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How can I change my Non-Migrant B visa to a Tourist visa in Chiang Rai?
Non-Migrant B VisaTourist VisaVisa Change ProcessThailand ImmigrationChiang RaiBorder RunVisa Exempt Entry
Feb 1, 2025
a year ago
Camille *******
ORIGINAL POSTERHi, i m on a non migrant b visa whici i need to change in a tourist visa. I am in chiang rai. What s the best way to do it ? Some people say i can just go to a border and come back ? How much is it ? How long does it take ?
Thank you for helping.
Thank you for helping.
TLDR : Answer Summary
It is not possible to change a Non-Migrant B visa to a tourist visa within Thailand. Instead, you must exit the country. If your nationality allows for visa exemption, you can re-enter Thailand, although re-entry is at the discretion of the immigration officer. Ensure you check the details on your visa stamp, especially if you have an extension of stay based on the Non B visa, as it may complicate re-entry and future applications for long-term visas.
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Stuart *********
You can’t change to a tourist visa inside of Thailand.
If you are indeed on the initial Non B visa then you simply exit to end that visa. If you are from a country that allows visa exempt you can just return for a visa exempt entry - albeit at the discretion of the immigration officer whether they’ll let you back in.
If you have an “extension of stay” based on an initial Non B then you have to cancel that first otherwise you’ll have a big headache on returning and applying for another long term visa. Check the stamp in your passport for what it says.
If you are indeed on the initial Non B visa then you simply exit to end that visa. If you are from a country that allows visa exempt you can just return for a visa exempt entry - albeit at the discretion of the immigration officer whether they’ll let you back in.
If you have an “extension of stay” based on an initial Non B then you have to cancel that first otherwise you’ll have a big headache on returning and applying for another long term visa. Check the stamp in your passport for what it says.
Camille *******
ORIGINAL POSTEROk. Will go chiang mai anyway i guess !
Camille *******
ORIGINAL POSTEROk, thanks a lot everyone.
Gregor **********
@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."
Reply to
Gregor **********
Reply
Camille *******
ORIGINAL POSTERI m on the 90 first days of the non immigrant b. Not an axtension. What is the cheapest way to go out and come back ? I m in chiang rai. I dont wanna fly bagkok out and back ? Can you explain me how to go out by driving north border ?
Gregor **********
@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 dayCamille *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Gregor *********
do you have a contact ? I will go for this solution.Brandon ************
@Camille ******
the only one I know of is "Chiang Mai Visa Run"You could try finding a Chiang Rai foreigners Facebook page if there is one and post there asking about a land border bounce agency.
Reply to
Brandon ************
Reply
Gregor **********
@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 entryBrandon ************
@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.
Richard ********
@Brandon ***********
There is no requirement to have a flight back to the home country.Brandon ************
@Richard *******
You can't say "there is no requirement" because you have not been to every land border. There are multiple reports of land borders requiring proof of payment for a plane ticket back to country of passport in order to do a border bounce.Richard ********
@Brandon ***********
If there are multiple reports then please post a reference to say two.Specifically an immigration official refused to allow someone to enter Thailand at a land border because they did not have a flight ticket to their home country.
I cannot find them.
Brandon ************
@Richard *******
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64-chiang-saen-to-huay-xai-border-bounce/*********************************************************************************************
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49-need-to-spend-two-days-in-laos-ay-at-chiang-saen-crossing/Camille *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Richard *******
the agency told me this as well.Richard ********
@Camille ******
there's a load of drivel posted on this.Immigration have never asked me anywhere for outward, onward or return flight information. Sometimes they ask how long I will stay in the country.
Only some airline check-in staff have to tick the box. But never a return flight. A bus ticket, train ticket or flight to anywhere will keep them happy.
Come back and tell us whether immigration at the land border asked for specifically a return ticket to your home country.
It will be news to me.
Brandon ************
@Richard *******
drivel? This is what they are handing to people at Chiang Khong and Chiang Saen NOW. You think we're just here making things up?Richard ********
@Brandon ***********
That's an agency, not an immigration document.And the amount is THB 20,000 per person, not 10,000.
Brandon ************
@Richard *******
that's what IMMIGRATION OFFICERS, not agents, are handing to people that are leaving Thailand at those borders. Along with multiple people reporting the same. You can believe what you want, but do not mislead people into risky situations or you'll lose your ability to comment.Camille *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Brandon ***********
ok, will try to find this.Reply to
Camille *******
Reply
Stuart *********
@Camille ******
Sorry I’m not familiar with the northern borders. I’ll let others chip in on that.Camille *******
ORIGINAL POSTERRegarding the timing anf prices.... it looks almost most easy at some point to take a flight out and come back again.
Gregor **********
@Camille ******
yes, you could fly to Luang Prabang from Chiang Mai (from Chiang Rai I do not know) pay the Laos VOA, and stay in Luang Prabang for a few days, and afterwards fly back to either Bangkok DMK, BKK or back to Chiang Mai, or enter Thailand at the Nong Khai land borderCamille *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Stuart ********
thank you !Reply to
Camille *******
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