Answereda year ago
Is there still a 6 month rule for tourist visas and exempt stamps in Thailand?
Is the 6 months a year rule for tourist visas / exempt stamps still in effect? Is it only crooked visa agents Circumventing this for clients ATM?
Answer summary
The discussion clarifies that there has never been an official 6-month rule regarding tourist visas or visa exemptions in Thailand. While some expats express concern over potential immigration scrutiny for long stays, the consensus is that immigration officers have discretion in these matters. The conversation also touches on the role of visa agents in helping foreign nationals navigate immigration rules, particularly for those looking to transition to other visa types.
19 repliesnewest first
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Peter **********
There has never been a 6 month rule
Willem ****
For those who think there is a limit? I sure is. It is up to the immigration officer to decide. It could be your first border bounce.
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6/Willem ****
So i guess you want to stay longer then 6 month on visa exempt and or tourist visa.
You are not a tourist so who is crooked?
You are not a tourist so who is crooked?
Willem ****
@Munly ******
There is no 6 months rule. Only the immigration officer can decide about that. Many are denied entry if there are to many back to back extensions/border bounces. Its a hot toppic at Thai borders.
Matthew *********
@Willem ***
they will probably over look it now. They are crisis mode over the low numbers. Emergency meeting from the PM . Tourist numbers have tankedMark *******
Absolutely spot on Matthew! Which so many doomsayers on this site overlook totally. Tourism is invaluable to the Thai economy,brings in plenty of bucks,which they certainly won't want to do without! Having an emergency meeting with the PM says it all!
Munly *******
OP@Matthew ********
yeah that's the problem this stuff changes in a whim based on these numbers. No consistency to plan for. They can just come out about announce that visa runs are allowed for now then if they make the callMunly *******
OP@Willem ***
haha it's not me. It's for someone else bridging to a retirement visa who is wondering if they need to leave or not first. Visa agents are saying they don't need to... Buuuuuutttt
Jesper *******
Crooked visa agents? Foriegmers wants to beat the system and stay in thailand longer and needs their service ....demand and supply...there won't be any agents around if there's no crooked Foriegmers
Phil *******
Aren't the clients trying to beat the visa rules the crooked ones, more so than those helping them do it.
Mark *******
Acquiring a visa exemption stamp is not illegal!! And not working the system! It comes under the Thai Immigration Act!
Brandon ************
There isn't now, nor has there ever been a 6 month rule. But if immigration thinks you're spending more time than a typical tourist in Thailand (6 months is definitely not a typical tourist), expect to run into trouble.
Mark *******
They have to abide by the rules and regulations of the Thai Immigration Act!
Mark *******
Cambodia and Lao are becoming increasingly attractive!
Mark *******
There is an office virtually next door to Immigration,which for a fee,( not a lot) can soothe the process. One vital document you must have is the registration at your accommodation. In my case the lady in charge of my appartments provided this. It was on my mobile which I showed to the Immigration Officer. Once that had been done I took all documents to the final stage,all paperwork was checked,a fee paid of 1,900 baht,photo taken,and passport returned forthwith.
Mark *******
And to be honest,it does require up to an 8 hours journey,( round trip)to the Cambodia border, but administratively there you get stamped out of Thailand,walk over the border,receive a Cambodian visa, get it cancelled; then walk back across to Thailand for another visa exemption stamp. All rather straight forward; though the whole exercise costs 3,900 baht. That does include a meal on the way back!
Mark *******
Brandon.
Please with respect buddy, define a " typical tourist!" All my last visits to Thailand had been as a tourist,with a visa exemption stamp. After acquiring 60 extra days at Jomtien Immigration early July,I proceeded on three border runs over the following 6 months plus! And I know there is no limit on entrances in Thailand via air!
The whole process has to be more open and honest in my opinion! Or is it kept ambiguous for a reason!?
Please with respect buddy, define a " typical tourist!" All my last visits to Thailand had been as a tourist,with a visa exemption stamp. After acquiring 60 extra days at Jomtien Immigration early July,I proceeded on three border runs over the following 6 months plus! And I know there is no limit on entrances in Thailand via air!
The whole process has to be more open and honest in my opinion! Or is it kept ambiguous for a reason!?
Brandon ************
@Mark ******
A typical tourist is whatever the immigration officer you are standing in front of says it is. I do not have the definition for each and every immigration officer, sorry.Peter **********
@Mark ******
How do you get 60 days extra at Jomtiem immigration?Activity
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