What are my options for extending my stay in Thailand given the current visa restrictions and border closures?

Mar 20, 2020
5 years ago
Daisy *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi everyone. Need advice...

I have a British passport, expired Ed visa, currently on a 30 day extension which is up on the 23rd March. Went to Myanmar to do a visa run yesterday- border closed. Went to Ranong immigration, they can only extend 7 days, if I want longer I need a letter from the embassy. Impossible for British citizens. Borders seem to be closing everywhere but according to the gov.uk foreign travel advice Cambodia is still open for border runs and both Myanmar and Cambodia open for flights without difficult visa regulations. So my question is, better to fly in and out or try my chances at the border? I'm on my way to Bangkok now and understand that the mandatory health certificate and insurance comes into place on the 22nd- so it is a race against time!
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A British passport holder with an expired Ed visa is seeking advice on whether to fly to Cambodia or attempt a land border visa run to Myanmar, given the impending deadlines for health certificates and insurance. Users suggest exploring options and highlight difficulties due to border closures and restrictions, providing insights about the last days for border crossings and necessary documentation.
Robert *******
And you have enough information to get on with.

It becomes more difficult to go to nearby countries for a quick visit and return for a new 30 day Visa Exempt Stamp.

There is an Virus going around, that makes airlines companies and Governments taking precautions to protect people in their countries.

Stop travel, only essential travel or come back home, are the warnings from many Governments.

Stay safe, stay healthy, good luck, but be aware the end of a 30 day period comes quick, prepare your next step.
Sam ******
@Daisy ******
Apparently the British Embassy have started issuing letter if you fit the criteria. Good luck!
Sam ******
Sam ******
Daisy *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ste***
where did you hear that tomorrow is the last day for the Ban Laem crossing?
Steven ********
@Daisy ******
wouldnt let me on my flight to Yangon, said that they stopped accepting eVisa last night even though I had it approved before midnight. Sigh.
Louisa *******
Good luck guys!!
Steven ********
Just applied for the express eVisa, and booked a return flight Yangon coming back same day tomorrow. I'm all in - wish me luck :)
Steven ********
Was told tomorrow is the last day, by the visa company doing the runs
Tod *********
Good Luck
@Daisy ******
, it'll either work or it won't :/
Steven ********
@Daisy ******
I'm in the same boat. This is what I have found out so far: Ban Laem border crossing is still open but tomorrow is the last day. You can fly DMK to Siem Reap but they won't allow you to return the same day - as it's too late to fly there today, doing it tomorrow and coming back the next day will push you past the 22nd March certificate/insurance deadline. I've been told you CAN fly to Yangon and back in the same day, but need a Myanmar evisa before going which can take 1-3 days to approve. All 3 are a risk...I'm probably going to try the land crossing tomorrow morning 5am from Ekkamai bus station. Good luck
Peter **********
Myanmar evisa applications have been suspended:
**************************
Artur *********
@Steven *******
Why they won’t allow to return same day from Siem Reap?
Gregor **********
yes, but . . .
Daisy *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
I also heard Chantaburi/Ban Pakkard is open
Daisy *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Steven *******
can you come back the same day if you cross the border? Where in Thailand is Ban Laem?? 😁
Robert *******
you might try to fly home as suggested by your Embassy.

Cambodia is still open for border runs

Myanmar can be visited by air when you have a visa

But be aware you only gain an extra 30 days, time to make new plans
Daisy *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Robert ******
30 days on arrival with possibility to extend another 30 days, 2 months in total. Europe is the epicentre of the virus- seems like the worst time to go home!
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