**ATTENTION MEMBERS:
BORDER BOUNCING, VISA RUNNING**
Many of you are trying to make posts about what border to go to so you can bounce out and back and/or what consulate to go to so you can get a visa
The thing is the factors that control IF you have an easy time bouncing out and back OR if you have any issues applying for a visa are your previous stay history.
You will NOT have any issue bouncing out and back at any border with Lao to get a new visa exempt entry stamp (or activate a new entry on a multi-entry visa)
Nor will you have any issue getting a tourist visa in Lao at either thai consulate (Vientiane or Savannakhet) as long as you meet the requirements listed on their websites and realize Vientiane needs an appointment booked to get IN to apply and has a 3 day turn around while Savannakhet is walk up service with 2 day turn around
Very few issues are being reported with the borders in Malaysia either bouncing out and back (although most people who have extensive stay histories are using a service to bounce them out and back NOT doing it on their own).
There is almost no info out there on how the thai consulates in Penang or Kota Bharu are other than they are hard on people with extended covid extension stay histories as far as issuing a tourist visas. KL is a no nonsense consulate, you need an appointment to apply, they don't take walk up service.
There are MANY issues with the Cambodian borders bouncing out and back on your own, and we advise you use a provider to get you out and back in at that border IF you have an extensive stay history
Keep in mind people, the cheapest way to bounce out and back MIGHT not be the best way and many people who tried to save a baht or two and bounce on their own got hung up at the Cambodian border and told to slog on up to Phnom Penh and fly back in :O Don't be stepping over dollars to pick up dimes.
You wanna find a service that can bounce you out and back post on a group related to where you live in thailand asking for recommendations on border bounces. This group is NOT the place to look for or ask for recommendations on that.
Google and groups related to where you stay in thailand are your friend, (y) use them
TLDR : Answer Summary
This post provides comprehensive advice on border bouncing and visa running for expats in Thailand. It discusses the options available at various borders, particularly Laos and Malaysia, and offers insights into visa application processes at Thai consulates. Emphasis is placed on the importance of previous stay history and understanding the nuances of each border crossing. The conversation highlights common experiences and potential issues faced by expats, underlining the need to plan ahead and consider using services for border bounces to avoid complications.
