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

Visa Rules Border Run Laos Border Thailand Immigration Visa Exemptions Digital Arrival Card DTV Visa Travel Requirements

Aug 24, 2025

15 hours 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

Yes, it is still possible to do a same-day border run to Laos, but there are nuances based on your visa status and immigration history. Some travelers reported that they could return the same day without needing to spend a night. However, if you are attempting to obtain a new free 60-day entry stamp, the immigration officer may require you to stay out for a specified period. It's also noted that using an agent can facilitate the process and help navigate the re-entry requirements.

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.
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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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11 hours ago

Schultz *******

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

12 hours ago

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

14 hours ago

George *********

Anonymous participant Nong Khai crossing near Udon Thani

8 hours 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

13 hours 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

11 hours ago

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

ORIGINAL POSTER

@George ********

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

10 hours 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.

14 hours ago

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

ORIGINAL POSTER

@John ********

for DTV any issues at chiang khong same day?

13 hours 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.

13 hours ago

Reply to

John *********

Greg ********

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

14 hours 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.

12 hours ago

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