8 hours ago, BrandonJT said:

Were these 3 days in Cambodia just after running out of time as you entered Thailand as a tourist, possibly after your 30 day extension ran out?  Then you left and returned 3 days later?  Because that sounds exactly like a border bounce.

Iirc, I was here for about 60 days, then went to Cambodia for 3 days, then came back. 

I'm not some chancer who's trying to spend all year here for free.

I only did that because I understood it was OK to do that.

After those 2x 60 days, I went to England for 3 months.

 

Plus, on the piece of paper I posted above, it says 'tourists who regularly bounce in and out

without even spending a day elsewhere. 

As I said, I've never taken a visa run trip to the border. I went to SR for 3 days for a break and to buy some stuff.

 

I'm not trying to plead innocence. I'm just sharing the information so others can see what's happening at the border.

 

22 minutes ago, SenorTashi said:

Iirc, I was here for about 60 days, then went to Cambodia for 3 days, then came back. 

Commonly known as a border bounce.

 

23 minutes ago, SenorTashi said:

As I said, I've never taken a visa run trip to the border. I went to SR for 3 days for a break and to buy some stuff.

A visa run is when you apply for a visa from a Thai Embassy and reenter using that visa.
A border bounce is when you exit and reenter without a visa.

5 hours ago, Liquorice said:

Commonly known as a border bounce.

 

No, "commonly" doing a border bounce means that you leave and return immediately (on the same day). Three days out can be anything, including bona fide tourism, unless someone develops a habit of maxing out visa exempt stays in Thailand, leaving and returning after just a few days.

 

As the poster you quoted did that only once, didn't spend a lot of time in Thailand altogether within the last 1-2 years and as this Siem Reap excursion took place last year, when a same-day land border bounce to Cambodia would still have been an option, only an idiot or a particularly overzealous IO would mistake such a side trip as a border bounce.

1 hour ago, Caldera said:

No, "commonly" doing a border bounce means that you leave and return immediately (on the same day).

Unless you're paying for a service for same day exit/entry, the norm is now to spend 2/3 nights out, before being allowed to reenter.
What you define a border bounce as doesn't matter. It's what Immigration defines a border bounce as.

8 hours ago, SenorTashi said:

17 hours ago, BrandonJT said:

Were these 3 days in Cambodia just after running out of time as you entered Thailand as a tourist, possibly after your 30 day extension ran out?  Then you left and returned 3 days later?  Because that sounds exactly like a border bounce.

Iirc, I was here for about 60 days, then went to Cambodia for 3 days, then came back. 

I'm not some chancer who's trying to spend all year here for free.

I only did that because I understood it was OK to do that.

After those 2x 60 days, I went to England for 3 months.

 

Plus, on the piece of paper I posted above, it says 'tourists who regularly bounce in and out

without even spending a day elsewhere. 

As I said, I've never taken a visa run trip to the border. I went to SR for 3 days for a break and to buy some stuff.

 

I'm not trying to plead innocence. I'm just sharing the information so others can see what's happening at the border.

It looks to me as if @SenorTashi planned his trip well, using the legal guidelines to his advantage.

Something upset the IO, resulting in his treatment....very unfair, IMO

No More Visa Run

... without paying us off via an agent - is what they really mean.  They just want "their cut" of your money-spend in Thailand, and think their bought-jobs makes them entitled to it.  Search this forum for "safe entry service," if coming by air.

 

Forget all the pretend-caring about "rules" - when it violates the Thai Immigration Act to deny-entry for "coming too often / much" - and an arranged payoff is all it takes for their "concern" to vanish.

1 hour ago, Liquorice said:

Unless you're paying for a service for same day exit/entry, the norm is now to spend 2/3 nights out, before being allowed to reenter.
What you define a border bounce as doesn't matter. It's what Immigration defines a border bounce as.

Yes - and where "what they define" includes a guy who flew to the UK, stayed for 2 weeks, came back, and was told a "border bounce," by Immigration.  They forced him to fly back to the UK, he paid immigration's "safe entry service" extortion, and returned the next day no problem.

 

This is the game they are playing, and it has nothing to do with any sort of logic, reason, or Thai immigration law.  Folks need to be aware of how Immigration really works, of they may suffer the consequences of thinking laws/rules actually matter.

2 hours ago, VBF said:

It looks to me as if @SenorTashi planned his trip well, using the legal guidelines to his advantage.

Something upset the IO, resulting in his treatment....very unfair, IMO

It was midnight by the time I let the airport. My flight was 3 hours late and then I realised

immigration were going to make me miss the last train home too.

So I wasn't in the best of moods.

At 10.30 pm they said they'd give me 60 days exemption but next time I need to arrange a visa.

 

Then they kept me waiting there for another hour for no reason.

They said I was living here on free visas, which is not true, although 

I could see his point, which was that the two month exemption is supposed to be for tourists

and not for people who just want to live in their condo.

I just kept saying 'I don't live here' because I very clearly don't.

And they kept going on about the trip to SR, as though it was some terrible crime.

The boss was giving me filthy looks the whole time.

I was never rude. Just stating the truth.

 

 

2 hours ago, Rob Browder said:

No More Visa Run

... without paying us off via an agent - is what they really mean.  They just want "their cut" of your money-spend in Thailand, and think their bought-jobs makes them entitled to it.  Search this forum for "safe entry service," if coming by air.

 

Forget all the pretend-caring about "rules" - when it violates the Thai Immigration Act to deny-entry for "coming too often / much" - and an arranged payoff is all it takes for their "concern" to vanish.

I wondered if that's what it was about. 

 

But I'm a bit confused. I thought the rule was that you could fly in and out as much as you want and they'd give you 2 months each time?

But land crossings/border runs were limited? 

My next plan is to spend 2 weeks away over Christmas, then come back for 2 months.

I don't know if I should get an e-visa

 

the last thing I said to the IO was 'I'm a bit sick of all this stress. I might stop coming to Thailand'. He said 'that's fine by us'

3 hours ago, SenorTashi said:

I wondered if that's what it was about. 

 

But I'm a bit confused. I thought the rule was that you could fly in and out as much as you want and they'd give you 2 months each time?

But land crossings/border runs were limited? 

My next plan is to spend 2 weeks away over Christmas, then come back for 2 months.

I don't know if I should get an e-visa

 

the last thing I said to the IO was 'I'm a bit sick of all this stress. I might stop coming to Thailand'. He said 'that's fine by us'

July 2024 when they changed visa exempt to 60 days, the 2 times per year at a land border rule was abolished.

 

There has never been a limit to air entries, but that does not mean they are "unlimited".  But since they made the change to 60 day visa exempt, they've clamped down much more on abuse.  They see 60 days, with a potential for 30 more, to be plenty of time in Thailand without a visa.  Some expect that to be plenty of time for 6 months, and some officers think that's plenty of time for a year.

3 hours ago, SenorTashi said:

But I'm a bit confused. I thought the rule was that you could fly in and out as much as you want and they'd give you 2 months each time?

But land crossings/border runs were limited? 

My next plan is to spend 2 weeks away over Christmas, then come back for 2 months.

I don't know if I should get an e-visa

A friend arrived today at Suvarnabhumi with a TV e-visa, 4th this year to visit Thai spouse.
Stays between 10 days to 6 weeks each visit.
They pulled him aside and gave him a grilling for an hour, stating he was not a tourist and should obtain the correct visa.
He told them he applied for the TV to visit Thai family.
They stated the TV was for tourism only, then he showed them this page from the Thai Embassy, in London.

He asked if the MFA and Immigration actually corresponded with each other as to the purposes of the visas.

They were left rather red-faced and stamped him in.

 

34 minutes ago, Liquorice said:

He asked if the MFA and Immigration actually corresponded with each other as to the purposes of the visas.

They were left rather red-faced and stamped him in.

 

We know they don't talk at all.  Which is obvious if you've ever heard reports of the things immigration officers say can be done at an embassy, and vice versa with things that embassy staff say can be done at immigration.  They are completely clueless about each other.

7 hours ago, BrandonJT said:

We know they don't talk at all.  Which is obvious if you've ever heard reports of the things immigration officers say can be done at an embassy, and vice versa with things that embassy staff say can be done at immigration.  They are completely clueless about each other.

Left arm, right elbow syndrome.

14 hours ago, Rob Browder said:

No More Visa Run

... without paying us off via an agent - is what they really mean.  They just want "their cut" of your money-spend in Thailand, and think their bought-jobs makes them entitled to it.  Search this forum for "safe entry service," if coming by air.

 

Forget all the pretend-caring about "rules" - when it violates the Thai Immigration Act to deny-entry for "coming too often / much" - and an arranged payoff is all it takes for their "concern" to vanish.

 

No more 'visa run' which is undefined and has no legal time frame.

 

Cambodia land borders closed so can't do the 'safe entry' with a company that way. Now if flying in from Cambodia can't use the 'safe entry' service either.

 

More abortions than a Democrat convention 🤧

 

13 hours ago, SenorTashi said:

I wondered if that's what it was about. 

 

But I'm a bit confused. I thought the rule was that you could fly in and out as much as you want and they'd give you 2 months each time?

But land crossings/border runs were limited? 

My next plan is to spend 2 weeks away over Christmas, then come back for 2 months.

I don't know if I should get an e-visa

 

the last thing I said to the IO was 'I'm a bit sick of all this stress. I might stop coming to Thailand'. He said 'that's fine by us'

And he is right, seems you are milking the system to the max.  Do you consider yourself to be living in Thailand?

1 minute ago, marin said:

And he is right, seems you are milking the system to the max.  Do you consider yourself to be living in Thailand?

Definitely not. I decided it was too much hassle, with all the immigration issues.

Just based on information I'd read here, I believed that I could fly in and out a few times a year.

I don't even bother with visa extensions because spending a day at immigration doesn't appeal to me at all.

I don't have a girlfriend here or a business or loads of mates so I'm not desperate to be here at all.

I just come here to eat, sleep, shop and leave again.

 

On 10/31/2025 at 4:58 PM, Liquorice said:

A friend arrived today at Suvarnabhumi with a TV e-visa, 4th this year to visit Thai spouse.
Stays between 10 days to 6 weeks each visit.
They pulled him aside and gave him a grilling for an hour, stating he was not a tourist and should obtain the correct visa.
He told them he applied for the TV to visit Thai family.
They stated the TV was for tourism only, then he showed them this page from the Thai Embassy, in London.

He asked if the MFA and Immigration actually corresponded with each other as to the purposes of the visas.

They were left rather red-faced and stamped him in.

 

 they are not wrong he come to visit his family and not tourisme purpose lol

 

 better he took a non 0 next time , same as i done this time 

8 hours ago, thai006 said:

they are not wrong he come to visit his family and not tourisme purpose lol

The point being the TR (less than 60 days) is also offered for the purpose of visiting family, along with other purposes.

 

He's gladly obtain the Non O (more than 60 days) if he could apply for the 1-year extension, but never stays long enough to be able to apply for it.

 

but you know for thai immigration tourism is mean tourism lol

'Thailand Visa Exemption (60 days)....'

 

Would someone kindly tell me if this policy is still active now?

I'm in the UK and plan to visit Thailand with my Thai wife for 55 days, either end of November or early December (this year 2025).  

We used to live in Thailand most of the time but for the last 10 years or so we have just stayed for 90 days over winter, so I haven't done a shorter visit for decades!

 

If this 'Visa Exemption' is still active, would it cover me for our planned 55 day trip? (I know it sounds like it should but things change or don't always turn out to be what they appear!)

If it's not active, or it's inappropriate for my trip, what type of visa should I apply for, what is the visa fee, and how long does it currently take to get the visa?

 

I'm very grateful for any help / advice please!

Visa exempt is still 60 days.

Thanks very much Brandon.

So this exemption will cover my trip and I don't have to apply for any type of visa before travel, and can just arrive at immigration and just show my passport, no problem? 

Forgive me for double checking, but Thailand is known for suddenly changing rules / laws with little or no notice and I fear a change to the 60 day exemption between me booking flights etc., and going!  

Also, although I've done this journey dozens of times, I'm an old man now and generally feel less confident about making arrangements.

Would someone who knows their way around  the Royal Thai embassy or Immigration website, please put a link to the latest info on this so I can print it to show immigration.... just in case!  

Many thanks.

23 minutes ago, samsingsong said:

Thanks very much Brandon.

So this exemption will cover my trip and I don't have to apply for any type of visa before travel, and can just arrive at immigration and just show my passport, no problem? 

Forgive me for double checking, but Thailand is known for suddenly changing rules / laws with little or no notice and I fear a change to the 60 day exemption between me booking flights etc., and going!  

Also, although I've done this journey dozens of times, I'm an old man now and generally feel less confident about making arrangements.

Would someone who knows their way around  the Royal Thai embassy or Immigration website, please put a link to the latest info on this so I can print it to show immigration.... just in case!  

Many thanks.

 

You really have nothing to worry about or print.  The only thing you might need to show is your onward (return) ticket when you check in at the airport.  In case you are still not confident here is the page on the London Embassy website that covers it;

 

https://london.thaiembassy.org/en/page/exemp-visa

 

And you will need to complete the arrival card in the 3 days before you arrive (your wife doesn't need to)....

 

https://tdac.immigration.go.th/arrival-card/#/home

24 minutes ago, samsingsong said:

Thanks very much Brandon.

So this exemption will cover my trip and I don't have to apply for any type of visa before travel, and can just arrive at immigration and just show my passport, no problem? 

Forgive me for double checking, but Thailand is known for suddenly changing rules / laws with little or no notice and I fear a change to the 60 day exemption between me booking flights etc., and going!  

Also, although I've done this journey dozens of times, I'm an old man now and generally feel less confident about making arrangements.

Would someone who knows their way around  the Royal Thai embassy or Immigration website, please put a link to the latest info on this so I can print it to show immigration.... just in case!  

Many thanks.

You really won't need it!  Honest Guv!!   I do this most years and just sail through Immigration at SUV but @Upnotover posted it above anyway.

I assume you will have a return ticket showing that you plan to leave Thailand within 60 days?

 

What might be new to you is you must do a TDAC  within 3 days of travel - all you need to know is here https://london.thaiembassy.org/en/page/visa-general-information?menu=65bb7713d0737318de2bab23

I've not had to do one yet as it was only introduced this year, - I'll be travelling in January so doing my first one then, but it doesn't look like anything to worry about.

If the authoroties want to encourage more foreigners to come and mainly those who own property, the Visa Exemption should be accepted for various formalities like banks, driving licence renewals etc. 

 

Because currently, if you come with the 60 day exemption, fine if it's just to walk around, But usually no administrative formalities can be done, This rule should be changed. 

 

If not, the house or property owners in thailand should be granted a hassle free say 4 of 5 month e-visa plainly by showing the purchase contract or the leasehold contract if house. And that's it,. 

🙏Thanks very much all for pointing me in the right direction, very grateful for your help!🙏

6 hours ago, Sigmund said:

If the authoroties want to encourage more foreigners to come and mainly those who own property, the Visa Exemption should be accepted for various formalities like banks, driving licence renewals etc. 

 

Because currently, if you come with the 60 day exemption, fine if it's just to walk around, But usually no administrative formalities can be done, This rule should be changed. 

 

If not, the house or property owners in thailand should be granted a hassle free say 4 of 5 month e-visa plainly by showing the purchase contract or the leasehold contract if house. And that's it,. 

This is how you flood your country with scammers.

20 hours ago, VBF said:

…just sail through Immigration at SUV…

 

Be careful with your use of airpost codes ☺️

 

Your post reminds of when, some years ago, I checked in at BKK (Suvarnabhumi International airport in Bangkok) for my return flight to LUG (Lugano airport, Switzerland) via ZRH (Zurich Airport). I don't habitually check the luggage label as it is being put on the handle of the suitcase, but this time I happened to glance at it, noticed the big, bold letters LUX (Luxembourg Airport) and stopped the check-in person from sending my bag to that airport.

 

Incidentally, SUV stands for Nausori International airport in Suva, Fidji

5 hours ago, Maestro said:

 

Be careful with your use of airpost codes ☺️

 

Your post reminds of when, some years ago, I checked in at BKK (Suvarnabhumi International airport in Bangkok) for my return flight to LUG (Lugano airport, Switzerland) via ZRH (Zurich Airport). I don't habitually check the luggage label as it is being put on the handle of the suitcase, but this time I happened to glance at it, noticed the big, bold letters LUX (Luxembourg Airport) and stopped the check-in person from sending my bag to that airport.

 

Incidentally, SUV stands for Nausori International airport in Suva, Fidji

Well at least LUX is nearer to LUG than LAX!

7 hours ago, Maestro said:

 

Be careful with your use of airpost codes ☺️

 

Your post reminds of when, some years ago, I checked in at BKK (Suvarnabhumi International airport in Bangkok) for my return flight to LUG (Lugano airport, Switzerland) via ZRH (Zurich Airport). I don't habitually check the luggage label as it is being put on the handle of the suitcase, but this time I happened to glance at it, noticed the big, bold letters LUX (Luxembourg Airport) and stopped the check-in person from sending my bag to that airport.

 

Incidentally, SUV stands for Nausori International airport in Suva, Fidji

You are of course correct - my bad 🙏

I got into the bad habit of referring to Suvarnabhumi incorrectly some years back when Don Mueang (DMK) ceased being Bangkok's primary Airport and to differentiate between the two.

 

Suvarnabhumi is BKK

Don Mueang is DMK

 

Thanks @Maestro