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What are the risks of being denied entry when doing a land border crossing into Thailand with a METV?

Thailand visa border run METV visa entry rules immigration advice land border crossing entry denial reasons visa regulations expat experiences

Mar 29, 2019

6 years ago

Mark ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hello all. I am doing a border run tomorrow from Hat Yai to Pedang Besar. (I have a METV from UK and this is my first time going out of Thailand). 

My wife and son were at immigration today getting her working visa extended to 1 year. Whilst doing this, the immigration officer told my wife that doing a land border crossing wasn't a good idea even though I have the 20k funds, first time in Thailand so I haven't been going in and out of Thailand on visa exempts. I have the correct visa for my requirements. I fully understand that it is down to the immigration officers decision but are there any real reason for not granting me entry back into Thailand?

TIA

Mark

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The discussion covers concerns surrounding a land border crossing from Hat Yai to Pedang Besar when holding a Multiple Entry Tourist Visa (METV). The original poster, Mark, shares advice from an immigration officer regarding the potential risks involved in this crossing, particularly being new to Thailand and the uncertainties around immigration policies. Community members provide insights into the factors affecting entry, like having sufficient funds, proof of onward travel, and varying experiences at different borders. Some members note that there might be unofficial requirements to stay overnight in Malaysia before re-entering Thailand. Ultimately, experiences vary, and while the risks exist, several users report successful re-entries with similar visas.

Mark ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Well that was tough lol got grilled hard man. Still back in though 😁

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Mark ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

yeah I will avoid it. Luckily we are going travelling when my next one runs out so hopefully it will be easier 😲

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Tod *********

@Mark **********

That would make me scratch that area of the border off the list of places to bounce out and back in at. :O

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Mark ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

no I actually didn't get back in at the train station office. They told me I had to stay or try the land border. Went to the land border and they grilled me pretty hard as to why I was going back when I had just arrived. After lots of head shaking I eventually got stamped.

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Tod *********

at least you made it back in. As you found out that's NOT the best border to bounce out and back in at :O

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Tod *********

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Spence ********

I have recently done the same crossing on a Multiple entry tourist visa issued in the UK. I had no problems at all although they did want to see the 20k cash..l

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Mark ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Spence *******

hoping for the same 🤞

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Mark ***********

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Tod *********

I have found that you need to take what ever an immigration officer tells you about border bouncing with a grain of salt.

Immigration officers in the offices don't know what's what at borders at all.

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Sebastian ***********

I see. Would be nice to be able to use my multiple entries on the closest border.

Ranong has some nice size Gt's and other good fish!

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Ron *******

@Sebastian **********

friends of mine cross there when we fish from Ranong. They are Malay and Singaporean passport holders. Sometimes they get lots of grief. Sometimes no problem.

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Sebastian ***********

Ron Angel Interesting, seems like it's a way for some officers to make money if it is Satun. My wife comes from Satun so we decided to use one of the ampur's there when getting married since we will be moving there in the future. The boss at the Ampur told us that he could arrange border runs for me for 3000 baht 😂 rather drive another 45 minutes and use another border if that is the case

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Ron *******

I think it might be Satun. Not the happiest place

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Tod *********

AFAIK it's just people who are border bouncing for a new entry on a visa or on a visa exempt entry.

I've heard reports of people on multi-entry tourist visas and non-immigrant visas being told they need to stay a night in Malaysia

It's only ONE of those borders down there but I dunno which one it is

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David ********

Tod , do you know if the rule about staying in Malaysia overnight that is being applied at the southern borders , is this for all visa types or just the 30 day visa exemptions

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David ********

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David ********

I have heard that Pedang Besar insist you stay at least one night in Malaysia. Maybe that is what he meant ?

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Thomas ********************

I've seen something similar. I doubt it applies when you already have a METV.

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Mark ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

is there any official document that states this?

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Mark ***********

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Thomas ********************

Along with the 20k cash, bring proof of onward travel (pretty sure they could ask for "within 60 days") and proof of lodging.

I don't think you'll have any problem.

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Thomas ********************

Still don't think you'll have any issue. But they could ask for it.

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Mark ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Thomas *******************

I have my TM30 but no proof of onward travel as we have no idea where we are going next...

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Mark ***********

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Sebastian ***********

There is overall less risk of being denied entry crossing a landborder compared to entering on a airport especially Bkk and Phuket Airport.

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Robert *******

Never seen people getting denied entry for that or even heard that people got asked for it.

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Mark ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thanks Robert. The only one of concern is the small pox vaccine. That was never made aware when I was getting my visa from the UK. As per the royal Thai embassy guidelines, it isn't mandatory.

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Robert *******

These are the reasons people could be denied entry for:

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Robert *******

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