What are the recent experiences of doing a border bounce at Hat Lek / Cham Yeam and the risks involved with Thai immigration?

Hat Lek border Cham Yeam border crossing Visa regulations Thailand immigration 30-day visa exemption Visa denial experience Cambodia exit fees Passport issues Thai immigration rules

Oct 26, 2019

5 years ago

Craig *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hey all, I'd like to hear anyone's recent experience of doing the Hat Lek / Cham Yeam border bounce. Any denials of re-entry? Or, any strict words from the Thai immigration officer upon exit/re-entry? Also, still possible to leave Cambodia the same day after paying extra 200-300 baht? My background: I'll need to go on 10 November and will be coming off of a 30-day exempt stamp + 30 day extension... and a 1 year education visa before that (all back-to-back. Prior to my current 30-day exempt stamp, I actually tried to apply for a Tourist Visa in Savannakhet and was denied. 6+ years on-and-off of past visas/entry stamps/exit stamps/extensions). I will be using a brand new passport that I received last week (US citizen), though I understand due to everything being automated/tracked electronically, that doesn't matter anymore. Thanks guys!

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The post inquires about recent experiences related to the Hat Lek / Cham Yeam border bounce, focusing on any denial of re-entry by Thai immigration officers and the ability to leave Cambodia the same day after paying an extra fee. The author shares a personal history of multiple visa types, including a recent 30-day exemption stamp. Commenters provide advice on visa exemptions, entry limitations based on past immigration history, and clarify that a new passport does not erase prior entry records in the immigration system.

Tod *********

Remember a new passport doesn't do anything but 'wipe the slate clean' at thai consulates when applying for a VISA from them, because they don't have a shared database (yet) and just look thru your passport.

All entry points to thailand are tied together and your entry history can be viewed for as far back as they wanna look. Changing a passport doesn't stop that. The system searches by DOB, sex, nationality, etc.

5 years ago

Craig *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thanks for your extensive replies!

5 years ago

Reply to

Craig *********

Tod *********

You are allowed TWO 30 day visa exempt entries in a calendar year (Jan 1 - Dec 31).

Now as far as will you have any problem with your clearly extensive history of living in thailand on visa exempt, ed visas etc OR if you can bribe your way around the rule that says you spend 24 hours in Cambodia no one can say

Try it and see.

5 years ago

Reply to

Tod *********

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