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What are the options for short-term visas in Thailand if I'm facing difficulties with border runs?

Visa ExemptBorder RunVisa RulesTourist VisaMedical VisaNon-Immigrant VisaMultiple Entry VisaVisa ExtensionsThailand ImmigrationExpats in Thailand
January 31, 2024
8 months ago
Pip ****
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hello everyone,

I’ve been hearing a lot of talk that it is starting to get a lot more difficult to come to Thailand on a Visa exempt multiple times when you do a border run. I’ve just had mine extended for another 30 days but plan on coming back after a couple of weeks travelling, then would leave again. I’m starting to regret not applying for a multiple entry visa before coming here as I had originally planned so I didn’t have to worry about all of this. Does anyone know any other options I have regarding any visa I can apply for whilst here? (Not looking for long term 12 month visas) The last thing I want is to be rejected from coming back here as I also have surgery booked here for May and need to be here for it.

Thank you kindly
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user expresses concerns about the increasing difficulty of coming to Thailand on a Visa exempt basis and shares their current visa situation. They are looking for options for short-term visas, as they have upcoming surgery in Thailand and want to avoid being denied re-entry. Various community comments discuss the variability of visa rules based on individual circumstances, the persistence of border runs, and offer suggestions including obtaining a tourist visa prior to returning, and considering a medical visa for their upcoming procedures.
Alan ******
You'll soon need a Visa to walk the streets in Thailand its getting worse, it's all about money, visa this, visa that, visa to fart,
8 months ago
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Simão ****************
@Alan *****
 not to mention that cost of living here is already as expensive as (if not more) than many countries in Eastern Europe
8 months ago
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Simão ****************
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Klee **************
Truth
8 months ago
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David ******
These are instructions to apply for a VISA for medical purposes -
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8 months ago
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Christopher *************
I believe that you can get a visa for medical procedures.
8 months ago
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Brandon ************
@Christopher ************
 you'd need to find an embassy willing to sell it. And probably only available from your home country if they sell it there.

We've only ever had 1 report of anyone successfully applying for ans receiving a medical visa.
8 months ago
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Christopher *************
As you say it depends in the Embassy/Consulate but it has all got a lot better since you have to apply to the Thai Embassy/ Consulate in the Country you live in for any visa.
8 months ago
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Christopher *************
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Michael ********
If you were born here and have at least one Thai parent (even grandparents) you can apply for an ancestry visa this I believe can be done in country.

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8 months ago
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John **********
When you travel for a couple of weeks get a tourist visa wherever you are going before returning
8 months ago
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Brown ********
I did 3 30 day exempt border runs in 2023 and had no issue. The only interrogation I copped was when I entered with a 60 day visa in July. You'll be ok so don't fret
8 months ago
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Maxim ***********
It's a common myth that border run is getting more difficult in Thailand. What is more difficult is entering from an airport (especially BKK and Phuket), but the borders are really easy to enter from with no issue.
8 months ago
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Paweł ******
I was asked at 2nd land border what I do here as it's my another enterence. Though not much more beside it. Officer went through my passport and I got exemption stamp.
8 months ago
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Maxim ***********
@Paweł *****
 Exactly!
8 months ago
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Maxim ***********
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Jonathan **************************
@Maxim **********
 Land borders are the only entry points for which there is a legal, specified limit; no more than two in a calendar year.

This is a drastic change from when I first got here a decade ago, where there was basically no limit (being enforced). Back then, I used to run into people all the time who were here working illegally at village schools for pension top-ups, married to a local woman, and basically just going back again, again, and again.
8 months ago
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Maxim ***********
@Jonathan *************************
 The 2 visa exempt land entry has been there for 6-7 years approx? OP is talking about recent toughness at the border which is not a thing. And what you are describing with illegal work is unrelated to entering by land, it's a different subject which, yes, it's harder to work illegally unless you do it online.
8 months ago
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Maxim ***********
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Vernon *********
Are your parents Thai?
8 months ago
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Brandon ************
It depends on how long you've spent in Thailand and how many times you've entered without a visa. Literally no one can answer this for you, because the only person that will decide this is the immigration officer you're standing in front of when you try to enter Thailand. They will look at your history and decide "is this person a legitimate tourist" or are you trying to stay long term in Thailand without a long term visa.
8 months ago
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Pip ****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
 do you know if there is anyway to get a tourist visa whilst in Thailand already? I was born here but don’t have a Thai passport. Just seems that every time I come in the officer likes to look through my passport lol
8 months ago
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Roberto *********
@Pip ***
 As Brandon says, your best move is to get Thai citizenship which shouldn't be too difficult in your case. Otherwise go to a neighbouring country and get a standard 60-day tourist visa, which can be extended to 90. Immigration won't look too hard in that case
8 months ago
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Etincelle **********
@Roberto ********
 It's still the exact same situation as Brandon described skillfully.
8 months ago
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Etincelle **********
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Brandon ************
@Pip ***
 being born in Thailand means nothing. Thailand does not confer citizenship based on being born inside the country.

If you're actually a Thai citizen then you can solve all of your problems by getting a Thai passport.
8 months ago
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Steve *******
@Pip ***
 You cant get a tourist visa inside Thailand but you can apply at Thai Embassys/consulates in neighbouring Countries
8 months ago
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Steve *******
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Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
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