This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.

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

20 days 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! 🙏

1,556

views

likes

all likes

replies

images

users

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.

DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES

Take the basic DTV Qualification Test to see if you're eligible for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV).
For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
Explore recent discussions by using the DTV Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.

Pelle Eriksson★★★★★

Absolutely Bangkok's best service I highly...

recently on Facebook

Luca G.★★★★★

I used this agency for my DTV Visa...

recently on Google

Trusted DTV Visa Agent

OVER 100,000 EXPATS SERVED

#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND

Rory *********

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

19 days 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.

19 days 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.

19 days ago

Katy *******

This is the purpose of this type of Visa

19 days ago

Anna *********

Yes that's what this visa has been designed for

20 days ago

Wesley ********

Yes

20 days ago

Sean *******

Up to now the answer is yes.

20 days 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.

20 days ago

Jeremy *********

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

20 days ago

John **********

Yes as long as you meet the extension criteria

20 days ago

Kd *********

@John *********

do they ask it at the airport?

20 days ago

Jeremy *********