Will I encounter problems re-entering Thailand by land after multiple visa exemptions?

Question

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?

Ask Thailand · Answer

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.

Incognia ********** · Answer

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.

Lisa ******************** · Answer

You are doing 30 day extensions ? Means less border bounces

Bob ********** · Answer

2 land crossings in a colander year why don’t you get the 30 day extension for 1900 baht

John ******* · Answer

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

Graham ******* · Answer

I suspect that other countries neighboring Thailand are concerned with the cross border weed inpacting their respective domestic weed industry, legal or non!

Karim **** · Answer

go where youre treated best, its obviously not thailand

Martin ***** · Answer

You heard from what source?

Klaus *********** · Answer

Crackdowns regardless of the specific reason last at most a couple of weeks until they exhaust themselves.

Samui *********** · Answer

You will be ok as long as you haven’t done more than 2 land crossings within a year. Fly in and out as many times as you’d like no problems

Maxim *********** · Answer

Thailand is not cracking down on visa runs by land. And Nong Khai is the easiest land border to entry from. You will be okay.

Jeremy ******** · Answer

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

Will I encounter problems re-entering Thailand by land after multiple visa exemptions?

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