Answered4 years ago
What are the best options for a visa run from Chiang Mai, considering the current immigration situation with Myanmar?
Whats up guys? As per the new immigration laws, I will need to do a border run in January. My visa agent recommended going to Myanmar, however, some friends argued its easier to go to Lao. I really just want to get a stamp and get back to CM. Any expat expertise?
Answer summary
The discussion revolves around visa runs for expats in Chiang Mai, particularly in light of claims about new immigration laws. A user was advised by their visa agent to conduct a border run to Myanmar, but fellow expats pointed out that the Myanmar border is closed and has been for a while, suggesting better options might include traveling to Laos instead. Recommendations included traveling to the Laos border for a quick stamp and considering other destinations like Kuala Lumpur or Penang for easier visa runs. Overall, there's strong advice to be cautious with visa agents and to verify immigration laws before proceeding.
57 repliesnewest first
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Otto *********
Check out Mae Sai border with Tachilek. Only for re-entry, not for new visa.
Gio *****
We went north of Thailand, border with Myanmar is not open, we were just traveling not for a visa run, check before you go, I guess lao more easy
Native ****************
Depending on where you are located, there use to be a one day back and forth to Bangkok border run to Kanchanaburi border to Myanmar... The best is to check with the Border Run companies to get an idea on what Border Runs are available and the cost. If you are in Hua Hin, there is a one day border run to Ranong. Hope this helps and safe travels
DeShay ******
I recently went to Lao for a visa run. Literally just went to Cafe Amazon for 2 hours to do some work/finish some assignments then I went right back across the border. My entire trip took about 12 hours. Longest thing was waiting in the foreigner line to get stamped in and out. (American that went from extended tourist visa to visa on arrival which was free)
Casey ********
OP@DeShay *****
you still need a visa on arrival to get into Laos correct?
Graham ******
@Casey *******
Yes or it can be done online to save the queueCasey ********
OP@Graham *****
TY!!!Dylan *********
What new laws?
Casey ********
OP@Dylan ********
there are none. It was bad info from the agent.Dylan *********
@Casey *******
which agent?Casey ********
OP@Dylan ********
I just asked him for a refund and he didn't give me any grief. Some how clients never informed him about the Burmese border situation. He's actually a really nice/honest guy. I might use him again in the future. Let me know if you are still interested and Ill give you his name.Dylan *********
@Casey *******
because I'm looking for agents for visaCasey ********
OP@Dylan ********
why do you ask? I dont really want to speak ill about anyone.
Jim ***********
I.met an agent yesterday. Told me 800k has to be seasoned 1 year. Needless to say I laughed showed immigration rule on phone walked out.
Nyein *******
Agree!!!! Not Myanmar,
Andre *********
You can get a flight BKK-HKG-BKK within one day.
Gunner **********
Not much is up, just going to order some good than head to bed. Thanks for asking
Rob **********
What new visa laws are you referring to. Also the border to Burma is closed at the moment.
Casey ********
OP@Rob *********
Thats what everyone is saying. I guess the agent is a bust...Rob **********
@Casey *******
yes I would definitely stay clear of that agent 😲Casey ********
OP@Rob *********
Strange because they have excellent reviews and I was referred to them by Pro Language CM..
Jonathan *******
What new immigration laws?
Casey ********
OP@Jonathan ******
I guess there are none and the agent is a bust...Jonathan *******
@Casey *******
damn, sorry man. So many dodgy agents out there. If you want a nice place to do a quick day trip, Penang is awesome. Round trip place ticket was 3000 thb when I went a couple of weeks ago. Just did a day trip
Ben *********
Jump on a plane to KL, spend a cheap night there and fly back or visit the Embassy to get 60 Days. Easy, cheap and fast, No agent needed.
Daniel ************
seems your agent want you win a war
Michael ********
What new immigration laws 555.
Casey ********
OP@Michael *******
It appears that I am being mislead...Michael ********
@Casey *******
yepCasey ********
OP@Michael *******
Excellent reviews: *********************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Lewis *******
You can get a bus to the Thailand Laos border, it’s quite a long journey so I’d recommend spending the night in Huy Xai on the Lao border
Frank **********
Steve ********
I don't know how much you're paying your agent, but you're being duped. There are no new immigration laws and the Myanmar border has been closed for about three years and no indication of when it will ever open again. I hope you weren't scammed too much! 🤣
Anna *******
@Steve *******
Myanmar is open for tourists but only if you come by air.Casey ********
OP@Steve *******
Its strange because I was referred to them by Pro Language and they have really good reviews on google.Casey ********
OP@Steve *******
I will have to talk with the other Visa service I was talking to before I chose this one.
Thai ******
What are you talking about? New laws and as others have said get a new agent, as Myanmar's closed.
Garrett ***********
Sounds like a top shelf visa agent you got there.
Chris ****
@Garrett **********
yeah agree. Super weird visa run suggestionsThai ******
@Garrett **********
a 25 satang one lolMarianne ********
What new visa immigration laws?
Casey ********
OP@Marianne *******
It has to do with "special" ed visaMarianne ********
Casey ********
OP@Marianne *******
Oh I wasn't using that service I just wanted to show you the "special ED visa" terminology..Marianne ********
If you need to pop out of the country to get the visa, it might be worth it rather than paying obscene amounts for that visa-service.
I see they mention tuition-fees. But... Different schools charge different amounts for different courses.
I see they mention tuition-fees. But... Different schools charge different amounts for different courses.
Marianne ********
@Casey *******
****************************************
Casey ********
OP@Marianne *******
You may be right. I just know they were calling it that. *******************************************************
Marianne ********
Casey ********
OP@Marianne *******
The "special" ed visa is through a University and not through a private language school like TSL or Pro Language.
Paul *******
Please provide a link to these new immigration laws. I have not heard of any new laws.
Casey ********
OP@Paul ******
I dont have a link. He just said I can not convert my ed visa to a "special ed" visa. I need to get back on a tourist visa and then convert to the "special" ed visa.Paul *******
@Casey *******
No hint of any new law in that.Casey ********
OP@Paul ******
Looks like I am going to ask for my money back. But hey, you wouldnt be willing to divulge the basics of a Lao border run to me? Feel free to DM me if you want/can.
Brandon ************
Recommend you find a new visa agent as Myanmar borders have been closed to foreigners for over 2 years and there's no indication that will be changing any time soon.
Casey ********
OP@Brandon ***********
Strange because they have really good reviews on Google.Brandon ************
Well they aren't very good at keeping up with current events
Casey ********
OP@Brandon ***********
wow, he already has a deposit.Activity
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