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What are the experiences with crossing the Laos border for a visa run from Thailand?
Border RunDTV VisaLaos VisaVisa RegulationsThai BorderImmigrationExpat ExperiencesFriendship BridgeChiang Rai
Dec 10, 2025
5 months ago
Toni *******
ORIGINAL POSTERBorder run number 3 on 9.12., land border to laos, Friendship bridge 4 near chiang rai. We went to Laos for 2minutes and come back. No question asked at thai border coming back.
I have been here now and dtv since 31.8.2024 never been asked anything on enter, I have used cambodia border 1st time, laos vientiane 2nd time, and now FB4. Every time is so easy ❤️
I always drive at the border myself, and cross the border walking with only wallrt and phone.
Dont be afraid of the trolls, dtv is cool 🥰🥰🥰
There was a posr about this FB4 borser before that they ask for every document. No, not from me.
Laos border control suggested me I dont have to enter Laos, can just go back, but I didnt want to take "the risk" of not entering another country. If I had more time, i would have tried, but I had a tight schedule for this trip
I have been here now and dtv since 31.8.2024 never been asked anything on enter, I have used cambodia border 1st time, laos vientiane 2nd time, and now FB4. Every time is so easy ❤️
I always drive at the border myself, and cross the border walking with only wallrt and phone.
Dont be afraid of the trolls, dtv is cool 🥰🥰🥰
There was a posr about this FB4 borser before that they ask for every document. No, not from me.
Laos border control suggested me I dont have to enter Laos, can just go back, but I didnt want to take "the risk" of not entering another country. If I had more time, i would have tried, but I had a tight schedule for this trip
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user describes their experience with their third border run from Thailand to Laos via the Friendship Bridge 4 near Chiang Rai, noting that they were not questioned by Thai border guards upon re-entry. They express satisfaction with the ease of the process, highlighting that they have never faced issues during previous border runs at different crossings. Several comments discuss the visa procedure, emphasizing that the Laos border control allows travelers to pay for a visa upon exiting without needing to fully enter Laos. Other community members share their experiences and thoughts on the DTV visa, some expressing concerns about sharing such experiences publicly due to potential trolling.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
- Take the basic DTV Qualification Test to see if you're eligible for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV).
- For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
- Explore recent discussions by using the DTV Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
- Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
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Ivan ************
With "Laos border control suggested me I dont have to enter Laos, can just go back", they still take the money for the visa and stamp you in and out. They just do it in one go, putting the entry and exit stamps in at the same time. It's just a slight time saving vs going in and coming back and presenting yourself a second time. From the Thai side, it looks exactly the same as whether you went in to Laos or not.
Guy ********
You paid for the Laos visa ?
Anonymous ******************
If something works well, it's best not to shout about it on social media, especially when there are so many trolls and haters regarding the DTV. The risks outway the benefits
Joseph *******
Just leave and show respect no one cares about your border run thai don’t like it go leave and come later . What a waist of time to travel and turn around you not that important in Thailand lmao
Toni *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Joseph ******
with dtv, you can live here 5 years and no paperwork 🥰 you only need the money but thats easyToni *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Joseph ******
excuse me what? 🤣Reply to
Toni *******
Reply
Waqar ********
That's why we spent 10x the price of normal visa, on DTV. So we won't have to face border issues.
Anonymous ******************
@Waqar *******
10× the price of a normal visa? 🤣 You're funny. Do you even know how much a yearly multi-entry visa costs? You’re paying 10k for 5 years, or about 2k per year, and that’s to the MFA. Stop dreaming you’re holding the cheapest existing visa that gives no real benefit to Immigration.Waqar ********
Anonymous participant 445 your comment shows people can argue on anything. I was literally praising DTV and you started arguing without any context.
Reply to
Waqar ********
Reply
Ray *****
Toni *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Waqar *******
whats the cost difference between dtv and tourist visa, in 5 years? I think dtv cheaper? Finland 2months for 70€, thats 420€ a year, 2100€ for 5years. DTV is 250Joseph *******
@Toni ******
DTV is 250 ? Where you find this place ? Or you file yourself and pay yourself for Muay Thai or what cause that not cheap sounds like a scam lol . Show us you pay that cheap and not pay for anything else .Toni *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Joseph ******
i applied myself, no agents.. the cost is *****
thb, was about 250euros in august '24 i think. I didnt go soft power, i went for worckationJoseph *******
@Toni ******
that’s dope!!! I had a friend do his that way and went to Laos . yea it went up the cost of Muay Thai with that is like 6-750 usd . Cheaper than student . I did the student to learn more thai language a lot of fun . And will help when I get my work permit . I want DTV but seems many take advantage of it so I’ll do work visa next . Opening a nomad cafe here Bangkok after visa ends . Hope to serve ya a cup of Specialty coffee someday .Toni *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Joseph ******
i had ED for thai language before dtv, paid 30k for 1year and every 3months had to pay 5k for extension. So 10k for 5years dtv, not that much :)Reply to
Toni *******
Reply
Waqar ********
@Toni ******
yes over the time, DTV pays off. Specially if you travel a lot. Visit visa is around $46 in my country and DTV is $460 USD.Toni *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Waqar *******
yes DTV is very cheapReply to
Toni *******
Reply
Andy **********
Is svein still in Laos in love 🤣🤣😬
Reply to
Toni *******
Reply
Andi ***********
Very useful update to dispel so many silly rumours regarding entry with the DTV. Yeah, the DTV is cool!
Toni *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Andi **********
yes its so easy with dtv 👏👏👏Reply to
Toni *******
Reply
Nick *********
I'm probably going to take a drive down to Krabi and then further south to the satun border next month for mine lol. First border cross since I got the dtv so hoping for a smooth reentry.
Joseph *******
@Nick ********
just leave go have some fun show some respect to the country you won’t miss out any thing . Trust me go have fun it’s worth it and you make more cool stories then yea man I left for a hour came back so cool. Lmao most you sound so funny . I clown my friends for this same stuff you guys do. What a waist of your time to leave and turn around . Lmao go for a month or few weeks you have the money go enjoy it .Toni *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Joseph ******
i hope you enjoy your month, we with dtv enjoy our life here 🥰🥰🥰Reply to
Toni *******
Reply
Angela *********
Thanks for sharing this
Anonymous ******************
I hate people who comment anonymously
Reply to
Anonymous ******************
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