What are the best options for expats in Thailand needing to exit and re-enter due to visa rules after Myanmar stopped border bounces?

May 5, 2023
2 years ago
Mike ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Big problem!,…went to Mae sot old friendship bridge today Friday, to do a border bounce and was informed by Thai imo that the mayanmar immigration stopped stamping you in/out of mayanmar just after songkran ! So my only option was/is to go over to Laos border or Mae sai, both 6 hour drives away, so after being back healed by the Mae sot border I didn’t want to have the same problem/rejection by the Mae sai immigration, I’m in Chiang khan at present pondering which option I have left,. Nong Kai or luang prabang, or is there another friendship bridge, my dilemma is my present 30 day stamp is up on 6 TH may (Saturday), any help or advise on my best option please,. TIA,.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A user reports encountering issues with Myanmar immigration at the Mae Sot border, which has ceased allowing stamp transactions for foreigners after Songkran. Seeking advice, they consider crossing into Laos or alternative borders while racing against their visa expiration. Responses reveal varied personal experiences and suggest either heading to the Chiang Khong or Nong Khai border crossings, with confirmations that Mae Sai is open but requires Covid documentation. The conversation also touches on alternate options, such as flights to international destinations, but highlights the urgency and complications of the situation.
Kevin *******
Go nong khaino probs
Giorgio ******
John Doe wll certainly tell you that he doesn't know either , except that maybe , if etc...., and he probably will have a friend who even knows less , but can't be trusted anyway , so

..
Phillip ********
Just get
***
mth visa 😉
Jan **********
I would have gone to Chiang Kong.
Paul *******
Casey ********
I only deal with Savannakhet because the embassy is walk in.
Michael *******
John-Paul ******
Considering the fighting across the border here in Mae Sot... I wouldn't advise doing a 'bounce'. However... as a resident here I have not heard you can't do it.
Steve **********
@John-Paul *****
get to Tachileik, border cross into Mae sai
John-Paul ******
@Steve *********
paul james is who you want to tell that to.
Steve **********
@John-Paul *****
you just did
John-Paul ******
@Steve *********
guess I did... now I can rest easy....5555
Mike ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John-Paul *****
You have now,..
John-Paul ******
@Mike *******
yeah... can it would stop now? So for the last time... Mae Sot to Burma = at the moment no foreigners only Thais. Do bounce up north.
Paul *******
@John-Paul *****
It was possible to cross until 3 weeks ago. I've also confirmed that contrary to reports suggesting foreigners could only do a bounce, we could in fact enter and roam around Myawaddy, just like Thais. Well, until around April 7, we could. It looks like it may take some time for the situation to change allowing us to cross over. I'll check back with you in about a month or so, to kindly request if you could find out whether foreigners can cross over at that time.

I don't think I'll be able to find out accurate information from any source.
Paul *******
@John-Paul *****
Just confirmed with immigration. Foreign nationals are currently not allowed to visit Myawaddy, except day tripping Thais, who are. This could change again in a few weeks.

The e-visa website needs to be accurate and up-to-date, in the sense that visa applicants need to know where they're allowed to enter the country.

Currently, 2 out of the 4 international border crossings Myanmar shares with Thailand permit normal entry with either a limited distance border pass or visa. Myawaddy is not one of them and won't re-join the list until such time as rhe situation improves and road access to the rest of Myanmar is permitted again.
John-Paul ******
@Paul ******
just as i thought. Been that way for a while now. Not sure if it will change for quite some time. But I have reports of some getting through. As with other things always just depends. Up north is reported being easier for quick bounce as there is far more pedestrian traffic of all nationalities. Remember the number of bounces you already have ...if any... may also be a factor.
Paul *******
@John-Paul *****
Can't quite make out what you're trying to say with your first reply but what i wanted to know (and which you seem to have confirmed) is what the situation at Mae Sot it. Ranong and Mae Sai are fine, as confirmed by the Burmese authorities themselves and verifiable on their e-visa website.
John-Paul ******
@Paul ******
yes. But know that the Burmese web site is no always correct. However this time it is. But again what is posted on the web is not what is the truth on reality at the border. But I fear that this time around it is a crap shoot.
Paul *******
@John-Paul *****
Thanks. Would appreciate any updates. I don't think bridge 2 allows cars, it's only trucks. Bridge 1 is for small vehicles and pedestrians. For some reason, despite being set up for all types of vehicles and passengers, bridge 2 was only used for repatriation purposes during Covid but reverted back to trucks only post Covid, as it was for the first 5 months following its opening prior to Covid restrictions taking hold.
Paul *******
@John-Paul *****
Hence why the border is apparently closed to foreigners now.
John-Paul ******
Paul James the mantra still is locals okay... foreigners no.
Mike ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John-Paul *****
Wasn’t just me then,…
Paul *******
@Mike *******
BTW just FYI, I've been told that prior to Burmese authorities no longer allowing us across, it was actually possible for us to roam around Myawaddy. We weren't restricted to just getting stamped and being turned around. I think I received the wrong information and had I known this, I would have come to the border a month or two ago and crossed over. A pity, because now I may have to wait anywhere from weeks to months for the border to reopen to foreigners again.
Paul *******
@John-Paul *****
Aha so definitely confirmed then. Got it.
John-Paul ******
@Paul ******
wow! That is very strange. Must be due to something happening across there. Most on bridge number 1 is incoming from Burma in mini vans.. Bridge number 2 is just trucks and cars. Fear the border authorities know more than they are reporting? I am checking with contacts in immigration and army.
Paul *******
@John-Paul *****
I will be in Mae Sot today. Hopefully I'll hear back from you before I arrive, otherwise I'll go to the border and ask myself.
Mike ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Paul ******
And ?…no go ?
Paul *******
@Mike *******
Yep, no go unfortunately. Yesterday 3 western women were denied. I mentioned you too - I remember you're British. You must have arrived at a different time to those 3 women.
John-Paul ******
@Paul ******
I have no more info. Such alternative crossing up north? Seems jo one has a straight answer. So it is a BIG maybe. Sorry. If i hear anything else I will post.
Paul *******
John-Paul RivaThere were some skirmishes near Myawaddy about 3 weeks ago, just before Songkran. As you would probably be well aware, when anything happens, the Burmese authorities panic and stop allowing foreigners into the area. Again, it's strange that they're allowing Thais, but perhaps the idea there is to permit traders across to facilitate trade. Still, Thai tourists who dare cross over, are allowed to do so while foreigners from other countries are not. Same mentality as at the Three Pagodas Pass in Kanchanaburi. Foreigners could cross until 2007, since then only Thai nationals have been permitted. One time, 40 Thais were kidnapped (can't remember what year, might have been. 2017 or 2018) yet the border only closed for one or two days. How can it be that it took 2 days for the authorities on both sides to declare the situation as "safe" but 16 years later, not a single foreigner from another country has legally crossed this border, even when things were calm?
John-Paul ******
@Paul ******
have not hear that. But from one day to the next I wouldn't doubt it. Also depends upon the time and the moment.
Paul *******
@John-Paul *****
Well, thats what the OP is saying and the purpose of this post. He was there yesterday and was denied exit.
Anthony *********
You just need to go back to Mae sot and just explain to the border officials that what they are doing isn't in the spirit of friendship, quote clause 17.1 of the immigration act and they will stamp you in and out no issues ✌️
Steve **********
@Anthony ********
ya, that's always a good idea:

Quote immigration law to an Immigration officer.
Mike ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Anthony ********
yeh, I wish,..
Paul *******
@Anthony ********
Won't work since Myanmar isn't budging. There's fighting near Myawaddy hence why foreigners can't cross. Strangely, the Burmese authorities don't consider it unsafe for Thais to cross for the day. Strange logic but it's Myanmar.
Jonathan *******
@Paul ******
there has been many stories of white foreigners being kidnapped in Myanmar. Could by why they are letting Thais in and not westerners. This is just what I heard I have no idea if it is true though
Paul *******
@Jonathan ******
I haven't heard very many. I think it's extremely rare, just that the junta doesn't want news to spread of westerners or other foreigners getting injured or killed in a conflict zone. Back in 2019 or so, a westerner was killed on a trek near Hsipaw. I think he stepped on a mine.

40 Thais were kidnapped back around 2018 near the Three Pagodas Pass crossing on the Myanmar side, yet Thais were only banned from leaving for Myanmar at that crossing for a day or two (or maybe it was a week) and then it was business as usual. Very strange...
Anthony *********
@Paul ******
it'll work man for sure, I know loads who have done the same, just tell them Thailand are mynamar are bezzies,.that's what the bridge is for, they'll soon acquiesce don't worry 😁
Thomas *********
Best of luck. Let us know how you go
Mike ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Thomas ********
posted todays results !….
Falcon *******
Laos
Paul *******
@Mike *******
So Thai immigration at Mae Sot told you that Myanmar is not allowing foreigners entry at the moment, right?

Anyway, you have time to get yourself to Chiang Khong (or even Nong Khai) but start early. I think you can reach Chiang Khong more quickly than Nong Khai from Mae Sot.

From Mae Sot (or is it Kampaeng Phet where you are now) its a 3 hour drive to Lampang. From there continue north to Phayao (about 90 mins) and then head in the direction of Chiang Rai. There are several turn offs for Chiang Khong, the last time I drove there I started from Lampang and then stopped off in Chiang Mai for some business, before continuing to Chiang Rai. Once there I drove in the direction of Mae Sai and shortly after the airport somewhere I followed the signs for Chiang Saen. Later on, a sign for Chiang Khong appeared and I followed that all the way to the border.

Another route is from Phayao to Chiang Kham and then from there to Chiang Khong.

Your GPS will tell you the quickest route.

My estimate is 7-8 hours from either Mae Sot or Kampaeng Phet to Chiang Khong.

Ignore my suggestion of Ban Huak as they definitely don't issue a visa on arrival for Laos. You want a border that is 100% so Chiang Khong is the one you want.
Mike ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Paul ******
Thanks, I’m in Chiang khan at the moment,. I’m familiar with Chiang kong, but I’m thinking now of Vientiane Nong khai border, any info on this one ?
Paul *******
@Mike *******
Had you still been in Mae Sot as I thought you were last night (until I saw your post stating you had moved to Chiang Khan) then Chiang Khong would have been slightly closer. However, I think you're already nearing Nong Khai, so you're good to go. Thatt border is equally good to Chiang Khong
Paul *******
@Mike *******
Tha Li would have been even closer (just 1 hour away) but doubt you'd be able to cross without a Lao visa. Pre-Covid, you could. So Nong Khai it is.
Paul *******
@Mike *******
OK if you're in Chiang Khan, then Nong Khai is closer. So go there.
Billy *******
@Mike *******
A friend just did Vientiane. No problem. You typically bump into a group who you'll work together with, share the tuk tuk ride from the border to the Thai embassy. As I recall it's a stamp out of Thai immigration in Nong Khai, a bus ride over the friendship bridge to Loas immigration, and a tuk tuk ride to Thai immigration. Then find a hotel over by where the night life is. You're head will be spinning. Don't let your passport or wallet fall out of your pocket like what happened to me climbing in and out of busses and tuk tuks.
Paul *******
@Billy ******
Best to keep that passport inside a backpack when traveling.
Billy *******
@Paul ******
Had it in my cargo shorts and forgot to button it. Amazingly the tuk tuk drivers are all in communication with one another and tracked it down. That cost me a hefty tip.
Denny ********
I’ve been there last weekend without a problem
Paul *******
@Denny *******
You went to Mae Sai, which is 100% open as confirmed by the Burmese authorities. Mae Sot is a different story. Conflicting reports.
Denny ********
@Paul ******
yes I went from Mae Sai to Tachileik border jump. Pay 500 thb
Paul *******
@Denny *******
Were there many people there? How long did it take? Were you required to furnish proof of vaccination or a Covid test?
Denny ********
@Paul ******
It wasn’t to busy. It took me 20 minutes totally to cross. Covid vaccination proof was needed.Actually my covid vaccination was expired and they didn’t took a good look at it😉
Mitchell *******
Is a quick flight to Kuala Lumpur (or Vietnam, or Cambodia) not an option? What am I missing?
Mike ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Mitchell ******
I’m in my car, I’ve done one bounce before at Mae sot, no issues, untill mayanmar moved the goal posts again, I’ve only got untill midnight on
***
/23 to renew exempt stamp,. I’ve past 2 airports today (Mae sot & phitsuanulok) but I didn’t have the time or info on flights (if any) go anywhere that would suit me,. So it’s boots on the ground at the moment,.
Paul *******
@Mike *******
you wrote you stayed the night in Chiang Khan, so I assume you're on your way to Nong Khai, which is just over 3 hours away, as we speak?
Paul *******
@Mike *******
Mae Sot only has a single daily flight to Bangkok-Don Muang these days, though it's on a B737 aircraft.
Colin ********
Mike, fya Phitsanulok only has scheduled "Domestic" flights to Bangkok's Don Mueang matey...
Paul *******
@Mitchell ******
Sounds more complicated to me than just driving to a border. Also, flights can be expensive and same day returns are not a good idea. You can't enter Vietnam without a visa, which takes 3 days to process (except a few nationalities such as Spaniards and Brits).
Mike ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Mitchell ******
I’m tight on time, extension stamps. (30 days) is up tommorow midnight,,
Paul *******
Mae Sai is 100% open but they require Covid documentation so you're better off going to the Golden Triangle crossing with Laos or even better, Chiang Khong. Nan is also an option and so is Phayao (Ban Huak).
Matt ********
@Paul ******
they don't require covid-19 vaccination anymore. It's been a few weeks liie this now.
Paul *******
@Mathias ******
You mean Tachilek doesn't require it anymore? Strange, it's still mentioned on the e-visa website.
Matt ********
@Paul ******
i can confirm it with 100% confidence. It may not officially be abandoned but it's effectively no longer enforced.
Paul *******
@Mathias ******
Oh well that's great news. Just that about a week ago, a vaccinated person made a post in this very group talking about showing his vax proof. He didn't state when he crossed but it sounds like recently.
Terry ********
@Paul ******
just tell them no. Seriously, tell them no, continue walking. What are they going to do. Pay your 500 bahts. In and out. Just because he is uniformed up means nothing.
Paul *******
@Terry *******
What are you talking about?
Terry ********
@Paul ******
Check out in Mae Sai. Walk across the bridge. When buddy wants to see your proof of Vax just ignore him. Pay your 500 bahts at Burma immigration and walk away. He is not going to chase you down. He is so overwhelmed with others, and for $3 a day he doesn't care.
Paul *******
@Terry *******
At Mae Sai, I'm not sure how strict the Thai authorities are in terms of them wanting to see vax or testing proof to enter Myanmar. Mae Sot doesn't require it, but foreigners can't enter Myanmar from there at the moment. Just confirmed less than 1 hour ago.
Terry ********
@Paul ******
I live here. Walk in daily. Am I missing something?
Paul *******
@Terry *******
Where do you live? You certainly can't muscle your way through Mae Sot immigration if they refuse to stamp your passport because the Burmese side isn't allowing foreigners to pass.

Mae Sai, different story.
Terry ********
@Paul ******
yes Mae Sai, not Mae Sot.
Paul *******
@Terry *******
Does the Thai side request proof of vaccination or a Covid test to visit Myanmar or do they just rely on the Myanmar side to do that, since it's their rule?

Also, do you really cross to Tachilek daily? Or do you mean you go past the border daily as in walk or drive past ?
Billy *******
@Paul ******
Isn't the Vietianne Laos border bounce the most hassle free option?
Paul *******
@Billy ******
It's hassle free but any of the other 3 bridges are just as good. Not only that, but any of the Lao crossings are generally hassle free. That stated, the Lao government has scrapped visa on arrival at several crossings including, from what I remember reading, all 4 border crossings between Saiyabuli province and Thailand. Therefore, Nong Khai, Mukdahan, Nakorn Phanom, Chiang Khong and additionally, Chong Mek are the 5 crossings to use. I believe the Golden Triangle crossing is another option. In the unlikely event that border proved to be problematic (which I highly doubt, as many of the Chinese gamblers go that way, because the border crossing was designed to facilitate gamblers, being located next to the casino) then Chiang Khong is merely 100km away.
Mike ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Paul ******
looks like Vientiane is my go to at the moment, anyone done it before ?
Angelo ************
@Mike *******
I did Vientiane about 6 weeks ago. I stayed a few days in Laos though, not because I thought I needed to but because I wanted to explore Laos.

No problems, but I couldn't take my motorbike to Laos
Paul *******
@Angelo ***********
I saw expats taking Thai registered motorcycles across to Vientiane about 2 months ago. They were big bikes though
Angelo ************
@Paul ******
you can, but you need paperwork from an travel agent in Nong Khai/Vientiane
Paul *******
@Mike *******
Yes. Chiang Khong is closer though. Both borders (bridges) close at 10pm.
Paul *******
I'm confused. I was just told the other day by a Burmese colleague in Myawaddy that foreigners can not only do border bounces but spend the day in Myawaddy. I asked him to confirm with Burmese immigration, but this guy is a bit of a know it all who says one thing and it turns out he means another.

Thanks for confirming, looks like I'll need to have my colleagues meet me on the Thai side of the border instead.
Mike ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Paul ******
Mai sai could be ok, but I couldn’t chance it, not one mention on here by anyone having problems at Mae sot either, strange !anyone advice on Vientiane , any agents near by or just got alone ?
Paul *******
@Mike *******
Just FYI the reason why Mae Sot is so troubling, so to speak, is because of the changing political situation and violence on the Burmese side. Tachilek, opposite Mae Sai is much safer, hence no troubles there.
Paul *******
@Mike *******
Sorry..just realized, not sure if Tha Li (Kaenthao on the Lao side) still issues visas on arrival. If not then you'd need to go to Chiang Khong (probably a shorter drive than to Nong Khai).
Paul *******
@Mike *******
Try Tha Li. 440km east of Mae Sot, 6-7 hours drive via Phitsanulok. Go early.
Lynnette *******
So your 30 extension to your exempt stamp runs out on 6th?
Paul *******
@Billy ******
Ah yes. That is frustrating. In this case, it's Myanmar, which is still keeping up the BS.
Billy *******
@Paul ******
Meanwhile they're killing each other in the streets. But hey make sure you have your shots. We're living in clown world. Oh how I miss the 90s!
Paul *******
Billy BillyYeah, nothing makes sense at all. Ironically, at the Mae Sot border, despite being an entry point to the same country [Myanmar] , no proof of shots or a test is required.
Paul *******
@Billy ******
It can be frustrating but if the OP has a car (which by the sounds of it, he does) then even if it's a 7-8 hour drive, he can easily get himself to another border today. I assume he's already on his way now.
Billy *******
@Paul ******
I was rrrg'ing over the CONVID BS.
Mike ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Paul *******
Mike Davies With your limited time, you need certainty so you'll need a border that will definitely allow you across with no pre arranged visa required. Chiang Khong is most trouble free. Mae Sai works if you have either a vaccine certificate or test.
Billy *******
Lynnette *******
@Mike *******
oh. . Bounce it is then! Good luck with the journey.
Øyvind *********
I don’t understand why there are some many different versions of this reality. According to the boarder police when I was trying to do this on the Cambodian border, they would not let me back in. The advice was to go home to my country, or at least go somewhere that I would arrive back at an international airport. So I went to Malaysia. Get a cheap roundtrip ticket, and spend at least one night abroad. That’s my advice if you’re getting tired of running around like this.
Paul *******
@Øyvind ********
Just spend the night in the other country. Less complicated than flying, less chance of rejection...
Bob **********
@Paul ******
poi Pet is a border to avoid at all costs
Paul *******
@Bob *********
Not necessarily. Have used it many times, mostly with a visa though. For exit from Thailand, no issue irrespective of your visa status. For entry into Thailand if your history isn't good, then avoid Aranyaprathet, as you've suggested. Also, Ban Pakkard isn't that friendly towards Vietnamese nationals and border runners either. They will probably let you in, but they do ask lots of questions.
Øyvind *********
@Paul ******
not what the thai boarder police told me. He would not let me back in, not that day, not the next, and not any close day after that. I might have had a chance if I drove back in at a different boarder station, but no guarantees, and they have every right to deny me Any attempt to avvoid the rules by crossing boarders just for stamps are valid reason for them to deny your entry. Even at the airport, allthough that’s the most unlikely place to be denied. It’s time this group is informed of the actual rules, not just what might work.
Billy *******
@Øyvind ********
And people want to buy condos?
Narelle ************
@Billy ******
buy a condo buy a decent visa. 🤷‍♀️
Billy *******
@Narelle ***********
And then what. Go to the same 711 for the next 20 years? You can take the girl out of the bar but you can't take the bar out of the girl. Well, once you catch wanderlust you never stop lusting for wander.
Narelle ************
@Billy ******
maybe that’s your life but it’s most certainly not mine 🤣
Steve ********
@Øyvind ********
How do you expect this group to know what mood an immigration officer is in on a daily basis? If you're bouncing in and out on a frequent basis and spending zero time in the country you're "visiting" expect to be given the third degree. They know people are working illegally in the country and not getting proper long-term visas, so it just becomes part of the game you are playing, except they are the referees.
Øyvind *********
@Steve *******
do your really not understand my message «This group needs to understand the difference between rules and what might work». You can’t possably state that you don’t understand that «boarder officer mood» goes under the «might work» category. The rules are that you can not run back and forward crossing a border just for stamps. Periot. Taking a week in a different country, flying back in, will qualify for now. Walking over a bridge and back is obviously not a qualified travel. Staying one day neither.
Dan ********
@Øyvind ********
there is a rule of only 2 land border crossings in a calendar year. And I did read that immigration would prefer you to use and pay, a visa run agency. And they will be getting tougher on solo runners to push traffic that way, as they can then demand a bigger fee from the visa run firms. I think it was the northern border in particular. It has been mentioned on this or other groups.
Paul *******
@Øyvind ********
You have no choice but to spend only one day in Myanmar at that particular border crossing when it's open because that's all they allow! Overnight stays are prohibited for the time being as its too dangerous and they don't recognize their own visas.

What the OP is saying is they've gone one step further and aren't allowing foreigners to cross over at all, while Thais and Burmese can still cross on day passes as usual.

Learn the rules of the particular neighboring country before going off on a rant.

Steve Smythe is absolutely correct that immigration doesn't want to see people living in the country without a visa or tourist visa who don't spend any time in the neighboring country like a normal tourist would. Whether they arrive by air or land is immaterial. Just that for Mae Sot specifically, a day return is your only option at the moment (or was, until recently) and Thai immigration knows this.
Justin *********
@Øyvind ********
If you want to be accurate, the fact is there is no rule that says someone can’t run back and forth crossing a border, but there also isn’t a rule that says you can. Welcome to Thailand.
Paul *******
@Øyvind ********
Airports regularly deny people.
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