Can I border run to Mae Sai instead of extending my METV for another 30 days?

METV Visa Extension Border Run Mae Sai Thailand Immigration 30-Day Extension Visa Regulations

August 10, 2017

7 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi! I have a METV and I know you can get a 30day extension for 1900 baht at Promenada in CM- but in my research it looks like it would be cheaper to just border run to Mae Sai? Is it compulsory to extend before running? Has anyone done the latter? What are your thoughts?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

In response to the question, it is confirmed that it is not compulsory to extend your METV (Multiple Entry Tourist Visa) before making a border run. A border run to Mae Sai will provide an additional 60-day entry, which is more time compared to the 30-day extension costing 1900 baht. The overall costs for a border run are about 820-1138 baht, depending on the bus service, plus 500 baht for the border fee, making it a cheaper alternative but requires a day of travel.

Steve *******

It's not compulsory to extend your stay in Thailand. Some Immigration offices only issue 1 extention per visa. If you plan on getting the most time in Thailand from your METV then leave every 60 days and then extend your final entry at immigration. This will give you nearly 9 months in Thailand.

7 years ago

Ian ***************

No it is not compulsory to do an extension. Border hop with METV at Mae Sai will result in another 60-day entry. Compare w/extension 30 days 1900 baht vs. Mae Sai run from CM by bus (320-638 baht, depending on class) + 500b for the Myanmar border run). So border run is a bit cheaper, but takes a whole day, +60 vs. 30 days.

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7 years ago

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Ian ***************

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Is it necessary to buy a 30-day visa extension on a METV after the initial 60 days, or is it simpler to leave the country each time?