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Answered5 months ago

What should I do when my DTV visa nears its 6-month limit in Thailand?

Seth *********
asked Jun 10, 2026
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Hello everyone, I'm looking for other people's experiences that have a DTV.

I have been living in Thailand for nearly 6 months with a workaction DTV. Things have been going pretty smoothly, but at the end of next month, I will have to leave Thailand. I've heard applying for a 6 month extension is difficult and not worth the hassle.

So... what have other people done around the 6 month mark? Just do a quick visa run? I am in Udon Thani, so I could hop up to Laos for a day trip or something similar. I just want to know what to expect.

I have a US passport btw. I'm just a little nervous about dipping in and out just to re-start the 6 month process again...
Answer summary
A user with a DTV visa in Thailand is seeking advice on what to do as they approach the end of their 6-month stay, specifically regarding the challenges of applying for a visa extension. Community members share their experiences, indicating that many people perform a quick visa run to neighboring countries like Laos to reset their visa duration. They emphasize that leaving for a day or two is commonly accepted without complications during re-entry. Suggestions include taking advantage of a border run service or traveling to nearby destinations, as well as conducting the required 90-day reporting. Several comments also mention tax considerations for those staying in Thailand for extended periods.
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CG **********
CG **********
Just take a trip for the weekend. Phu Quoc island (Vietnam) is lovely & doesn’t require any visa for entry!

Also u never have to stay in Thailand the full 6 months… U could leave every month (if u had to) and every time they will stamp you back in for your 180 days when you return.

Lastly, your 90 days resets every time you also leave and return. FYI.

DTV is a fantastic visa.
Piyanuch *******
Piyanuch *******
**********************************************
Piyanuch *******
Piyanuch *******
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Elías ********
Elías ********
You never travel? I normally travel once per month or so due to personal/work matters so I end up never needing neither to file a 90-day report or do an in country extension.
Christopher ***********
Christopher ***********
@Elías *******
Some people might not want nor need to exit Thailand. They may have spouse and/or family to care for. They themselves may have permanent or intermittent health issues restricting travel.
Elías ********
Elías ********
@Christopher **********
if they don't want to exit, they better get a visa that needs no exits. We both know that in country extensions for the DTV are not recommended nor guaranteed.
Christopher ***********
Christopher ***********
@Elías *******
If married to a Thai or over age 50 there are, of course, suitable and economical alternatives.
Robert *******
Robert *******
IF you applied for the correct purpose you have all the documents in place,

I guess walking into an Immigration Office, take a number, wait until your turn, hand over all documents and get a stamp in your passport is NOT difficult.

BUT some will tell you that the application fee of 1.900 Thb is way to expensive and a trip to another country for a few days is much better for your budget.
Andi ***********
Andi ***********
You can use a safe entry service via an agent if you are very concerned. No questions asked upon arrival.
Christopher ***********
Christopher ***********
Another option would be to apply for an extension via a Visa Agent. Fees are around 16,000 THB.
RedBlueb********
RedBlueb********
I believe that if you stay in Thailand for 183 consecutive days you have to pay income tax in Thailand... so maybe that's something else to consider...
Elías ********
Elías ********
RedBlueberry7135 it's not that simple.
RedBlueb********
RedBlueb********
@Elías *******
according to what I read, it's not simple at all... HAHAHA
Elías ********
Elías ********
RedBlueberry7135 taxes are never simple, that's a fact. A lot of people (tax consulting etc.) literally make a living trhu that haha
Robert *******
Robert *******
RedBlueberry7135 NOTHING to do with Immigration rules, extension of stay or border runs.

You are not allowed to park your vehicle next to red/with stripes, so consider walking the rest of your life
Chris **********
Chris **********
RedBlueberry7135 you MAY have to pay tax. I went to the revenue dept to enquire about my situation and I was instructed that My particular case I don't even need to file a report.
ZenMa******
ZenMa******
RedBlueberry7135 it’s per calendar year so you have to do that anyways
RedBlueb********
RedBlueb********
@ZenMa******
yeah, thank you. I just read about it.
Brad ********
Brad ********
RedBlueberry7135 Actually I believe that is if you are in Thailand more than 180 days in a year, consecutive or otherwise.
RedBlueb********
RedBlueb********
@Brad *******
oh, that's a good point... I just checked it and I stand corrected.

Thank you, Brad.
Seth *********
Seth *********
OP
Yes, I did the 90 day report! So... it's literally just as simple as leaving and coming back? Do they raise an eyebrow if you're only gone one day? Less than 24 hours even?
Ian **********
Ian **********
@Seth ********
I did this border run last month. I was in Laos for 3 days and returned without issue. When you exit from Nong Khai the passport control will direct you to a side office that is marked 're-entry permit'. The IO supervisor will advise on how long you need to be out. Please report back what she says.
Peter ********
Peter ********
@Seth ********
leave and come back before your 180 day mark. It's that simple but necessary. I have heard of people doing same days. I personally come back the next day.
Christopher ***********
Christopher ***********
@Seth ********
You are worrying unnecessarily. From Udon Thani to Nong Khai isn't that far. Bear in mind you will need either a Visa on Arrival or eVisa to enter Laos. You also have to complete Laos Arrival/Departure online form up to 72 hours in advance. To reenter Thailand TDAC up to 72 hours in advance is required. There are no reports of anyone with DTV being refused reentry to Thailand same day. Vientiane is pleasant enough for an overnight stay if ever necessary. Alternatively, a border run service would guarantee you same day return.
James ********
James ********
@Christopher **********
advocating a "Bribe" in your reply is NOT 🚫 wise. Simply use an experienced border run service company from Udon Thani with same day return. No problem and you get the New 180 day stamp.
RubyChe*******
RubyChe*******
@Seth ********
you don't want to explore other countries for a quick weekend getaway? It's freaking cheap compared to Atlanta Miami flight.
John ***********
John ***********
Iam from the US with a DTV. I leave every 180 days, usually a couple of days before. And I always do the 90 day report.

I have no problems returning.
Brilliant*********
Brilliant*********
Real stupid question but have you done the 90 day report?
CG **********
CG **********
BrilliantZebra7843 not at all a stupid question!! I haven’t done it yet bc I usually end up traveling before the dates. But from what I understand the first time you have to do in person, thereafter you can do online. Also there are agencies that will do it for you for a fee. They do pick up your passport and docs and return to you at a later date fyi, so chose a reputable company if you go that route.
Ian **********
Ian **********
BrilliantZebra7843 It is as stupid question because the 90-day report has nothing to do with re-entry
Brilliant*********
Brilliant*********
It has every thing to do with it, I normally exit on my 90 day hence not having to do the 90 day check in or exit on the 180. But yeah good luck with your arrogant attitude and have great fun at immigration with it.
CleverOc*********
CleverOc*********
Leaving and coming back is what literally everyone on a DTV does. You have a 5 year multi entry visa.

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