What are the limits for border runs and re-entering Thailand with a student visa?

Question

Hi I hope someone could help me! 
I have some concerns regarding some of the information I have found online, stating there is a limit of travelling into Thailand 2 times per calendar year, I also saw something saying about a 6 month period too. I have applied for a student visa but the school have said I have to do a border run as they are full and I cannot start until I return..

I entered Thailand on 17th October 2023

I then departed thailand on 13th December 2023

I returned to Thailand 27th December 2023

I then departed Thailand on 18th January 2024

I then entered Thailand on 8th June 2024 - 6 months after leaving

Can you just confirm that I won’t have an issue when doing the border run without a border run company and if so why would it be different with a border run company? Thank you 🙏🏼

Ask Thailand · Answer

This post discusses concerns about re-entering Thailand after multiple entries in a calendar year, specifically relating to border runs and the regulations affecting them. The user inquires about limitations on entries and the implications of performing a border run without a company. Community members clarify that the two-entry limit applies only to visa-exempt entries via land or sea, while air entries have no strict limit. However, the risk of being denied entry exists, especially after multiple entries, thus suggesting using a border run company for greater assurance.

Alan ****** · Answer

That only applies to land border entry not air, but be careful, the IO after say 4 entries, might stop you from entering, especially after you've been hanging around Thailand after 180 days.

Steve ******* · Answer

It's only 2 visa exempt border entries per calander year. Flying in or visa entries are unlimited.

John ******** · Answer

I travelled into Thailand on numerous occasions in a calendar year by air and never had a problem. I got Red stamped on one occasion at a land border. The IO let me in but it was going to be the last time by land that year.

Reidar ********** · Answer

Tens of thousands of people do visa runs via air to thailand every month, stay a couple of days, then off to their home country. Done it for years. Never a comment asked or given.

Ning ****** · Answer

u can take a bus to lao, (cam might ask u to stay for a day before they let u back into thai.) bring all documents from the school. it depends on your luck.

Wayne ********* · Answer

No one can 100% confirm it depends on the IO you stand on front of on the day doing it yourself.

Border run company do these runs regular and as John said will not agree to take you if they can not get you back in to Thailand.

Jan ****************** · Answer

You can do two border runs in a calendar year by road, and you haven’t done any this year (unless you entered by road in June) and your previous stay is not too excessive. You will be fine with a border run and they wouldn’t bring you if they weren’t confident about your being ok. There’s no six months rule.

If you’re in Bangkok I know several people are satisfied with their service

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If you’re in Bangkok I know several people are satisfied with their service [url redacted]

Stuart ********* · Answer

Ok. We need some more information to be able to help.

You are correct that you can only enter 2 times in a calendar year - but that is ONLY if you used a land or sea border and were entering under the visa exempt status.

With a physical visa entering by land or sea is irrelevant. Entering visa exempt via air there is no technical limit. That doesn’t mean you can do so forever it just means that it’s up to the immigration officer you hand your passport to on arrival.

The dates you posted don’t mention whether those entries were by a land border or by air, nor what type of visa you may or may not have had.

John ********** · Answer

Use a border run company. They won't take you unless they can get you back in. With your history you stand a chance of being refused entry doing it yourself

What are the limits for border runs and re-entering Thailand with a student visa?

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