What Are the Current Rules for Land Border Runs at Mae Sai for Non O Volunteer Visa Holders?

Jan 15, 2020
5 years ago
Jeremy ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Greetings,

Today I had to cancel Non O Volunteer Visa, and was told that instead of having 24 hours that I had been previously told, that I'd need to exit Chiang Mai/Thailand today. I'm unable to fly out and so my only thought is to catch one of the last buses to Mae Sai. To my knowledge, with the new year, land runs are reset? I was told at imm today however that they arent sure I would be allowed back in at Mae Sai despite that. Wondering if anyone has knowledge about the landrun situation at Mae Sai in a situation like this? Thank you
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The individual had to cancel their Non O Volunteer Visa and was informed they must exit Thailand immediately. They are considering taking a bus to Mae Sai but are uncertain whether they will be allowed back into Thailand after crossing. Community comments indicate that regulations regarding land border runs reset at the beginning of the new year, but there is uncertainty about re-entry at Mae Sai. It's suggested to check with immigration regarding extension options and possible re-entry difficulties.
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Tod *********
There never was a 24 hours to leave the country sort of thing. Most people actually go to their immigration office a few weeks before their actual termination date and cancel their extension THEN. The immigration office cancels the current extension and stamps you in until that termination date. Then you just leave.

As Henry said, if you can't bounce out and back in at Mae Sai - Tachiliek they won't even let you out of the country.

Good Luck.
Jeremy ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks all for the advice, if I'm able to return from Mae Sai I'll update the situation here😅 😰
Randy **********
They won't let you leave if they won't let you back in at that border, so you'll need to have a plan B to avoid overstay.
James ********
Good luck Jeremy.
Babo *********
Keep in mind that if you cant come back from tachileik leads no bus to the rest of myanmar... flight only from kengtung or tachileik, which are quite pricey
Robert *******
If you can not come back into Thailand the Thai Immigration at Mea Sai would not let you leave the country and tell you to find other ways.
Robert *******
I guess you cancelled your Extension of Stay (a big stamp from Immigration) based on being a volunteer. If you cancelled it today as last day of working as volunteer, you must leave today. You could have asked to apply for a new Extension of Stay, pay the 1.900 Thb fees and get a stamp application NOT approved and 7 days to leave the country.

For your next question, yes, the count of using Visa Exempt Entries by land borders did get reset at 1 jan. if you can make a land border crossing at that border is impossible to say, but as the Immigration check if you can come back to Thailand you can always try.

Some passports of certain countries are not allowed to do border runs.
Mary ********************
@Robert ******
so are you saying only one Visa exempt entry by land border per year instead of two?
Robert *******
Than I would say, run to the border.
Jeremy ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I see thank you. My passport is American. Yes I was informed about the 1900 7 day extension, but I have no problem exiting today if doing a land run would be ok to do
Joseph *****
Can you ask for extension?
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