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What are the implications of leaving Thailand on a visa-exempt entry during the new 60+30 system?

Nov 21, 2025
a day ago
Angéla ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi everyone! I’m a bit confused about the new visa-exempt rules (60 days + 30-day extension), so I’d really appreciate your help.

I’m planning to stay in Thailand for about 90–97 days total, but during this period I will need to leave the country for a few days for international sports events.

My questions are:

1️⃣ If I leave Thailand before completing the first 60 days, and then come back, can I still apply for the +30-day extension later?

Or will immigration only give me the 7-day grace period after re-entry?

2️⃣ If I re-enter during the same 90–97-day overall window, does my time outside Thailand count toward the 90 days, or does the clock only count the days spent inside Thailand?

3️⃣ Basically:

– Can I leave once or twice within the 90–97-day allowance and still use the full 60+30 days?

– Or does leaving “interrupt” or reduce the extension?

I’ve watched several update videos, but the explanations weren’t fully clear on how exits and re-entries affect the new 60+30 system, so any firsthand experience or clarification would help a lot!

Thank you so much in advance! 🙏✨
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The new visa-exempt rules allow for a 60-day stay in Thailand with a potential 30-day extension. However, confusion arises regarding the impact of exiting and re-entering Thailand on this allowance. Key points discussed include: exiting Thailand voids the original visa-exempt stamp, meaning upon re-entry, a new 60-day period begins; leaving the country does not extend the stay beyond the 60 days unless a new stamp is issued; thus, careful planning around departures is essential, especially regarding documentation like departure flight proof. Some suggest obtaining a tourist visa before arrival to avoid complications.
Tod *********
Sheesh you got answers all over the place

Just so you're clear there's NO one on this or any group to thailand that can tell you if you'll skate right in OR if they'll question you at passport control BUT your planned entries don't seem anything out of the ordinary

As people said, you get a new 60 day visa exempt entry every time they let you into the country

SO

Show up get a 60 day visa exempt entry,

(hopefully you'll have proof you're leaving before the 60 days is up)

come back in get a NEW 60 day entry stamp

(again hopefully you'll have proof you're leaving before the 60 days is up)

then go back to where ever you come from
Rob *******
If you enter with a visa exempt stamp then exit the country either on the initial 60 days or after the 30 day extension, that stamp is now void and any re-entry starts from scratch, there is no carry over of unused days on those stamps.
Vincenzo ************
Every entrance through border u will get 60 days
Mike ************
If you enter and leave in under 60 days you will not require any extensions under tourist exemption

If you re-enter after a period of more than one day you will be eligible for another 60 day stay under tourist exemption and can apply for a 30 day exemption

You could technically leave every 60 days and comeback after a few days but they will likely question how you can afford to be on holidays for this much time and suspect you may actually be working... financial proof will likely get you a pass

If you are staying over the 60 and 90 days, you should try to get a multiple entry visa - ie the visa that most fits your stay period
Stuart ********
Just get a visa and then you’ll not have any issues. ;)
Matthew *********
@Stuart *******
doesn't need a visa. Waste of time and effort. He is not abusing entries. Try reading the rules.
Stuart ********
@Matthew ********
I didn’t say he DID need a visa and I know the rules. I just said it would be easier and worry free and give flexibility.
James ********
If you don't have a recent history of entry into Thailand...

A second option is to enter Thailand Visa Exempt entry... that gives you a 60 day stamp on arrival...

Get a One time ADDED 30 day extension from your local Thai immigration office...1,900 Thai baht.

Reenter Thailand a second time as a visa exempt entry... giving you another 60 day stamp.

Be sure to have proof of your flight ✈️ departing Thailand within the 60 days as Thai Immigration likely will ask you for it.

That gives you the time you wish to stay in Thailand.

Use your creativity... and Good Luck 🍀 with your travel plans to Thailand.
James ********
I suggest you keep it SIMPLE...

Avoiding the uncertainty and possible Denied entry...

Apply for and obtain the SETV single entry tourist visa...in your home country before you fly to Thailand.

Upon arrival you will be stamped in for 60 days...then obtain a reentry permit to leave and reenter Thailand during the 60 days...

After reentry into Thailand, go to your local Thai immigration office and apply for the ADDED 30 DAY EXTENSION...

Giving you a total of 90 days in Thailand.

Thereby...

totally AVOIDING the visa exempt entry issues.
Terry ***************
@James *******
why should he not just keep it simple, arrive and get a 60 day exemption, leave sometime during those 60 days on the planned trip outside Thailand and re enter Thailand and get another 60 days exemption, surely that would cover 97 days or am I or you missing something?
James ********
That's the second option I described in my reply.
James ********
If you don't have a recent history of entry into Thailand...

A second option is to enter Thailand Visa Exempt entry... that gives you a 60 day stamp on arrival...

Get a One time ADDED 30 day extension from your local Thai immigration office...1,900 Thai baht.

Reenter Thailand a second time as a visa exempt entry... giving you another 60 day stamp.

Be sure to have proof of your flight ✈️ departing Thailand within the 60 days as Thai Immigration likely will ask you for it.

That gives you the time you wish to stay in Thailand.

Use your creativity... and Good Luck 🍀 with your travel plans to Thailand.
Matthew *********
@Terry **************
because most of these idiots don't understand logic of the rules. Perfectly fine to enter twice on visa exempt.
James ********
So Matthew I am an idiot in replying to the Post. 😔😔😔 Did you read my second reply with the option you have described ?
Lloyd ********
@Matthew ********
Not nice calling a moderator an idiot.
Matthew *********
@Lloyd *******
truth doesn't have to be nice. The updated rule is clear. 157 days no problem. Idiot remarks to get a proper visa is non sense
Terry ***************
@Matthew ********
correct, it's already been announced that two border runs is acceptable, ie 180 days, with one 30 day extension and one 7 day extension, which is quite a long trip to Thailand as a 'tourist'. I'm getting a bit fed up hearing people chat shit about visa changes blah blah blah, there's been zero changes to visas as we both know and the only thing that has changed is a tightening of the existing rules regarding entering Thailand on a Visa exemption and the ability to extend for 30 days indefinitely. Anyone with an ounce of sense knows that people were abusing the rules and only abused the rules because the local immigration officials allowed the abuse of the rules as the 1900 baht tea money came in handy.
Michel *****
@Terry **************
60+30+60+7=157 <> 180
Lloyd ********
@Terry **************
1900 baht tea money, what the hell are you on about?
Steven *********
@James *******
Excellent advice
Andrew *********
Leaving the country on a visa exempt cancels it .

If you renter you get a new one and the 60 days restart.
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