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What are the current challenges and experiences at the Padang Besar border crossing between Thailand and Malaysia?
Padang Besar CrossingVisa RequirementsThai ImmigrationBorder Crossing ExperiencesProof of FundsThai Elite VisaImmigration InterviewsForeign Passport Holders
May 5, 2018
8 years ago
Murray ********
ORIGINAL POSTERSome Information on Padang Besar Border Crossing.
I have for many years been regularly crssing the Thai-Malaysian border. In the good old days one didnt even need a passport. However the crossing has become stricter and stricter as time goes on to almost being unbearable.
Today I returned to Thailand on a PE (Thai Elite) visa. The immigration still demanded to see 10,000 Baht in cash. Last year on an OA extension with a multiple re-entry permit I was also asked to show 10,000. A crossing before that the IO refused to accept my re-entry permit claiming it had expired.
Today I saw a foreign passport holder (i.e.), non Thai or Malaysian refused entry. The IO are going by the book in Padang Besar and looking actively for reasons to refuse entry. All foreign passport holders must go to a special room with a high ranking officer to go through immigration and they are being interviewed.
My advice would be to avoid Padang Besar crossing and opt for Wang Kelian in Satun which is must easier. Im not sure of the situation in Sadao (Dannok) at the momth.
Hope this is of some assistance.
I have for many years been regularly crssing the Thai-Malaysian border. In the good old days one didnt even need a passport. However the crossing has become stricter and stricter as time goes on to almost being unbearable.
Today I returned to Thailand on a PE (Thai Elite) visa. The immigration still demanded to see 10,000 Baht in cash. Last year on an OA extension with a multiple re-entry permit I was also asked to show 10,000. A crossing before that the IO refused to accept my re-entry permit claiming it had expired.
Today I saw a foreign passport holder (i.e.), non Thai or Malaysian refused entry. The IO are going by the book in Padang Besar and looking actively for reasons to refuse entry. All foreign passport holders must go to a special room with a high ranking officer to go through immigration and they are being interviewed.
My advice would be to avoid Padang Besar crossing and opt for Wang Kelian in Satun which is must easier. Im not sure of the situation in Sadao (Dannok) at the momth.
Hope this is of some assistance.
TLDR : Answer Summary
The Padang Besar border crossing has seen increasing scrutiny and stricter immigration processes over the years. Recent experiences indicate that immigration officials are now asking for proof of funds (10,000 Baht in cash) from travelers, including those on the Thai Elite visa. Foreign passport holders are particularly scrutinized, sometimes being interviewed by high-ranking officers. While some travelers report smooth crossings, the overall advice leans toward avoiding Padang Besar due to these challenges, suggesting alternatives such as Wang Kelian for a simpler process.
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Robert ************
I went through a few months back, and when the lady pulled me into the office, I was thinking 'wow, this is nice'. She asked some questions, didn't ask to see any money or anything else, and stamped me in. This was on a Non Immigrant O visa, through my wife.
Murray ********
ORIGINAL POSTERHave found the ladies to be great there
Murray ********
ORIGINAL POSTEROne time I went through with a Non OAwith multiple reentry permit the IO refused to recognize it and after 2 hours stamped me in as entry without visa. It took 2 hours. I went to the immigration at Hat yai airport and they corrected the error. They just mess up things
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Murray ********
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Robert *******
Thai Immigration at checkpoint is allowed to ask for proof of funds, accommodation and onward travel. Nothing wrong with that, I not understand that IF they decide to do their job correctly they are user unfriendly, making problems or has to be avoided. Get your act together and there will be no problem, after all you want to be a guest to their country.
Murray ********
ORIGINAL POSTERJust reporting my experiences, you can report yours.
Murray ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Robert ******
Following the rules is good. But not recognizing legitimite visas and arroangance is not good. BTW my letters confiem who I am and that I am following the rules. Sometimes when you roll up at Padang Besar at 9.30pm with a legitmate visa and they tell you it is expired, it gets very frustrating. There is a lot going on there. I have been going across that border 3 times a week since 2001Robert *******
So now you're saying Immigration officers are not allowed to follow the rules because you have some letters?
Murray ********
ORIGINAL POSTERI just object to the arrogance and rudiness and even dihonesty where they dont recognise your visa. I have my act together dont worry. I also carry a personal letter from the Governor of Songkhla and head of the 4th Army, which i only use after the shit I am given.
Mark ******
Or my Rent Contract,i think soo
Robert *******
Yellow housebook can be used as proof of accommodation.
Mark ******
And wehen i live Privat,lets say whit my Famalie?...i need Copie if is anove the Housebook?
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Mark ******
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Ron *******
You never know where or when the problem is going to arise and when they are likely to up the anti at any crossing.
David ********
Never had any problem re-entering Thailand at Taba or Sungai Kolok, both in Narathiwat Province.
Shyla ***********
Thanks for the information! It's a big help.
Robert ********
Interesting to hear what happens when there is no Elite staff to assist with immigration formalities.
@Ron ******
mentioned this a few times before when he arrived @ U Tapao where there are no Elite staff available.Adam ******
Sadoa crossing is easy and hassle free, decent people there actually.
Reza ********
Does the money required have to be cash in pocket or can it be in Thai bank ACOUNT ?
Murray ********
ORIGINAL POSTERThey want to see cash only.
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Murray ********
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Robert *******
Do you know why the foreigner got rejected? For the rest it looks like Immigration is just doing their job.
Murray ********
ORIGINAL POSTERFrom what I heardthe IO say, no accomodation booked and no onward outbound ticket.
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Murray ********
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Tod *********
The proof of funds has been on the books since about 1979 I believe.
Even holding a PE thai elite card doesn't exempt you from that.
That border is very well known for the way they run things
Even holding a PE thai elite card doesn't exempt you from that.
That border is very well known for the way they run things
Mark ******
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Murray ********
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