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Is it legally possible to stay in Thailand for up to 5 years on a DTV visa by extending and doing border runs?

DTV visa Thai visa rules visa extension border run expat living in Thailand staying in Thailand long-term

Mar 14, 2025

a year ago

Anonymous *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

If someone stays for 180 days on a DTV visa, extends it once for another 180 days, and then does a border run to re-enter — is it legally possible to repeat this process and stay for up to 5 years?

I'm only asking about the legal possibility of doing this.

Taxes and other responsibilities — I'll handle those separately.

If anyone knows for sure, I'd really appreciate your insights! Thank you so much! 🙏

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TLDR : Answer Summary

Yes, it is legally possible to repeat the process of staying for 180 days on a DTV visa, extending it for another 180 days, and then doing a border run to re-enter Thailand, potentially allowing for a total stay of up to 5 years. However, it's important to note that you can typically extend your visa just once during the 5-year period and then make as many border runs as desired, provided you meet the same conditions for re-entry.

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Rory *********

I just leave the country and reenter . Very hassle free and easier then going to immigration

a year ago

Misha *******

Not in the way you describe. My understanding is that you are only allowed one extension during the 5-year period. However, you can do as many border runs as you want, so as long as you leave every 180 days you can, basically, stay in Thailand for 5 straight years.

a year ago

Kevin ********

Yes as long as you can meet the same conditions if checked on reentry then it’s fine. Which is why the soft route is not such a great idea I don’t think.

a year ago

Katy *******

This is the purpose of this type of Visa

a year ago

Anna *********

Yes that's what this visa has been designed for

a year ago

Wesley ********

Yes

a year ago

Sean *******

Up to now the answer is yes.

a year ago

Steve *******

That is the whole purpose of the visa. To be able to stay or come and go as you want, for 5 years.

But you might want to fly out and in instead of doing extensions, as it's A LOT easier to just leave and come back than to deal with immigration offices and their weird requirements for extensions.

a year ago

Jeremy *********

Well seeing how it's a 5 year multiple entry visa it's kind of self explanatory 🤦‍♂️😂

a year ago

John **********

Yes as long as you meet the extension criteria

a year ago

Kd *********

@John *********

do they ask it at the airport?

a year ago

Jeremy *********