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Is there a 2-week rule for re-entering Thailand after a border run?
Thailand ImmigrationBorder RunVisa RegulationsExpat AdviceNON-O VisaLong-term StayImmigration Officer Discretion
May 9, 2023
3 years ago
Kyle *******
ORIGINAL POSTERA friend of mine did a border bounce to Vietnam yesterday and returned back to Thailand on the same day. When re-entering Thailand the Immigration officer questioned him and said that he needs to stay outside of Thailand for at least 2 weeks before he is allowed to re-enter the next time he attempts this.
I have never heard of this 2 week rule before. Is this a thing or just made up by the IO?
I have never heard of this 2 week rule before. Is this a thing or just made up by the IO?
TLDR : Answer Summary
A user shared an experience about their friend who was told by an immigration officer upon re-entering Thailand from Vietnam that they must stay outside Thailand for at least two weeks before returning. Many commenters speculated that this is not an official rule but rather a warning from the officer, emphasizing that immigration regulations can vary significantly depending on the officer's discretion. Some suggested that frequent border runs could raise red flags, and it may be advisable to obtain a proper visa for long-term stays in Thailand.
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John-Paul ******
2 weeks is a bit much and not the regulation at all! Figure the officer was having a bad day or some such. However, you really should stay a few days away on your 'bounce'. Thai immigration likes to see that. Lessens the flags that can appear if you have a number of 'bounces'. Makes you look like a real tourist and as Thailand now wants to be and it already sort been seen as a hub for SEA... it gives you the appearance of simply traveling. But get a proper visa if you plan to stay long term. An agent can help depending upon your requirements, age, etc.
Paul *******
2 weeks doesn't sound right but your friend should have spent at least a night or two away. Who flies to vietnam for a day? Come on, that's just dumb.
Mitchell *******
You really should stay out of Thailand for a few days on your bounces. Coming back the same day every time is not short term tourist behaviour
Оливер *********
That's why I always try to get a return flight to Suvarnabhumi. Donmueng is apparently a pain to return to.
Sascha **********
@Оливер ********
I’ve been hassled at Suvarnabhumi too. I guess it really depends on the IO in front of you and their mood du jour 😞Reply to
Sascha **********
Reply
Edgar ************
The immigration officer should be jailed for life. That's a lie, and public corruption.
Phil ********
@Ned *******
it’s not a lie, it’s a guideline and it’s not corruption—. There was no grift or shakedown for tea money. TIT people should get proper visas.Ray *********
@Ned *******
this is hilarious coming from a Trump supporter. How many times did a court tell trump that the immigration rules and processes he made up were illegal?Ray *********
@Jae ******
you were discussing individuals not following immigration laws. Your profile reminded me a very egregious offender. They educating yourself on the issue and your hypocrisy may be less apparent.Jae *******
@Ray ********
Makes perfect sense. Stay senile ✊Ray *********
@Jae ******
as hominem attacks. The last refuge of the uninformed.Jae *******
@Ray ********
You don't even know what you're replying about. Senile.Reply to
Jae *******
Reply
Oliver **********
@Ned *******
seems lenient. Shouldn't they jail their whole family too?Edgar ************
@Oliver *********
Nope, this isn't North Korea. But public officials need to be held accountable for abuse of public office on unsuspecting innocent foreign victims.Oliver **********
@Ned *******
but jailed for life is fine? Not the death penalty? Or at least dismemberment?Edgar ************
@Oliver *********
Yes, jailed for life is fine. A malicious act with nothing to gain is far more sinister than a malicious act with something to gain. This immigration officer acted with malicious entent but stood to gain nothing therefore the is on the severe end of offending.Oliver **********
@Ned *******
you would have enjoyed the middle agesReply to
Oliver **********
Reply
Garrett ***********
So nothing happened? Great
Ken ***********
.
Steve ********
@Pa**
James. Here's an internet ad from the covid era. A scam from an agent, charging 9800 baht for a covid extension which anyone could get themselves at an immigration office for 1900baht. I'm pretty sure this is what @Ken ***
Alwis is referring to. This has to be one of the biggest agent rip-offs in Thai history. It was simply extortion, and like Ken's friend people were sucked into it.Paul *******
@Steve *******
Ah I see. Thanks for clearing that up. Indeed, clearly a scam. The 60 day Covid visas could easily be done on your own..I did see agents advertising them for a more reasonable 3000-3500 Baht at the time.Reply to
Paul *******
Reply
Paul *******
@Ken **********
It's not about "thinking whatever we want" it's about facts.Whatever agent took your passport to the border during Covid, scammed you.
Everyone knows Thailand and every Asian country tightly sealed their borders during Covid.
Ken ***********
@Steve *******
lol bro? Yes 1,900 is for 30 days for one round, 2nd round is 60 days. What if the immigration doesn’t stamp for you? You have to find an agent to do it for you isn’t it? There are some people who doesn’t want to go back to their country, that’s why they asked me for help. Maybe you’re powerful, you have immigration friend who helps you a lot. I’m sorry big bossSteve ********
@Ken **********
You're talking out of your backside. There's no "round one" or "round two". I've just done things legally in the 23 years I've been here. Never needed agent or "help" from someone on Facebook.Ken ***********
@Steve *******
Haih… ok never mind. Go and find out more. I’m not offering my service but this thing really exist if you met the right person. Ok? No point arguing, I’m just giving you extra info. Have a pleasant day!Ken ***********
@Steve *******
which message of mine showing that I’m offering my service? Did I say hello please use my service? Don’t talk nonsense here please.Steve ********
@Ken **********
Oh geez! Now you delete your original post. Big backflip, bit at least you acknowledge you were wrong!Ken ***********
@Steve *******
Nop. Im not wrong because I admit the service is wrongdoing and I don’t want it to be viral. But I know how to do it 😀Steve ********
@Ken **********
An agent cannot do a border run on your behalf. You have to leave Thailand, stamp into another country, leave that country, stamp back into Thailand. That must be done by the passport holder.Paul *******
@Steve *******
20 years ago, Jack Golf was doing exactly that, but he got ratted out, his business shuttered and Jack, a Korean national, was booted from Thailand. Now, as you say, one has to be physically present at immigration checkpoints and leave the country.However, I've found there were (not sure about now) touts at the border who can do the stamping in/out for you (at Aranyaprathet for example) while you wait, but their service fee is twice as high as doing it yourself.
Steve ********
@Ken **********
You're talking nonsense because you're applying covid concessions to the current situation. You ripped off your friend who only had to pay 1900 baht for a 60 day extension during covid. There's no such thing now. An agent cannot do a "ghost" run to a border. You have to physically go. So you're spreading misinformationReply to
Steve ********
Reply
Steve ********
@Ken **********
Yes. A total rip off! During COVID Thai Immigration were selling 60-day extensions for 1900baht, and your buddy paid 10,000???? Wow!!Steve ********
@Richard ********
If you bothered to read the thread, COVID was raised by @Ken ***
Alwis. I was responding to that post. Perhaps if you bothered to read all the comments you wouldn't make such a dumb-ass post! 😆😆😆Paul *******
@Steve *******
Which is even more suspicious given that the borders were completely sealed during Covid, not just Thailand's but all neighboring countries. Anyone who was permitted to cross had to do a lengthy quarantine. There were essentially no exceptions,Richard *********
Paul *******
@Richard ********
The OP is telling porkies. He ripped his friend off *****
Baht. Everyone knows the borders were tightly sealed during Covid. All land borders closed in mid to late March 2020 and once they reopened in April 2022 it was only with the Thailand Pass. It wasn't until July 1, 2022 that you could freely cross the border without making pre arrangements.Steve ********
@Richard ********
You obviously struggle with English. Direct your criticism at the person who raised the COVID era. Read the thread, or get someone to help youReply to
Steve ********
Reply
Todd *******
@Ken **********
what does that mean?Steve ********
@Ken **********
10k? I pay 1900 baht per year? I guess they saw you coming!Steve ********
@Ken **********
*****
baht just to enter Thailand? Seriously?Ken ***********
@Steve *******
if your stamp expired and you’re lazy to do border run, just hire an agent. That’s what I did for my friend last time. I charged him 10k thb that was during Covid timePaul *******
@Ken **********
During Covid time the borders were closed, so even if an agent could do that (they haven't been allowed to for the past 20 years, with the exception of touts located at some of the Cambodian borders, but I think even they've dried up) there's no way they could have been able to cross the border.The borders were shuttered and no one was coming in or out. Later on, you could cross but with a lengthy quarantine. Don't think an agent would have been willing to spend 28 days in quarantine (14 days in Thailand and 14 in Cambodia) just to do a border run.
Don't forget that there was the Thailand Pass system in place too, so showing up at the border unannounced was impossible.
Ken ***********
@Paul ******
no point arguing boss because I’m not offering any service here, you guys can think whatever you want because as I mentioned I’m not offering any service here. Just sharing that’s it or maybe because of my lousy English and I didn’t really explain it well make you misunderstand. Sorry boss…Todd *******
@Ken **********
where you you find oneFrank **********
@Ken **********
who needs friends like you. LolReply to
Frank **********
Reply
Av **********
Sounds like it time to get married
Richard *********
got an asshole for immigration: as thats simply not true
Brandon ************
Yes it's made up. But it's a very clear warning that your friend has spent too much time in Thailand and may not be able to do another border bounce.
Everything is at the discretion of the immigration officer you are standing in front of at that moment, so next time your friend might have no problem at all or might be denied entry even if they stay away for a month.
Everything is at the discretion of the immigration officer you are standing in front of at that moment, so next time your friend might have no problem at all or might be denied entry even if they stay away for a month.
Bob **********
It’s up to the IO but I’m sure he made a note of it if you want to stay in Thailand long term get the proper visa
Reply to
Bob **********
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