Answereda year ago
Is a return to Thailand after 14 days considered a border run?
Hello all 🙏. I need some visa advice. I have a question on the 60 days visa. If I go into Thailand on 20 Dec 2025 and stay for about 40 days. I leave after that via my return flight to my own country to stay for 14 days than I return back to Thailand to stay for another 40 days in the kingdom. is that considered a border run to the immigration of Thailand? Will immigration officers refuse my entry into the kingdom? TYIA for any advice given. 🙏
Answer summary
The inquiry revolves around the potential implications of making a return to Thailand after a brief 14-day absence on a 60-day visa. Responses indicate that such a return may be perceived as a border run by immigration authorities. Experiences shared reflect that while some individuals may pass through immigration without issues, others may encounter scrutiny based on their travel history. Suggestions include obtaining a tourist visa instead of relying on visa exemptions, especially for repeat entries, to enhance the chances of smooth immigration processing.
25 repliesnewest first
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Eric *****
OPThanks everyone for the kind advice on this matter. I really appreciate it 🙏
Nigel ********
As you now own a condo you will have to log that on your TM30 and that will show up, so be very very careful, especially if you are entering under a tourist exemption.
Kevin *********
If you don't have a history of going to and leaving Thailand frequently, then there's nothing to worry about.
If you're gonna be doing this frequently, get a visa (whichever is applicable) and pay for multiple entries.
If you're gonna be doing this frequently, get a visa (whichever is applicable) and pay for multiple entries.
Nongnuch ********
condo owner or not - it doesn't cut any ice for getting a bank account opened, or getting multiple visa-exempt entries. Keep in mind: owning and living in a condo you own, destroys your image being a tourist. It is rather counterproductive at the border to mention that you own a condo, while you try to enter on a touristic visa or on visa-exempt
Michael ***************
No boarder run you will be allowed back in & get a 60 day stamp in your passport 🙏
Eric *****
OPOk. Thank you Michael 🙏
Michael ***************
@Eric ****
when people fly out of Thailand & then back this is not called a boarder run. Border runs are when you transit in a car or mini bus & it’s a hop to Cambodia & back a few hours later.
Just make sure you have accommodation bookings as well as a flight out of Thailand 🇹🇭
Eric *****
OPOk. Got it. Thanks Michael. Those were my initial thoughts but I just wanted to be sure as I always fly in and out of the kingdom via the main airport. I have never cross the borders before using a mini van.
John **********
I'd recommend you get a visa rather than coming in visa exempt, particularly seeing you own a condo here
John **********
@Eric ****
if you are over 50 it makes sense to get either a Non-O or a Non-OA visa particularly as you own a condo. Personally I'd get the Non-O but the choice is yoursEric *****
OPOk. Thanks a million John. Appreciate your thoughts on this matter. 🙏
Deepak *******
Get a tourist visa each time you enter Thailand.
Henry **********
@Deepak ******
immigration said to me the same. But many in this group say that a tourist visa doesnt guarantee the entry. Who is right? 🤷John **********
@Henry *********
both are right. A tourist visa helps but it is no guarantee. Every entry is at the discretion of immigrationEric *****
OPOk. So the logical thing to do is to do the full 60 days and get a 30 day extension instead of doing this bounce as it puts me at risk at immigration even when I come back after 2 weeks.
Brandon ************
@Eric ****
If that's an option, it reduces the chances of trouble.
Wannikea *********
I don't completely agree with Brandon's assessment but it also depends on your entry history in the last year. You may be questioned upon arrival, if you can convince them with a departure ticket and booked accommodation that you are a tourist then you've got a
*****
chance.Wannikea *********
@Eric ****
yeah, I'd lay real low on the condo chatter. Maybe just say you're exploring places to possibly live in the near future.
Rene ******
@Eric ****
having a condo proves that you're not a tourist... so I'd not mention it, but book a (refundable) accomodation instead
Henry *********
@Wannikea ********
Where is Brandon's assessment?Brandon ************
Yes that will most likely be considered a border bounce, because you did not spend any meaningful amount of time outside of Thailand.
What that actually means for you is completely up to the immigration officer that you will be standing in front of when you return.
What that actually means for you is completely up to the immigration officer that you will be standing in front of when you return.
Kevin *********
@Brandon ***********
he's staying out of Thailand for 14 days and that isn't meaningful amount of time?? 🙄🫣Brandon ************
@Kevin ********
No, it's not. Going home for a few months is a meaningful amount of time. Anything less than a month just looks like someone trying to get a new 60 day stamp.Kevin *********
@Brandon ***********
I would think that Thai immigration considers border bounce or border run as leaving the country and returning either the same day or 1 or 2 days later. He's staying away for 14 days and it crosses over 2 years. It really depends very much on his travel history imo for immigration to determine if he is really legit for the tourist visa.Eric *****
OPThank you for the advice. Appreciate 🙏
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