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Can I receive a visa exemption for a short visit to Thailand after returning from Laos?
Visa ExemptionThailand Visa PolicyTourist VisaBorder CrossingsThailand ImmigrationVisa Rules for Expats
Dec 7, 2023
2 years ago
Sam ********
ORIGINAL POSTERHello
Thank you for all your help.
I was in Thailand from 3rd November to 1st December (arriving by plane From France), with a touristic visa.
Then I took a bus : Bangkok / Siem Reap (I am currently at Cambodia).
I will make this road Siem Reap / Bangkok / Vientiane (by bus and train) the 15/16 December : my first question is : can I get the free visa in Thailand for one day (the 15 December )? My question is : may I have the exemption visa according to you ?
Then I ll stay one month in Lao and I coming back in Thailand (by bus) for 17 days : My question is : may I have the exemption visa according to you ?
After I have a flight back to France 28 January.
Thank you a lot if you can answer.
Thank you for all your help.
I was in Thailand from 3rd November to 1st December (arriving by plane From France), with a touristic visa.
Then I took a bus : Bangkok / Siem Reap (I am currently at Cambodia).
I will make this road Siem Reap / Bangkok / Vientiane (by bus and train) the 15/16 December : my first question is : can I get the free visa in Thailand for one day (the 15 December )? My question is : may I have the exemption visa according to you ?
Then I ll stay one month in Lao and I coming back in Thailand (by bus) for 17 days : My question is : may I have the exemption visa according to you ?
After I have a flight back to France 28 January.
Thank you a lot if you can answer.
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user inquired whether they can obtain a visa exemption for one day in Thailand upon their return after visiting Laos and then asked if they could get an exemption for a longer stay after returning from Laos. Responses generally indicated that as long as the user's entry history is in line with regulations, they should have no issue re-entering Thailand, especially following a flight rather than a land crossing at the problematic Aranyaprathet/Poipet border.
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Tod *********
can't really see anything more constructively being added to this post. I mean (as a general rule) the Aranyprathet/Poipet border is a PISS POOR border crossing to use to get IN to thailand.
Seeing as there isn't a person on this group who can say with 100% certainty that the O/P will skate thru I think we're done and will wish the O/P well
Seeing as there isn't a person on this group who can say with 100% certainty that the O/P will skate thru I think we're done and will wish the O/P well
Brown ********
Yep you'll be sweet with 30 day visa exempt entry. No sweat at all
Tod *********
Shouldn't have any issue flying in as long as what you outlined is your previous entry history.
I wouldn't try crossing into Thailand by land at the Aranyaprathet Poipet border, but flying should be no issue.
I wouldn't try crossing into Thailand by land at the Aranyaprathet Poipet border, but flying should be no issue.
Sam ********
ORIGINAL POSTERJonathan **************************
@Sam *******
What the others said.Also, on previous threads, there have been reports of people, after being denied entry (even when they are blatantly and obviously genuine tourists), and after walking away from the immigration booth, having some variation of the following happen to them:
A local Cambodian or two approaches, asks "How are you today, Sir? Oh, you got rejected? No problem! Give us X amount of money, and we can get you through tomorrow!".
It really does appear as though these local ganger types and the Poi Pet immigration officers have a lucrative little scam going, and if its ever going to end, it certainly won't during high season.
Sam ********
ORIGINAL POSTERReply to
Sam ********
Reply
Ellie *******
every entry to Thailand is at the hand of the officer at passport control, even if you have a proper visa.
Ellie *******
just being with the transportation company might not help unless they would support everything until you arrive your destination (Bangkok).
approval of your entry to Thailand is at the discretion of the officer who handles your passport at passport control.
Visa-exempt entry lets you stay in Thailand for 30 days for tourism purposes without a pre-purchased visa IF you are approved to enter Thailand. Visa-exempt is not your right to 'enter' Thailand.
approval of your entry to Thailand is at the discretion of the officer who handles your passport at passport control.
Visa-exempt entry lets you stay in Thailand for 30 days for tourism purposes without a pre-purchased visa IF you are approved to enter Thailand. Visa-exempt is not your right to 'enter' Thailand.
Brown ********
@Ellie ******
far out. That poipet mob are ruthless. Wonder what's up their coyts to be this strict these daysSam ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Brown *******
ok so… you told me I have 50% luck or bad luck to be refuse the entry of Thailand at Poipet Bordering?Brown ********
@Sam *******
have no idea my man. I've not gone through that border since 2015 but reading everything in this group it's almost like going into Tijuana from the USA. Push a button and if it's green they let you in and if it's red they don't. I thought they only denied serial border bouncers but this Ellie says other types of travellers are getting denied toEllie *******
@Brown *******
, I remember some westerners travelling around Thailand (less than 30 days) went to siem reap, Cambodia for a couple of weeks or so, then tried to enter Thailand again for a few days in Bangkok to catch a flight to home with dated flight tickets departure from Bangkok. But got declined entry to Thailand at Poipet border. I think they flew in to Bangkok.Sam ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Ellie ******
problem is when I am at Poipet border it they refused me to enter Thailand. Is there any bus to go back to Siem reap international airport from the border ?Brown ********
@Sam *******
can't help you with that either sorry. You'll likely need a taxi. But I'd think if you're not regularly border bouncing you'll be okSam ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Brown *******
I m going to this border with a bus SR/BKK I am not a border bouncing
It will be my first demand for exemption visa
I have just stay in Thailand during one month but with a touristic visa
Tod *********
as you said you're not a border bouncer,
AND seeing as you're comin' back in on a tour..
Good luck with it (y)
@Sam *******
you SHOULD be fine, AND seeing as you're comin' back in on a tour..
Good luck with it (y)
Brown ********
@Sam *******
your biggest issue I believe when you get to poipet is the time frame before you fly out of Thailand as it looks like it's in 47 days which is well over the 30 days. If they want to deny you that's a good reason. Have you got your train to Laos ticket already? If so you might need to flash them that. I'm not saying it will be ok but if the IO has any decency about them you should be ok.Ellie *******
@Sam *******
, that is what you need to find out, by googling, or whatever Sorry. this group is not for the travel information unfortunately.Brown ********
@Ellie ******
far out that's almost North Korea that. InsaneSam ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Ellie ******
ok but I thought visa exempt was something concluded between France and Thailand so I didn’t know a officer can apply or no this law.Reply to
Sam ********
Reply
Ellie *******
@Sam *******
, because we saw a LOT of denial entry stories at the Poipet border, not only border-bounces but also those who are genuine short-time travellers with itineraries similar to yours. Of course, NOT 100% is denied, you can try your luck.Sam ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Ellie ******
😦 ok… Im supposed to cross the border by bus with a transport company … : doesn’t it help ? Cause I’ve already cross at poipet border with this company and i didn’t have problems… but you said it’s not 100% sure I can cross. That’s crazy. They can really refused my enter even if I have use the exception visa ?
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Sam ********
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