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Is it riskier to be denied entry at a land border between Laos and Thailand compared to Chiang Mai airport?

border entry land border vs airport Thailand visa rules Chiang Mai airport Nong Khai-Vientiane border entry denial risk visa run immigration advice expat community support

Feb 4, 2025

a year ago

Viviane *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

Is there more risk to get denied entry at a land border (Laos-Thailand) or Chiang Mai airport? 

Thanks

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TLDR : Answer Summary

Generally, entry through land borders is perceived to carry less risk of denial compared to airports, according to community feedback. Specific borders, like Nong Khai-Vientiane, are noted for being particularly accommodating, though individual Immigration Officers (IOs) can vary in discretion. It's essential to ensure you hold the correct visa type for smoother entry, as procedural strictness can fluctuate, particularly at Chiang Mai airport.

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Brad *******

I miss the days of sitting at the TikTok lounge in Patters where the Visa run service girl pulled up and everyone threw their passports in a box. She would run to the border and back while everyone sat on a barstool yapping. You never had to leave the country!

a year ago

Bent *************

Same same but different.

a year ago

Jo **********

why are you worried?

a year ago

Jan ******************

Nong Khai - Vientiane is still known to be one of the easiest bordepoints, but some have startet to demand one and two nights out for foreigners doing border bounce.

Everything is in the discretion of the IO your standing in front of and depends of your travel history. Chiang Mai has become more strict than it used to be. Safest option is always land borders and land border transport companies.

a year ago

Nathan ************

Probably better to focus on having the right type of visa. Hope that doesn’t sound rude but think it’s best for peace of mind. Good luck 🤞

a year ago

Jo **********

@Nathan ***********

maybe this person can enter visa exemption

a year ago

Aake **********

@Nathan ***********

Perfect

a year ago

Reply to

Aake **********

Stuart *********

From comments on here and other forums land entries tend to be easier than airports.

Use a “border bounce” company to smooth the way.

a year ago

David ***********

@Stuart ********

last years border bounce via Chiang Mai they "lost" my 60 day visa but the lady IO did a great job and sorted it out. This year flying to Loas for a couple of days then back. Already had a 60+30.

a year ago

Reply to

David ***********

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Is there a risk of being denied entry to Thailand after multiple visa exemptions?

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