This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.
What steps should I take to obtain another 30-day stay in Thailand after my recent travels?
Thailand VisaVisa ExtensionBorder CrossingsTourist VisaUS Passport HolderTravel TipsHat YaiPadang BesarSadao Border
May 13, 2018
8 years ago
Shanti *****
ORIGINAL POSTERNeeding guidance, please regarding obtaining another 30 day stay in Thailand . I am from the States. I entered Thailand Mid January and received a 30 day stamp. Then went to Penang and obtained a 60 day Tourist Visa ( not multiple ) From there went to Koh Samui receiving a 30 day extension. I just need 30 more days.
My travel agent has me set to go to Had Yai. In fact I’m on ferry now. He did not set up the next step. Just said to get my own bus from Had Yai and cross border into Malaysia, spend the night and then travel back to Thailand the next day. He didn’t arrange how to travel back.
He said I didn’t need to go to Penang embassy. He didn’t have me pay extra to assure I got 30 days.
Many travelers are giving me different advice
Some say I will only get 15 days unless I fly back in. Others say since I have only one stamp I can get 2 - 30 day stamps a year. Others say I need to pay off an agency
Since I have only one stamp this year plus the above tourist visa & extension will I be able to cross the border, spend night (suggestions please) and obtain another 30 days when I cross in?
I have 20k baht in case and am booked with Expedia to fly home June 11
Should I meet with a travel agent in Had Yai (recommendations) to book the rest of my travels
I am also willing to just fly back to Koh Samui if not to outrageous in price yet not sure where to go once I cross the border
Much gratitude for your help.
This mama on Mother’s Day could use some support 🙏🏽🙏🏽
My travel agent has me set to go to Had Yai. In fact I’m on ferry now. He did not set up the next step. Just said to get my own bus from Had Yai and cross border into Malaysia, spend the night and then travel back to Thailand the next day. He didn’t arrange how to travel back.
He said I didn’t need to go to Penang embassy. He didn’t have me pay extra to assure I got 30 days.
Many travelers are giving me different advice
Some say I will only get 15 days unless I fly back in. Others say since I have only one stamp I can get 2 - 30 day stamps a year. Others say I need to pay off an agency
Since I have only one stamp this year plus the above tourist visa & extension will I be able to cross the border, spend night (suggestions please) and obtain another 30 days when I cross in?
I have 20k baht in case and am booked with Expedia to fly home June 11
Should I meet with a travel agent in Had Yai (recommendations) to book the rest of my travels
I am also willing to just fly back to Koh Samui if not to outrageous in price yet not sure where to go once I cross the border
Much gratitude for your help.
This mama on Mother’s Day could use some support 🙏🏽🙏🏽
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user seeks advice on how to obtain an additional 30-day stay in Thailand after already using a 30-day stamp and a 60-day Tourist Visa. They are crossing the border into Malaysia and are unsure if they will receive another 30-day stamp upon re-entry. Community responses suggest that, since the user holds a US passport, they should be eligible for another 30-day visa exemption by land at the border crossing, provided they haven't exhausted the two exemptions allowed per calendar year. Users recommend taking a minibus to the border, stamping out and back in, and it's also suggested that the user could stay overnight in Hat Yai if they choose not to stay in Malaysia.
Pelle Eriksson★★★★★
Absolutely Bangkok's best service I highly...recently on Facebook
Luca G.★★★★★
I used this agency for my DTV Visa...recently on Google
Trusted Thai Visa Agent
OVER 100,000 EXPATS SERVED
#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND
Tod *********
okay as interesting as this topic is ;) I think the O/P knows how to border bounce at this point.
We're done..
We're done..
Terary **********
Air Asia is super cheap to fly places if you don't want to dick around with buses and ferries. Also airport Immigration rules tends to more favorable.
"Some say I will only get 15 days ... Others say since I have only one stamp I can get 2 - 30 day stamps a year. Others say I need to pay off an agency"
There are different rules for different passport holders. So when getting advice from fellow travelers - consider their nationality.
It is my understand you can get 2 per year, 30 days stamps via land crossing. This is not related to the actual visa (from consulate). I am a long-term tourist here in Thailand (US passport holder), and choose to always get the visa (hence no experience with the 30 day stamps).. But from what I have read on this forum - 2 a year.
Booking travel through agencies are good if:
*you are lazy and don't want to be bothered with the details,
*unsure of the situation and would like some piece of mind
They often have the 'inside-track' and understand how to do things. Rarely do they offer services that you can not get for yourself.
Everywhere I go in Thailand - when lost I follow the tourists. Don't worry many - this is not part of the world where you will get your head lopped off.
"Some say I will only get 15 days ... Others say since I have only one stamp I can get 2 - 30 day stamps a year. Others say I need to pay off an agency"
There are different rules for different passport holders. So when getting advice from fellow travelers - consider their nationality.
It is my understand you can get 2 per year, 30 days stamps via land crossing. This is not related to the actual visa (from consulate). I am a long-term tourist here in Thailand (US passport holder), and choose to always get the visa (hence no experience with the 30 day stamps).. But from what I have read on this forum - 2 a year.
Booking travel through agencies are good if:
*you are lazy and don't want to be bothered with the details,
*unsure of the situation and would like some piece of mind
They often have the 'inside-track' and understand how to do things. Rarely do they offer services that you can not get for yourself.
Everywhere I go in Thailand - when lost I follow the tourists. Don't worry many - this is not part of the world where you will get your head lopped off.
David *********
One year ago I checked van/bus timetables and prices from Hat Yai to four Malaysia border crossings (and many other places) you can find them here:
************************************************************************************
Tony *********
And if you was on samui that travel agent has done you up like a kipper
Tony *********
If you was on koh samui you should have gone to Ranong
Steve *******
You should be eligable for another 30 day visa exemption. Of course that all depends on which "States" you're from
David *******
@Shanti ****
think 99.999% knew where you meant, always get one.Shanti *****
ORIGINAL POSTERSea Shepherd Martin John Good to know from now on when asked where I’m from I will not say states
Just simply the
U.S.
correct?
Just simply the
U.S.
correct?
Biff *******
@Ivan ***********
You mean Poundland? ;)Ivan ************
Must remember to jump on this one if anyone uses the common short term for the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
Shanti *****
ORIGINAL POSTERSteve Greir Oh geez I need to travel more
🇺🇸 USA
🇺🇸 USA
Steve *******
Shanti Kat which "United States" would that be? Maybe the United Arab Emirate states
Shanti *****
ORIGINAL POSTERAhhh United States
Reply to
Shanti *****
Reply
Andy ********
Both these guys are admin so what they say goes . Sounds like some of the other people you are with could benefit from sharing what you’ve learnt . Safe travels
Shanti *****
ORIGINAL POSTERReally good to know
Reply to
Shanti *****
Reply
Tod *********
From reading your entry history you have NO 30 day visa exempts by land because your only visa exempt entry was when you flew in from the states.
I don't think there is a requirement that you stay over night in Malaysia, you can stamp out of thailand, stamp in&out of Malaysia and stamp right back into thailand.
It's good you have proof of funds and proof of onward travel in case you're asked at the border. (y) Face it you're not the only foreigner border bouncing down there, follow the herd you don't need a travel agent to do anything for you
I don't think there is a requirement that you stay over night in Malaysia, you can stamp out of thailand, stamp in&out of Malaysia and stamp right back into thailand.
It's good you have proof of funds and proof of onward travel in case you're asked at the border. (y) Face it you're not the only foreigner border bouncing down there, follow the herd you don't need a travel agent to do anything for you
David *********
@Ivan ***********
Public minibuses also run frequently from Hat Yai to the Padang Besar crossing.Ivan ************
Hat Yai is very big, lots of options, either look on Agoda or just walk around, you will not have a problem finding somewhere.
Shanti *****
ORIGINAL POSTERIvan ************
It is possible to get a train but the train is much slower and much more infrequent, you are better off with a minibus. Like it's a few a day vs constant minibuses that go as soon as they fill.
Shanti *****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Ivan ***********
okay greatI owe you dinner and drinks!!
I will go to Sadao for sure
My plan is to come right back to Had Yai and sleep
Would it have been possible to catch a train to border instead
I left Koh Pha-ngan 720 ferry
Shanti *****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Ivan ***********
okay phewI was unsure because I am in Nakhon and the bus agency says 4 hours just to get to Had Yai
Ivan ************
You need to go to Hat Yai first anyway, get there first then ask at the bus station to go to the border. Both of these borders are very close to each other, maybe 20km apart, both about 1hr from Hat Yai, it doesn't matter which you go to. And whichever you choose you need to get to Hat Yai first anyway.
Shanti *****
ORIGINAL POSTERNot sure what border in Malaysia to go to
I’m in Nakhon now
I’m in Nakhon now
Shanti *****
ORIGINAL POSTERPlease help I’m at bus that says it will take 4 more hours to Had Yai
Ivan ************
Sadao/Danok- it's the main road border. Padang Besar is the train border. Either will be fine, when you get to the bus station in Hat Yai just ask for Malaysia border and either Padang Besar or Sadao/Danok will do, I just have a feeling the minibuses are more frequent to Sadao. It's only 1hr from Hat Yai.
Shanti *****
ORIGINAL POSTERHave not heard of Sadao
My travel agent wasn’t very good
He said to go to Padang Besar
Which I’m still 4 hours away from
I still have 2 more hours on mini bus to Had Yai
My travel agent wasn’t very good
He said to go to Padang Besar
Which I’m still 4 hours away from
I still have 2 more hours on mini bus to Had Yai
Ivan ************
For Sadao at least the minibuses are very frequent so it doesn't need to wait, you just get the next one going back, it will go as soon as it fills. They are continual.
Ivan ************
I did Sadao, I think it's a bit easier to get a minibus, but you can do Padang Besar if you prefer. I think the transport there maybe just not quite as frequent. I've only crossed that border on the train and never looked around, there may be accommodation on the Malaysia side. But I think I'd come back and stay in Hat Yai.
Shanti *****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Ivan ***********
is there a mini van service that will take you from Had Yai to border wait for you to get all stamped up then bring you back to Had Yai??Shanti *****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Ivan ***********
Then from there , I like your idea, come back to Had Yai to spend nightShanti *****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Ivan ***********
this really helpsI have been to Penang so not draw back there
All I know is I’m suppose to find a mini van from Had Yai to Padang Besar and cross over there
Is that right?
Ivan ************
If you are crossing at Sadao there isn't anywhere near to stay on the Malaysian side. The nearest guesthouse is in a town Changlun 10km away. I stayed there before because I had to but I don't think they have the must stay overnight rule any more. There also isn't any obvious transport, I had a bike with me. So I'd suggest come straight back and if you want to stay over go back to Hat Yai and stay there. If you really want to stay over in Malaysia use a different border like Satun or even get the ferry to Langkawi, or go all the way to Penang which is well worth a visit (and you can get a visa there). But this isn't necessary. Just there is no real easy way to stay over the other side of the main Sadao border and Changlun is not particularly interesting either even if you got there (it's fine- but no particular reason to stay there).
Shanti *****
ORIGINAL POSTERWhat a relief. So many people are telling me for a one day crossing and back it’s very strict unless you pay off an agency
I am planning to spend the night somewhere
thought I had to stay in Malaysia to better my chances
I’d rather spend the night easier on my body
Would you suggest Malaysia to better chances or cross over have relied and stay somewhere close by??
I am planning to spend the night somewhere
thought I had to stay in Malaysia to better my chances
I’d rather spend the night easier on my body
Would you suggest Malaysia to better chances or cross over have relied and stay somewhere close by??
Reply to
Shanti *****
Reply
Robert *******
Take the bus to the bus station in Had Yai, On the bus station there you will see many minivans who transport you to the border. On the border stamp out, stamp in/out Malaysia and return into Thailand with the 30 day Visa Exempt Stamp. Than your choice, stay in Had Yai overnight or travel back to Surat Thani and stay there. I don't think you can manage to get back on time for the last ferry to Samui.
Tod *********
On Dec 31, 2016 they changed the rules and now you get a 30 day visa exempt entry by land crossings NOT 15 days. BUT there is also a limit of TWO 30 day visa exempts by land in a calendar year (Jan 1 - Dec 31)
Ali ******
Yes Shanti Kat you will be fine as you have not used up your 2 land border crossings with a visa exempt. You will just get stamped in for 30 days.
Shanti *****
ORIGINAL POSTERThat’s a s such a relief
So based on what I described above then I should be fine?
So based on what I described above then I should be fine?
Tod *********
@Tre***
it applies to 30 day visa exempt entries by land. Having a valid visa is NOT a visa exempt entry ;)
Trevor ******
Does that apply with a METV to or doesn't matter just unlimited entries for 6 months
Reply to
Trevor ******
Reply
11 comments
2 years ago
86 comments
2 years ago
19 comments
2 years ago
What is the best method for a short re-entry to Thailand after exceeding a visa exemption extension?
14 comments
2 years ago
35 comments
2 years ago
21 comments
3 years ago
10 comments
4 years ago
13 comments
4 years ago
6 comments
6 years ago
10 comments
6 years ago
18 comments
6 years ago
25 comments
7 years ago
4 comments
7 years ago
7 comments
7 years ago
Can I get a 30-day extension after leaving Thailand and returning from Malaysia on a visa exemption?
3 comments
7 years ago
20 comments
7 years ago
6 comments
7 years ago
5 comments
7 years ago
24 comments
8 years ago
7 comments
8 years ago
16 comments
8 years ago
24 comments
8 years ago
9 comments
8 years ago
11 comments
8 years ago
5 comments
9 years ago
7 comments
a month ago
9 comments
a month ago
21 comments
a month ago
16 comments
a month ago
8 comments
a month ago
The ask:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.