I have heard that Thailand is cracking down on visa runs where you re-enter by land rather than by air. I wonder if there’s anything in the facts below that are likely to cause problems.
I’m an American citizen. I flew to Thailand from Malaysia on May 27 on a 30 day visa exempt basis and then flew to Bali on June 13 and returned to Bangkok on June 20, again on a 30 day visa exempt basis. Now I’m in Northern Thailand and am contemplating crossing by land over to Vientiane, Laos on June 26, which would still have been within my original visa exemption period.
I would expect to return to Thailand from Laos by land a few days later (again, hopefully, on a visa exempt basis for another 30 days), which would mean 3 entrances into Thailand within about 35 days.
Only the final entrance by land from Laos could reasonably be interpreted as return from a “visa run,” but does anyone think I could encounter a problem when I try to re-enter Thailand from Vientiane?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is concerned about potential issues with re-entering Thailand by land after multiple entries on visa exemption. Comments from the community suggest that as long as they haven't exceeded the limit of two land border crossings within a calendar year, they should not encounter problems at immigration. Additionally, they are recognized as a tourist following visa rules, which plays in their favor.
You are the best tourist for Thailand.You are real tourist.They love to stamp visa this kind of history of entrance.So dont worry u will enter sure.Thailand already wants this kind of tourist.Reaĺ tourist.
Thai law allows you 2 land boerder entries per calendar year for entry by air there is no written law for the number of entries you can have but please remember every entry to Thailand is subject approval by the IO infront of you at time of entry so you can be denied entry at any time if the IO decides you are not welcome Chokh di
I suspect that other countries neighboring Thailand are concerned with the cross border weed inpacting their respective domestic weed industry, legal or non!
You get 2 land border crossings per calendar year (01 Jan -31 Dec)…there is no official limit on Air Ins but you will eventually be questioned by an overzealous Immigration officer…all 30 day visa exempt stamps can be extended at your local immigration office for 30 days at a cost of ฿1,900 until an I/O days they can’t…. good luck
just curiosity question as I have seen others refer to IO as overzealous - is the implication that they are taking action or questioning those entering outside the stated guidelines?
You shouldn't have any issues. They are cracking down on people trying to live in Thailand without a long term visa. Based on what you've written you're clearly a tourist enjoying SE Asia.
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