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Is it safe to do a border run while applying for an ED Visa in Thailand?

Visa Exemption ED Visa Border Run Visa Extension Immigration Process Re-entry to Thailand

Jul 20, 2025

4 months ago

PreJon **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi guys i currently am on visa exemption and will file for my extension for extra 30 days next week , this is my first time in Thailand and i just talked to a school about obtaining an ED Visa but they say i may need to do a border run during the process if it is not completed by the end of my 90 days. I am wondering will it be an issue crossing back over or will i be ok since it will be my first and only time doing a border run? Have been seeing alot of different stories just dont want to be stuck or deported

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user is currently on a visa exemption in Thailand and is looking to extend their stay by applying for an ED Visa. They are concerned about needing to perform a border run if their visa application is not completed within 90 days. Community responses suggest that first-time border runners are typically not faced with issues re-entering Thailand, especially if they have documentation supporting their visa application. It's recommended to use a border run company for assistance and to prepare for possible questioning by immigration officers, but most users report a smooth re-entry experience.

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Martyn *******

Do it yourself not expensive and easy if you organise yourself

4 months ago

Henry ********

My visa exemption came to an end in February and the school told me I needed at least 45 days on my stamp to start the process for my ED Visa.

I went to Vietnam for a few days then came back.

Of course the immigration officer asked questions, and I explained I was getting an ED Visa, and showed my communication with the school.

He let me through no problem.

4 months ago

PreJon **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thank you all for the help and replys , looking to continue my stay in this beautiful country…the right way !

4 months ago

Ben *******

Get an onward ticket just to cover yourself and should be fine.

4 months ago

Weng ******

ED visa is 4 to 5 wks. I think.

4 months ago

Ann-Louise ********

1st boarder run you’ll be ok.

We went by air, for a weekend, then returned, my friend went with a company in a coach, for a few hours, then returned.

Should IMO stop you , they will give you ‘words of advice’, on getting a visa, which you are doing.

They are more interested in stopping the ones who abuse the system, by doing this more than once.

I was stopped on my 1st boarder run, as soon as I said my visa was being processed, showed them my lawyer’s letter, confirming they were doing it, IMO was fine with me.

My husband was at a different counter, nothing said to him at all.

So don’t worry.

4 months ago

John **********

If you are worried about re-entering Thailand use a border run company, they won't take you unless they can get you back in.

4 months ago

Natasha ********

If you go through a company, you could be done in one day for border run

4 months ago

Matthew *********

@Natasha *******

I agree. Its cheap an basically guaranteed

4 months ago

Reply to

Matthew *********

Wannikea *********

You should be okay but be prepared to maybe spend a day or two outside of Thailand before being allowed to come back especially if you leave and return by land border.

4 months ago

Phil ******

@PreJon *********

what VISA EXEMPT entry history do you have?

4 months ago

Robin *******

@Phil *****

none it’s his first time in Thailand

4 months ago

Adam *********

@Phil *****

he said this is his first time in Thailand