Is using a combination of tourist visa exemptions and extensions a good option for staying in Thailand for less than 180 days per year?

Question

If I want to spend less than 180 days a year in thailand, isn’t it a good option to do 60 days exemption visa with 30 days extension twice a year?

Ask Thailand · Answer

The idea of using a 60-day visa exemption, followed by two 30-day extensions, to stay in Thailand for under 180 days is debated. While it can be a cost-effective option, some commenters warn about potential issues with immigration. They recommend applying for a DTV visa instead, especially for remote workers, as it's a more stable solution. Concerns arise that frequent border runs or repeated extensions may attract scrutiny from immigration authorities.

Anonymous ****************** · Answer

If you search here, IO seems to be flagging folks coming in after the first 30 days extension. “You have 90 days as a tourist. Why do you need more time?”

Tang ***** · Answer

Makes sense. I have done the same.

Paul ******* · Answer

NO. Better to get a DTV or another visa type you qualify for. A tourist visa or exemption should ideally only be used for multiple short stays well under the limit or for one stay up to the limit plus extension

Alex ******* · Answer

Yeah its a good option. It's very cheap as well. To stay 6 months that will be 2 x extensions and 1 border run.

3800 baht for the 2 extensions and use a land border run company it's between 3000-4500 baht depending which border.

So you are looking at about 8000 baht per 6 months stay with no issues.

If you can get a DTV for being a remote worker then it's your best option cause you only have a one off cost of 10,000-12,000 approx for the application fee.

If you need to use the soft power way then you will have to pay 10,000-12,000 for the application and also pay for a course which could be anywhere between 10,000-30,000+ baht.

Your choice bro ✅

Greg ******** · Answer

Immigration have stated people should apply for the correct visa to be in Thailand. Now this is very much open to interpretation. In the past what you describe was no issue and I did it for longer. A pal just did the whole of last year doing what you describe with land border bounces. The ETA does not have a date for implementation yet but Thailand insists it is coming. This means Visa Exempt will be "Applied" for in advance and patterns may show up.

James ******** · Answer

Forget about that idea 💡

Get the DTV visa...

You'll be glad you did 😉

Jim ******** · Answer

Are they back to back?

Anonymous ****************** · Answer

That will depend on the goodwill of immigration when crossing the border or extending. You're not supposed to alternate between exemptions and extensions repeatedly, but some do. A big warning: many are now being required to move to DTV when caught.

Toni ******* · Answer

Yes. Big deal with the dtv is multi-entry imo

Is using a combination of tourist visa exemptions and extensions a good option for staying in Thailand for less than 180 days per year?

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