Ask question
This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.

What are the best options for a border bounce from Phuket to obtain a 45-day visa-exempt entry, and can I extend it?

Mar 10, 2023
3 years ago
Alex *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hello group, if I have been on a non-o for a few years but this time want to do a border bounce for a 45 day visa exempt entry, where is the best/fastest route from Phuket? It almost seems a flight to Udon and and a quick jump over to Laos may be just as easy/time consuming and cheap as a van to Malaysia. I don’t have any issues with immigration that would be a red flag, just need a little more time to season money and then switch from Thai child to a marriage visa later this year. On the 45 day visa exempt can I extend for another 30 days? Ultimately I’m looking for an easy in/out border crossing I can do in a day. Thanks
1,544
views
38
all likes
20
replies
8
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is exploring options for a border bounce from Phuket for a 45-day visa-exempt entry while needing to switch from a Non-O visa to a marriage visa later in the year. Users suggest various border crossing options, including flights to Laos or a ferry to Malaysia, and mention the ability to extend the 45-day visa-exempt entry for an additional 30 days. They also discuss alternative options like applying for a 60-day 'visit family' extension or a 1-year multiple-entry marriage visa without needing proof of funds.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
  • Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
  • For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
  • Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
  • Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
Paul *******
Get the 60 day "visit family" extension. Or if you need more time, rather than do an "in-out", travel to Savannakhet (Laos) and apply for a 1-year multiple entry marriage visa. No proof of funds required. You'll receive 90 days on each entry, which can be extended by 60 days for the purposes of visiting your wife. Plenty of time to meet any funds seasoning in the meantime.

Anyway, I hear supporting a Thai citizen child is easier, because the funds only need to be in your account for one day. Why not continue to use that option?
Like
Reply
Paul *******
@Alex ****
find out how long the money needs to be "seasoned" for, in both the marriage and Thai child cases. For the former, it should be 60 days. Not 100% sure on the latter. Either way, get the appropriate extension or visa to cover you while you wait for this to happen. Don't do the 45 day visa exemption. It won't give you enough time and immigration might ask questions. Get the 60 day visit wife extension or go out for a 12 month multiple entry marriage visa. Either method will give you plenty of time for seasoning money and much less worry with immigration or having to do another border run.
Like
Reply
Reply to
Paul *******
Reply
Chris *******
It's probably a mute question. But did you use the 60 day visit Thai family extension?

I am assuming yes but just in case....
Like
Reply
Paul *******
Ok. Got it. I'll look it up.
Like
Reply
Chris *******
Like
Reply
Reply to
Chris *******
Reply
Paul *******
What's an STM2 form?
Like
Reply
Chris *******
@Paul ******
its an acknowledgement form.

You have the main form tm7 and 2 acknowledgement forms
Like
Reply
Reply to
Chris *******
Reply
Chris *******
@Alex ****
yes you can apply for 60 day visit thai family, one time per entry. So your current extension would allow for 1 visit family extension.

Giving you in theory enuff time to get you affairs in order and apply the 1yr extension again.
Like
Reply
Chris *******
@Alex ****
PM sent.
Like
Reply
Chris *******
@Alex ****
go to rm 204 see the volunteers at the counter.

They will explain what you will need.

In essence:

Bring your wife

Three forms tm7, stm2 and acknowledgement

Passport photo

Koror2

Marriage certificate

Tm30

Copy of PP bio page

Copy of PP stamps/extensions

Only 1 set

Should be all you need.
Like
Reply
Reply to
Chris *******
Reply
Stan ***********
You can also go to Satun for quick in/ out of Malaysia and back to Thailand for 45 days
Like
Reply
Paul *******
@Stan **********
Not a good idea. Better to travel to Savannakhet and get a 12 month multiple entry marriage visa or do a 60 day "visit wife" extension at immigration.
Like
Reply
Reply to
Paul *******
Reply
David **********
You can take ferry to Langkawi Malaysia
Like
Reply
Paul *******
That sounds like a fun trip, but isn't ideal for a quick in/out. Unlikely you can accomplish this in one day very easily.

However, like I mentioned, in the OPs case it's much better he goes out for a marriage visa or does a 60 day extension than leaving and returning for a 45 day exemption stamp.

After years of Thai residency suddenly breaking it and going back onto exempt status might prompt IOs to ask questions.
Like
Reply
Reply to
Paul *******
Reply
Steve *******
If you've got 400k seasoned for 2 months before you need to apply for marriage extention there's no need to border bounce, just change the reason for your extention of stay.
Like
Reply
Steve *******
@Alex ****
Yes, that's a good plan
Like
Reply
Reply to
Steve *******
Reply
Brandon ************
You can extend 45 day visa exempt by 30 days.

If you do the border bounce after March 31st it will be back to 30 days on entry instead of 45.
Like
Reply
Richard *********
BUT Penang is worth a night or 2 :-)
Like
Reply
Richard *********
@Brandon ***********
fly to Penang or KL

45 days cages back to 30 day visa exempt March 31st

yes can extend another 30
Like
Reply
John *************
@Alex ****
You can turn around and come straight back if there is a flight.
Like
Reply
Reply to
John *************
Reply
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
... members · 60% approval rate
The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.
Join the Group
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
View the Conversation
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
The ask:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.