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What are the implications of the recent crackdown on border runners and visa-free entries in Thailand?

Nov 13, 2025
2 days ago
Greg ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Crackdown on border runners and Visa Free entries on orders of the PM.

DTV is more valuable than ever. If here on Visa Exemots etc and going to apply for DTV might be better to do it sooner rather than later
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The recent announcement from the Prime Minister regarding a crackdown on border runners and the restrictions on visa-free entries has heightened concerns among expats and travelers in Thailand. Many discuss the potential impacts on those applying for the Digital Nomad Visa (DTV) and express that it may be wise to apply sooner rather than later due to uncertainties in immigration policy. Comments highlight experiences with re-entries, skepticism about the efficiency of visa regulations, and a general caution regarding future changes and the treatment of travelers entering Thailand. Overall, the conversation reflects a mixture of concern and resignation about Thailand's evolving visa landscape.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
J-Zen *****
I have done one re-entry on the DTV and the immigration official at the time said Why didn't you go back to your own country? As I was in Vietnam for 1 month - don't be surprised if problems occur even with a DTV your not 100 % Safe to Enter.
Kenza ********
Visa’s will be Thailand’s downfall.
Tashi *****
I got mine the other day, its easy if u actually qualify
Anonymous ******************
They will change it again in a few months when the tourist numbers are down lol
Robin *********
And on rice field burning, loud motorbikes, dust from engines, smoking, drinking, speeding ...

Funny thing nothing ever changes. At least until now
Antti *********
The amendment applies to people who enter the country without a visa. That is, it should not apply to those with a DTV visa.
Anonymous ******************
If Thailand would let people do visa runs without the proper visa then the country would turn into Cambodia where criminals have their best lives and no rules just in and out - no questions asked 🤮
Anonymous ******************
I mean it's been like this since before covid. Or has something changed?
Greg ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Anonymous participant 973 Many moon ago there were only 2 Land Entries per year allowed in Visa Exempt. That limitation was removed. They are implementing it again and more ie number of in country extensions it would seem. Definately changes.
Anonymous ******************
Time will tell
Andi ***********
Anonymous participant 750 Already told "{refused entry to about 2,900 foreigners since the beginning of 2025.”
Anonymous ******************
@Andi **********
those are rookie numbers
Andi ***********
Anonymous participant 195 Will be significant numbers 2026
Anonymous ******************
@Andi **********
I really doubt anything will change because guess who owns most of the border run agencies
Anonymous ******************
@Andi **********
Really wont lol its weird yall feel so secure in negativity
Anonymous ******************
Gotta love fear mongering they will never implement because simply 💰💰💰
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous participant 816 Fear mongering?! Plenty of people get refused at borders and switch to DTVs for exactly that reason. Sure, money could definitely help you enter safely, but I doubt they care how much you bring to the country when you can’t even afford a visa...
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous participant 812 Completely missing the point of the actual income of immigration lol
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous participant 816 What income are you even talking about for immigration? There’s no income for them when people do border runs (only if using the safe entry). Visas, especially non-immigrant ones, are what actually bring in money. DTV isn't the best for that indeed but they will find a trick soon. 💸
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous participant 812 What income? 🤣🤣🤣 You really dont know how much immigration agents and border agents make abusing this system?
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous participant 816 I do and that's certainly not with the multiple consecutive FREE tourist exemptions they are doing it 🤪. They are pushing people to get a visa OR to use the safe entry.
Greg ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Anonymous participant 816 That is an official announcement from Immigration Duh
Anonymous ******************
@Greg *******
extend visa, shorten visa, extend visa, shorten visa, new visa, shorten visa, newer visa, extend visa, shorten visa, tighten visa and next another new visa…same same always 🤣
Anonymous ******************
@Greg *******
Like the many they have done for the 13 years ive been coming here