Answereda year ago
What are the new rules for tourist visas in Thailand regarding extensions and re-entries?
New Rules…
Let me get this straight.... after reading many articles on the lack of tourist they're once again changed the rules...... so, if I come to Thailand on the standard 60-day visa and then extended 30 days and during that time, I spend $8,000/$10,000 enjoying myself and at the same time contributing to Thailand's tourism industry........ and then I decide I'd like to spend another 60 or 90 days having a great time and contributing even more $$$ to the local area and I will be refused?
Ummmm .........
Let me get this straight.... after reading many articles on the lack of tourist they're once again changed the rules...... so, if I come to Thailand on the standard 60-day visa and then extended 30 days and during that time, I spend $8,000/$10,000 enjoying myself and at the same time contributing to Thailand's tourism industry........ and then I decide I'd like to spend another 60 or 90 days having a great time and contributing even more $$$ to the local area and I will be refused?
Ummmm .........
Answer summary
Recent discussions reveal confusion over new visa regulations in Thailand for tourists. A user expresses concern about being denied an extended stay after spending significantly in the country. Commenters note that current rules are unclear and suggest applying for a different visa type for longer stays. They also mention that new restrictions may target those attempting to exploit the visa system through border runs.
98 repliesnewest first
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Avi ******
Well, in the states immigrants get arrested and deported while trying to renew visas.
Greg *********
@Avi *****
That’s because they’re in an illegal status when they do it. You get a visa BEFORE entering a country, you don’t break in illegally and then try to get one. Oh, and don’t conflate “immigrants” with “illegal aliens”. They’re completely different and legal immigrants don’t get arrested.Avi ******
@Greg ********
That's not true. Watch some news, not just faux entertainment. Never mind. Haters got to hate. Makes you think you're superior. White folks are the original illegal 'aliens.' Jesus was an illegal alien, remember.
Jay ************
@Greg ********
, as I just stated above, they were going to deport a NATIVE AMERICAN, and that's not the first case of that kind of BS. Believe whatever you want, but they have held citizens for hours, they've hauled in holders of green cards, etc, too. You and Dan Brown need to wake up as to what is actually going on here.Dan *******
Thank you for your point of view. The United States is removing undocumented aliens. Many of the deported “ immigrants “ are career criminals with convictions that range from murder , kidnapping , robbery , child molestations , rape , drug trafficking and the lists goes on.
Your attempt to discredit and demonize the authorities is pathetic.
Guess the victim mentality is something you learned when you were taking care of them as a nurse ? Maybe you’re delusional ? I don’t know and fortunately , the law Trumps your personal beliefs.
Your attempt to discredit and demonize the authorities is pathetic.
Guess the victim mentality is something you learned when you were taking care of them as a nurse ? Maybe you’re delusional ? I don’t know and fortunately , the law Trumps your personal beliefs.
Jay ************
@Dan ******
, they just tried to deport a NATIVE AMERICAN...no it's not all criminals, that's BS.Dan *******
Interesting. Thanks for sharing. There’s a lot of work to be done.
Todd ********
@Dan ******
if you love trump’s America…then stay there….must have FOX news ****
in your household. Pathetic. The fewer MAGAts in Thailand…the better.Todd ********
@Dan ******
you would care if they dragged your hired gf off in handcuffs. Better yet. You
Andreas *********
@Dan ******
Biology will eventually correct the mistake.
Jack ********
@Dan ******
many are not as you described and it is not so much the policy that people find objectionable but the brutish manner in which the ICE thugs go about their business , it is so odious it could be described as trumpian.Todd *********
@Dan ******
lol. Love the delusional enthusiasm. There we many’ criminals are they? And how many are not criminals? A little due diligence is not against the law there yet is it? Absolutely pathetic attempt to discredit the obvious questions. But hey it’s your right to Neil and Bob in front of POTUS. You won’t be his firstTodd *********
@Russ **********
who is talking about asylum cases? The USA judiciary has become a thinly veiled extension of govt. They will do as instructed with asylum casesRuss ***********
OP@Todd ********
Do you believe that those that lost their asylum case or didn't show up should be given more due diligence? They literally have an order of removal from a judge. In the U.S., as of March 2025, ~76% of asylum cases decided by immigration judges were denied.
J **************
@Dan ******
you are drinking the lemonadeTodd *********
@Dan ******
u understand the word irony?Dan *******
LEO for over 30 years. What have you done with your life ? Argue with people on the internet ?
Todd *********
@Avi *****
not a bad thing
Steve ********
If they're back-to-back then, yes, because you'd be in Thailand for 5-6 months without a visa. That's hardly "tourist" behaviour.
James ********
@Steve *******
So what ?Steve ********
@James *******
The visa waiver is for tourists. If you want to live here long term, there are visas for that. In fact, when it comes to offering long-term visas, Thailand is unusually generous. Far more generous than, say, Schengen, UK, USA...Dan *******
Steve G. I do that and I am a tourist. I work six months and travel six months. I choose to have my holiday in Thailand. Where I’m from , it snows in the winter. Now , I’m going to get a visa as the immigration officer suggested when I arrived last month.
Your comment is judgmental and offensive. With that being said , I agree with your point , there are too many people exploiting the system. The Thai government is looking to deter and prevent the criminal elements.
Personally , I follow the law to the letter , as does my family. We’re LEO’s.
Your comment is judgmental and offensive. With that being said , I agree with your point , there are too many people exploiting the system. The Thai government is looking to deter and prevent the criminal elements.
Personally , I follow the law to the letter , as does my family. We’re LEO’s.
Robert *********
@Dan ******
Apply for the right visa and if you plan to travel out of Thailand and back apply for multiple entry..Steve ********
@Dan ******
Your not describing "tourism", you're describing a life where you live in two different countries.Dan *******
That’s the plan. Six and six. I make crazy money working in America. Plus I have my retirement. I make more money in one month than the average Thai makes in a year. No offense to the Thais but it’s straight up economics. No way I want to work for $12 a day in Thailand . Not even sure why my life is any of your business. Beginning to think you’re just trolling because nobody’s that stupid. Please feel free to argue with strangers in the internet. You’re boring me.
Dan *******
Thanks 🙏. Da always told me not to do battle with halfwits. They’re short of ammunition . Semper Fi.
Steve ********
@Roger ******
Thank you, Dr Johnson.
Roger *******
@Steve *******
There is no flippin definition of "tourism". yours and his are different.. You are wrong IMO.Todd *********
@Steve *******
it's very much tourist behaviour. People with adequate financial resources choose tourism at their leisure. And there are many of them. But It's not backpacker behaviour. So some will face more scrutiny
Richard ***********
Yes I spend months each year in Thailand as a genuine tourist flying in and out multiple times
Eryk ************
@Todd ********
Then, if it's "tourist behavior", they can get a (multiple-entry) tourist visa instead of a visa exemption. It's still possible and allowed.Todd *********
@Eryk ***********
solves the issue for 6-9 months. That's it. DTV also works. But for many, DTV is just the new way to scam the system. If that makes it 'legit' that's hilarious, but fair enough. It's a game of charadesShawn ********
The 2 re entry rule is going to change too….they don’t want any border runs.
Todd *********
@Shawn *******
oh they LOVE border bounces. Massive income generator
Tim **********
Todd *********
@Tim *********
yes- I’m guessing we see some more clarity next week. Or maybe Hope is the better word 😂Tim **********
@Todd ********
you are right, I stand correctedIt was different a couple days ago
Things changing fast
Todd *********
@Tim *********
There is no elimination of land border runs. Obviously never will be. 2 per year. One extendableJames ********
@Todd ********
Correct.Shawn ********
@Todd ********
I saw to different post today where they both were denied entry upon there second return, I myself ain’t trying that shit man, sounds stupid to me
John **********
@Shawn *******
you can get a Non-O visa based on being over 50 with no health care requirementsShawn ********
@Todd ********
thank you. I can’t waitTodd *********
@Shawn *******
once established with O or OA visa, retirement extensions are quite routine to get. Enjoy!!!Shawn ********
@Todd ********
thank you. I’m 53 and want to do everything correct, I don’t want nooo issues with legal stuff while I’m there if I can prevent it.Todd *********
@Shawn *******
for sure. That's a good approach. Agencies should still be able to eliminate that issue, but we shall see once changes are implemented. There are generally options available to everyone, but not everyone fits into the pigeon holes. If over 50 here, it's easy. Under 50, more complicated.Shawn ********
@Todd ********
I understand, I’m just trying to do this legit, I’m not trying to be stuck out in the jungle and some shady border crossing being denied entry 😂Shawn ********
@Alex ******
I was trying to figure that out last night if there are problematic areas, although it does seem that there cracking down. I want to do it legit however, I don’t want to be forced to have healthcare at 54 to acquire a visa, a complete medical approval is ok but a policy that requires certain amounts of coverage, I already went through that with Obama
Alex *******
@Sh***
it's because they are using the wrong land borders or they use airports.There are certain land borders where you pay money for the stamp. That will not change. The only thing that will affect that is you might only be allowed to do 2 land border runs per year, just like it used to be a few years ago
Todd *********
@Shawn *******
historically, using a border bounce agent makes it easy and no risk. If that continues as is, will be the question. There are always people being denied. Mostly the screw ups of the world or non-legit people seeking to work in the Kingdom.
Nairit *******
This is to weed out people who exploit the visa free arrangement by doing border runs and extensions, free visa is for tourism purpose not for immigrate and work in Thailand
James ********
@Nairit ******
So why " weed out " the people who exploit the system , don't cause trouble , contribute to the local economy by spending a lot ?
Michael *******
The weeded out just need to get the correct visa…..a lot easier than getting into US or Europe they don’t tolerate border hoppers…..
Todd *********
@Michael ******
the context is what YOU bought up. And the generalizatiojn here was 'a lot easier than getting into US or Europe' lol. WrongMichael *******
@Todd ********
something of a generalization - different contextTodd *********
@Michael ******
nobody wants to get into USA unless they need a job. And Europe is famous for allowing overstays
Richard ******
Get a proper visa then
Todd *********
@Nairit ******
it's to weed out criminality. Legit tourists will have little problem. Some passports can expect extra scrutiny
Marc ********
@Todd ********
it actually is quite a bit of a problem getting a visa for people under age of 50Todd *********
@Marc *******
absolutely true. It’s easy enough to qualify for. Anyone can. But really, who wants the hassleMarc ********
@Todd ********
Even DTV is hard complying with condition if you just want to be lazy at the beach everyday and touring around🥲Todd *********
@Marc *******
I agree. DTV has made that easier. And a bit more a scam. But it remains challenging if someone under 50 wants to legitimately be here long term
Frank *******
The Government is entitled to make the rules .
Tom *******
@Frank ******
yes just as potential tourists are entitled to go elsewhere.
Graham ******
Apparently the Visa Exempt restrictions only apply if you re-enter without returning "home". Let's wait and see on Monday.
Ste****
@Graham *****
i went home spend 2 or 3 months there and my second extension would be 7 days because it was in the same year.. so now im flying out to spend a few days somewhere else and go back.. apparently landcrossing isnt possible either after 2 entries.Graham ******
@Ste****
so it seems
Steven *******
@Graham *****
I wonder how they are going to determine where you went after leaving Thailand. How do they know if you went home?Graham ******
@Steven ******
by scanning your passport maybe ;)Steven *******
When I return to the US, they don’t scan my passport. It’s all done digitally. Thailand doesn’t have access to US Passport Control.
Glenn *****
@Graham *****
I wish they would clarify "home". The country of your passport or the place you have been living for an extended period.Marc ********
@Glenn ****
must be country of passport and maybe they would accept residence permit of anther country aswellMarc ********
@Glenn ****
Probably more like if I enter Thailand from Cambodia and IO denies my entry but accept my Green Card from the US. Then they let me buy a ticket to the US and not SwitzerlandGlenn *****
@Marc *******
imagine this. You decide to visit Cambodia from Thailand, less than 1 hour. The IO in Cambodia decides to deny your entry and sends you back to Switzerland. Perhaps they could check your Thai valid visa
Allan ******
Just like many other countries.
Todd *********
@Allan *****
Thailand is not really like any other countries.
Lynnette *******
@Todd ********
it's friendlier and easy to visit especially with no visa.Todd *********
@Lynnette ******
you just answered your own question. Not sure why basic reading skills are hard to find.Lynnette *******
@Todd ********
not sure why you find coming to Thailand for a holiday "complex". Visa free entry for most people.Todd *********
@Lynnette ******
friendlier than who? USA (for some passports). North Korea is challenging to gain access. Vietnam presents challenges for some visas. I think overall, Thailand is very easy access and certainly friendly. But is it any easier than most nations? Not at all. And more complex visa requirements than mostLynnette *******
Are you asking about the visa or the exempt entry with no visa?
Russ ***********
OPThe point I’m trying to make is, for a country that is clearly concerned about the dip in tourism they seem to make it harder and harder to stay long term…… using the people who are illegally taking advantage of it is a completely different problem and should be addressed as such…
Jim ********
@Russ **********
it’s not hard to stay long term. Just get the correct visa that’s allLynnette *******
@Russ **********
they want tourists on holiday, not people trying to stay long term without visas.
Doug ********
@Russ **********
check your own country rules for a thai to visit....it will be a nightmare compared to you visiting Thailand
Ruud ******************
It looks like you almost life in Thailand; apply for the right visa; you are not a tourist and the visa rules in Thailand are much easier than in most western countries.
Tyler *********
@Ruud *****************
Im confused what your definition of a tourist is. Person said they're just here having fun for a longer time. Spending large amounts of money until they have there fill. Thats a touristRuud ******************
@Tyler ********
very strange definitionMarc ********
@Ruud *****************
When I am touring around in the country... am I not a tourist?
Bianca *********
@Ruud *****************
I’m the same. I spend long periods here and I’m a tourist..
Jo **********
@Ruud *****************
sorry hoor, he is a tourist. There are thousands of frequent touristsMichael *******
@Jo *********
a frequent tourist just needs to get the correct visa - easy innitMichael *******
Hopefully it will revert back to 30 days as soon as ETA is rolled out too many gamers here…..many of whom sit here complaining how bad it is in their home country due to immigration….glass houses and all that……
Jo **********
@Michael ******
they set up an extended visa exempt for 60 days. This was done for the main reason of increasing tourism- many countries have 90 days. Someone coming frequently and staying here within the boundaries and returning home is fine. No visa is requiredRuss ***********
OP@Ruud *****************
as I said…. I decided while on vacation there. It’s in as much they’re favor as mine. Difference is it could drive me to a nearby country.
Brandon ************
No one knows anything for sure as the rules haven't been published.
And based on the rumors, you can leave and return one additional time for 60 days but can only get a 7 day extension the second time.
And based on the rumors, you can leave and return one additional time for 60 days but can only get a 7 day extension the second time.
Chris *******
@Brandon ***********
it will actually be same 7 day "denial" that has always existed. Requiring proof of exit within the 7 days. It will still be a discretionary entry rule.For those that display "tourist " behaviors they can be allowed multiple tourist entries per year. This is aimed at "back to back" entries, maximum stays and of course stamp histories that show a pattern of abusing the system to "live" in Thailand. IMO it will be tough for a while to stay for more 5 months per year as a tourist.
Mel ************
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