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Is it possible to spend 5 months in Thailand using a Tourist Visa and border runs?

Tourist Visa Visa Extension Thailand Immigration Udon Thani Visa Rules Laos E-Visa Border Crossing Expat Visa Advice Passport Requirements German Citizen Visa Requirements

April 15, 2023

a year ago

Manfred **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

I want to spend 5 months in Udon Thani, German passport. 

Is it feasible to plan like this:? 

2 months Tourist Visa from the Thai-Embassy in Germany, EUR 35.00

1 month extension from Udon Thani Immigration, THB 2,000

Laos E-Visa, USD 50, regular bus to Nong Khai/Friendship Bridge/Vientiane.

Taking the next bus back across land border crossing into Thailand, getting stamped in for 30 days for free. 

1 month extension from Udon Thani Immigration, THB 2,000

Thanks guys!

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user is inquiring about the feasibility of staying in Udon Thani, Thailand, for five months using a combination of a 2-month Tourist Visa, a 1-month extension, a trip to Laos for e-visa, and another 1-month extension. The comments agree that this plan is feasible, with some suggestions for alternatives and advice on visa regulations regarding land border crossings and costs.

William *******

The Thai embassy in Berlin charged me 175 euros for the 60 day visa!

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Stuart *********

@William ******

are you sure you didn’t apply for a multiple entry visa for that price (even if you were given a single)? Most embassies charge the same equivalent price of £30 for a single entry visa give or take a bit for exchange rates.

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William *******

@Stuart ********

Oh, that's my mistake, yes it's a multiple entrance visa! Keep up the good work... ((:

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Stuart *********

@William ******

There are some embassies around the world that differ but generally they’re around the same price. Many times people apply for a multiple entry visa but don’t offer a good enough reason to be issued one and are given a single entry but aren’t given a refund on the price.

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Stuart *********

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Carsten *********

Is a land crossing not just 15 days (in Vientiane right now and was thinking about flying back for the 30 days)

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Carsten *********

Though not sure you can get those from a land crossing (im from Denmark)

Just wanted to help out but if my information is wrong, i do apologise

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Carsten *********

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Graham ******

@Carsten ********

You are correct, some land borders do not issue Visa on Arrival but, with a Danish passport, you'd enter Visa Exempt

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Graham ******

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Carsten *********

my bad

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Graham ******

@Carsten ********

Visa exempt entry is 30 days by air, land or sea

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Carsten *********

thank you, ill try that then.

Still a twice a year limit, right ?

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Graham ******

@Carsten ********

2 land entries per calendar year, yes

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Carsten *********

gf just crossed the border today at Nong Khai , think its no longer 1 month

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Carsten *********

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Graham ******

@Carsten ********

That's Visa on Arrival which is different to Visa Exempt

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Graham ******

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Glyn **********

Been doing something similar for the past 15 years.

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Steve *******

Not sure but I don't think you can use the regular bus from Udon to Vientiane unless you have previously purchased a Lao visa.

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Manfred **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

I think so, too. That's why I included the E-Visa in my list of documents and expenses

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Manfred **********

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Hakim ************

Easy 2 border bounce plus 1 extension.

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Manfred **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Hakim ***********

thanks for the suggestion, it's an option. However, as the price of Laotian E-Visa and Thai immigration fee are the same, I save myself 1 trip to the border if I do it like outlined. And also, the number of border bounces are limited to 2 or 3 per year, so I'd keep that ace up my sleeve for later.

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Hakim ************

@Manfred *********

2 border bounce, Cambodia best bet.

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Hakim ************

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Bob **********

Your paying a lot for a Laos visa

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Stefan ****

ok thanks 👍

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Bernard *****

That is the price for E-visa. Cheaper at the border.

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Jasmine ********

Yes was $40 USD or 1800 baht for us in January. November it was 1700 baht so they make up whatever they want in baht. We paid US both times. Easy as, just need a passport size photo.

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Stefan ****

whats the border price?

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Jody *******

It's actually 40 usd now.

The price went up last year.

It's one price for all countries now too.

The price is higher if paying in baht.

The aircon Vientiane green & white city bus stops at a bus stop just to the right as you clear immigration/customs, which is a good tip!

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Bob **********

I believe it’s $30 + they ask for another dollar for what I don’t know

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Bernard *****

30$ (but not for all countries, 45 possible). But if you don't have dollars with you the exchange rate is very bad (for example from THB to $)

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Steve *******

You can pay in Thai Baht, it's 1500

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Bernard *****

Yes,that's what I say .If you have dollars it is 30, in baths 1500 = 45 dollars 😳😳😳. Very bad exchange rate !

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Bob **********

yes bring U.S. dollars

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Bob **********

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Manfred **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

the USD 50.00 are listed on the Laos E-Visa website and I heard that the bus company will not let you board in Udon anymore without a visa.

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Bob **********

@Manfred *********

oh ok

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Bob **********

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Stefan ****

Yes , you can do it like that

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Stuart *********

Absolutely feasible. You would save yourself 200 baht though as extensions are only 1,900 baht 😀

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Manfred **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Stuart ********

I wish☺️. In March in Udon the receipt said 1,900 but no change was given for my 2,000...

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Henrik **************

it's been 2000 the last 6 years in udon but they do all the paperwork and take copy's and u don't need a photo, they just use their webcam.

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Manfred **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Henrik *************

that's true, I came prepared but didn't need any of my copies and photos. That's why I did not complain, kinda service fee in my mind.

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Henrik **************

@Manfred *********

Yes I like it, only thing we need to do is sign the copies and look into the camera they take care of the rest and it's usually in and out in 15 minutes.

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Henrik **************

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Stuart *********

@Manfred *********

I’ve no experience of that office but that’s illegal 😀 Perhaps they were out of tea.

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Manfred **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Stuart ********

Courteous and fast service requires an occasional break time 😅. I was happy with the smooth processing, so I didn't insist.

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Manfred **********

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