What are the requirements for re-entering Thailand after a border run to Myanmar?

Jun 10, 2023
2 years ago
Riaan **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Tried to do the Ranong - Mayanmar boder bounce today. Luckily before I got stamped out, the immigration officer told me I must make sure that I have the three requisites ready for when I return, else they won't allow me back.

1. Proof of paid accommodation for the entire stay

2. Proof of leaving Thailand within the 30 days

3. 20000THB in CASH, no bank books or statements or other currency's, MUST be Thai Baht, in Cash.

People with multiple entry visas in the queue in front of me was advised that even with a valid visa, they are not guaranteed entry if the officer feels otherwise.

It is just too much of how a specific officer feels than what the rules state.

It was too mich of a gamble to be stuck in war-torn mayanmar, will do a flight to Malaysia during the week
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The original poster shares their experience at the Ranong-Myanmar border, highlighting that re-entry into Thailand requires three specific proofs: paid accommodation for the entire stay, proof of leaving Thailand within 30 days, and 20,000 THB in cash. They note that even those with multiple entry visas face uncertainty at the discretion of immigration officials. Commenters discuss the varying enforcement of these rules, expressing frustration over the perceived arbitrary nature of immigration officers' decisions, particularly regarding the cash requirement and the necessity of extensive accommodation bookings.
Elly *******
And look smart - even for a Tourist visa. shirt etc...
Elly *******
Yes it really can come down to who you get. I just for a TR in KUL Thai embassy days ago. The only surprise for me was being suddenly asked to provide conversion rate for my Australian income showing on my printed bank statement into Thai baht. I had to quickly convert online and write it down. be prepared for anything yo can think of, for ANY visa!
Sophie *********
Native ****************
I read all the replies on this post and was surprised to Not see the Grand Adaman Pier crossing option mentioned. Did this border crossing over a douzaine times at the Fisherman Dock with hundreds of people lines up to stamp in and out, but found out that there is another option with Grand Adaman Ranong pier... At that Pier there is no big line up, lots of spots to sit and even have a coffee on the Pier which is absolutely super and needless to say, the stress level is way less than standing in a long line up at a fishing dock and all the nice smells that come with it. The environment being much more tamed and relaxed makes the border crossing experience much more enjoyable and the Immigration Officers there, although still blessed with Thai mentality, are way more pleasant.
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Native ****************
That's quite regretable as this use to be the best place for a Visa run :o(
Nigel *********
@Native ***************
just last few days got an unconfirmed report that immigration is back at Andaman club.
Native ****************
@Nigel ********
Thanks for the update... Be nice if someone could confirm this... Also perhaps call either the Adaman Sea Grand hotel in ranong
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OR the Grand Adaman Island Casino to check.
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Native ****************
Just tried the Grand Adaman Hotel Ranong all number and No answer
Richard *********
@Native ***************
currently no open

way back in the 90's stayed one night at the casino> there were like 10 people total at the hotel 🙂

you cant do any onward travel into Burma from there
Riaan **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Native ***************
at this stage the crossing is open, but no immigration there
Paul *******
@Riaan *********
Does (or did) Grand Andaman island have its own immigration processing facilities? I've never seen them mentioned on any Myanmar immigration or government website. Like if you want to spend the night or enter the country with a visa, you can only use Kawthoung to stamp in, though you are allowed to then travel to Grand Andaman and spend the night there if you wanted
Nigel *********
@Paul ******
yes. There is immigration at the casino. It has just very recently re opened there.
Native ****************
@Riaan *********
Ok good to know that, Thanks for sharing
Clint *********
Damn
Paul *******
I find it strange that multiple entry visa holders would have an issue. Those on tourist visas or rather, visa exempt, OK I can see it.
Michael *******
Brown ********
This crap is becoming increasingly annoying. The accommodation and 20k, ok that's fair enough. But with the rules stating 2 border runs a year is valid, there is no reason to be asking for an ongoing ticket after 30 days of return.
เควิน ******
@Brown *******
The proof of accommodations is not reasonable at all, most normal tourists do not plan things out like that. That's something a resident has not the average tourist.
Brown ********
@เควิน *****
it's a good point too
Jae *******
@Brown *******
Proof of accommodation for 30 days though? Not acceptable to me, how can you travel the country unless it's all pre planned?
Brown ********
@Jae ******
I agree. I have my own condo so this fortunately doesn't effect me but yeah it's a tyrannical rule unfortunately
Paul *******
@Jae ******
Exactly. Even the 20K in cash is more reasonable to me than 30 days of accommodation bookings. That sounds more like what a resident would do, not a tourist. A tourist might have their first and second night's pre-booked but that's about it.
Frank-Steven ***********
Remember: Even having the 3 proofs, this does not guarantee entry into Thailand. They could still resort to other parts of the relevant legislation (mostly the Thai Immigration Act) to deny entry. Or they could just make requirements up that are not written anywhere. Sometimes, people got even straight to being shaken down without even being asked for any of those 3 proofs. The risk of denial increases with your travel history (and the length of stay of previous trips).
Leigh *****
Yeah,immigration officer got me there many years ago,wanted to see my return flight ticket's, went back next day no problem another officer say🤣🤣🤣
Pui *****
You may always be required to show those same 3 proofs even when flying in. There have been plenty of posts over time from people denied entry when asked to show the 3 proofs and they couldn't.
Bernard *****
I was already asking 20,000 THB in cash at Padang Besar border and entry denied.

I had to go back to a Malaysian ATM.
Neal *********
@Bernard ****
is this for all passports ??
Bernard *****
@Neal ********
Yes it is the law 😊😊 But never been asked all the times except one time... and I was the only one in the queue, no Malaysian people were asked to show the 20,000 😀😀 I asked to talk to the immigration chief and in his office he had a big old poster where it was written "20,000..."

It is the law, that's all.

But rarely applied
Phil ******
@Riaan *********
sounds about right. Hard border to cross
Quizas ****************
So for requirement 1, are you having the hotel booked and paid in full ? for how many days ? and for requirement 2, you have an onward ticket leaving Thailand ?
Riaan **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Quizas ***************
yes I do, I leave Tahiland on 2 July, my current stamp ends 23 June, and I have all the proofs, my concer is, I don't want to be stuck in Myanmar, I'll rather be stuck in Malaysia, that is why I declined today's border bounce
Quizas ****************
@Riaan *********
sorry I may not be able to fully understand, are you saying you give up the border bounce today, continue to stay in Thailand, then will fly to Malaysia, and will enter Thailand by air ?
Mike ********
@Riaan *********
A $10 onward air ticket/an Agoda hotel reservation (cancelable)and 20 k bht out of atm and I don’t think you would have had a problem,. Good Wi-Fi and you could have sorted it all in half an hour,. If you had all 3 to hand on re entry to thailand they hadn’t any grounds to deny you,.
Riaan **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Mike *******
they CAN deny you, even if you have all 3,just because the officer feels like it, and since I dont want to be stuck in Myanmar, I rather declined.
Todd *********
@Riaan *********
they would not let you out there if you can’t get back in.
Paul *******
@Riaan *********
If your stamp is running out, make a beeline for the Malaysian border BUT ideally, spend a couple of nights there before returning. Look like an actual tourist. 2 or 3 nights in Penang can be a lot of fun.
Ben *********
Horrendous requirements, my opinion.
Brown ********
@Brandon ***********
that's actually a good point but then if this is the case, the rule should be abolished otherwise it's simply to grey. Perhaps the best rule here would be allow only 1 border run per visa. Then there's no confusion. But that was a fair twist at the same time both reasons have merit. Cheers
Paul *******
@Ben ********
Especially number 1. Few legitimate tourists book an entire 30 day stay in advance. That's what residents do, they book a house or apartment because they're staying in one place as they're residents.

The cash requirement is also ridiculous, although I'm a strong proponent of cash usage, having to show 20K Baht cash is ridiculous. It's a lot of money, you could get robbed or lose it, it isn't necessary to have that much cash on you to get around Thailand. It would be more sensible to show online banking statements showing proof of this amount and/or a combination of cash and bank statements.

After all, one can't show proof of 400K or 800K in cash when extending a visa for marriage or retirement purposes, respectively. The funds need to be electronic, in a Thai bank account.
Native ****************
@Paul ******
Great points! If the OP does not want to carry the cash which is totally understandable, he can get a Stamp and Signed letter from the bank showing 20,000 Bahts either on the day of departure or Border Patrol Officers will also accept the day before with an updated Bank book with signed and bank stamped Passport photocopy. Best of luck!
Riaan **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Native ***************
specifically asked, they saod CASH ONLY, no bank book will be accepted
Native ****************
@Riaan *********
I totally here and appreciate what the agent said and how definite he might of made it sound, but as I am sure we can all agree, they seem to make the rules as they go here, but we tend to forget that Form is much more important than Substance in this country where politeness is not only a virtue, but a must. To give you an idea, I was asked the exact same thing at the exact same border and then slowly took out my folder with the Sign and Bank Stamped proof of funds letter and handed it over ever so gingerly, in the same manner we are treated with the transfer of cash at decent restaurants (one hand behind the other), along with a polite smile and the Border Patrol gladly accepted it. Good to note that if we take a moment to think that we are a guest here and Not make anyone lose face or feel uncomfortable <Mai Greng Jai> here in the Land of Smiles, everything will go smoothly. Hope this helps
Brandon ************
@Native ***************
the written rule in law states CASH ONLY so if they accepted something else from you, you were lucky. They specifically will not accept bank apps, bank statements, or credit/debit cards. Giving anyone else different advice is giving them wrong advise.
Brown ********
@Brandon ***********
so you tell me where the viable logic of a traveller going into Thailand who has 800k in he's Thai bank account but not 20k baht in he's wallet? Forget the rule. I'm asking you if immigration ask for 20k cash to prove to them you've got money to spend in Thailand yet won't accept a Thai bank app with that much money in it?
Brandon ************
@Brown *******
the 3 proofs only apply to tourist entries. Non-immigrant visas and extensions are not required to show anything. But entry is at the discretion of the immigration officer so they can demand whatever they want.
Brown ********
Native ****************
@Brandon ***********
Point well taken... Just so I can offer just and proper advice, do you have to link on those rules and laws?
Brown ********
@Native ***************
I don't think it's a written law. I think these rules are just used as an excuse to deny entry at the discretion of the immigration officer. If denied entry rules we're legit, showing a Thai bank account with sufficient funds would be considered. I think it all simply comes down to the immigration officers personal judgement on you as apposed to genuine concern of you playing by the real rules
Brown ********
@Ben ********
certainly the exit ticket after 30 days when 2 border runs are well within the rule book
Brandon ************
@Brown *******
what does a border run have to do with proof you're leaving Thailand within the amount of days you'll be stamped in for? Your point is the exact opposite of what you're saying.

You are being given 30 days in Thailand so they are well within their right to ask you for proof that you'll be leaving within that 30 days to not overstay. Going on a border run is leaving the country. So have proof you'll be doing that.
Richard *********
Ranong is very good about that< if they wont let ya back in, they wont let you leave>

OP has some serious bad luck or a lot of visa exempt entries/tourists visas to be told this > Usually they are very lenient there
Paul *******
@Richard ********
Ranong can be used as a legitimate entry point for Myanmar, there is no need to return the same way you came (unlike at Mae Sot, which as far as I know remains closed to foreign nationals).

Do Ranong officials assume every foreigner is only going there for a visa/border run? I mean, many people are actually interested in checking out Myanmar (OK, maybe not now, but I'm sure not every farang is aware of the current political situation over there). Others are, but still want to go due to curiosity.
Richard *********
@Paul ******
My 10 bahts worth:

I'd say 95% of people that enter there, come back in less than a few hours as onward overland travel is banned for now and even before it was long bus rides after they stopped the boats travelling north.

or you fly

I was lucky and did boats all the way down ( 2 days from Dawei )in dec 2015
Paul *******
@Richard ********
I see. Yeah that probably explains Thai official's assumptions. It's only a rare foreigner that stays in Kawthoung or travels beyond, especially at the present time.
Riaan **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Richard ********
nope, single visa exempt entry with extension
Lyndon ************
I'd be surprised if they let anyone out on a stamp bounce into Myanmar they wouldn't let back in. Never heard of anyone re-entering as such getting denied entry to Thailand
Todd *********
This page has definitely consistently warned of the importance of those three criteria. They definitely are important. Myanmar is a very nice country and low cost. But i don't believe there is much to do on the other side there? Bagan, Inle, Mergui, Ngapali, Mandalay all great. And even Yangon is a very interesting visit, but messy. I would not have any reservations about being 'stuck' in Myanmar now
Clint *********
@Todd ********
I got my 20K... Just in case.
Maxim ***********
It's not a gamble if you have the three proof of he told you to have. Each border have different requirement, so the best is to ask here in advance.
Paul *******
@Maxim **********
Well then you're saying if you're on an extension of stay they could ask for these proofs as well? A marriage or business visa should be different, as they're intended for long termers. I get what you're saying about immigration officials often making things up or misinterpreting the rules. Just that multiple entry visa holders shouldn't be subjected to such randomness. I was on multiple entry non Bs or non Os for years, never had a problem with bounces although with the exception of the Myanmar borders I generally spent at least a night in the neighboring country as I either had business to do there anyway or preferred staying in the neighboring country as I had come all that way. Also, to me, Vientiane is way more exciting and interesting than Nong Khai, hence why I have no desire to spend the night in Nong Khai. Similarly, I'd rather spend the night in Savannakhet than Mukdahan because the former has better food (you have 2 French restaurants, Mukdahan has none).

Myawaddy is different because you're forced to return the same day without a visa (talking about pre Covid rules here).
Riaan **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Maxim **********
i had all three proofs, but just the warning of not being able to re-enter because the officer feels that way, is too much of a gamble to me. I would rather take the chance of being denied when in Malaysia than in Myanmar
Native ****************
If you have the 3 proof requirements they request, everything should go smoothly. However, the one thing I learned the hard way is to never forget the ultimate importance of Thai Etiquette when engaging in any exchange with Thai poeple, especially when dealing with the Authorities. First walking slowly and being calm is a good practice, with the must-have Smile of Politeness to establish a <Greng Jai> exchange is a good habit to pick up. Then, if you are comfortable with Thai Language, maybe throw in a small <Sawasdee khrap> while smiling BEFORE engaging in any conversation will go a long way to help set a pleasing <Greng Jai> atmosphere. This second recommendation will also help show your level of ultimate respect for Thai culture and this small but VERY meaningful gesture should definitely earn you that same respect in return. When addressing anyone of authority, it is considered amongst Thai's to be of utmost importance to address the Officer with the proper <Wai> gesture accompanied with the standard polite Smile prior to engaging in any conversation. Eventhough I lived here for many years, I have been guilty of forgetting these steps on occasion and can honestly say that when in the Land Of Smiles, it is definitely worth making 100% sure to both know and follow these rules of etiquette that are seldom mentioned. Lastly, it goes without saying that when we are seeking to be treated professionally, dressing appropriately for this professional occasion would be highly recommended. Hopefully this will help to make your Visa run go smoothly and in case anyone is curious, I included the 3 different <Wai> greetings and how to use them. Shoke dee took khun na khrap
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Paul *******
@Native ***************
If you speak Thai, the authorities will probably treat you better. However, if you don't look like you're legitimate, based on your travel history, no amount of waiing will get you off being refused entry. Most likely you'll be told nicely "go and get the appropriate visa and we'll happily grant you entry next time".

Even wearing a mask (LOL) won't endear you to the Thai authorities if your travel history isn't good.
Native ****************
Good points... As we all know, there is always a small possibility of meeting the Official that is on the take, but aside from that very slim chance, just giving attention to Thai etiquette in a country where Form often superseeds Substance will go a very long way to make things go smoothly.
Native ****************
@Paul ******
Interesting point of view indeed. Not necessarily having to speak Thai, but the recommendation is more directed at showing respect and being mindful of Thai etiquette protocols that are the laws of the land we are trying to enter. Keeping in mind that Form supersedes Substance here in Asia, just following a few simple steps in Asian protocol will greatly improve the chances of having a positive experience. By reading endless amounts of posts, I think most are very well aware that rules seem to just pop up or be made up on a whim, but if one takes a moment to reflect on how the interaction actually took place from a <Thai way> point of view, that might actually help to find out where things actually went wrong. For those more fortunate ones who have had the benefit of sharing a few cold ones with some well educated and well travelled Thai's will know that we foreigners are often seen as over bearing and unpolished in our ways of enteracting, all adding up to being very impolite (=Mai Greng Jai) which in addition to breaking one the principles of the Buddhist commandments, is also considered a significant mistake in Thai etiquette. Then, if we put this concept in a context of an enteraction with a Border Patrol Officer, I think everyone can see the potential for a good thing to go sideways very quickly. This even if one has all is paperwork ducks in a row. Not trying to start a major debate here, but just trying to point out a few details to help the OP get success.
Paul *******
@Native ***************
I sarcastically threw in the mask comment at the end, because I've noticed masks have become an etiquette thing that has lasted long beyond their usefulness.

I personally hate masks (knowing also how ineffective they are but i don't wish to get further into that in this thread) thus I don't play along with the charade. I have noticed Thais are using masks as a way of deference towards those who are older, more experienced and more powerful than they are. For example, you might have a rich and powerful Thai who is unmasked surrounded by masked employees or others of lesser status.

It seems that we went from mask wearing for Covid towards a permanent "mask etiquette" that has been woven into the social fabric of this country in a similar way to Japan.

The difference is that Thailand didn't have a mask wearing culture pre-Covid, despite claims by some to the contrary, whereas Japan did. The occasional sick person or person wearing a mask when air quality being bad doesn't count. Whereas in Japan, masks have long been used in all sorts of situations that have nothing to do with disease protection. Now Thais seem to have adopted this habit too.

Anyway, sorry for the long-winded response. My point is, while there is no need or expectation for us to follow suit, I think mask wearing has become another weird "etiquette" thing in Thai culture.
Paul *******
@Native ***************
Good analysis, but it goes both ways. I've seen plenty of examples of entitlement among richer Thais, who believe they have the right to shout things like "do you know who I am?" at police officers for pulling them over for a minor traffic offense. Or the old grannies making a hissy fit when they arrive late for a flight.

However, I think I know what you mean by "uncouth behavior" by foreigners towards Thai officials/Thai people in general.

Screaming and shouting, acting entitled while being a poor backpacker and/or a digital nomad who believes Thailand doesn't have any laws worth respecting is not going to get you very far.

On the other hand, someone who is more experienced in the ways of Thailand and can explain his situation, show proof of funds, isn't a serial border runner, this sort of thing should be able to talk his way out of any untoward situation.
Bob **********
@Riaan *********
How many bounces have you done
Riaan **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Bob *********
no history of bounces whatsoever
Maxim ***********
@Riaan *********
You misunderstood what he said. He said that with multiple entry it's a gamble whether or not they will ask for the proofs. But, in your situation, they will. You had the 3 proofs therefore there was no gamble.
Paul *******
@Maxim **********
On what basis would they deny a multiple visa holder? That makes no sense. A multiple entry visa allows unlimited entries into the country and Burmese restrictions often force one to come back the same way anyway.
Maxim ***********
@Paul ******
On the basis of not having the funds to support yourself? The 3 proof of exist no matter the visa you are in. Im not saying its great, but some border care about it.
Jody *******
Things change. Officers in charge change. Some higher ups like to make it difficult just because they can. Sometimes it's more about internal politics within immigration & government happenings, scandals, news related events, etc. A lot of it is about appearances. It's all b.s. but it's good to get latest reports to know what current requirements are. I'll be avoiding that crossing until the ridiculous 3 proofs are in the bin.
Jody *******
@Maxim **********
It's always a gamble at certain crossings if you have a history of certain visa/stamp types! You can be denied on the whim of a certain type of imm. officer, proofs or no proofs.
Bob **********
@Maxim **********
when they ask for the 3 proofs there looking to deny you
Maxim ***********
@Bob *********
No, some border will ask for it even if it's your first bounce ever.
Brandon ************
Every entry to Thailand (and any other country) is at the discretion of the immigration officer. That's the same at every border.

Thank you for the report though. Every report helps other members.
Andrew *********
@Brandon ***********
immigration officer has the right to refuse you entry as you have the right to challenge it with his supervisor.
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