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What are the new border run rules affecting visa holders in Thailand?
Border RunVisa IssuesDTV VisaVisa ExemptThai Immigration RulesVisa RegulationsVisa ProcessingImmigration Policy Changes
Nov 15, 2025
6 months ago
Ronald ********
ORIGINAL POSTERDoes anyone know what's going on at the Border in non-kai just tried to do a border run today the 15th of November and was turned away saying something about new rules.
I have only been here 45 days and am looking to swap from my Visa exempt to my DTV Visa that took 12 weeks to get through the New York Embassy. I had medical appointments I did not wish to miss so I had to come ahead of my Visa.
I have only been here 45 days and am looking to swap from my Visa exempt to my DTV Visa that took 12 weeks to get through the New York Embassy. I had medical appointments I did not wish to miss so I had to come ahead of my Visa.
TLDR : Answer Summary
A user reported being denied re-entry during a border run due to new immigration rules in Thailand. The situation has prompted discussions around recent stricter interpretations of existing visa regulations, particularly concerning the duration of stay and re-entry on a visa-exempt basis while a DTV visa application is being processed. Several comments indicated that border runs have become problematic, and it may now be necessary for applicants to remain in the country where they applied while waiting for visa decisions. Concerns about visa compliance and the potential for rejection or revocation of permits were also noted.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
- Take the basic DTV Qualification Test to see if you're eligible for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV).
- For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
- Explore recent discussions by using the DTV Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
- Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
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Michael **********
One of the rules of the dtv is that you MUST stay in the country you apply till the end of the process. We know that a lot of people have done otherwise and got 0 issues but we also know that till the other day extensions were granted 99.9% of the times. If the immigration does its job, your visa can still get revoked cuz u have broken the rules, I know it has never happened but it's listed as option and seeing how strict they have become this last couple of days, I'd pray that everything goes ok. Play stupid games, win stupid prizes
God *******
That is interesting because it sounds like you got approved for your DTV Visa while you were inside of Thailand. Is that correct?
As far as I understand, that is not allowed. But if you got approved, I don’t see an issue unless somebody does the math and wants to hold you accountable to the rule.
As far as I understand, that is not allowed. But if you got approved, I don’t see an issue unless somebody does the math and wants to hold you accountable to the rule.
Todd *********
you were not permitted by thai immigration to re-enter today? No explanation?
Ian ********
@Todd ********
no explanation required it’s the new rulesJames ******
The now enforced visa exempt limit has been in the news for nearly a week. That loop hole is now closed. Get the correct visa for your stay. No problem.
Todd *********
@Ian *******
rtfqReply to
Todd *********
Reply
Ronald ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Todd ********
I was not permitted to enter LaosConor ***********
@Ronald *******
were you dealing with a fat rude lady had similar issue up in that border last month lady was extremely rude got no answers from her and ended up having to pay some bloke to drive in and outJohn **********
@Ronald *******
or not allowed to leave Thailand?Ronald ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@John *********
not allowed to leave ThailandJohn **********
@Ronald *******
that makes more sense. I guess you have a few visa exempt entries in the past and they may question your DTV so you might have had an issue re-enteringRonald ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@John *********
I think it was more my mistake not understanding the language and the reason they wouldn't let me through I should have shown them the DTV Visa so they would understandReply to
Ronald ********
Reply
God *******
@Ronald *******
so where are you?If you’re not in Laos, and you already left Thailand, where the hell are you?
Scott *******
I have a mate who many months ago got stuck between both borders 😂
Reply to
Scott *******
Reply
Todd *********
@Ronald *******
so you went thru thai immigration and got stamped out, the rejected by Laos immigration? Thailand doesn't prevent people so far at least lolReply to
Todd *********
Reply
Sly *******
I may be mistaken but I seem to recall reading you need to be in the country where you applied while your DTV is being processed. Entering Thailand on visa exempt during processing is a no no. While this is unrelated to what you experienced on this occasion it might be another issue you have to deal with.
Jack ********
@Sly ******
won’t be an issue. A lot of people with no experience in this case like to shout out rules while sitting in their wife’s village with nothing to doRonald ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jack *******
as I understand that you only need to apply for the Visa outside of ThailandJohn **********
@Ronald *******
nope. You are meant to remain where you apply until the visa process completes.Jack ********
@John *********
if he didn’t and already has the visa he will be fine. You’re the exact type of person I was talking about that sits around all day telling people they are wrongJohn **********
@Jack *******
I was correcting his misconception. But bear in mind visas can be revokedJack ********
@John *********
no precedent for visas being revoked for this scenario. No one caresRonald ********
ORIGINAL POSTERIt only took 12 weeks to get the visa through the New York consulate
Reply to
Ronald ********
Reply
Ulrik *************
Not new rules, just a more strict interpretation of existing rules.
Ian ********
@Ulrik ************
new rulesTodd *********
@Ulrik ************
several new rules. Just read them aboveJuha *******
@Ulrik ************
not trueReply to
Juha *******
Reply
Ning ******
Go contact a visa ran company?
Braulio *********
Thank Gosh for the rule revisions
Ronald ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Braulio ********
I believe you are correct something that needs to be done but I am simply trying to do a Visa swap immigration may not have been aware of that as I didn't have a translator planning on going from Visa exempt to a DTV MedicalElías ********
@Ronald *******
planning? like how? did you apply for a DTV already? Is it already approved?Reply to
Elías ********
Reply
Pete *******
Try reading the group’s last two days of comments to catch up on the news regarding rule changes….
Ronald ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Pete ******
I should have posted that I am trying to do a Visa swap from a Visa exempt to a DTV Visa that took 3 months to be issued well beyond my departure date and medical schedule.Jay ****
@Ronald *******
fly out stay a day or 2 and fly back, use visa. Or talk to visa run agency. Were you told a reason why the clown show in NYC took ignorantly long to process? I've had the same happen. NEVER use NYC consulate. DC is FAR MORE efficient.Ronald ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jay ***
thank you rookie lessons I'm learning just a little expensive LOL I Will SurviveJay ****
@Ronald *******
its insane. Their site says 1 to 3 weeks processing but up to 20 business days. 3 months is ridiculous.Reply to
Jay ****
Reply
John *******
@Ronald *******
You were not supposed to be in Thailand when applying for the DTV, so they won’t understand this idea of a “visa swap”John **********
@Ronald *******
you shouldn't be in Thailand while waiting for a DTV to be issued. That's an issue that could result in the DTV being revoked so be carefulBent *************
@Ronald *******
Go to Vientiane and take a plane back to Thailand.God *******
@Ronald *******
a doesn’t that mean that you applied while you were inside of Thailand?Reply to
God *******
Reply
Ian ********
Can’t do border runs anymore stops all the system abusers
Reply to
Ian ********
Reply
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