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Answered3 years ago

What border run options should I consider for re-entry to Thailand?

Visa rules Border runs Thailand immigration TR visa Re-entry Visa extensions

Brown ********

OP

asked Sep 4, 2023

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So I thought I'd just throw this out to get an idea on what option you guys who are experienced with immigration situations on would go for.

I spent nearly 4 months from late November to mid March this year in Thailand. Re-entered for 4 days early April from Mexico before flying home where I spent 3 months. I then came back in late June and currently on a 30 day extension after a 60 day TR. I need to do a border run on the 25th of September.

I have a condo lease. Can obviously pocket 20k easy enough and will have a flight booked to Kuala Lumpur on the 24th of October.

Im staying in bang saray and thinking of riding to the phsar prum border for my border run. 

I've read poipet is a no go and most of you have recommended going with a company to drop all doubts on re-entry. 

Now I know there's no yes you will get back in or yes you will get denied answer to this and that it's a try at your own risk answer, but I just wanna get an idea of what option you guys would be taking.

Cheers

Answer summary

The user is seeking advice on border run options for re-entry into Thailand after an extended stay. They have experienced back-to-back entries and are cautious about how this might affect their re-entry chances. Comments suggest using a border run company for assurance despite it being more expensive, while others feel confident to travel independently given their experience. There are mixed opinions on the necessity of using agents, with some sharing personal experiences of successful crossings.

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Terary **********

Terary **********

I went from Pattaya to some Cambodian border, using an agent, ride was about 3-4 hours. I do no recall the name of the crossing. The agent provided the ride, there and back. Also once I exited Thailand before entering Cambodia somebody (I assume associated with the agent) took my passport, disappeared for about an hour, came back and my passport managed to get stamped into and out of Cambodia. Once I was given my passport the agent told me which agent/window to avoid. I think agent provide a little more than nothing and certainly worth the fee.

I used agent on Soi 6, Beach road, Pattaya. They're located in the back of a restaurant, I think the name of the restaurant is The Victorian or something similiar.

2

Yi ************

Yi ************

@Terary *********

I used the same agent . 3700 baht . Quick and smooth . Driver even paid for our lunch at a local restaurant. It's a 9 seater van but only took 6 people. Comfortable enough. I would recommend

1

Brown ********

Brown ********

OP

@Terary *********

cheers

0

Bonnie *******

Bonnie *******

Going with a company just means more money. It doesn't improve your chances of getting in. Why are you worried. You seem to have done this enough on your own to understand how it all works. Take a train from Bangkok to Poipet.

4

Todd *********

Todd *********

it actually guarantees you get back in. The company won’t take you if they can’t get you back in.

3

Brown ********

Brown ********

OP

I'm worried because of everything I read on here. Poipet is told avoid at all costs if you have stayed an extended time

1

Todd *********

Todd *********

PoiPet adds an element of risk. The office is known to be very strict. Make sure you have the 3 requirements. If they don’t believe your story, they will turn you back. And then it’s a long ride back to Siem Reap for an airport

1

Brown ********

Brown ********

OP

yes I think I will be going that way on the grounds of this being the 2nd extended stay in 1 year. Next year I'll be getting the retirement visa 😁

1

Todd *********

Todd *********

up to you as they say here. But i would definitely consider the peace of mind of eliminated risk of using an agent. Cost is quite low really and you are guaranteed to get back in

0

Brown ********

Brown ********

OP

I won't be going to poipet if I do the border run myself. I'd go to phsar prum as I live in bang saray. Seems to be roughly the same time frame of travel. That's why I was asking for opinions on whether I go myself or just fork out the cash to go with a company

0

Bonnie *******

Bonnie *******

most of that is just talk to scare you into using their company. If you haven't been to Cambodia before I suggest you take a bus and spend a week or so in Siem Reap.

2

Paul *******

Paul *******

well, now you.ll hear another talk about it. I would definiately avoid crossing the Poipet border.

2

Ադամ ********

Ադամ ********

I have never heard a single good thing about that rouge crossing!

1

Bonnie *******

Bonnie *******

@Brandon ***********

I only hear you talking about it

2

Brandon ************

Brandon ************

You think the dozens of people who have personally reported being denied entry at Poipet and sent to Siem Riep to fly back are just talk?

0

John **********

John **********

If you want to ensure you get back in without fuss use a border run company rather than doing it yourself. They will only take you if they can get you back

5

Will *****

Will *****

@John *********

Any recommendations?

0

John **********

John **********

best to ask in a local group to your area

1

John **********

John **********

yes you would. They take you and take you back. You still have to cross into another country and return. They will ensure you can return without a problem though.

2

Will *****

Will *****

@John *********

Would you still need to physically do border runs if you entrust with these companies?

0

Stuart *********

Stuart *********

Immigration are basically looking for a trend. If you have multiple back to back entries that aren’t typical of a “normal” tourist then they may feel that you’re trying to exploit the tourist visa /exempt entry scheme to stay long term in Thailand without a correct visa (and potentially working here).

Typical tourist activities would be entering Thailand, visiting somewhere else in SE Asia and re entering Thailand to go home. This wouldn’t raise red flags for the officer. Back to back entries and extensions could.

3

Stuart *********

Stuart *********

sorry not sure where you got that from. Solo travellers usually have a fabulous time in Thailand.

0

Brown ********

Brown ********

OP

@Stuart ********

dude seriously? How did advising me about immigration getting sus your living in Thailand on tourists visas turn to travelling solo is the bomb like I was making out it was too dangerous? Like come on man.

0

Brown ********

Brown ********

OP

@Stuart ********

so basically your saying I'd be taking a big risk to go alone.

0

Brown ********

Brown ********

OP

@Stuart ********

mate I didn't mean to be offensive but I'm talking about going to the border with a company or SOLO. Not about travelling Thailand solo

0

Stuart *********

Stuart *********

way better to use a visa run / border bounce company rather than try solo for many places. You can try solo, but the companies just know what works and who to deal with.

2

Bob ********

Bob ********

@Stuart ********

Bearing in mind, Thailand is using the Epassport gates much more now, but I suspect officials training in recognising trends is probably lagging, I wouldn't be surprised if Automatic Flags start appearing soon, taking the responsibilty off the guy on the gate. the talk of longer visaa free stays and recognition of dual passport citizens makes me think the whole package will be automated soon.

1

Stuart *********

Stuart *********

are you referring to Thailand? Perhaps it will be so. I won’t hold my breath.

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