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border runs
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This page displays all the results for the Border runs tag, sorted by the most recent activity. There are a total of 354 questions that have been tagged with Border runs. Explore the questions to find discussions and information relevant to this topic.
Hey guys, so I have been in Thailand for about 7-8 months doing 2 x border runs and 2 extensions.
I went overseas for 2 weeks and arrived back at the weekend. Customs pulled me aside and wanted to see my next flight, which I have in 2 weeks time, this time overseas for 3 weeks, then returning back to Thailand after that.
Was I unlucky or is this normal now?
Should I expect the same next time?
Also, I have dual passport, I could fly back on the other one? Thanks......
Do you have to take a 5 day break from Thailand after a 2nd consecutive border run (i.e at 360 days)? As I understood it's up to 360 days per year? Thanks
Hi if you apply for a dtv for cooking and get approved, I am assuming this means you take different cooking courses for 5 years? Or is taking 1- 6 month or 1 year class all that is required even if staying for 5 years?
Has anyone done a border run to Laos from Pattaya for a new DTV stamp? Also open to trusted agencies in Bangkok.
Had a wild ride on my last flight out and want to try a border run. Any suggestions for fair agencies, that don’t overcharge for DTV, would be appreciated. Fine with sightseeing in Laos for a couple days.
Please, no miserable commenters. You’re in Thailand. Cheer up!
This is what Savannakhet, Laos looks like now. Two years ago it was busy and touristy at 5 a.m. there were plenty of people around the Royal Thai Consulate. But now, it feels like a ghost town… so quiet.
I recently tried to extend my Destination Thailand Visa in Chiang Mai instead of doing a border run – and here’s what happened:
🕰️ 6 weeks before my end of stay – gathering information
Immigration told me:
* There is exactly one officer responsible for the DTV.
* He checks documents at 3 pm daily and, if all is fine, gives you an appointment for the actual extension.
* Nobody else can process DTVs.
🕰️ 3 weeks before – first attempt
I showed up at 3 pm with all documents. The officer asked for passport, 90-day report, rental contract, company docs, CV, savings of 500,000 THB at a traditional bank (not a Fintech) … I had everything! Then he came up with something new: an official bank letter confirming:
1. The account is in my name.
2. The 500,000 THB have been there for at least 1 month.
My bank statements for the past 3 months were not accepted.
I was told to come back with this letter.
🕰️ 2 weeks before – second attempt
Monday, 3 pm: I returned with the bank letter. The officer didn’t show up. Staff told me he was “too busy” and asked me to come back again on Thursday.
🕰️ 1.5 weeks before – third attempt
Thursday, 3 pm: Same story. After waiting an hour, I was told I could leave my documents, but there was no guarantee they would ever be checked – or that I’d get an extension.
👉 At that point, I gave up and planned a border run instead.
💡 Takeaway:
* In Chiang Mai, extending the DTV seems almost impossible.
* Even with full documents, it's a hit and miss.
* My advice: If you live here, plan for a border run to save time and nerves.
Btw, if you’re German-speaking and want more detailed insights in German, feel free to check out my page.
Ideally, I'd like to stay in Thailand for 90days. Travel to a different country via air (Japan) or potentially land (Vietnam/Laos), back to Thailand, and repeat. How many times is this actually allowed in a 12-month period?
I'm a UK citizen and will be travelling to Thailand on Monday, 8th Sept with my 13y/o son. We have a house in Hua Hin yet never stayed for longer than 90 days in any 12-month period. The visa thing always boggles my mind and I've been to Thailand a fair few times now so apologies if this has already been asked. I did try the search funtion but I'm possibly not using the correct key words :/
Hello. I have a question about applying for a Thailand non-o visa in Vietnam. I have a limited time in Vietnam on their visa. If my non-o e-visa for thailand takes too long, can I enter thailand and then do a border run to Vietnam when the e-visa comes through and come back on the non-o? Anyone have experience with that?