Can I enter Thailand by train from Malaysia without a visa if I've been there within the last 30 days?

Question

Good morning,
we are travelling from Malaysia to Thailand within the next days by train via Padang Besar. We are from a visa exemption country and have both been in Thailand within the last 30 days. Some websites state that we need to get a visa at the Thai embassy. My understanding is that we can just get stamped in at the border at Padang Besar. But I wanted to double check as we find different information on the web on entering Thailand by land from Malaysia. Thanks for your help.

/update: no problem, no questions. Thanks for your advice and experiences 🙏

Ask Thailand · Answer

Traveling from Malaysia to Thailand by train is generally allowed for visitors from visa exemption countries. If you have been in Thailand within the last 30 days, you can typically get stamped in at the border at Padang Besar. However, it is advisable to be prepared with evidence of financial means (20,000 THB) and a departure ticket, as border staff may ask for these documents. Experiences shared by others suggest that while most genuine tourists face no issues, those with extensive stay histories might encounter scrutiny.

Kd ********* · Answer

Better have 20 000 thb each and a flight ticket booking out of Thailand. Just in case.

Jae ***** · Answer

Be careful crossing between the Malaysian station and the Thai station (of the same name), in order to allow enough time to catch your onward train. Border staff I encountered (Thai side) were difficult to deal with and asked for financial evidence and a couple of other things I didn't have (this was three or four years ago). When he realised I had a train to catch he stamped my passport and let me pass. Good luck!

Tod ********* · Answer

if you are from a country that gets in visa exempt you should be fine IF you do not have an extensive entry/stay history to thailand (like over covid, etc) if all you have is a previous visa exempt entry, you should be fine.

Now on the other hand IF you have an extensive entry/stay history (covid extensions, ED or Volunteer visas) and/or you're trying to live in thailand on free entry stamps/30 day extensions you could have issues stamping in.

As a general rule "real tourists" <- people who are not living here on back-2-back free stamps have no issue entering the country..

You can be asked for proof of 20K baht or the equivalent in CASH, and proof you're leaving thailand in 30 days when you stamp in, BUT again, as a rule most genuine tourists are not asked for those things

Can I enter Thailand by train from Malaysia without a visa if I've been there within the last 30 days?

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