How many times can I extend my tourist visa?

Only once per entry. Tourist visas get one 30-day extension for 1,900 baht. Visa exemptions also get one 30-day extension for 1,900 baht.

Can I do same-day visa runs?

Technically yes at some borders, but immigration increasingly rejects same-day returns. Stay at least one night in the other country to avoid problems.

Which border is easiest for visa runs?

Nong Khai-Vientiane is most reliable but expensive (Laos visa required). Mae Sai-Tachileik is cheapest but Myanmar side is limited. Aranyaprathet-Poipet is middle ground but can be crowded.

What if immigration questions me about multiple entries?

Be honest about tourism, show proof of funds (20,000 baht cash), onward travel ticket, and accommodation booking. If refused entry, you must leave Thailand immediately.

Do I need to book accommodation in advance for visa runs?

Not required but helpful to show immigration officers if questioned. Border towns have plenty of guesthouses for 500-1,000 baht per night.

How to do visa runs and extensions in Thailand

Thailand tourist visas can be extended once for 30 days at immigration offices for 1,900 baht. For longer stays, do visa runs to neighboring countries like Laos or Cambodia, or fly out and return. Budget 3,000-8,000 baht per visa run depending on destination and transport method.

Check your current visa status. Look at the stamp in your passport. Tourist visas (60 days) and visa exemptions (30 days for most nationalities) can each be extended once for 30 days. If you've already extended, you need a visa run.
For extensions: gather required documents. Get a passport photo (100 baht at photo shops near immigration), photocopy of your passport main page and current visa page, and fill out TM.7 form (available at immigration office). Bring 1,900 baht in cash.
Visit immigration office early. Go to your local immigration office by 8:30am to avoid crowds. Bangkok uses Chaeng Wattana (take bus 52 or taxi for 150-250 baht). Submit documents, pay fee, and wait for processing (usually 1-3 hours).
For visa runs: choose your route. Land borders: Nong Khai to Vientiane (700 baht bus + 1,600 baht visa), Aranyaprathet to Poipet (150 baht bus, no visa needed), or Mae Sai to Tachileik (free). Flight option: Kuala Lumpur (3,000-6,000 baht round trip).
Execute the border crossing. Exit Thailand, get exit stamp. Enter other country (pay visa fee if required). Stay at least one night - same-day border runs often get rejected. Return next day, get new 30-day Thailand entry stamp.
Track your entries. Immigration officers watch for excessive visa runs. More than 2-3 land border entries per year or 6+ months total stay may trigger questioning. Have proof of onward travel and funds (20,000 baht cash).

How many times can I extend my tourist visa?: Only once per entry. Tourist visas get one 30-day extension for 1,900 baht. Visa exemptions also get one 30-day extension for 1,900 baht.
Can I do same-day visa runs?: Technically yes at some borders, but immigration increasingly rejects same-day returns. Stay at least one night in the other country to avoid problems.
Which border is easiest for visa runs?: Nong Khai-Vientiane is most reliable but expensive (Laos visa required). Mae Sai-Tachileik is cheapest but Myanmar side is limited. Aranyaprathet-Poipet is middle ground but can be crowded.
What if immigration questions me about multiple entries?: Be honest about tourism, show proof of funds (20,000 baht cash), onward travel ticket, and accommodation booking. If refused entry, you must leave Thailand immediately.
Do I need to book accommodation in advance for visa runs?: Not required but helpful to show immigration officers if questioned. Border towns have plenty of guesthouses for 500-1,000 baht per night.