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Will my third border run affect my application for a Non-O visa while in the USA?
May 30, 2025
a year ago
Doug *******
ORIGINAL POSTERDue to a variety of factors I ended up doing a third border run. I used an agency each time and got no bad words or looks from any IO. I fully understand many will say that I’ve “cheated the system“. But for those of you who can overlook this and have reliable knowledge I will ask you this very important question:
If I leave Thailand in July and then apply online for a non O 90 day visa when I am in the USA (for two or three months) will my three border runs possibly cause my application to be denied?
If I leave Thailand in July and then apply online for a non O 90 day visa when I am in the USA (for two or three months) will my three border runs possibly cause my application to be denied?
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is concerned whether multiple border runs will affect their application for a Non-O visa when applying online from the USA. Community members respond with reassurance that previous border runs should not impact the visa application, emphasizing that as long as there are no overstays or bans, the user should be eligible for the visa. There are also discussions on the use of agencies for border runs and various experiences with immigration. Overall, it seems that applying for the Non-O visa is likely to be smooth despite the user's history of border runs.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
- Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
- For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
- Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
- Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
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David *******
You’ve cheated the system 😂😂
Andrew *******
Hmm so I had a similar boarder run situation to you and in Feb went to Vietnam for a few days to do the renew, I was denied and ended up back in Vietnam, I looked at all of the visa options I could potentially get and I ended up not getting one and instead I used an agent for the VIP airport service which was not expensive and got in again for visa exempt, the problem with any actual visa is the IO can still say no. This was my reason for doing as I did and after this I got the 30 day extension no issue through an agent and then also did another land boarder run using agent at boarder no issue, they are becoming more strict, I have heard this from many people, my advice is when you head back to Thailand make sure you have 20k baht per person on you in cash and I mean Thai baht not dollars, the reason I say this is because the deny entry came down to I didn't have physical cash on me, if I had then then looking at what happened to others getting questions they would of taken my cash and passport away to get pics and then brought it back to me, potentially I also would of made a donation to the tea fund, but as this didn't actually happen to me it is pure speculation and cannot be true, but also you should know if you get denied and have to go to the detention room you have to pay cash for your stay 1070 baht a night....the more you know
David *********
@Andrew ******
what is the process of getting the VIP airport service as I'm in a similar positionBrandon ************
@David ********
the owner of this group offers "safe entry" at the major airports. It starts at 2000 baht but the final price depends on your travel history. You can fill out this form and then select it as an option on the next page. They'll reach out to get copies of every page in your passport to send it to their contacts in the airport and get your price. If they can't help you they will tell you upfront. **************************
Andrew *******
@David ********
as I am sure every agent will vary with price and process I advise you look for Airport VIP service, looking online I saw fees from 3k baht to 10k baht, mine was 7k, for me I sent a photo of my passport and latest stamps and then was given a price, so maybe it depends what computer says for the price depending on any risk for the IO, and for me I had to pay before I flew in, I assume that all would need that. I advise you start making arrangements 3-4 days before you flyReply to
Andrew *******
Reply
Nitzan *****
@Andrew ******
Having cash on you won't help if they decided to deny you.Andrew *******
@Nitzan ****
All I can tell you is my own personnel experience and what I witnessed, read in to that as you wish, there was one lady who they let through immigration when I was there to get to the ATM and I saw cash exchange hands and then she left....so hmm, also the supervisor on that day told me herself that the reasone for denial was insufficient funds for my stay, so again I agree it may not be the real reason but it is what I was told that day by immigration...so yeah...basically lack of cash maybe the simplest one to use and does not affect passport status, I don't know...also please note that despite being denied entry I did not get any kind of stamp in my passport saying that...again this maybe down to the chosen reason....end of the day this is Thailand and when you have sent time in Thailand you beging to see deeper if you let yourself and then you begin to see the underlying secrets and reasons for things, much of what you see in Thailand is not 'real' but is there to keep face....once again please understand that I am not claiming to be any kind of expert, but having lives in a Thai home for close to 2 years I have seen and learned many things and seen many people who have double lives....Reply to
Andrew *******
Reply
X *************
Why leave Thailand to apply? U can change your visa to O inside Thailand
Graham ******
@X ************
No Thai bank account?Doug *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@X ************
Thanks but I have business to attend to for a couple of months in the Divided States. I’d prefer not to go…X *************
@Doug ******
of fair enough.Reply to
X *************
Reply
Steven *********
Agencies grease the palms that matter.😉
Doug *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Steven ********
For which I’ve been very grateful.Reply to
Doug *******
Reply
Gerg **********
I doubt it, if you were able to complete the border runs with no problem.
Jeremy ********
There is no official limit on border arrivals via air land or sea
Jeremy ********
@Doug ******
show me in writing where there are limitsJeremy ********
@Doug ******
So if I’m correct how will it adversely affect you in the futureReply to
Jeremy ********
Reply
Christopher ********
No one could know the answer to this(only immigration officer), best to apply early or go ask in the local Thai embassy back in USA if your denied for some reason.
Jesper *******
They will not declined base on border runs if u qualify the conditions of nonO UNLESS you have history of overstay or being banned for a certain period
Todd *********
No is the clear answer. Won't be denied based on that history.
Jesper *******
I don't see it as a problem...I see it as you are doing the right thing they (immigration) will be glad you have changed and now going the right path
Doug *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jesper ******
Thanks. I just need to be as certain as possible that I can get a non O online from USA and for sure be allowed back into the kingdom in October. 👍Reply to
Doug *******
Reply
Jan ******************
No, and if you tried to do another visa exemption entry they would probably deny you and tell you to get a proper visa,-as you then already will have.
Todd *********
@Jan *****************
he is using an agency though. Obviously won't be stopped/denied.Doug *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Todd ********
Right. But since I always pay attention to your comments for learning purposes how would you answer my post? Are my chances of being approved online (while in USA) for a non O visa almost 100%?Todd *********
@Doug ******
Yes - your chances almost 100%. Unless other factors exist that you have not mentioned here. Your recent entry history won't affect the visa application. iI also agree with Jan that with the 'proper visa' in place, actual re-entry should also be no issue at all.Doug *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Todd ********
A quick sub question if you don’t mind… do you know about how long it takes to obtain a non O 90 day visa when applying online and is that all accomplished electronically with no need to ship passport or receive documentation? Thanks.Todd *********
@Doug ******
Rick's answer here is excellent. Good recent experience!!Rick *********
@Doug ******
I am from the US and when I did my non-o retirement on 21 March of this year I was approved on 4 April. And it is all done electronically. Hope that helps and good luck!Doug *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Rick ********
And what state are you from? I’m from Minnesota.Rick *********
@Doug ******
I am from Washington state but all my family is originally from Eastern ND (Grand Forks) so I have spent a lot of time in Minnesota as well. I had a great time once fishing Lake of the Woods at Zippell Bay. The Walleye were fantastic!Doug *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Rick ********
I am a songwriter/performer and have played all over MN, ND, ID, and Washington state. My hometown is 40 miles south of International Falls.Doug *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Rick ********
So about two weeks, that’s good to know. I plan on a basic non O 90 day but what were the requirements for a retirement visa other than the obvious (50 or older). Proof of a certain amount in a bank account? And is the 12 month extension added later while in Thailand?
Rick *********
@Doug ******
the website will tell you which docs you need but yes a bank statement is one of them. I had about 22k in the account I used and it was enough. I’m sorry but I can’t remember the rest offhand. It is fairly easy though. And yes after you arrive here then you open a bank account with 800k baht. You have to get the account quickly though as the 800k baht has to “season” in the account for at least 2 months. Then you get all the paperwork together and go to immigration and apply for the 12 month extension. Yeah……it sounds like a lot but it’s really not that bad and……it’s worth it.
Oh and fyi it can be a little difficult opening the bank account. There are some people here who recommend getting an agent but I don’t wanna pay someone to do something I can do myself.
Jan ******************
@Doug ******
Previous history on tourist entries has no influence whatsoever on your Non Immigrant visa application. (As long as you’re not banned).Reply to
Jan ******************
Reply
Jan ******************
@Todd ********
Yes, but I meant if he arrived on a visa exemption next time directly from the US.Doug *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jan *****************
Yep I understand thatReply to
Doug *******
Reply
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