What are the current rules and recommendations for doing a visa run from Thailand, especially after a long stay?

Feb 21, 2022
3 years ago
Ashleigh *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Does anyone know of visa runs being done successfully recently? Singapore VTL should open next month. I have been in Thailand for two years and hoping to do a run. My concern is not being allowed back in because of how long ive been here already. Any recommendations on length of time out of country in order to return successfully under test and go? Thank you!
1,677
views
3
likes
58
all likes
38
replies
0
images
15
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
The post discusses the user's concerns about successfully completing a visa run after residing in Thailand for two years, particularly regarding the duration they should stay out of the country before re-entering. Responses from the community clarify that there is generally no strict minimum time required to remain outside Thailand before returning, although experiences may vary based on individual circumstances and immigration officer discretion. Suggestions include reaching out to the Thai embassy for specific guidance, considering nearby countries for visa runs, and being prepared for potential costs associated with required PCR tests.
Jason *****
Singapore VTL has been opened since Dec.
Maarten ****
find an agent and they will have some "way" to solve the issue
Aaron *******
The question: Are you currently under a valid visa, or valid extension. If you are currently in overstay status, you will have problems re-entering.
Ashleigh *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Aaron Towns not in overstay. I have always been here legally
Niclas ***********
VTL Singapore should be alright but going back will be expensive if still two PCR is required. I would look at Cambodia or even Malaysia.
Terary **********
What if you take a Singapore VTL and turn around same day. Like never actually go into Singapore.
Niclas ***********
Not sure can you even book a transit ticket like this? 🙈
Ashleigh *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Steve *******
There's no minimum time to stay out of the country. You can leave and return immediately.
Terary **********
@Steve ******
So what is the deal for visa runs now?

- Air travel to some country (Cambodia, Malaysia, Singapore), back to Thailand and from Thailand (after two months

- Paid hotel accommodation in Thailand for 2 months (duration of visa)

- Paid insurance 2 months (duration of visa)

- Two PCRs ?

Visa runs are super expensive these days.
Steve *******
@Terary *********
You can only 'visa run' by air and comply with the entry requirements to the country you choose to get your visa in then comply with the requirements to re-enter Thailand.
Ashleigh *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Steve Greir Thank you so much ☺️
Stacey *******
Contact the Thai embassy via email. They replied to me regarding this same situation and stated there's no minimum time to be out of the country, just meet all the Thai Pass requirements and bla bla bla
Ashleigh *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Stacey ******
thank you!
Stacey *******
@Ashleigh ******
of course everyone has a different situation and nationality may come into play but they were very helpful and responsive. Just keep your questions brief, to the point, and numbered. That's what I did 😂

Good luck 🍀
Aron **********
Was told if non b and go to COVID extension you need to wait min 30 days
James **********
I think you personally will need to be out of the country for more than 6 months before returning.
Ashleigh *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
James Mccallum I know many people who has recently returned, one after just one month, with no issue. It is my understanding that there is no written rule about a "days out" requirement, but I'm betting they will not so easy on people who are running for just one night. So any insight on hassle to expect after short trips (like 1-2 weeks) would be appreciated
Ashleigh *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
James Mccallum I know many people who have spent as little as one month and returned very recently. So six months is not necessary
Andreas **********
i went today after 60 days asked for covid stay and they said do your 30 days 1st then come back so thats me in phetchabun 30 days time same time reading forums covid extension finish 35th so il be early for mine lol fingers crossed
Niclas ***********
@Andreas *********
immigration in Phetchabun good? Just got experience in Phuket but will spend more time there.
Steve *******
@Aron *********
There's no minimum time to stay out of the country.
Aron **********
@Steve ******
do you work for immigration? this is what I was told when i was helping a russian guy who could not speak much english 2 weeks ago, they went round all the officers there and they told him this, he has a family so wanted to make sure he was not going to be denied entry, they said he might be if he comes back under 30 days, he was on ano b for years and went to covid. this is my experience, unless you work there I would be careful
Steve *******
@Aron *********
Like I said there's no minimum time you need to stay out of the country. Of course you can be denied entry but not for that reason.
Benjamin ******
@Aron *********
who told you that?
Maxim ***********
There is no such thing as "having to stay out for 30 days". Benjamin is 100% correct. I hate the typical "2 weeks tourists" with zero experience who spill what they once heard and claim that it's factual. These people are cancerous to such group with many knowledgeable people who knows how ridiculous Aron statement is.
Aron **********
@Benjamin *****
Immigration on koh phangan, if you were on a non b and went to covid extensions you cant get any more extensions you have to leave and they are saying stay out min 30 days
Benjamin ******
@Aron *********
And how would that immigration office (ran by the Thai police) know anything about visa rules (ran by the ministry of foreign affairs)?
Aron **********
@Benjamin *****
You know the place that does 90 day reports and visa extensions, thats immigration to me not police. different building same guys at the airport, the ones that stamp you in and out, those guys told me that they will be looking for people who had the non b visa and went to covid extensions and think they can do a quick trip to another country, they are trying to close that loop hole, so they advised to come back after 30 days if you are in that position. you dont sound like you have a clue
Steve *******
@Aron *********
Immigration Police, a branch of the Royal Thai Police. I think you need to brush up on your research.
Benjamin ******
@Aron *********
> thats immigration to me not police.

The Thai Immigration office is overseen by the Royal Thai Police. The laws that direct the immigration officers on what is required to issue extension of stays are called "Police Orders" 😮
Aron **********
and your point is? the guy who works there knows less that you ?
Bobby ********
Aron Webheadz..Sorry pal but you're talking out of your backside. Immigration and Thai Embassies come under two separate ministries.
Benjamin ******
@Aron *********
Let's see if I understand this:

1. You're a social media manager (according to your Facebook profile), and using this attitude to me.

2. You are talking to someone who's an expert about visas and extension of stays who have helped thousands of people staying in Thailand legally and safely.

3. You believe what I'm saying is incorrect even AFTER I give you the evidence?

I'm not going to help you anymore.
Anthony *********
I did a successful one to Phnom Penh last month, if you want to dm me, I have a write up that someone did of all the steps to go through 👍
Bobby ********
Phnom Penh apparently has had a few successful runs
Luc ************
2 years on what visa?
Ashleigh *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Luc ***********
tourist 》education 》cover extension, which is why I'm needing to leave
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