What are the best options for a South African to perform a visa run in Thailand?

Dec 13, 2018
6 years ago
Petru ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi everyone! I'm in need of some advice regarding a visa run. I just need to leave the country and get another 30 day stamp. Can I do this on my own and which country do I go to - I am South African - or is it better to work with an agency?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A South African expat seeking a visa run in Thailand is looking for advice on whether to do it independently or through an agency and which neighboring country is the best option for a 30-day stamp. Responses highlight important considerations such as the limit of two 30-day visa exempt entries by land per calendar year, restrictions at certain borders for South Africans, and the significance of the expat's location in Thailand when choosing a border crossing.
Tod *********
Also remember you can only get TWO 30 day visa exempt entries by land in a calendar year.. :/

Did you already extend your current entry by 30 days at the immigration office?
Tod *********
@Lyndon ***********
Sometimes they only count the tourist visas you got from that consulate BUT sometimes they count ALL the tourist visas you have.

It's totally arbitrary, I have seen people get 5 tourist visas in a row without a red stamp AND I've seen people switch passports meaning they have NO tourist visas stickers in their new one and get a red stamp on their first tourist visa from a consulate. :/
Lyndon ************
@Tod ********
do the count the number of SETVs you have had in the same at a consulate before you get a red no more stamp
Tod *********
@Lyndon ***********
Jan 1 - Dec 31 is a calendar year. SO it resets on the 1st of jan and you can get TWO more 30 day visa exempts again
Lyndon ************
@Tod ********
does the 'Calendar Year' count as Jan to December or is it the last 12 months?
Tod *********
@Petru **********
so DID you go to the immigration office and get a 30 day extension for 1900baht?

Because you can't get ANY extension by going to the border
Petru ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tod ********
. I'm supposed to apply for my non B but the school is not ready with my documents so I've been told to get a 30 day extention
Tod *********
South African passport holders cannot bounce out and back in at the Phu Nam Ron border with burma, so that cuts your options
Stuart *********
It would rather depend on what part of Thailand you are as where is best to go.
Tod *********
you might want to say WHERE you are in thailand so people can advise you what border to bounce out and back in at
Petru ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
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