?
Hi guys,

Hoping for a bit of advice, and apologies in advance if this has been covered recently. I’ve had some really busy and difficult months due to illness in the family, so I’m honestly not up to date at all on the current 6-month renewal situation.

I did a quick glance through the forum to catch up, and from what I can tell it seems like doing a border run is still the better / safer option compared to doing the extension at immigration - but I may be wrong.

I did a border run close to six months ago and now need to sort out the next six months.

My main questions:

• Is the border run still going smoothly for people?

• Are all the documents still required, or has anything changed recently?

• Any recent experiences would be really appreciated.

I’m thinking of going via Satun, as I’ve had good experiences there before - but open to any thoughts or updates.

Sorry again if I’m behind on the latest info. It’s been a pretty crazy time on the family side. I’d truly appreciate any short, practical advice.

Thanks in advance 🙏🏼

Ask Thailand · Answer

A user is seeking advice on whether to perform a border run or apply for an immigration extension for their DTV visa renewal in Thailand. They mention past experiences affecting their understanding of the current process and inquire about the smoothness of border runs, any changes in document requirements, and recent experiences from others. Comments indicate that border runs are still viable, although they clarify the nature of the DTV visa renewal process differs from traditional border runs, providing a new stamp rather than a new visa. Some commenters prefer border runs due to complications with extensions, while others suggest using visa run services.

Michael ********* · Answer

[mention redacted] Worth a read..

Piotr ********* · Answer

Dtv - there is no border run. It works like this that you have to leave Thailand for a couple of minutes (even Laos /Malaysia /Singapore /etc). And you come back for next 6 months. But you get not a new visa (like in a border run case). You get a new stamp for 6 months with DTV Signature in your passport. Your dtv visa period remains the same (5 years in total starting from the Original issuance date). You cannot go to immigration office to prolong dtv visa because you to not extend your visa.

John ********* · Answer

Or get on a short flight for the weekend and enjoy nearby Cities etc like HCMC etc 🤷🏾‍♀️

Ian ********** · Answer

Nobody has reported problems with border entries/bounces except one guy at Phuket Airport. I think extensions are a no-no

Ric ****** · Answer

Also: Do you use a "visa run service" for that or can you just do it yourself? I heard many of those services charge more for DTV as you get "more days"....

Ric ****** · Answer

Doing the extension seems to be a PIA. Especially, if you are not dilligently continuing your soft power or have excellent business records. Even then, they ask you to present ridiculous photo proofs and you are at their mercy. Unless someone knows better, I'd go for border run.

Ric ****** · Answer

Following. With a border run you mean something like Ranong (to Myanmar) - going out an in the same day? I consinder that for myself.

I think what would be most valuable for us are people who have done it recently and post their success here.

I fear there might be some in this group trying to discourage this type of border run. As the intended way would be to fly out somewhere, stay out some time and then return. Still, I see no reason why you should not use a 5 year multiple entry visa for a same day border run.

Is a border run still the best option for renewing a DTV visa in Thailand, or is an immigration extension recommended?

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