This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.
Is the Tachileik border crossing at Mae Sai open for duty-free shopping?
Jan 25, 2024
2 years ago
Steve **********
ORIGINAL POSTERIs Tachileik border open at Mae Sai for I day duty free
TLDR : Answer Summary
The Tachileik border crossing at Mae Sai is currently closed to foreigners, and there are no duty-free shopping opportunities available. Discussions among community members suggest skepticism regarding the reopening of the border, primarily due to the ongoing political situation in Myanmar. While there are claims of duty-free shops in the area, the consensus indicates that cross-border access is restricted, and any travel or shopping options are not viable at this time.
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
Steve **********
ORIGINAL POSTERMine cost 200 baht, exam was easy after a short video
Otto *********
So, coming back to the original post, the Tachilek border crossing is closed, is that correct?
I used it for simple re-entrys.
I used it for simple re-entrys.
James ********
Currently just open for Pill smugglers and human trafficking…. 🤷
Steve **********
ORIGINAL POSTERActually it's closed, and never had trafficking at that crossing , it was rumored at Hong Song decades ago.
Now ( due to war ) refugees coming into Mai Sai enroute to Chiang Rai and South to CM
Now ( due to war ) refugees coming into Mai Sai enroute to Chiang Rai and South to CM
James ********
@Steve *********
are seriously trying to tell me that the Mae Sai crossing was not the route by which the Burmese Girls in the shacks on the river back that I remember from 40 years ago were not trafficked via that crossing ….. …. As for modern day trafficking … that’s not the info heard from an Australian government officer working with modern day slavery …. Into Thailand and also back to Burma for Pig Fattening ….Steve **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@James *******
Dont know what happened 40 years ago. But have been making the Tekileck / Mae Sai crossing monthly until covid, then the war, for over 20 yrs.Know many Burmese on Tachiliek side with family here in Chiangrai.
Any trafficking would be on river border FAR to east or west of crossing.
Both Thai ( and Chinese )
patrol border from Santikiri ( Mae salong to Mae Hong Son.
Reply to
Steve **********
Reply
Steve **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@James *******
there's always the neg comments from the ignorant, who want to appear other thanJames ********
@Steve *********
it’s a joke …. With a dark undertone of truth .. perhaps you lost your sense of humour…. Just sayin’ !Reply to
James ********
Reply
Otto *********
Duty Free? What Duty Free? There is a market just behind the border bridge with cheap and lowest quality Chinese goods. Not worth it!
Steve **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Otto ********
there are two very well stocked duty free Liquor. Cigar shops. One on bridge. The other off soi of rotary. Finest single Malts, incl 25 yr Macallan, excellent imported wines, even Lafitte's and LaGrande bin 95. Have shopped there almost 20 years
Otto *********
@Steve *********
Thanks, good to know. I'll be looking for them next time I come across there.Steve **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Otto ********
the one at Rotary is better..Ask for 'Dusit' the owner, buy a bottle of wine and share with him, some cheese, etc...he's a real great guy.
Otto *********
And where is Soi Rotary exactly? I could not find it via Google maps. On the Burmese side I guess, but where there?
Steve **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Otto ********
from 2nd stairway on right going in, perpendicular to Bridgewater 100+ meters, there is traffic rotary. Main Soi on R, take R and wall. D/F on R.Or simply ask anyone !
Reply to
Steve **********
Reply
Jonathan **************************
I'd guess that it won't reopen at least until the regime in Naypyidaw falls.
Which, given the way the tatmadaw have been getting humiliated and hammered, time and time again, by the resistance of late, might not be too many months away.
Which, given the way the tatmadaw have been getting humiliated and hammered, time and time again, by the resistance of late, might not be too many months away.
Steve **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jonathan *************************
asked, as was across a month ago, but told closed week before, the closed again.Just wanted access to Duty Free shop
Steve **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jonathan *************************
let's hope, many refugees here in Chiangmai, want ( need ) to go home.Just wonderful people, victims now for decades
Reply to
Steve **********
Reply
Brandon ************
No land borders with Myanmar are open to foreigners.
Reply to
Brandon ************
Reply
19 comments
2 years ago
2 comments
2 years ago
3 comments
2 years ago
28 comments
2 years ago
28 comments
3 years ago
0 comments
3 years ago
4 comments
3 years ago
4 comments
3 years ago
14 comments
3 years ago
Is the Mae Sai - Tachileik border crossing open for foreigners to travel between Thailand and Burma?
5 comments
3 years ago
10 comments
3 years ago
12 comments
3 years ago
4 comments
3 years ago
63 comments
3 years ago
9 comments
3 years ago
5 comments
3 years ago
4 comments
4 years ago
2 comments
6 years ago
2 comments
6 years ago
5 comments
6 years ago
67 comments
6 years ago
4 comments
6 years ago
2 comments
6 years ago
0 comments
7 years ago
2 comments
9 years ago
7 comments
a month ago
9 comments
a month ago
21 comments
a month ago
16 comments
a month ago
8 comments
a month ago
The ask:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.