What’s Changing in Thailand’s Visa & Border-Run Rules
If you’ve been relying on classic border-hops or “visa runs” to stay longer in Thailand, the game has changed. As of November 2025, the Immigration Bureau of Thailand has announced a major clamp-down on repeated tourist entries and visa-exempt stays that look more like long-term residency than holiday travel.
These updates signal a shift: the tourist welcome remains, but the “stay for months by doing border runs” trick is increasingly unreliable.
The backbone of the new policy
The core of the change is two-fold:
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First, tourist visa extensions and multiple entry via visa-exemption will now face stricter limits and scrutiny.
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Second, the pattern of repeated entries (enter Thailand, stay, exit briefly, re-enter) is being flagged. The authorities have indicated that if you appear to be using tourist status to essentially stay long-term or work illegally, you may be refused entry.
What exactly has changed?
Here are the specific updates you need to know (as at November 2025):
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Tourist visa and visa-exempt stays may only be extended twice. After that, you’ll need a proper longer-stay visa.
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The first extension for a tourist visa is now typically 30 days; the second extension only 7 days. This means the total possible stay via tourist visa with extensions may be significantly shorter than before.
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For entries under visa-exemption (for eligible countries), repeated entries are under scrutiny: two tourist-type entries (via visa-exempt or tourist visa) in a row may trigger arrival refusal.
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Land borders and so-called “visa-run” patterns are especially watched. If you exit to a neighbouring country for a few hours or overnight just to get a new stamp, that action is far more likely to raise red flags now.
Why the Crackdown?
The motives behind the change
Thailand’s tourism model remains strong, but the government has signalled that misuse of tourist entries—such as working illegally, staying long-term with short-term stamps, or operating scam rings—undermines the system. The crackdown is part of broader efforts to safeguard the integrity of the immigration regime and protect the tourism brand.
Who benefits and who doesn’t
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Genuine short-term tourists: If you plan a 2-4 week holiday, stay in one place, enjoy the sights, you likely won’t feel much change — the system remains welcoming.
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Long-term stay “border-hoppers”: If your plan was to stay 6-12 months via successive 60 or 90-day tourist entries and brief exits — that model is now very risky.
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Digital nomads / remote workers / those living long-term: It’s now more important than ever to choose the correct visa path (non-immigrant, long-stay, digital-nomad visa) instead of relying on tourist status.
What This Means for You: Travel Tips & Realities
Before you go: plan correctly
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Check your nationality against the latest visa-exemption list. Some countries are eligible for 60-day visa-free entries, but that does not mean unlimited entries.
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If you intend to stay more than a few months, apply for the proper long-stay visa before relying on tourist entries.
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When entering Thailand, have a clear travel plan, accommodation booked, onward flight ticket, and funds. The immigration officer may ask.
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Avoid doing quick land border exits just to “get a new stamp” if your stay pattern suggests you are essentially living in Thailand.
While in Thailand: stay on the right side
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If you are on a tourist entry or visa-exempt stay, avoid behaviours that look like work or long-term residency (e.g., staying one place for months, no outward movement, repeated border hops).
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Be ready: your extension request may be denied if you’ve already done multiple entries or your stay pattern appears to be for non-tourist purposes.
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If you do exit and re-enter, expect more questions: how long were you out, what did you do, are you returning home or just popping through a neighbouring state? Short “exit-and-re-enter” loops will draw attention.
On the border run strategy: now very shaky
If you were thinking of the classic “exit to Laos/Cambodia for a night, come back, get fresh 60 or 90 days”, that strategy is now riskier:
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Border posts are more alert to repeat entries without real exit from the country of residence.
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Airlines might refuse boarding if your profile suggests you’re likely to be refused at Thai immigration.
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Being refused entry means you’ll have to return to your departure point at your own cost, and you may be flagged for future issues.
How to Stay Longer in Thailand – The Smart & Legal Paths
Tourist visa + extension
If your stay is modest (say up to 3-4 months), you can apply for a tourist visa at a Thai embassy before arrival, come in, and then request an extension. But remember the new rule: max two extensions and the second is shorter. Use this path for legitimate tourism, not long-term stay.
Long-stay / digital-nomad visa
If your intention is to stay multiple months, work remotely, or “semi-live” in Thailand, then consider a visa category that suits. Thailand is promoting “digital nomad” style options and longer-stay visas for remote workers, retirees, and extended travelers. Investing in the correct visa path removes the constant risk of refusal.
Work / study / retirement visa
If you plan to live & work in Thailand, study, or retire there, apply for a non-immigrant visa (B, ED, O-A/O-X etc) that matches your purpose. This is by far the safest route for long-term presence.
All 6 types visa options to stay in Thailand
Final Thoughts
If you thought you could quietly do back-to-back “visa runs” in Thailand and treat it like your base for many months on short tourist entries — prepare for a reality check. From November 2025, the door is visibly being closed on that strategy. Thailand still welcomes tourists, but staying long-term via repeated tourist entries is no longer a safe bet.
For you and your readers: travel smart. Match your visa type with your travel goal. If you’re on a proper holiday for a few weeks, you’ll likely be fine. If you intend to stay much longer, work remotely, or treat Thailand as a base, adjust your strategy now. Use the right visa path, avoid shortcuts, and keep your pattern clean.
When you’re next preparing a trip to Thailand, remember: the rules have shifted. What once could be done with a quick border-hop might now end in denied entry. Better to plan ahead than cross the line unexpectedly.
