How can I change my Non-Migrant B visa to a Tourist visa in Chiang Rai?

@Camille ******

that's what I found on REDDIT about a border run in Chiang Khong to Huayxai : "For anyone doing the border run from northern Thailand (closest land crossing to Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai) you can no longer turn around and immediately get back on the bus back to Thailand after getting your Laos stamp/visa. They are now requiring a two day stay in Laos before returning. When you do come back you need to have proof of 10,000 bhat, T30 and proof of exit (flight info).

I did this run 3 months ago and it was not in effect back then. Not sure if this is just this crossing or all land crossings. I read some comments that say it’s shady and the head of the immigration here must be getting some kind of cut from the Laos side. No idea the truth of that but I do know there are signs everywhere and all the agents and peripheral businesses act like this is the new normal.

The guy that runs the daily van from Chiang Mai says he can still get you in and out the same day because he’s so connected in there and that’s his whole business but again, can’t say for sure. All I know is I’m spending an unexpected two days in Laos, which is fine, just wish I planned for it better so that’s why I’m telling you."

@Camille ******

Brandon's response it 100% correct, only the part that regards the proof of cash money, the sum can asked to show can be 20,000 THB per person, not only 10,000 THB. Depending on the officer you are standing in front of . . . . and if you use a border run agency, they are well worth their service payment, as they will make your border bounce possible within the same day

@Camille ******

you need to take the bus to Chiang Khong and exit Thailand, take the shuttle bus across the Thai/Lao friendship bridge, buy a "visa-on-arrival" for Laos for 40 USD or 1900 THB. You MAYBE will have to stay on the Laos side for one or two nights, before you will be able to return to Thailand. Prepare accordingly: You need to carry CASH on you equivalent of 20,000 THB (not only 10,000 as Brandon stated!) you need proof of an accomodation for the first few nights afer entry, and you need a proof of onward travel out of Thailand within these 60 days. All these three proofs can be asked of you from the Thai Immigration. . . . Keep in mind to check the entry stamp carefully that they will grant you a 60-days stay permit on a visa-exempt entry

@Camille ******

The closest border if you want to drive/bus will be Chiang Khong. You must spend 2 nights in Laos before they will let you back in, and will likely require proof of a plane ticket out of Thailand (possibly to your passport country) within 60 days, proof of hotel reservation, and at least 10,000 baht in cash only. This is based on recent reports of people trying to do a border bounce at this border.

I don't know of any border bounce agencies in Chiang Rai, but in Chiang Mai they have agents that will drive you there and get you back in the same day, I think it costs around 4000 baht. They will make sure you don't have any issues.

You might be able to contact one of the agencies in Chiang Mai if there are none in Chiang Rai and make a deal to meet them at the border and then they can handle your exit and entry in the same day.

@Camille ******

Sorry I’m not familiar with the northern borders. I’ll let others chip in on that.