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What are the best options for a visa run from Chiang Mai, considering the current immigration situation with Myanmar?

Visa RunsThailand ImmigrationVisa TypesMyanmar Border SituationLao Visa RunExpat AdviceChiang MaiVisa Agents
Nov 28, 2022
2 years ago
Casey ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
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?
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TLDR : 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.
Pelle Eriksson
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Otto *********
Check out Mae Sai border with Tachilek. Only for re-entry, not for new visa.
2 years ago
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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
2 years ago
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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
2 years ago
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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)
2 years ago
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Casey ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@DeShay *****
 you still need a visa on arrival to get into Laos correct?
2 years ago
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Graham ******
@Casey *******
 Yes or it can be done online to save the queue
2 years ago
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Casey ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Graham *****
 TY!!!
2 years ago
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Casey ********
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Dylan *********
What new laws?
2 years ago
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Casey ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Dylan ********
 there are none. It was bad info from the agent.
2 years ago
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Dylan *********
@Casey *******
 which agent?
2 years ago
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Casey ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Dylan ********
 why do you ask? I dont really want to speak ill about anyone.
2 years ago
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Dylan *********
@Casey *******
 because I'm looking for agents for visa
2 years ago
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Casey ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@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.
2 years ago
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Casey ********
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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.
2 years ago
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Nyein *******
Agree!!!! Not Myanmar,
2 years ago
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Andre *********
You can get a flight BKK-HKG-BKK within one day.
2 years ago
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Gunner **********
Not much is up, just going to order some good than head to bed. Thanks for asking
2 years ago
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Rob **********
What new visa laws are you referring to. Also the border to Burma is closed at the moment.
2 years ago
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Casey ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Rob *********
 Thats what everyone is saying. I guess the agent is a bust...
2 years ago
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Rob **********
@Casey *******
 yes I would definitely stay clear of that agent 😲
2 years ago
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Casey ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Rob *********
 Strange because they have excellent reviews and I was referred to them by Pro Language CM..
2 years ago
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Casey ********
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Jonathan *******
What new immigration laws?
2 years ago
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Casey ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jonathan ******
 I guess there are none and the agent is a bust...
2 years ago
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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
2 years ago
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Jonathan *******
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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.
2 years ago
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Daniel ************
seems your agent want you win a war
2 years ago
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Michael ********
What new immigration laws 555.
2 years ago
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Casey ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Michael *******
 It appears that I am being mislead...
2 years ago
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Michael ********
@Casey *******
 yep
2 years ago
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Casey ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Michael *******
 Excellent reviews:
*********************************************************************************************************************************************************************
2 years ago
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Casey ********
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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
2 years ago
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Frank **********
2 years ago
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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! 🤣
2 years ago
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Anna *******
@Steve *******
 Myanmar is open for tourists but only if you come by air.
2 years ago
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Casey ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Steve *******
 Its strange because I was referred to them by Pro Language and they have really good reviews on google.
2 years ago
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Casey ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Steve *******
 I will have to talk with the other Visa service I was talking to before I chose this one.
2 years ago
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Casey ********
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Thai ******
What are you talking about? New laws and as others have said get a new agent, as Myanmar's closed.
2 years ago
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Garrett ***********
Sounds like a top shelf visa agent you got there.
2 years ago
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Chris ****
@Garrett **********
 yeah agree. Super weird visa run suggestions
2 years ago
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Thai ******
@Garrett **********
 a 25 satang one lol
2 years ago
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Thai ******
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Marianne ********
What new visa immigration laws?
2 years ago
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Casey ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Marianne *******
 It has to do with "special" ed visa
2 years ago
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Marianne ********
@Casey *******
 What "special" ED visa?

There is a ED visa. What is a "special" one?
2 years ago
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Casey ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Marianne *******
 The "special" ed visa is through a University and not through a private language school like TSL or Pro Language.
2 years ago
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Marianne ********
@Casey *******
 Pretty sure that is the same visa.

ED is ED.
2 years ago
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Casey ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Marianne *******
 You may be right. I just know they were calling it that.
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2 years ago
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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.
2 years ago
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Casey ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Marianne *******
 Oh I wasn't using that service I just wanted to show you the "special ED visa" terminology..
2 years ago
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Marianne ********
@Casey *******
****************************************
2 years ago
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Marianne ********
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Paul *******
Please provide a link to these new immigration laws. I have not heard of any new laws.
2 years ago
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Casey ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@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.
2 years ago
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Paul *******
@Casey *******
 No hint of any new law in that.
2 years ago
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Casey ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@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.
2 years ago
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Casey ********
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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.
2 years ago
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Casey ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
 Strange because they have really good reviews on Google.
2 years ago
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Brandon ************
Well they aren't very good at keeping up with current events
2 years ago
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Brandon ************
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Casey ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
 wow, he already has a deposit.
2 years ago
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Casey ********
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