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How safe are visa land border runs using mini-vans in Thailand?
Mar 5, 2025
a year ago
António *********
ORIGINAL POSTERNot sure how to ask this, but how safe are visa land border run's on those mini-vans?
I mean the vans itself and the drivers. Some friends have telling me to avoid them due to accidents, but i don't find that many in last few years.
From bangkok.
I mean the vans itself and the drivers. Some friends have telling me to avoid them due to accidents, but i don't find that many in last few years.
From bangkok.
TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion addresses the safety of using mini-vans for visa land border runs in Thailand, especially from Bangkok. Opinions vary widely, with some respondents describing mini-vans as 'death traps' and risky due to reckless driving habits, while others report positive experiences without accidents. Some suggest alternative travel methods, like flying, for safety and convenience. Overall, there is a consensus on the unpredictability of mini-van drivers and traffic conditions, urging caution when opting for this mode of transportation.
Pelle Eriksson★★★★★
Absolutely Bangkok's best service I highly...recently on Facebook
Luca G.★★★★★
I used this agency for my DTV Visa...recently on Google
Trusted Thai Visa Agent
OVER 100,000 EXPATS SERVED
#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND
Simon **********
Accidents happen more frequently than other countries, but not so much as to make it “likely”. However they are generally hideous and the only time I did it there were two families with their children, two of which were using plastic potties.
Never ever ever again.
Never ever ever again.
Leigh *****
Last time i used a company based in ohujet for visa run to Malaysia there vans had speed limiter on engine
Martin *********
If your in pattaya use the queen vic pub visa service in soi 6 the driving was very professional.
Mike **********
Stop worrying
Sit back
Close your eyes and
Sleep or meditate during the journey
You will either
Make it or not
Go with the flow
!MOST!!!
People live thru the trip
Sit back
Close your eyes and
Sleep or meditate during the journey
You will either
Make it or not
Go with the flow
!MOST!!!
People live thru the trip
Mcgow ********
If you don't mind overtaking other vehicles on blind bends at full speed, it's OK.
Frank **********
Never been in one but I have seen many on the road. They are the usual typical Thai driver. If there is a 2-3 meter space between two cars and they want to pass they will squeeze in at a high rate of speed and pass into the next lane. Overall Thai drivers really suck. 5555
Terary **********
I would estimate that I have been 15-20 times over the past 10 years. Never once have I had an issue. Never have I seen anybody have an issue. On occasion I have seen 'special' people who need 'special treatment' that seem to be disappointed but most everybody seems satisfied with the experience.
Paul ********
Its just another stressful event by U know whom...
Robert ********
A brand new Van is a million and a
***
dollars. Why would you risk ruining it? There's no problem we take them all the timeMartin *********
@Robert *******
yes but 99 percent ain't newReply to
Martin *********
Reply
Jordee ******
It often happened when they took those YABA pills.
Phil *******
Ignore all the hearsay, it's a risk crossing a street in Bangkok, if you're risk averse look somewhere else to live.
Chuck **********
You weren’t looking !
จอน ********
Me and a few mates got one and he was doing 80 and playing a game on his phone till we all told him to stop
Paul ********
@Jason *****
road safety is some of the worst. But U say just ignore it ?? Kill 40 or so daily ?wow. Goood for UJason ******
@Paul *******
I'm only going from living in regions Paul and what I see,not from stats read from mile's away ,but you keep reading them if it makes you feel happy about where you live ,I've lived around including your country ,and believe me Thailand is the best 😜🍻Reply to
Jason ******
Reply
Cody *********
I recommend Giant Ibis bus line!
Used them twice now.
They are experienced with the border crossing and do a great job of helping the rookies.
Plus the bus was comfortable and seemed well maintained.
They also use team drivers, so exhaustion is less of a factor.
Used them twice now.
They are experienced with the border crossing and do a great job of helping the rookies.
Plus the bus was comfortable and seemed well maintained.
They also use team drivers, so exhaustion is less of a factor.
John *********
OK if the driver doesn't doze off.
Richard ********
thailand does not have the same safety protocols as the west. its pot luck what driver you get. make sure there not on the yaba to stay awake. had a driver once who was high as a kite 😩
Ricky ******
Like a Bat out of Hell...
Nongnuch ********
Share of fatalities due to road accidents Thailand 2024, by vehicle. As of February 2025, road traffic fatalities of motorcyclists in Thailand accounted for 80 percent of the total road traffic fatalities involving cars and motorcycles. No mention of Minivans
Michael ************
I made a couple of runs out of Phuket last year. They really drive fast. Then I flew to Kuala Lumpur. Hard to say which was scarier. Now I drive my Honda Click to Cambodia. It's only an hour each way and the roads are safe.
I think it all depends on where you start. And you might regret not bringing a helmet no matter how you decide to travel.
Good luck! 😁
I think it all depends on where you start. And you might regret not bringing a helmet no matter how you decide to travel.
Good luck! 😁
Steven ***************
Can get a same day return flight to KL or Singapore most days from 4-5000 baht with Air Asia from BKK . Quicker and safer than any van service.
Rob *******
@Steven **************
more chance of running into problems in an airport then doing a border bounceNongnuch ********
@Steven **************
like I said, Air Asia doesn't fly out of BKK Suvarnabhumi. They fly out of DMK Don Mueang. You shouldn't mix that up and post false info in a visa-advice group. Group members must rely on correct infoReply to
Nongnuch ********
Reply
Nongnuch ********
@Steven **************
Air Asia doesn't fly from BKK, the fly from DMK. Border bounce by air, and then get denied entry at the airport? It is a big risk, have you missed the recent reports?Brian *******
@Nongnuch *******
yes dmk agents like to deny entry… i know.. but wasnt denied just heavily questioned for no reasonNongnuch ********
@Brian ******
if you had stayed there long enough, you would have been able to witness plenty of passengers getting denied entryReply to
Nongnuch ********
Reply
Steven ***************
@Nongnuch *******
don't be pedantic. Both airports are in bkk and their distance difference from Central bkk is stuff all. No guarantee of entry at land border either. Depends on posters circumstances which he hasn't really mentioned. But he said visa run , not same as border bounce.Nongnuch ********
@Steven **************
he wrote "land border runs". BKK is Suvarnabhumi, DMK is Don Mueang. If he uses a "Visa Run Company" take him to the land border, the border bounce is guaranteed. If he tries it by himself via the air, it is NOT guaranteedSteven ***************
@Nongnuch *******
. Entry is NEVER guaranteed for anyone . The sooner you realise that the better. Visa run company without a visa , cool.Nongnuch ********
@Steven **************
you don't do a visa run when you bounce at a land border. it is a visa run if you enter a neighbour country to apply for a visa on the Thai embassy/consulate. A "Visarun Company" that takes you to a land border, will check your stamp history and will be able to tell you if you can bounce or not. They guarantee their service because they got their "connections" at the border. You do NOT have this kind of guarantee if you fly. Except maybe if you pay for a VIP Airport Pass, these services are similar. In the recent months/weeks, hundreds of passengers who tried a second 60-days visa-exempt entry at both airports, have been denied entry. So please take my advice and don't say you haven't been warnedSteven ***************
@Nongnuch *******
. Don't need your advice . Lived here 8 years with no entry issues via air because I've always held a visa or extension that matches the reason I'm here. Keep peddling your advice to use a dodgy service to circumvent thai law. You should really check what you say before replying because you contradict yourself.Nongnuch ********
@Steven **************
of course if you always use the proper visa that fits your purpose, no problem. But that was NOT the question of the OP, he is d4finitley talking about a visa exemption . . . . . I am travelling in Thailand since 30 years, I have been on a yearly extension of stay permit since 17 years and I am participating in visa advice groups since the internet started. I even have my own visa advice group and I am highly respected by all membersReply to
Nongnuch ********
Reply
Luc ************
No problem. Don't listen to scary stories from tourists.
Sé *****
none of my thai friends use them. If they deem it too dangerous, i trust them.
Kool *******
@Sé ****
umm, why would your Thai friends need to do border bounces? LololReply to
Kool *******
Reply
Rod *********
A 50 / 50 chance
Nongnuch ********
I use to bribe my taxi driver. If the agreed fare is 1400 THB, I shall tell him "if you don't drive any faster than 90 kilometers per hour, I shall give you a 200 Baht tipp. If you drive faster, there will be no tipp". It works, every driver since has earned the tipp
Ron ******
@Nongnuch *******
I like that, thinking outside the square.David *******
@Nongnuch *******
yes 20 /25 bhat tip x 12 passenger's ( average ) sometimes its more . it works every time . Then the guy doesn't mind making his return passenger's wait !! . Win winReply to
David *******
Reply
Michael *******
find an alternative if it’s possible, bit of a lottery unfortunately
Jason ******
Never heard of any incidents with farang on border runs and I've done one and it was great,,personally I think danger on Thai roads is a bit over exaggerated,I lived in Cambodia 14 yrs and indonesia 3 yrs and there roads are very dangerous and visiting the UK and Ireland last year it's not great there ,if your going to stay in Thailand you can't keep going on about the road safety 🙄
Bryan ********
Normally driven by idiots , too fast , taking chances- overtaking at any opportunity, too fast for conditions, overloaded , driving for 20 or more hours and falling asleep at the wheel ( yes I’ve been on a bus with driver falling asleep) ,etc. Or sometimes you get a very considerate driver and a pleasant ride. Generally not great for a nervous passenger . I try to avoid if possible.
Jay ******
In general belief minivans are involved in many accidents, hence the nickname “suicide-vans”. However, I know many friends (both Thais and foreigners) that use minivans daily and none of them been in any accidents (yet).
When using the visa-run minivans you’re insured up to 500k thru their service. I use them from time to time, traffic is crazy and dangerous here no matter what type of vehicle you’re in, so I wouldn’t avoid a visa-run due to risk for accident.
When using the visa-run minivans you’re insured up to 500k thru their service. I use them from time to time, traffic is crazy and dangerous here no matter what type of vehicle you’re in, so I wouldn’t avoid a visa-run due to risk for accident.
David ********
*****
people a year die in road traffic accidents in thailand. When I was back packing years ago, it was scary taking overnight buses.Robert *********
Mini vans are death traps driven by maniacs .
Brett *********
@Robert ********
not all. Just did a 20 hour trip in a van from Koh Samui to Korat. Girlfriend was complaing he was too slow 555Willem ****
@Robert ********
If driven by maniacs.Reply to
Willem ****
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