Can I re-enter Thailand for a new 30-day visa exemption after crossing the border at Mae Sai?

Feb 11, 2018
7 years ago
Hey guys, pretty sure I know the answer but want to double check with you smart people as well.

I flew into Chiang Mai on December 17th and got the visa exempt status on arrival good for 30 days. I then extended my visa at immigration office on January 15th. I now have to leave Thailand on the 14th of Feb and want to do the border cross at Mae Sai. Will i be ok to do this and will they allow me to leave and come back in with a fresh new 30 day exempt visa? I read somewhere that Mae Sai doesn't allow border crossings for visa exempt status, but then everywhere else is saying that it's ok.

Anyone have any experience with this and can provide info? Thanks in advance!!
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is seeking confirmation on whether they can exit Thailand at Mae Sai and re-enter with a fresh 30-day visa exemption, given they previously extended their visa. Responses indicate that while it may technically be against the rules, many travelers successfully do this, especially from Western countries, provided they have the necessary documentation and a crisp USD bill for the border fee.
Molly *********
I took the green bus from Chiang Mai and was in a whole line of people doing this and no one batted an eye. Just have your crisp 10 usd bill for the Myanmar day pass, and don’t forget your departure card. I got a 30 day exempt stamp after having extended 30 days at immigration.
Javier ********
One question, can we do this cross border after 30 days exempt? Came begging of December by plane, and I'm wondering between doing torism in Chiang Rai and cross the border to have another 30 days... Thanks
Molly *********
And VIP just means bigger, more comfortable seats that recline. Good luck!
Yevgeniy ****************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks!
Molly *********
The Bus was not completely full, there were a few seats in the back near toilet. The “VIP” seats are only the first two rows of bus, and cost a bit more but still very cheap. I left at 8am from Terminal 2 Chiang Mai, arrived 12:45 in Mae Sai, songtauw for 15 baht over to border crossing by 1:15, walked across the bridge, left Thailand and turned in my departure card, walked into Myanmar, handed over my passport (they keep it), got my Myanmar day pass (10 usd), looked at some vendor stalls for 10 minutes, walked back across, got my passport when leaving and entered Thailand for my new stamp. Back on songtauw to bus station, left Mae Sai at 2:30 and was back in Chiang Mai by 8pm. If you do this, watch your time while over the border as there is a 30 minutes time difference Thailand-Myanmar. I almost missed my bus back.
Yevgeniy ****************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Was the bus full? What time did u select to leave?
Molly *********
On website you can choose location of your seat. Station is Terminal 2 across superhighway from Central festival.
Molly *********
Yes I took the VIP bus. I reserved a week in advance on the green bus website, and chose the option to pay at 7 Eleven (can be any one). Then I walked to my local 7 Eleven on the corner and showed them a confirmation code on my phone, and they printed my ticket which just looked like a receipt. I would recommend doing this to ensure your spot. And take socks and a jacket. The bus is 17 degrees.
Molly *********
And I came back to Chiang Mai via bus the same day.
Yevgeniy ****************
ORIGINAL POSTER
OK thanks. Did u take a VIP bus? Was it full?
Alan *******
I believe it’s one of those things that is technically illegal but everyone does it, unless they don’t like you for some reason.
Oscar ******************
It's not ilegal, it's totally legal.
Amornrat **********
If guess you from a Western country, hence it is no problem to get TWO land border entries for 30 days in one calendar year. Prepare USD10.- new crispy note or THB500.-.
Amornrat **********
no , nothing required.
Yevgeniy ****************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Amornrat *********
do you know if they will need to see any onward flight info or anything else when I'm there?
Yevgeniy ****************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Amornrat Mattioni ok great, thank you!
Amornrat **********
@Yevgeniy ***************
yes, that is OK.
Yevgeniy ****************
ORIGINAL POSTER
ok thanks, yes I'm from US. So it's ok that I only have a visa exemption and then extended it? Won't have any issues doing the border crossing at Mae Sai still?
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