60-day visa exemptions are now unlimited at land borders

[kimothai]

Making a visa run every 60 days doesn't sound like much fun.  I made one visa run (van type) to extend my initial "OA" visa back in 2009.  It was one of the most horrible experiences of my life.  A suicidal driver who thought he was a F1 driver.  Just lucky I survived the ordeal.  Never again.   

[Jack1988]

5 hours ago, JesusonaPogoStick said:

FWIW- just did the Chiang Khong crossing and 60 day stamped. Told Laos Imm. that I was just doing a turn-around, so there was no paperwork/photos needed (always good to be over prepared)-2k baht(believe it can be cheaper w/agent). BTW, if you have never been to Chiang Khong, it's worth staying for a day or two. Easy bounce.

Do you know if it's an unlimited border run over there too?

[The Fugitive]

34 minutes ago, kimothai said:

Making a visa run every 60 days doesn't sound like much fun.  I made one visa run (van type) to extend my initial "OA" visa back in 2009.  It was one of the most horrible experiences of my life.  A suicidal driver who thought he was a F1 driver.  Just lucky I survived the ordeal.  Never again.

Thanks for your honest report!

[transam]

1 hour ago, BobDobbs said:

 

Seems absolutely counterintuitive. People with money fly and brokies go overland. My guess is this will change come November.

So, no more land thingies for you then...........😰

[black tabby12345]

60days visa-free stay with the approval of unlimited  border runs?

Congratulations to the expats under 50 YO.

 

Looks like Thai visa policy is reverting  back to the state of Pre-September 2006 period.

It was when headaches of the Thailand expats started; Thai immigration bureau restricted  back-to-back border trip for renewing no-visa stay permit; visa-waivers were no longer allowed to stay in the kingdom over 180days out of one calendar year.

 

In 2010s, they also started to limit the number of times expats could apply for the tourist visa at the Thai embassy/consulate in the neighboring countries.

 

And in August 2014, just after the military takeover, the dictator declared the abolishment of 2-entry tourist visa.

And started to limit the border runs by land twice a year. 

I have even heard that some business travelers(by air) were turned back during that period.

 

Now Thai bureaucrats' Empty Pride(They were groundlessly convinced  that today's Thailand is in the state of of middle-income nation. Therefore, no needs to rely on the expenditure by expats) is gone.

And part of the good old days is coming back.

The best thing for the immigration to do is, doing the least for the best result to the whole nation.

One of the very few excellent policies from the populist premier.

 

 

Edited July 19 by black tabby12345

[arick]

They finally realized to keep the foreigners in their country instead of running abroad every 30 days keeps more money in Thailand.

[kiwikeith]

On 7/18/2024 at 4:26 PM, Jack1988 said:

If it's really true that now is possible to do unlimited border run then there is no need that I go to Vientiane to apply for another tourist visa 

Sounds like the good old days.

[VBF]

On 7/18/2024 at 9:54 AM, DrJack54 said:

Your experience is proof of nothing.

You are correct that this topic has been done to death.

People have been refused boarding pass by airline flying visa exempt without an onward flight. 

 

Seems dependant on brand of airline, city of departure etc 

Many reports of this requirement.

Including my own experience. 

Need to show funds and onward flight by immigration on arrival basically never occurs

Agree with your comments @DrJack54inasmuch as it's just "safer" to have  either a visa or ongoing ticket.

 

I wonder what you and other people think about this possible scenario:

 

Under new rules: Flying London to BKK on Emirates.

Have a return ticket with the return booked 80 - 85 days from arrival.

My intention being to use the (new) 60 day visa exempt, then get a 30 day extension at Jomtien.

 

The question being, would that return ticket which is over the 60 days still satisfy Emirates at the London check-in?

Or would they want to see a return ticket within 60 days?

 

It would avoid the expensive hassle of changing my return ticket. 

[DrJack54]

30 minutes ago, VBF said:

Or would they want to see a return ticket within 60 days?

They may accept the flight ticket outside the 60 days with explanation you plan to obtain 30 day extension.

It's been reported several times with success.

 

Also sometimes the airline ok if you sign a waiver.

 

You would be aware of rent ticket companies such as "onwardticket.com"..$15usd.

There is also option to travel with no onward flight/return flight and if airline insists on flight you can step away from check in and do rent a ticket or buy throw away cheapest flight. 

Since your return ticket is also Emirates thinking your plan is fine. 

 

Edit: afterthought...if you wish/able to stay in Thailand longer don't be hamstrung buy the 60 +30 extension.

As a border bounce now provides 60 day visa exempt entry.

Easy to skip the return ticket and have trouble free stay 120-150.

[Rob Browder]

6 hours ago, BobDobbs said:

 

Seems absolutely counterintuitive. People with money fly and brokies go overland. My guess is this will change come November.

Back in the day, I used land-borders because I knew I would get back in - whereas the airports might say I spend too much money in Thailand, and refuse entry.  Flying cost wasn't a factor to nearby locations.

 

If they just followed the rules at the airports - have the return-ticket and 20K Baht worth of cash - then that would not have been necessary. 

[Yagoda]

1 hour ago, brewsterbudgen said:

Great news for foreigners living in Laos who need to pop across the border for shopping or medical treatment. 👏

Same for cambodia

[JoeyMac]

A complete disgrace is this open door immigration policy.

 

Go on facebook forums - Indians are pushing hard on the DTV visa, and all inclinations is they are coming to live and work in Thailand. 

 

Totally idiotic by Thailand. 

 

This time next year the locals will be protesting, just like they are doing in Japan, Spain, France, etc 

 

You can't inflict mass tourism like this on a population without having the infrustructure to cope, or protecting the local population from this immigrants working illegally, and driving up rents. 

 

This is without mentioning the environmental and ecological disaster it will bring.

 

But rejoice cos you couldnt pay 500 baht to an agent to get your extension.

 

Edited July 19 by JoeyMac

[Rob Browder]

24 minutes ago, JoeyMac said:

500 baht to an agent to get your extension

What extension is 500 baht from an agent?  The cheapest - and only if over 50 - is 12,500. 

 

I am happy for all the under 50s who won't go through the hell I went through to stay here, when I was younger, and had plenty of income, but no "applicable visa" option other than the elite rip-off. 

 

I do hope they bust anyone who HIRES illegally, though - as in, the EMPLOYERS.  A few well publicized cases - going to prison for years - would curb that very effectively.

[Yagoda]

6 hours ago, ryandb said:

 

Depending on whether you are based near an international airport or not vs how far from a border you are, might be way more convenient to drive. 

Here is my comparison: 1 hour to Siem Reap airport ($10), 2 hours in Airport ($10 for munchies while stoned and bored, remember they have smoking areas and disposables are easily available), 1 hour flight  $75, 1 1/2 hour at DMK clearing customs then SCHLEP to train, $1 ride for 1 hour to Makkasan, then another $1 on the MRT to Asoke or if I use my condo, to Tao Poon. Total about 6 1/2 hours $97...or

 

Bus from Siem Reap to Poipet, $10, 2 hours. Cross over border 1 hour. Hang out drinking coffee and etc in Aranyaphrayet for 1-2 hours, jump on train for $10, 4 hours to Asoke. Total $20 plus coffee and snacks 9 hours. Or If I get creative, $50 for a 3 hour taxi, so that Im at $60 for 6 hours.

 

Whats the kicker? Do I want to sit in the airport and stare at empty runways, or jump in a taxi and scream down the road blowing clouds and listening to loud Mor Lam? Or a scenic train ride?

 

I hate dealing with airports so if this is true, its great news for me. Gives me far more flexibility in travel as starting the end of September I may move over for the winter 2 weeks on one week off back and forth. 

[SiSePuede419]

17 hours ago, Bday Prang said:

Along with  no money in the bank to worry about either

What a relief it must be. 😜

[Charlatans]

19 hours ago, dcalaska said:

That was my first concern. Where did you read this? Thanks.

There a few companies online that allow you to get a flight with a 48 hour confirmation window for $12 or 15/ 

[Robert Paulson]

I wonder if it will ever dawn in them to make life easier for people,actually married to Thais 

[DrJack54]

14 minutes ago, Robert Paulson said:

I wonder if it will ever dawn in them to make life easier for people,actually married to Thais 

Surely that's a wind up.

Married guys can obtain annual extensions with just 400k in bank for 2 months and then use it.

They also can obtain extension 60 day to visit wife if they are not using annual extensions.

Sweet deal. 

[Jack1988]

27 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

Surely that's a wind up.

Married guys can obtain annual extensions with just 400k in bank for 2 months and then use it.

They also can obtain extension 60 day to visit wife if they are not using annual extensions.

Sweet deal. 

but what about to support the thai wife after the extension? If it were only for 1900 thb extension... It's still a sweet deal?

[DrJack54]

9 minutes ago, Jack1988 said:

but what about to support the thai wife after the extension? If it were only for 1900 thb extension... It's still a sweet deal?

Nonsense reply.

Pretty much every farang in Thailand married or partner supports wife/partner ongoing

[Caldera]

2 hours ago, Jack1988 said:

but what about to support the thai wife after the extension? If it were only for 1900 thb extension... It's still a sweet deal?

 

Not sure what your point is. A one year extension based on being married to a Thai national does cost 1900 baht, just like any other extension.

 

If that's a sweet deal (or not) depends on the quality of your relationship with your wife.

 

Nobody forced you to marry her, and certainly not Thai immigration. They just provide you with a legal way to stay with her as long as your marriage exists de facto and de jure.

[Maestro]

On 7/18/2024 at 9:29 AM, Liquorice said:

Unless the Government repeals the current Ministerial regulation only permitting two land borders entries per calendar year

 

I'd love to have a link to that "current Ministerial regulation". Can you oblige?

[Maestro]

On 7/18/2024 at 9:29 AM, Liquorice said:

Meanwhile, the left hand isn't communicating with the right hand again.
Tourist Visa Exemption Scheme

UK ordinary passport holders can travel to Thailand without visa for no longer than 60 days (maximum 2 times/year).

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

 

Yes, the Thai embassy in London has built up quite a reputation for getting things wrong.

[Maestro]

On 7/18/2024 at 12:56 PM, novacova said:

Looked, haven’t seen anything regarding this on mfa or gazette 

 

Interior Ministry Announcement in the Royal Gazette:

https://ratchakitcha.soc.go.th/documents/37565.pdf

 

Infographic on MFA website:

https://www.mfa.go.th/en/content/thailandnewvisa-en?page=5d5bd3da15e39c306002aaf9&menu=5d5bd3cb15e39c306002a9b0

 

[Jack1988]

1 hour ago, Caldera said:

 

Not sure what your point is. A one year extension based on being married to a Thai national does cost 1900 baht, just like any other extension.

 

If that's a sweet deal (or not) depends on the quality of your relationship with your wife.

 

Nobody forced you to marry her, and certainly not Thai immigration. They just provide you with a legal way to stay with her as long as your marriage exists de facto and de jure.

I am happy with tourist/exemption visas honestly. I am not into marriage with thai women, it's only a loss of money with them. In fact there is written extension for support thai wife, this explains everything

But i don't want to get off topic, i can only say: tourist visas and unlimited border runs for a long time, i really hope so haha

[Bday Prang]

6 hours ago, SiSePuede419 said:

What a relief it must be. 😜

What a smarmy comment

[bwanajohn]

I suspect it will work like this no limits on number of times but when its office you are using to live in Thailand full time it will be highly recommended you get a "O" visa or another 12 month visa that describes your stay more accurately.

[Robert Paulson]

7 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

Nonsense reply.

Pretty much every farang in Thailand married or partner supports wife/partner ongoing

Your posts are complete nonsense. I had an actual io advise me to swap to a retirement visa. He was basically inferring it’s much easier and painless. Don’t speak about things you know nothing about

[DrJack54]

1 hour ago, Robert Paulson said:

I had an actual io advise me to swap to a retirement visa. He was basically inferring it’s much easier and painless. Don’t speak about things you know nothing about

The reason the io "suggested" change to extensions based on retirement is that it's far less work for the immigration officer.

This is common knowledge..

[Tod Daniels]

On 7/18/2024 at 12:28 PM, brianthainess said:

Not meaning any offence or trying to be rude, what makes You a Thai Visa Forum "EXPERT" ?

I have a limited skill set here in the glorious "Land 'O Thaiz" and that is I know entry/visa/extension inside, outside, upside down, in a box with a fox.

I've been to Immigration offices hundreds of times, talking to officers over the years, I talk talk to border crossings, agents, border bounce companies all over the country.

Hands down I am the smartest foreigner in thailand about entry/visa/extension information, If I do say so myself, <- which I just did 😉 

Any more questions or you good now?