Answered7 years ago

How Do I Successfully Perform a Border Run from Thailand to Extend My Stay?

Border Run Visa Exemption Thailand Immigration

asked Feb 6, 2020

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I’m contemplating doing a Border run as my travel plans got scuppered by the WuFlu so I’m staying in thailand longer than I planned. Just wanted to check my understanding on things: 

Situation: I entered by air on visa exemption (Aussie passport) and will now leave by land from Laos in late March. 

I’ve only had one other border run (tachilek in December) but visited Thailand 5 other times via air. 

As I will be staying at Chiang Khong, it makes sense for me to do a border run from there. I have read and think I understand the process for doing the border run (and getting a Laos visa for it) and thereby getting a new thai entry stamp visa exempt for another 30 days. 

Even though this means I will have to get another Laos visa for when I eventually leave Thailand, the border run looks like still the best option as I have not got a flight out of Thailand anymore and I understand a flight out would be a requirement for the more simpler option of applying for a 30 day visa at immigration. 

Am I sounding like I’ve understood right?! Thanks for any clarification it’s gone a bit mad cancelling flights and plans as borders shut down around China and Hongkong and wanted to check I’ve got at least this bit right ☺️

Answer summary

The user is planning to perform a border run to Laos from Chiang Khong to extend their stay in Thailand after initially arriving on a visa exemption. They have done one border run before and are seeking confirmation on the process and requirements involved, particularly about obtaining a new Thai entry stamp for another 30 days. The community comments provide reassurance and additional tips for executing the border run successfully.

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Biff *******

You’ll be staying right on the border with Laos in Chiang Kong. Makes sense to do it right there. There’s no reason to leave a border town and schlep all the way to the airport to fly out and back when you can just get it done where you are.

7 years ago

Tod *********

I sure wouldn't fly in on a bounce just for a new 30 day visa exempt entry stamp.

Seeing as you haven't used any of the TWO 30 day visa exempt entries by land yet this year a land bounce is what you should be looking at doing.

7 years ago

James ********

A word of caution...as you stated you arrived into Thailand 5 times in 2019 visa exempt.

Be prepared at airport arrivals in future of being questioned Why you come many times? Good luck.

7 years ago

Rowena *********

Thanks Will make sure I am prepared for that!

7 years ago

James ********

If you are in Chiang Rai area...the Mae Sai border to Laos is easy and only US$10 or 500 Thai baht. No overnight required. Short 1-2 hour stay in market area at border...cross back, pick up passport and stamp back in with Thai Immigration for 30 days. Can be extended 30 days 1,900 Thai baht at Th Immigration office.

7 years ago

Rowena *********

Isn't Mae Sai the Tachilek crossing ? It's an option but as I am staying in Chiang Khong in a couple of weeks I thought I would cross there to Laos - unless you're suggesting it's much easier (and I guess cheaper) to make my way back to Mae Sai and cross the border there instead.

7 years ago

Rowena *********

I only know the Tachilek crossing from Mae Sai...

7 years ago

Benjamin ******

I'm curious, why did your plans get scrapped by the 2019-nCoV virus? If you had some type of flight booked to China, you may be able to get some type of waiver or something from the Thai government. Did you talk to your local immigration office yet about your situation?

7 years ago

Aidan **********

@Benjamin *****

I’m curious... why is flying not recommended?

7 years ago

Ron *******

Anybody can leave Thailand for China. There are no travel restrictions in place

7 years ago

Rowena *********

Yes we have a trip booked to China with flights out of Thailand- not talked to the immigration about it but assumed they would want to check we have a plan to get out of thailand (money, flights etc)

7 years ago

James ********

Where are you in Thailand?

7 years ago

Rowena *********

currently in Chiang Mai for two more weeks.

7 years ago