Answered5 months ago
What are the new rules for same-day border runs between Thailand and Laos?
THIM and TDAC notice
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Just a heads up for anyone planning a same-day border run between Thailand and Laos:
# Same-day re-entry is no longer automatically allowed ( DTV ).
When leaving Thailand, we were sent into a separate room ( Re-entry office ) where the officer asked how many days we planned to stay in Laos and when we intended to return to Thailand.
In my case, I honestly said that we would be back within around 2 hours. The officer then explained that this is no longer generally accepted, and that people are now expected to spend 2–3 days in Laos as “tourism/vacation” before re-entering Thailand.
Luckily, I was with my partner, who explained that we have a newborn baby at home. After discussing it, the supervisor eventually approved our re-entry request.
*Then, when I came back around 45 minutes later, the immigration officer didn’t ask me for a single document — no DTV e-visa, no TDAC, not even a hello 😂*
So just be aware: same-day re-entry ( DTV ) can now be refused if you do not have a valid reason.
Date : 22.05.2026
# Same-day re-entry is no longer automatically allowed ( DTV ).
When leaving Thailand, we were sent into a separate room ( Re-entry office ) where the officer asked how many days we planned to stay in Laos and when we intended to return to Thailand.
In my case, I honestly said that we would be back within around 2 hours. The officer then explained that this is no longer generally accepted, and that people are now expected to spend 2–3 days in Laos as “tourism/vacation” before re-entering Thailand.
Luckily, I was with my partner, who explained that we have a newborn baby at home. After discussing it, the supervisor eventually approved our re-entry request.
*Then, when I came back around 45 minutes later, the immigration officer didn’t ask me for a single document — no DTV e-visa, no TDAC, not even a hello 😂*
So just be aware: same-day re-entry ( DTV ) can now be refused if you do not have a valid reason.
Date : 22.05.2026
Answer summary
The post warns expats about new regulations regarding same-day re-entry from Laos to Thailand. Previously, travelers could re-enter on the same day without extensive questioning, but now officers may expect travelers to stay in Laos for 2–3 days as a form of tourism. A specific example illustrates a couple’s successful re-entry after explaining they had a newborn at home, but it highlights the potential for rejection if valid reasons are not provided. The comments delve into various visa types, including Non-O and Non-OA visas, and discuss application details and requirements, such as bank statements and health insurance.
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