Is the Ranong/Kawthong border crossing open for border bounces yet?

Mar 3, 2023
2 years ago
Nigel *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Any one got any news about Ranong/ Kawthong or Andaman club border crossing? Have they re opened for border bounces yet?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
As of now, the Ranong/Kawthong border crossing is still not open for border bounces for foreigners. Currently, Mae Sot is noted as the only Myanmar border where border bounces may be feasible. Thai nationals can visit certain islands off the coast of Southern Myanmar from Ranong since last November, but third-country foreigners are not permitted to do so.
Paul *******
No. However, since roughly November, Thai nationals are permitted to visit some of the islands off the coast of Southern Myanmar from Ranong, but not 3rd country foreigners like us.
Paul ********
Where to Border bounce from Hua Hin
Graham ******
Nowhere nearby currently
Paul ********
Graham ******
Mae Sot is the only Myanmar border where a simple bounce may be possible at this time
Paul *******
@John-Paul *****
I spoke with Mae Sot immigration officials by phone. They're allowing foreigners of visa exempt nationalities or those with multiple entry visas across to get a stamp. Nationals of countries that require visa on arrival (despite this option normally being available at Mae Sot) and holders of extensions of stay with re entry permit aren't allowed across. This is because in the first case, they haven't resumed visa on arrival, while in the second, there's no need to do a border bounce and since Burmese officials aren't allowing foreigners to enter Myawaddy, it wouldn't make sense to clog up immigration with a stamp from Myanmar that a foreigner doesn't need.
John-Paul ******
@Paul ******
hmmm... interesting. My police contacts say other wise. Wish they would get on the same page...lol. But that is good news I guess. Still I would worry about the individual discretion officials have on hand. Buy again... good news.
Paul *******
@John-Paul *****
It's not about "discretion" so much as following the immigration rules. Foreigners with no visa or a tourist visa or any multiple entry visa can come back for a new entry. For those seeking a visa exemption when returning, if it's their first or second land based one in the same calendar year, it will be permitted. If it's their third, passage will be denied.

For those of us who like to make a trip out of it or are actually interested in visiting Myanmar, it's not an option right now except maybe (according to reports) at Mae Sai.
Paul *******
@John-Paul *****
What are they saying?

As I said, immigration told me - foreigners can do border runs but aren't allowed to stay in Myawaddy, not even for a quick cup of tea or coffee.

This has been confirmed right on here, with one guy saying he recently did a border run at Mae Sot.
Paul *******
@Graham *****
no, Mae Sai is also an option. In fact, Mae Sai-Tachilek is the only one where foreigners can actually enter Myanmar and roam around the border town.
John-Paul ******
@Graham *****
nope. For Thai or Burmese only is what i hear.
Jared **********
@John-Paul *****
think Mae sot opened for border bounces in February, seen several people say they had success and pictures of stamps.
John-Paul ******
@Jared *********
yes but only for a bounce back and forth for visa run. But... and there is always a but... depends upon official's indiscretion. Have heard that.
Graham ******
@Jared *********
Yes, opened 12-Jan for foreigners to get stamp then return immediately
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