Is it a problem to cross from Thailand to Laos and back at the Nong Khai border with a visa exemption?

Question

i saw a comment recently from one of the admin here that its currently under scrutiny people crossing back into TH from Laos on the Nong Khai border by land.

I am going to Isan probably in June, fresh passport and probably for around 18 night total in TH so ill just enter on visa exemption. Is it such a big issue to enter Laos and return for a few days over land with no previous issues of visa extensions or land crossings,and is any other border perhaps easier like nakhon phanom which id prefer over Nong Khai .Its not the end of the world if i cant go To Laos but its always interested me to go there.

Gf is Thai citizen from Udon Thani.

Ask Thailand · Answer

Concerns have been raised regarding crossing back into Thailand from Laos at the Nong Khai border, as there may be increased scrutiny. The user plans to enter Thailand on a visa exemption for 18 days and is considering a short trip to Laos. A comment suggests they should not have issues returning if they have no history of overstaying and can provide evidence of their planned departure.

Richard ***** · Answer

I know that even with my non-o visa which i've had for 3+ years, crossing that Nong Khai bridge back into thailand, always makes me nervous.  They look at my passport, the stamp, my file, DNA or whatnot and I literally start thinking they are going to turn me back for whatever reason, and then they let me through.  it's happened 3 times in the last 18 months. YMMV but yes, personally, I'm almost thinking that even though it's more expensive, flying into DMK and then back to UTH may be far less stressful.

Tod ********* · Answer

While no one on this group can say for sure what the officer at passport control will do when you stamp back in given what you outlined I would say you shouldn't have any issue getting out/back at the Nong Khai border..

You don't have a history of 'living here' on free stamp, your planned travel time is not that long (you said only about 18 days), you're staying in Lao a few days and you'll have proof you're leaving the thailand should you be asked when you come back.

Is it a problem to cross from Thailand to Laos and back at the Nong Khai border with a visa exemption?

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