Travelers who rely on 'visa runs' to extend their stay in Thailand are facing new challenges as immigration authorities enforce stricter screening procedures. According to recent reports, officials are now empowered to deny entry to individuals who have made more than two consecutive land border crossings without a valid reason.
The End of an Era for Border Bouncing
This policy directly targets those residing in Thailand long-term under the guise of being a tourist. The goal is to encourage foreigners to obtain the correct visa type for their purpose of stay (e.g., education, work, or retirement) instead of relying on a loophole.
What This Means for Travelers:
- •True Tourists Unaffected: If you are a genuine tourist visiting for a holiday, these changes are unlikely to impact you.
- •Long-Term Stays: If you plan to stay in Thailand for several months, you can no longer depend on visa runs. You must secure a proper long-stay visa from a Thai embassy *before* your trip.
- •Extension Limits: Be aware that even standard 30-day extensions on tourist visas may face greater scrutiny or new limitations. Always have a clear itinerary and proof of onward travel.
Our advice is to always comply with the spirit of the law. Secure the correct visa for your intended stay to ensure a smooth and stress-free entry into Thailand.