What are the current rules for Multiple Entry Non-Immigrant B visas regarding border runs in Thailand?

Jul 22, 2018
6 years ago
Julia ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
So I just returned from Kawthaung with my non-B multiple visa that was issued in Jan 2018, valid until Jan 2019. The lady at Thai immigration said I cannot do a border run by sea or land again because I already did it 2 times this year. I said that only applies to visa exemption, not visa. She said no and that I will have to do a border bounce by air or get a 1-year extension (which is not possible on a non-B multiple). I asked if this is a new rule, she said no. Should I just ignore this? She told me I have the wrong visa and will need to get a non-B single plus yearly extension instead. Very confused now.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The conversation revolves around a user's experience at the Thai immigration office regarding their Non-B multiple entry visa. After making two border runs in a year, the immigration officer claimed that further land or sea border runs wouldn't be allowed, suggesting only air travel as an option or a switch to a Non-B single entry plus yearly extension. Several commenters weigh in, sharing personal experiences and historical patterns of enforcement related to such visas, highlighting confusion over the rules and suggesting avoiding that particular border due to its known issues.
Tod *********
Thank you
@Julia ***********
for posting the information. (Y)

I'd suggest everyone on a year-long, multi-entry Non-Immigrant visa of any type NOT to border bounce at the Ranong - Kawthaung..
Tod *********
Okay I think we're losing sight of the fact that the southern border crossings are notorious for being "bent" and being tough to deal with.

I'd say the speculation on why this officer at this border said and did what she did is just that, pure speculation. Remember the thai immigration office doesn't SELL year-long, multi-entry visas. That's done thru the thai consulates by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Office.
Joe ***********
This situation is similar to the last few months of 2014. For many years nearly a decade, people were allowed nearly unlimited border runs to get another 30 days. Then without warning the Border Police at the Malaysian Border began rejecting entry to those who had more than 2 entries.... stranding scores of people. Then it spread to the other borders, then it became the full blown enforcement of old rules.,,In the middle of this holier than thou types on Thai Visa Forums scorned all those people who had been caught short as abusers, no goods and worse. Of course those who heavily criticizing others could not / would not take into consideration that years of non inforcement, and even promotion of the 30 border hop by Thai Immigration made it clear no one was abusing anything. The enforcement had been waived and it was allowed.
Ron *******
On that basis, there was absolutely no point in restricting who can get one and even less point in having a requirement in place in order to get a yearly extension?
Joe ***********
Your definition is noted: And despite the definition Thai Immigration has over the years even encouraged Company Directors to utilize the Multi-Entry B Visa 12 months in lieu of getting a One Year B Visa Extension.

Last year the two Immigration Officers who processed my One Year B Visa Extension became quite aware of the nature and structure of my small business. Both questioned me as to why I just didn't go to Penang and get the 12 month Multi B. Visa. To these two officers it was a perfectly reasonable option. Never once mentioning the definition you just posted. In my opinion when Thai Immigration allows and even promotes a different pathway they are tacitly waiving the intended purpose. This is not uncommon. And it is not twisting nor abusing a Visa Category when Thai Immigration knowingly allows it and even promotes it.
Luke ******
Ideally they want people on extensions because they can exert better control, and they do have more stringent requirements, the non B class in particular.

Bottom line is they want to thin the herd so to say, or get them on Elite Visas (where you cannot work anyways, which is idiotic).

I don't disagree with everything you have said though.
Luke ******
This is the never ending argument that
@Tod ********
closed a thread a while ago for.

People are twisting the interpretation of a multi non B.
@Joe **********
is saying: " Such a visa holder is required to exit every 90 days."

No, such a visa holder is required to do multiple business visits to Thailand for a maximum of 90 days per visit (underline the word visit), not to continuously stay 360 days with visa runs in between.

The fact that people do it and it's all been good so far is a different story.
Tod *********
I believe that it's just one of those renegade officers at the notorious southern borders with a bee in their bonnet..

There is nothing written anywhere that "requires a visa holder to do multiple business visits" and nothing that prohibits a person getting a 90 day stamp every entry on that visa for the 15 months you can get out of it.
Tod *********
Sounds like that's a border you need to NOT bounce out and back in at in the future.
Darren *********
Always used Sadao, will be going again in one week.
Joe ***********
She got stamped in for 90 days on a Non B Multi. The note about visa run is weird.
Pascal ********
Report and what . Nothing will happen as everytime we cross back in Thailand most of us are ......
Enri **********
Did u understand what i wrote?
Enri **********
If other people will report in the future the same story-same border-same visa type, this FB group will have an issue to discuss about. Otherwise this post would be useless...and imo it's already useless.
Joe ***********
It is fine that the situation was sorted out for this one lady. But the real issue is at least this one Officer thinks the 2 border bounces by land limitation rule applies to Non B Multi Entry Visa holders. And in my opinion the statement by the Officer is totally incorrect.
Enri **********
This story seems caused just by the "not so nice" mood of the IO today. At the end the OP sorted out her border bounce with no other major problem, as we can see from the pic of her stamp she posted above.
Joe ***********
I cannot see how this situation could even effect a 12 month Multi-Entry Non Imm B. Such a visa holder is required to exit every 90 days. If the no more than two border runs by land rule applies to Multi B and Multi O then this is totally different than any interpretation I have ever heard of... Down here in Krabi we have scores of Multi-B holders running by car to the Malaysian border every 90 days. I just cannot believe this Immigration Officer knows what she is talking about. And I am talking about Company Directors who choose to use a Multi Entry B and not do an Extension.
Pascal ********
l2 years ago got the same problem this lady officer is trying to get you in trouble for nothing. now i use Satun and they are much nicer.
Ron *******
What's going on is these visas were never meant to be used how people are using them. IE People border bouncing and living here on them. Now they are starting to get on top of it.
Darren *********
@Ron ******
yes, a big problem for some teachers, divers, hotel workers. On my last non-imm multi - have bounced at Sadao recently with no problems.
Robert *******
On this page you can choose what kind of Extension of Stay you need and get the most requirements. Immigration Offices can have their own special extra's:
****************************************************************
Robert ********
Good business for lawyers.
Julia ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ron ******
Yeah, seems like. Interesting that there are barely any other reports about this issue online though. I’ll speak to my lawyer about a yearly extension of stay now I guess.
Ron *******
I would guess now, after the crackdown on Multiple entry B visas, 99% of people will not be able to get another one.
Julia ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
This is what my lawyer says I can get. Everyone in Koh Phangan has it, I know maybe 2 people who have a yearly extension of stay on a single entry non-B
Enri **********
At the end u did ur border bounce successfully
Neo ************
I have OM always use land no issues. The rule apply when you not have no visa and doing a visa run.
Julia ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Yes. That’s what I told the IO and her boss as well. They said NO. I have been stamped 90 days as you can see, so they were aware that I was on a non-B visa. No idea what is going on at the moment. Heard strange things from Sadao border, too.
Marco *********
If you live in Koh Phangan, next time use Satun border.

Pm me if you need more info.
Herman ********
With all visa Issued outside of thailand, you can cross the border by air and sea unlimited. By land only two times
Ali ******
I used to cross the border at Mae Sot and Myanmar numerous times with a multi-entry visa, as did my colleagues. They would only allow two land crossings per year for those with visa exempt though. I would say just avoid that border as there is no rule against it in theory... Should be fine elsewhere.
Steve *******
@Herman *******
It doesnt apply to visas, only to visa exempt entries.
Robert *******
it is clearly in the text: without VISA. And Sea borders are seen as land borders in Thailand.
Herman ********
@Julia ***********
try it and ibform us
Herman ********
@Robert ******
well it says limited to land borders, sea and air is fine, but applies also to all kind of mulitiple visa issued outside Thailand
Julia ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Robert ******
Yeah, that’s what I was talking about. Does not apply to me with a non-B multiple. I should be able to go to Myanmar or elsewhere and back everyday if I wanted to!
Robert *******
@Herman *******
Only by air, Land and Sea borders are limited to 2 Visa Exempt Entries a calendar year for mentioned countries on this list.
Julia ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Herman *******
Nope, not from Surat Thani. They don’t have flights to KL anymore since February this year and even with those flights I wouldn’t have been able to come back same day.
Herman ********
@Julia ***********
you can fly to kuala lumpur and cole back same day
Julia ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Yeah. I know that. Immigration officer even sent me to speak to her boss who (of course) said the same. Only 2 times by land or sea. “Cannot go Sadao, cannot go Ranong”.
Jesper **************
This is way i move from there....sorry but thats true
Amornrat **********
again, it is always in the hands of the IO how they judge. You did nothing wrong on your part, the IO might feel that you do it not correct (in her eyes). Better to avoid that border and might follow her advise n use air for OUT/IN. Or another border near you.
Neo ************
Very strange you have a visa for a reason what border was it ?
Amornrat **********
the OP said Multiple B n border is Ranong.
Julia ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
She even wrote “visarun” on the stamp!!
Amornrat **********
ignore her.
Robert *******
You are correct that you can only do 2 border runs without a visa using the Visa Exempt Entry a calendar year, no limits using a Multiple Entry visa. You can get a 1 year Extension of Stay on a Multiple Entry Non Immigrant B visa, if your company or employer can meet the requirements. If she let you in for another 90 days, the visa must be valid and can not be wrong.
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