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Can you do a same-day border run to Laos from Thailand, or is an overnight stay required?

border run Laos visa regulations Thailand immigration same-day entry visa exemptions

Aug 24, 2025

2 months ago

Anonymous *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Can you same-day border run to Laos still, or do you HAVE to spend 1 night out in Laos?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

Current discussions indicate that same-day border runs to Laos are possible, but your ability to do so may depend on the validity of your visa and any stipulations from immigration officers. Some users report having returned on the same day without needing an overnight stay, particularly if they hold a valid visa. However, others have encountered requirements to stay longer, with stipulations based on their entry history. It is also noted that travelers must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) even for border runs.

Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)

View the most updated information about the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) to understand the latest requirements and eligibility criteria.
For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
Explore recent discussions by using the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) tag in the search box at the top of the page.
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WARNING: Only trust Thai government websites with .go.th domains or Thai agent websites with .co.th or .in.th domains, as these require verified Thai registration and cannot be registered anonymously.

The official TDAC form is available at tdac.immigration.go.th, which uses the official .go.th government domain.

The services by AGENTS CO., LTD. does NOT charge any fees for arrivals within 72 hours. If you need to book more than 72 hours in advance, there is a service fee of $8.

Do not trust other sites pretending to be a trustworthy agency. Pay attention to delivery time - the service operated by AGENTS CO., LTD. has 1 minute delivery time for arrivals within 72 hours.

Don't fall for sites pretending to be agents.co.th or the official government tdac.immigration.go.th website. Always double-check the exact domain in your browser.

Scam services may take days to process your application, others may not even do anything. With these TDAC scam services you also need to worry about double charges.

Please watch out for TDAC misinformation spread by fugitive Jesse Nickles and his many fake accounts on Quora, TripAdvisor, Reddit, and other platforms.

TRUSTED TDAC LINKS:

Official Government TDAC Form: tdac.immigration.go.th
Official TDAC form by AGENTS
Official TDAC information page by AGENTS (tdac.in.th)

Tod *********

Don't forget even for border bouncing (where you're just stamping out of thailand, stamping in to the other country and then comin back to thailand you still have to do a TDAC (Thailand Digital Arrival Card) at this link

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2 months ago

Schultz *******

Use a agent no problem, he can also help you through in the airport if needed

2 months ago

Tod *********

@Schultz ******

the O/P posted they have a 5 year multi-entry DTV, they shouldn't have much problem bouncing out/back by land or air with a valid visa.

I don't believe they'd need to use a service provider to help with the border bounce OR a safe entry company to get them in by air should they choose to fly out/back

a month ago

Reply to

Tod *********

If you're asking can you bounce out/back holding a valid DTV to get a new 180 day stamp that answer is yes

Whereas

If you're asking can you bounce out/back to get a new free 60 day entry stamp to further your stay here in thailand via free visa exempt entries, then the answer is you stay in Lao how ever many nights the officer stamping you out tells you that you have to stay out 😮

That can be any time from over night to a couple nights and more than a few people were told "we'll let you out but you have to fly back in, you can't come back in by land" 😕 Those people had extensive entry/stay histories using free stamps

2 months ago

Paul *******

@Tod ********

Not that I really care as it doesn't affect me or anyone I know, but if someone was told to "fly back" surely they could just re-enter Thailand at a different border crossing? Thailand and Laos now share 11 international border crossings if I'm not mistaken.

a month ago

George *********

Anonymous participant Nong Khai crossing near Udon Thani

2 months ago

Anonymous *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Tod ********

Thank you! Yes to clarify I have a DTV, and am inquiring about a border run to Laos via land crossing for another 180 days. Not feeling so excited for a trip to anywhere else these days b

2 months ago

George *********

Anonymous participant Did the same trip with DTV a few months ago...check out of Thailand...check in Laos...obtain visa....stay couple of hours and look round the shops...check out of Laos...back into Thailand...passport stamped...only question was where am I staying. no problem

2 months ago

Anonymous *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@George ********

which border crossing did you use? The one at chiang khong (Chiang rai probince) or the capital (from isaan?).

2 months ago

Reply to

Anonymous *************

John *********

For visa exempt:

2 nights out at Chiang Khong border crossing plus additional requirements for visa exempt entry if you go on your own

Can be done same-day with a border run agency.

2 months ago

Paul *******

@John ********

I heard the same thing happening at the Golden Triangle border crossing in Chiang Saen. Not a lot of people like to stay overnight in the special economic zone (though the casino is nice) with the cheapest room going for 600 Yuan or 3000 Baht payable in Yuan or Baht and they have Yuan and Baht ATMs in town.

Still, if that's what you're told to do and you use that crossing well, that's what you have to do. Alternatively, you travel to Chiang Khong and re-enter there but I wouldn't push it...by trying to re-enter the same day.

a month ago

Anonymous *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@John ********

for DTV any issues at chiang khong same day?

2 months ago

John *********

None that I know of.

Was writing you a long reply but Facebook robbed me of it. So will leave it there. Send a message if you want details about the trip.

2 months ago

Reply to

John *********

Greg ********

People recently reported no need for overnight in Laos. Same day return fron Chiang Mai

2 months ago

Anonymous *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Greg *******

Thanks a ton! Great to hear that. Feeling a bit lazy for flying but a day trip to chiang rai sounds fun.

2 months ago

Reply to