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What are the current challenges and rules for visa exemptions and border runs in Thailand?

Thai Visa Rules Visa Exemptions Visa Bounces Non-O Visa Immigration Policies Border Run Stories Expats in Thailand Travel Tips Married Expats 60-Day Visa Extension Visa Procedures

Apr 29, 2025

a day ago

Keith ****

ORIGINAL POSTER

Arrived in Thailand 28th Feb an got a 60 days visa at Bangkok airport.

This is my experience at the Thai, Laos Vientiane crossing these past few days on a visa bounce.

 Left Thailand on 25th April. The Thai immigration officer said I could not return as they were clamping down on visa bounce however she did not red flag me in the system. She told me to take a chance and it was the returning visa officers decision whether I could enter or notm

On 29th I returned and once again the visa officer stated I could not enter. However my wife of 38yrs explained I had a return ticket to the USA and that next visit would be on a non O visa obtained in Washington. Phew! Luckily he accepted this and stamped me for a further 60 days we had our house blue book, marriage cert and my ticket. Preparation I believe helped.

Be careful they are getting much stricter.

Hope this helps.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The post shares an individual's experience with the visa exemption rules upon returning to Thailand after a border run. After initially entering Thailand on a 60-day visa, the author encountered strict immigration regulations during their return, primarily relating to concerns over visa bounces. They were advised by an immigration officer that stricter measures were in place, but managed to secure a new 60-day entry due to their preparations and the explanation of their ongoing ties to the USA. Community comments further emphasize the increasing strictness of visa policies, questions about exempt entries, and the implications of extended stays on tourist visas.

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Cris ******

Just did this. My marriage visa lapsed due to having to travel last minute back to the US. Came in on the exempt 60 days and they gave me a bit of crap. I'm glad they are clamping down on it though

19 hours ago

Cruise ******

May ask what did you mean by could not enter again when you left on 25? Even as a holiday you could not enter once you left Thailand?

Then you said you arrived on 29? You said you left Thailand on 25? And then back again on 29? What does that 25-29 mean? a 4day holiday to reset the 60days?