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Can I get another 60-day visa exemption by crossing the border to Laos and returning to Thailand immediately?

Feb 14, 2025
24 days ago
Colin **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi. I a uk citizen and arrived here on a 60 day exemption from Philippines. I extended this for 30 day in Chiang Mai.

The extra 30 days will expire soon and my thinking is to go to Laos via Nong Khai then return to be able to extend my stay?

Can I return via the same land border and get another 60 day visa exemption stamp? If so, can I do this on the same day? Or do I need to go to the Thai embassy in Vientiane to get a tourist visa for Thailand? Alternatively, if I fly back to Bangkok from Laos, will I get another 60 day visa exemption?

Any clarity on this much appreciated.

Apologies if this a repeated question. I've read a lot of contrasting information on this and am pretty confused. It also sounds like the rules may have been changed recently.

Thanks in advance.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A UK citizen currently in Thailand on a 60-day exemption is considering a trip to Laos to reset their visa. They inquire if they can return via the Nong Khai border on the same day to obtain another 60-day exemption stamp or if they need to apply for a tourist visa at the Thai embassy in Vientiane. Community responses suggest that a same-day border run is feasible for gaining a new exemption stamp, but caution is advised regarding immigration scrutiny. Using a reputable border run service is recommended to avoid complications.
Biff *******
Just bounce out and back in again at Nongkai
Tod *********
@Biff ******
careful with that advice Nong Khai is NOT a soft touch border any more, not by a LONG SHOT 😮

people are being told to stay in Lao 2 nights OR told outright that they can leave but not get back in unless they fly.

I sure would never advise a person to "self bounce" at ANY of the Lao borders other than maybe Mukdahan/Savannakhet
Biff *******
@Tod ********
thanks for the update. I thought it was an easy bounce.
Tod *********
@Biff ******
it sure used to be the easiest entry point in the whole country but man did they change their tune a few months ago.. 😕
Twiggy ******
How long did you stay in Thailand before this trip? Were you here last year? If not, I think you will be ok. If I were you, I would go by bus to Vientiane to stay for a week then visit Cambodia or Vietnam, and finally go back to Thailand.

Officers at Nong Khai border is quite strict as many people cross daily but normally if your passport doesn’t show that you stay in Thailand every year for 5 to 6 months with no visa, you will be ok. Staying in Laos and some nearby countries makes you look like you travel for real. Going back to Thailand on the same day is not a good idea.

In the worst case if they invite you into a room to take photo and to question you, give you a verbal warning, you still can go back to Laos and fly home. But I don’t understand how they do that because you are stamped out of Laos but no stamp in Thailand, and you go back to Laos.
Tod *********
@Twiggy *****
if they turn you back on the Thai side they send you back across the bridge and the Lao immigration people void your exit stamp so you can get back in
Twiggy ******
Thanks
@T**
Wannikea *********
You are eligible for a free 60 day visa exempt entry stamp no matter how you enter Thailand. No need to buy a visa through the embassy, it's an online process now regardless. You can go through Nong Khai if you wish, but getting a visa run service from Chiang Mai to a Laos crossing in Chiang Rai is simpler cheaper faster shorter. The service will tell you if you need to spend a night or two in Laos before returning, it's dependant on your recent stamp history.
@Chiang ***************
Mark *********
However immigration is clamping down more now as perceived persons living here and not for tourism

Many have been refused entry to bangkok and returned to original departure point
Colin **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Mark ********
Noted. Thanks
Colin **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I'm currently in Udon Thani. Do you know of a visa run service that operates from here? Thank you
Wannikea *********
@Colin *********
afraid I don't. You can take the bus to the bridge and ask about reentry into Thailand. Worst case scenario is 2 nights. Btw cheaper to buy your Laos visa with USD than Thai baht.
Colin **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Wannikea ********
Thanks for your advice. Really appreciated
James ********
You can fly out of Thailand and return the same day and get a New 60 day stamp on arrival as visa exempt...

But be prepared for possible questions about your stay in Thailand from the Thai Immigration officers.

Have proof of your ticket departing Thailand within the 60 days stamp you will get at the airport.

Your address where you will be staying during the first week of arrival..

AND 20,000 Thai baht in Cash..if asked by Thai Immigration officers.

Safest way to get the 60 days stamp is use an experienced border run service company to take you and return the same day. Getting a new 60 days stamp on arrival as Visa Exempt Entry.

Trying to do it yourself is not 🚫 wise.

The border run service company will take you and return the same day. They prearrange your exit and entry.

There's many reports of border bounce being problems doing it yourself.

There's no need to get a Thai tourist visa from the Thai Embassy or Consulate in Laos.
Colin **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@James *******
Thanks, I'm currently in Udon Thani, so flying is not really practical. Do you know of a visa run service that operates from here?
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