What are the details for a border run from Surathani to Padang Besar for multi-entry visa holders?

Border Run Visa Rules Multi-Entry Visa Padang Besar Surathani Thailand Immigration Train Travel Visa Activation

Jul 23, 2024

4 months ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi. I've done the spy glass thing and didn't find anything recent.

Has anyone done the Surathani/ Padang besar and return border run (Bounce) recently?

Do I book tickets to Padang Besar (Thai Side) or Stay on the train to Padang Besar itself?

I'm on Multi Entry visa and need to activate next 90 days.

Any issues at the border (1300thb service charge like at Sado)?

Many thanks for your help

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TLDR : Answer Summary

A user inquires about conducting a border run from Surathani to Padang Besar to activate their multi-entry visa for the next 90 days. They ask whether to book tickets to Padang Besar (Thai Side) or stay on the train to the border itself and inquire about any potential issues, such as service charges at the border. A commenter advises to book the train to Padang Besar (the regular stop), as it takes you directly to the immigration area. They mention that they have not experienced issues at immigration but suggest that it's wise to confirm if a night stay is required for a border run.

Frank-Steven ***********

You book the train to Padang Besar - not Padang Besar (Thai). The Padang Besar (Thai) is a separate stop before the border still on the Thai side. The Padang Besar regular stop brings you right to the train station where the immigration is and where you can change to the Malaysian trains. I have not done a border run there, but I have entered from Malaysia to Thailand there. No particular issues with immigration. Not sure if for a pure border run they might ask you to stay at least a night before returning (at some land borders that can happen at will). Maybe someone else has done a pure border run there and can chime in.

Note, you could also exit at the Pedang Besar (Thai) station and make your way to the alternative road land border crossing nearby as an alternative.

4 months ago

Nigel *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Frank-Steven **********

Thanks Frank.. appreciate the heads up

4 months ago

Frank-Steven ***********

@Nigel ********

The Thai trains coming and going to / from Thailand are on the one side of the station on separate tracks, the trains coming and going from Malaysia are on the other side of the station also on separate tracks. In between are both immigrations. Be aware that those immigrations only open when a corresponding train on the other side has arrived and waits there ready to leave. Thus, there can be some waiting time involved crossing forth and back.

4 months ago

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Frank-Steven ***********

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