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What are the current challenges and requirements when crossing the Padang Basar Border to Thailand?
Visa RulesBorder CrossingPadang Basar BorderThailand ImmigrationVisa Exempt EntryNon-Immigrant VisaProof of FundsTravel TipsExpat Experiences
Nov 9, 2018
7 years ago
Robert *******
ORIGINAL POSTERReceived 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.
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.
TLDR : Answer Summary
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.
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Robert ************
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.
Tod *********
there are verified reports that people on one year, multi-entry Non-Immigrant visas were being asked for 20K baht at some of the southern borders too.
The only people NOT being asked were people already on long term extensions of stays :(
The only people NOT being asked were people already on long term extensions of stays :(
Reply to
Tod *********
Reply
Tom **********
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!
Tod *********
Yep, that's what made them start to ask for proof of funds (20K baht in cash) when you hit that crossing.. Someone turned in the officers who were taking the 200baht a passport to "look the other way" as far as the requirement.
Pascal ********
@Tom *********
those agents and the passport holders are the reason of enforcement of the rules.Reply to
Pascal ********
Reply
Ron *******
That was a few weeks ago.
Things change here overnight.
Things change here overnight.
Ron *******
@Robert ******
I wish it was still 1975 here 😀Robert *******
ORIGINAL POSTERYep, the rule is made in 1975, feels like yesterday.
Fredrik *********
Well that's correct. Difficult to keep up with all the changes.
Reply to
Fredrik *********
Reply
Fredrik *********
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 *******
Get used to it. The game is changing.
Chris ******
And guess what my plans were for tomorrow 🤣
Chris ******
No doubt these guys are not happy about the new no tips policy. That anger will vent somewhere.
Robert *******
ORIGINAL POSTERHe has a UK passport.
Robert *******
ORIGINAL POSTERThat's what I thought and shared it with all of you.
Valère *************************
@Robert ******
Then it's weird.Reply to
Valère *************************
Reply
Valère *************************
There could be a very diffrent/specific reason for this. What is his passport country? Do you know?
Reply to
Valère *************************
Reply
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