Thailand Visa Run Rules

A "visa run" in Thailand is no longer the straightforward process it used to be. As of late 2025, Thai Immigration has implemented stricter enforcement measures to curb long-term residency on tourist visas. 

If you are currently in Thailand or planning a border bounce, here are the critical updates you need to know.

1. The "Two-Entry" Limit (Land Borders)

• Strict Limit: You are strictly limited to two (2) visa-exempt entries per calendar year when entering via land borders (Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar). 
• No Reset: This count resets on January 1st. If you have already used your two land entries for 2025, you will be denied entry at a land border, even if you leave and try to come back immediately. 
• Air Entries: While there is no written number limit for air entries, immigration officers are now flagging "back-to-back" air entries. If you have a history of multiple visa runs by air, you may be questioned or denied entry for not being a "genuine tourist." 

2. New 60-Day Visa Exemption (The "Good" News)

• Longer Stay: Most nationals (from 93 eligible countries) now receive a 60-day stamp on arrival (increased from the old 30 days). 
• Extension: You can extend this once for an additional 30 days at a local immigration office for 1,900 THB. 
• Total Stay: This gives you a potential 90 days (60+30) inside Thailand per entry, reducing the need for monthly border runs.

3. Stricter Extension Rules (The "Bad" News)

New internal directives enforced in late 2025 have tightened how extensions are given: 

• Land Entry Restrictions: Reports indicate that some immigration offices are refusing 30-day extensions for those who entered via a land border, particularly if it was a "same-day" turnaround. You may only get 7 days or be told to leave. 
• Air Entry Restrictions:

- 1st Air Entry: Usually grants a full 30-day extension. 

- Subsequent Air Entries: If you enter again by air back-to-back, immigration may restrict your extension to just 7 days instead of the full 30. 

4. The "Destination Thailand Visa" (DTV) Alternative

If you are doing visa runs to live or work remotely in Thailand, stop immediately and look at the DTV.

• Who it's for: Digital nomads, remote workers, freelancers, and participants in "soft power" activities (Muay Thai, cooking classes). 
• Validity: 5 Years. 
• Stay Length: You get 180 days per entry (extendable by another 180 days once). 
• Requirement: You must prove you have at least 500,000 THB (approx. $15,000 USD) in savings and legitimate remote work or a course booking. 
• Why it's better: It eliminates the need for border runs entirely for 6-12 months at a time and is completely legal.

5. The "Thailand Digital Arrival Card" (TDAC)

• Mandatory: As of mid-2025, all foreigners entering Thailand (by land, air, or sea) must complete the TDAC online before arrival. 
• Procedure: This acts as an electronic version of the old "TM.6" paper card. Immigration officers will check this in the system. Failure to complete it can cause delays at the border. 

Summary Advice for 2025/2026

• Avoid "Same-Day" Bounces: Immigration officers view same-day in-and-out trips as a red flag for illegal working. Stay at least 2-3 nights in the neighboring country before returning. 
• Carry Cash: If you are questioned at a border, you legally must prove you have funds. Have 20,000 THB in cash (or equivalent currency) ready to show. Credit cards are often not accepted as proof. 
• Don't Risk a Denied Entry: A denied entry stamp can cause issues for years. If you are on your 3rd or 4th tourist entry of the year, apply for a proper visa (Tourist Visa TR, DTV, or LTR) at a Thai embassy abroad instead of risking a border run.