Does a one year OA visa extension apply to border crossings like traveling to Laos?

OA visa Visa extension Border runs Immigration rules Thailand visa policy

Jun 17, 2022

2 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

I have a one year OA visa (first year). I have previously asked questions here about gaining a one year extension to the end date stamp by leaving Thailand and returning prior to the ending of the visa date. (Insurance, Thai Pass (if applic), vacc etc understood).

Today somebody told me that this one year extension does not apply to border crossings (eg to Laos for a few days). 

Is there any truth to that?

Thanks

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The question posed relates to the validity of a one year OA visa, specifically in regard to extending its stay by exiting and re-entering Thailand, such as a border run to Laos. According to responses from the community, as long as the visa's entry date is valid and there is no expiry on mandatory health insurance, a re-entry on a currently valid multiple-entry OA visa is permissible at any border. There is no restriction on how long one must remain in Laos before returning, indicating that a quick border run is indeed feasible.

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James ********

On that Note...

The OP has helpful advice..

This forum is not about how to take one's car across the border...

I have placed the TOPICS

Related to this question of the OP.

Especially BORDER RUNS

CLICK on them and all posts will Pop up to read.

Good Luck

Comments Closed

2 years ago

Bobby ********

I've used the Chong Mek land border several times for this purpose. There's no stipulation on how long you have to stay in Laos. In theory you can step over and step back, although not that simple as you need to buy a VOA in Laos, but it's a straightforward process

2 years ago

Philip *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thanks both. I suspected as much but it's always good to check.

2 years ago

Tod *********

That somebody doesn't know their ass from their elbow 😮

BUT

you are also confusing some terms too

You wouldn't be getting a year extension on anything, (extensions are gotten INSIDE the country at the immigration office) 😮

ALL you're doing is getting a NEW entry on your currently valid multi-entry OA visa

and

seeing as all entries on that visa are good for a year or as long as your mandatory health insurance is valid for you'd be fine exiting/re-entering at ANY land border or by flying out and back

2 years ago

Tod *********

I think it's the term "extension" that got you bad advice, because as I said all you're doing is getting a new entry stamp (that happens to be good for a year) on that visa

2 years ago

Reply to

Tod *********

Robert *******

As long as the date on the visa, enter before or valid until, is in the future you can enter Thailand by land, air or sea and get maximum 1 year of stay OR until the valid until date of your insurance, which ever comes first.

2 years ago

Reply to

Robert *******

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