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Why do people prefer border runs over local extensions in Thailand?
May 15, 2025
a year ago
Martin ********
ORIGINAL POSTERWhy do people do Boarder Runs ? Why not extend at immigration offices ? In Hua Hin it takes all day to do and obviously costs money with an agent so why not just spend 1500 baht and get it done locally. Am I missing something 🤷♂️
TLDR : Answer Summary
People prefer border runs over local extensions mainly because they have exhausted their extension options, such as the maximum allowed time on tourist visas (60 days + 30-day extension). After this, a border run becomes necessary as it's mandated by Thai immigration regulations. Some individuals use this approach to extend their stay while avoiding the costs of local extensions, which can be seen as an attempt to bypass the immigration system. Others may do it to travel to another country and enjoy a brief holiday before returning to Thailand.
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Mark *******
Border runs are legal otherwise they wouldn't be permitted.... Surely! 😜 Thai Immigration cooperate totally with this policy,as it makes money!! Think about it..? 🤣
Brad *******
I wanted to stay 4 mo's so I went to Cambodia after 60, had a nice little long weekend And returned to Bangkok for another 60.
Paying 1900b for 30 days made no sense for me, see? It's not for everybody.
Paying 1900b for 30 days made no sense for me, see? It's not for everybody.
Dave ***********
Because they aren't actually supposed to be staying in the country any longer.
They're trying to game the system.
They're trying to game the system.
John *******
I don’t understand the criticism of boarder runners. Public schoolboys are overfed, and any attempt to burn off calories should be applauded.
Keith ***********
@John ******
you win the internet today…lolReply to
Keith ***********
Reply
Nine ******
You can do only one extension and then you need leave country
And it's 1900 baht
And it's 1900 baht
Michael *****************************
I’m afraid you missing a lot,…people who does boarder bounces, do it because they already have used the 30 days extension option.
Sylvia ********
Border runs are normally done when there is no other option
Phirom *********
Some people do border runs because they want to visit another country before coming back to Thailand, or maybe they've already extended their stay as much as possible and need to leave in order to apply for a new visa that suits their situation. There are actually a lot of different reasons. sometimes the local extension isn’t an option or doesn’t fit what someone needs.
Brigitte *******
@Phirom ********
exactly my caseReply to
Brigitte *******
Reply
Maksym ***********
Because they can't extend it. That's simple
Jan ******************
You can only get one 30 days extension on one 60 days tourist entry. (Tourist visa/visa exemption).
Elías ********
I think you're missing something. If you're talking about tourists, after the first 60 days, and extending once for 30 days more, a border run is the only option if they want to stay any longer. I don't think most people would do a border run just after the first 60 days.
Elías ********
Still some might try a border run after the first 60 days, in order to get 60 more days instead of just 30 🤷🏻
Reply to
Elías ********
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Jay *****
They do border run because they have max out the extension 90 days, so they have to exit out of Thailand and then re enter again. Instead of getting a proper visa, they abuse the immigration system by doing border run which at a point of time they get rejected.
Abey *********
@Jay ****
And soon will be locked up then thrown out of Thailand for good.Dany ********
@Abey ********
there will surely be a point in the future where you get denied at the border. immigration getting more and more strict every year.Paul **********
@Abey ********
LOl a rt🤔Abey *********
Border runs are nothing but trying to buck the Thailand immigration system.
Luke *******
@Abey ********
how so?Horace ******
@Luke ******
that’s actually me In my pic basement lady. And I live in Thailand 🇹🇭Horace ******
@Abey ********
and yet it’s perfectly legal. But go off, have a great evening Karen.Dave **********
@Horace *****
now they are rejecting people, who then post on the internet crying. Get a visa same as Europe, North America, etc...lolAbey *********
@Horace *****
Says a faceless nomadHorace ******
@Abey ********
pot meet kettle! 😂😂😂Reply to
Horace ******
Reply
Horace ******
@Abey ********
goddamn you’re a pleasant person. 🫤Tai **********
@Abey ********
nothing illegal about doing that. Why would they go to jail 🤣Reply to
Tai **********
Reply
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