VOA question

[svaldezi]

I'm going to Aranya Phratet again for a border run. I have done it before in July and right now my 1900 baht visa extension expires on Sept 4th. I'm American and another guy I know just went to Aranya for his second border crossing and said that immigration only asked him why he is in Thailand so long? Well just said he got in still after explaining he loved being here. So my point is how much are they still cracking down on the multiple border runs? For VOA people.

[mahjongguy]

Visa On Arrival is not available to Americans. You get a visa exempt entry (aka visa waiver). These are different, and have different rules.

Immigration officers have broad discretion, especially regarding visa exempt entries. They will question too many entries, especially from same-day border hops. If you intend to stay for a while in Thailand, you should get a double entry Tourist Visa from Laos.

[elviajero]

"So my point is how much are they still cracking down on the multiple border runs? For VOA people. "

It varies at each border. But if it's only your second you will probably be ok.

The visa exempt entry "crackdown" is not due to a border run limit but to tackle illegal workers. If you stay here too long on visa exempt entry then questions arise about how you can financially support your stay. Most illegal workers use land borders which is why IO's are tougher to get past at these borders. Legally they can't stop you based on any number of previous entries, but that doesn't stop some from turning people away and sending them to get a visa. Whenever possible it's best to get a visa so you avoid these problems or fly in and out.