Answereda year ago

Is there a minimum time required to stay outside Thailand for a 60-day visa after border hopping?

Visa Rules Border Hopping Thailand Visa Visa Extension Tourist Visa Travel Recommendations

Gary *******

asked Jul 21, 2025

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Hi guys I have read in the past that border hopping is a way around visa extensions. Is there a minimum time that you need to stay away before returning and getting a 60 day visa. 

Cheers in advance for your time.

Any recommendations for short trips ?

Answer summary

The practice of border hopping to extend a visa in Thailand has changed significantly in recent years. Travelers now risk being denied entry after multiple attempts at this method. A long-term visa is recommended for those looking to stay in Thailand for an extended period. Some commenters mention that there is no minimum time required away if using a visa agent. Another traveler shared that they will be visiting other countries in Asia but wonder if it is advisable to apply for a tourist visa instead.

11 repliesnewest first

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Sasha ******

I’m travelling Asia’s but my flights are in and out of Thailand so it looking like I’m stays 99 days but I’m doing Vietnam Malaysia Singapore ect. Will I be ok or is it best to be safe and get tourists visa.

a year ago

Sasha ******

I may add I’ve only booked hotels for 2 stops then was going to book once their as I didn’t want it all planned.

a year ago

Phil ******

@Gary ******

no minimum if using a visa agent

a year ago

Brandon ************

That may have been true 5 or 10 years ago, but it's certainly not now. You'll be stopped and eventually denied entry after 2-3 times trying this. If you want to stay long term in Thailand, you need a long term visa.

a year ago

Max *************

@Brandon ***********

I wouldn't be surprised if they're going back to a maximum of 2 border runs per calendar year.

a year ago

Michael ********

@Max ************

think they are actually allowing (unofficially) one visa exempt entry with an extension total 90 days. Before questioning you. Many people have reported this

a year ago

Michael ********

@Max ************

A lot but also a lot are being questioned or denied. As with anything in Thailand rules subject to individual IO or particular border chief on day. I will ask when i come in next month

a year ago

Max *************

@Michael *******

No,a lot of people have done 60+30 days and then a border-run. Probably even done another extension on top of that.

a year ago

John **********

@Max ************

Why? I don't see things changing now, if anything they'll tighten it up. 1 visa exemption, 1 extension & done. They really want people using the correct options and visa exemption is for typical tourism.

a year ago

Max *************

@John *********

Never ending border runs is not what they wanted. The only reason was the economy. I think they will go back to the 30 days visa exempt. Maybe you never read thai newspapers or news websites? There's been discussions in the government about the 60 days visa exempt and border runs and some wants to end it. Immigration was also against the 60 days visa exempt when it was proposed.

a year ago