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Answered9 years ago

Is there still a 180-day limit for tourists staying in Thailand?

Kevin ***********
asked Aug 22, 2017
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Can anyone verify that the 180 day per year limit spend in Thailand as a tourist is a real rule or not? Just curious as I was speaking with a friend regarding that. I know many people who are easily over that so perhaps if it is an actual rule then they don't enforce it very hard?
Answer summary
The 180-day limit for tourists in Thailand, which was a rule in the past, has reportedly been eliminated since around 2008/2009. Many respondents in the discussion confirm their long-term stays on tourist visas or visa exemptions without issues. While there may have been occasional border checks and inquiries, most indicate that there is no strict enforcement of a 180-day maximum, and various experiences suggest that compliance with rules usually leads to a smooth process.
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Tero ************
Tero ************
If you are here long time on exempt, touristvisas just be prepared that one day you may be questioned what you do, how you support yourself etc. Best to have 20 K, bankstatements and relevant documents with you when crossing borders..
Sean ********
Sean ********
I've been here 9 years on tourist visas and visa exempts. Never had any issue.
Sean ********
Sean ********
@Robert ********
you also don't know my situation. I haven't been bending the rules. There are no restrictions on someone using multiple tourist visas back to back. The only restriction is on working and so although I've never been asked to prove it, I live on funds I bring in from overseas.

I'm actually now on a non B as after 2 years of planning and research I'm now launching a food manufacturing business here. Should have 20+ employees by year end and our product selling across Thailand and also in Vietnam.
Kevin ***********
Kevin ***********
OP
Lol. Sorry.
Robert *********
Robert *********
no,
@Kevin **********
, I have no idea of your circumstances, I was replying to
@Sean *******
s post, not yours
Adam ***********
Adam ***********
Marry someone and get a non O. Problem solved. Or maybe not 😉
Kevin ***********
Kevin ***********
OP
Robert Connell, you have no idea what visa I am on as I am just asking a simple question. No need to point fingers or assume things about me. I'm sure this question is wondered by hundreds here.
Robert *********
Robert *********
why not just get a genuine visa that allows you to live here, which you obviously are? Why bend the rules?
Walter *********
Walter *********
No one ever has a problem until they do. (I think Yogi might have coined that one)
Sean ********
Sean ********
I wish.
Kevin ***********
Kevin ***********
OP
You are immortal my man.
Lloyd ********
Lloyd ********
The 180 in a year rule ended about
******
. There is now no such rule.
Joe ******
Joe ******
Many, many years ago going to Malaysia, I was told I have to pay tax because I stayed more than 180 days in Thailand, didn't matter what kind of visa. I was told I have to return to Surat Thani to get "tax clearance". Although an hour later, a couple of "papers" in my passport sorted the issue as well.

So I recon, the 180 days is not an immigration but a tax issue.
Amornrat **********
Amornrat **********
@Joe **********
yes, I think 1991 or 1992. Was of the brightest idea they ever had. Under government of Anand Panyarachun

อานันท์ ปันยารชุน. Business leader.
Joe ******
Joe ******
Several decades ago I recon ;-)
Lloyd ********
Lloyd ********
The paying of tax before leaving also ended nearly a decade ago.
Tero ************
Tero ************
No such rule but i have heard that some IO have told that 180 is max. TiT :)
Jacco ***********
Jacco ***********
No such rule exist.
Bim *******
Bim *******
I was here a year on 2 back to back tourist visas 4 years ago. My last visa run they questioned me at the airport about my stay in Thailand and what tourist areas I visited and scanned every entry in passport for a good few minutes. Stamped me in and scared me enough to go legit and now never have to do another border run.
Bim *******
Bim *******
I agree Sam but I didnt. I wanted to live here. 4 years next month
Sam *****
Sam *****
Some people do have a year out in thailand as a tourist. Totally legit.
Nilton *****************
Nilton *****************
20k signs and max 180 days sign ..
Nilton *****************
Nilton *****************
Hehe that was the sign that officer showed us 😂😂😂😂
Nilton *****************
Nilton *****************
" only 180 days , look only 180 days 😂😂😂"
Nilton *****************
Nilton *****************
@Kevin **********
she send u back 😂😂she wasn't for sure .. 0 reason smh
Kevin ***********
Kevin ***********
OP
She was not to bright that one.
Sam *****
Sam *****
I have been here almost a year on tourist visas. I have never had an issue obtaining them or reentering. Just stick to the rules you will be fine.

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