What are my options for staying longer in Thailand after multiple visa runs with an American passport?

Visa Options Thai Visa Visa Extension Visa Runs Tourist Visa Visa Exempt Entry U.S. Passport Immigration Rules

Jan 16, 2019

6 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi, looking for some clarification. I have an American passport, I have been in Thailand for 3 months (2 visa runs). I’d like to stay for a few more months. Anyone know what my options are (can I just keep doing visa runs?) Thanks in advance!

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TLDR : Answer Summary

An American passport holder in Thailand for three months with two visa runs has several options to extend their stay. They can continue doing visa runs, but note that there are limits: two 30-day visa exempt entries allowed by land per calendar year. A recommended approach is to apply for a single entry tourist visa at a Thai consulate in a nearby country, which grants an initial 60 days plus a possible 30-day extension at Immigration for a fee. It’s important to avoid excessive reliance on visa exempt entries, as immigration officers might question repeated entries.

Tod *********

and I believe on that note

@Co***

has more than enough information to make an educated decision as far as how to further their stay in the glorious "Land 'O Thaiz".

6 years ago

Tod *********

Like Greg Lewis, correctly stated there is no limit of 30 day visa exempt entries when flying in and there is a limit of TWO 30 day visa exempt entries by land.

You could go to a land border stamp out of thailand, stamp in&out of another country and then stamp back into thailand to get a new 30 day visa exempt entry stamp which you could then extend for 30 days at the immigration office like you did before for 1900baht

OR

As I suggested, go to a thai consulate in a nearby country and get a single entry tourist visa.

You're not going to be able to live here on endless 30 day visa exempt entry stamps and extensions because at some point the immigration officers at passport control will question you about it

6 years ago

Tod *********

@Co***

, and where did ANYONE say you could stay longer by flying out and back in? :O

I would say have the 3-proof-ofz with you

Proof of 20K baht (or the equivalent) in CASH

Proof of onward travel in 30 - 60 days

Proof of a hotel booking

Be prepared rather than be caught out.

6 years ago

Cotie ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thank you guys SO much. I’m taking it as great news that I can stay longer if I fly out. Again, thank you so much!

6 years ago

Reply to

Cotie ******

Tod *********

Did you actually go to a thai consulate and BUY a visa for thailand?

You can only get TWO 30 day visa exempt entries by a land border crossing in a calendar year.

I would say go to a thai consulate and buy a single entry tourist visa for 1000baht. That'll stamp you in for 60 days and you can extend that by 30 more days at the immigration office for 1900baht

6 years ago

Tod *********

it sound more like you entered the country on a 30 day visa exempt entry stamp and then border bounced to get another 30 day visa exempt entry.

6 years ago

Cotie ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi Tod, yes you are correct! (Once I went to the immigration office and paid for the 30 day extension). Other was a flight to KL.

6 years ago

Reply to

Cotie ******

Tod *********

yeah you're not actually doing "visa runs" because it sounds like you haven't gone to a consulate and BOUGHT a visa for thailand.