What are the current challenges and requirements when crossing the Padang Basar Border to Thailand?

Question

Received by PM a story about Padang Basar Border Crossing to Malaysia.
Stamped out Thailand no problems
Malaysia in/out no problems
Refused stamp into Thailand, you just stamped out so go back. No stamps, no denial stamp, (I've copy of passport. with al stamps as proof)
Spent 1 night in Malaysia, tried again this morning:
- Proof of 20K 
- Proof of residence 
- proof of onward travel 
Questions asked. 
- why do you come here 
- do you work 
- do you respect Thailand 
- why do you use Malaysia for this 
- who do I know in Thailand 
- can you speak thai

Foreigners AUTOMATICALLY straight to the officers room.. spend 25 mins in there.

Scanned my passport 
Stamped it. Seemed  very VERY, reluctant to stamp me in..

His history: Feb 3 weeks with Visa Exempt Entry.
Back home, came back with Visa Exempt Entry, 30 days Extensions of Stay and this is his FIRST border run.

Be aware if you use this border checkpoint.

Ask Thailand · Answer

A user recounts a challenging experience crossing the Padang Basar border from Malaysia into Thailand, detailing issues with passport stamping and questions asked by immigration officials. Despite presenting required documents like proof of funds and residence, they faced scrutiny and delays. Multiple comments from other expats reflect on changing border policies, the impact of historical corruption on current procedures, and experiences at the border, emphasizing the evolving nature of immigration enforcement.

Robert ************ · Answer

I have a multiple entry Nonimmigrant-O visa, and when I crossed at Pedang Besar, I was taken into the room and the lady officer asked me a bunch of questions. Oddly, at the time I thought she was just being nice.  Aside from that I got stamped in no problem.

Tom ********** · Answer

Only a few years ago, they had 'agents' arriving at the immigration window with stacks (30-40) of passports (with cash in them?)! Saw it more than once with my own eyes. - Now it's the other extreme. TiT!

Ron ******* · Answer

That was a few weeks ago.

Things change here overnight.

Fredrik ********* · Answer

I went though that border a few weeks ago with a non-b visa. No issues and no questions asked. I an extensive history with visa exempts and turist visas the last few years. But no issues at all.

Ron ******* · Answer

Get used to it. The game is changing.

Chris ****** · Answer

And guess what my plans were for tomorrow 🤣

Chris ****** · Answer

No doubt these guys are not happy about the new no tips policy. That anger will vent somewhere.

Robert ******* · Answer

He has a UK passport.

Valère ************************* · Answer

There could be a very diffrent/specific reason for this. What is his passport country? Do you know?

What are the current challenges and requirements when crossing the Padang Basar Border to Thailand?

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