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What are the current visa exemption entry rules for Thailand in 2026?

Jan 8, 2026
4 months ago
Brandon ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Copying and pasting this message from Tod Daniels, who is a moderator in our sister visa advice group. He knows more about these things than almost anyone.

ATTENTION ALL MEMBERS

"Reset" on 60 day visa exempt entries

Okay everyone, seeing as the new year has rolled around and I've had a chance to contact several border bounce companies who take people to land borders for visa exempt entries as well as talked to a number of people denied entry at the airports flying back in, I thought it was about time for an update.

It would appear from the many many MANY people being denied entry flying in visa exempt that there was no reset for air entry Visa exempt stamps once the year rolled over.

In fact, what it actually looks like is; the immigration officers at passport control will look at your previous entry/stay history and more importantly looking at the number of days spent in Thailand during the previous running year before your arrival.

Example you show up on January 8th they will look at all your entry/stay history until January 8th last year.

There are reports that some officers are bandying about the number 150 days in country. If you have hit that number during the previous year you can and most likely will be denied entry coming in free stamp by air. <- Note: this appears to be sporadic and does not happen all the time.

Now for at least some good news;

It does appear that for visa exempt land entries the count did indeed "reset". People who have bounced out and back after the new year were told they could get two free stamp (visa exempt) entries by land this year

Also we are getting less and less reports of people being told they can only get a 7-Day extension on a visa exempt entry, and there are also reports that even from a visa exempt entry by land people were able to get a 30-day extension like normal <- you might remember that there were postings saying visa exempt land entries could not be extended at all.

Some border bouncers are reporting that they were asked for proof of onward travel within 60 days and proof of funds 20k baht or the equivalent (in CASH), but again these are sporadic reports not consistent with any border crossing, or nationality.

Keep in mind people that at this time all the Cambodia/Thai land borders are still closed. Also the only Burma border with Thailand that's open for foreigners for out/back travel is the one at the Ranong pier with Kawthaung

That's all I got people.. I wanted to wait until I had at least some idea of what's going on from a few different sources.

Best of luck with it, Everyone a safe and healthy New Year as well
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TLDR : Answer Summary
Recent updates indicate that visa exempt air entries to Thailand do not reset upon the new year, and travelers may be scrutinized based on their previous stay history, particularly if they have spent over 150 days in the country within the last year. Conversely, land entries seem to have reset, allowing for two free visa exempt entries. There are also more reports of obtaining a standard 30-day extension for visa exempt land entries, despite prior restrictions. Additionally, some travelers may be asked for proof of onward travel and funds. Local border crossings in Cambodia are closed, but the Ranong pier border with Myanmar is the only open option for foreign travelers.
Bob ********
Does this apply if you have used evisa system for 60 day tourist visa from an embassy?
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Brandon ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Bob *******
It can. Tourist entry is a tourist entry. The people who get the most scrutiny are those entering visa exempt without a visa, but you can still get dinged for spending too much time as a tourist in Thailand even with a tourist visa. There's just a lower chance for it.
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Bob ********
@Brandon ***********
thank you ๐Ÿ™
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Bob ********
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Doug *******
I just want to say thanks for this post. Accurate info from solid sources is always valuable and appreciated.
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Austin *******
I have been on an education visa the last 2 years. And had about 6 years of work visa and work permit before I took an online job. I am trying to figure out what I should do as my visa expires January 2027 but my education visa ends march 15 I believe. I would like to graduate to a longer term visa. If anyone in pattaya knows where I can go to speak with someone I would greatly appreciate it. I really donโ€™t want to have any issues as I have always done and paid everything on time and havenโ€™t done border runs unless I was renewing a visa. If someone in pattaya has an office I could come to please let me know Iโ€™m in such a strange position as my lease ends next month. Thank you
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Fran *******
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THAI ******************************
If you have any concerns, we offer optional pre-screening services, which can be requested together with your TDAC application here:

************************************************************


If this situation applies to you, the best advice is to plan a transition to a long-term visa. Otherwise, you may continue to experience issues in the future.

This does not affect the vast majority of travelers. Around 99% of visitors entering Thailand under the visa-exemption scheme have no problems at all. It mainly applies to those attempting to live in Thailand long-term while repeatedly using visa exemptions.
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Collywobble **********
moving the goalposts has stressed many people and damaged finances
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Graham ******
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Collywobble **********
@Graham *****
me!!! worried whether get entry denied and then cost of booking alternative flights???!!!!!!!!!.....the TDAC did worry but in reality easy for an old technophobe like me !!
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Graham ******
@Collywobble *********
So you obviously think you may need a visa so just get one. Genuine tourists who spend a few weeks each visit don't need to do anything different but this can't be you.
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Graham ******
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Steve *******
Burma? I'm guessing he means Myanmar ๐Ÿ˜‰
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Greg ******
@Steve ******
naw, Burma ๐Ÿค—
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Steve *******
@Greg *****
I'm guessing you must be in Siam at the moment ๐Ÿ˜‰
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Greg ******
@Steve ******
เนƒเธŠเนˆ! ๐Ÿ‘Œ
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Greg ******
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Jay *******
What happened to all the people saying nothing has changed and everything is as usual despite notices from immigration saying different ๐Ÿ˜†
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Graham ******
@Jay ******
because the rules they are now enforcing have been in place for years, it's the added scrutiny that has changed not the rules
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Jay *******
@Graham *****
many many here and other places attacked those saying that changes were probable and changes in enforcement is indeed a change.
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Doug *******
@Jay ******
Is the best contribution you can offer just this useless drivel?
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Jay *******
@Doug ******
what do you have to offer?
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Jay *******
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Shane ***********
@Jay ******
why do you think they are taking the time to let people make an informed decision dumb arse
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Jay *******
@Shane **********
can you translate that to English?
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Jay *******
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Collywobble **********
i did 144 days in 2025 so ok??? not over 150
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Area *************
@Collywobble *********
i did 210 but now i have a visa ๐Ÿ˜
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Trevor *******
@Area ************
what type of visa?
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Area *************
@Trevor ******
that's a Non imm B. Quite long ton prรฉpare.
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Area *************
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