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Can I do a land border crossing to extend my SETV stay in Thailand, and what are the rules?

SETV Visa Extension Border Run Thailand Immigration Thai Visa Rules Land Crossing Tourist Visa Border Crossing Limitations

Jun 25, 2018

6 years ago

Liz ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi Friends, 

I'm currently in Chiang Mai on a SETV, my first 60 days are almost up. I know I need to exit Thailand and then re-enter to get 30 more days. Can I do this via a land crossing? I heard you only get 15 days if you cross the border on land, is this true? Any suggestions or companies I should use for a quick border run? TIA :)

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user is currently in Chiang Mai on a Single Entry Tourist Visa (SETV) and nearing the end of their initial 60 days. They are considering exiting Thailand to re-enter for an additional 30 days and are inquiring about the rules of land border crossings. Responses clarify that a land crossing is possible, providing a 30-day exemption stamp (as the 15-day stamp is no longer issued), but entries via land are limited to two times per year. Several users suggest alternatives like applying for a 30-day extension at local immigration for 1,900 baht or going to the Thai embassy in Laos for a new visa.

Liz ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi Everyone, thank you so much for all your advice, I went to Promenada today and applied for the 30 day extension. It was so easy :)

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Randall *********

Better choice

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Randall *********

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Randall *********

Just got to Mae Sai and go to Burma. Should be about 500 baht depending who you get that day they may or may not charge you. They will take your passport and keep it until you return but it’s simple and easy. You can only go over land twice when doing a visa run, but unlimited by air.

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Randall *********

definitely less time and probably cheaper in the long run

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Tod *********

, Remember doing border-bounces for a 30 day visa exempt entry by land is limited to TWO per year.

It takes far longer to get to the Mae Sai - Tachiliek border from Chiang Mai than it does to just go to the immigration office at the Promenada and get a 30 day extension ;) Unless you're not in Chiang Mai

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Randall *********

No problem

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Liz ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

thank you 🙏

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Randall *********

I do not know exactly what bus. But I have done it from Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. You have to go to bus station two I believe in Chiang Mai. Take the bus to Mae Sai. The bus station in Mae Sai is a little ways from the border. I have walked and taken a tuk tuk. So it’s your choice. Just tell them the border and you will be fine. It takes about 5-6 hrs by bus depending on stops may take more. But you just cross over and they will take your passport and give you a piece of paper to pick it up when you cross back.

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Liz ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi Randall I really can’t be bothered with all the paperwork to get a visa extension in CM. Can you tell me a bit more about getting to Burma. What bus did you use? How long does it take?

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Liz ***********

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Marco *********

Your easier option is to buy a 30 day extension at local Immigration (1,900 baht).

If you decide to go out/go in, you will get a 30 day visa exempt stamp, both by plane and by land (15 day stamp doesn't exist anymore since 31.12.2016); by the way entries by land are limited at 2 per calendar year; entries by plane are officially unlimited.

You can extend your 30 day stamp too, same procedure and cost of extending a Single Entry Tourist Visa.

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Michaela ***********

@Marco ********

thank you

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Marco *********

@Michaela **********

yes, you can apply for a Single Entry Tourist Visa at Thai Embassy in Vientiane. When you re-enter Thailand your passport will be stamped by 60 days, before this stamp run out you can extend it by 30 more days at local Immigration

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Michaela ***********

Hi. May I have a question here ? :) i am dealing with the same thing right now and my local friend just recommended me, that it is possible to go to Laos, to Thai embassy there and apply for 60-days tourist visa for Thailand. Do you know anything about this? So I would have 60 days and then I can just extend later when I am back here

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Liz ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Yes I remember you from Samui

:) just here on holiday for a few months

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Marco *********

, do you remember me? Living in CM now?

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Liz ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thank you

:)

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Liz ***********

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Jade *********

Extend for immigration for another 30 days, or leave to Laos and get another SETV at Vientiane, or leave by air and fly back in to get a 30 day exemption.

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Liz ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

thanks for clarifying that :)

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Liz ***********

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Dick **********

Hmmm, cant you just go to immigrations and pay 1900B for a 30days extension?!

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Dick **********

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