Our trouble at Poipet Aranyaprathet border, crossing an update.
Thanks to all who expressed sympathy, especially Tod.
Two of us travelling together arrived in the Kingdom on 8 December and got 45 day exemption. We extended for 30 days at Laem Ngop, Trat.
We planned to get another 45 day exemption by travelling out by road to Siem Reap and back over the Poipet Aranyaprathet border. We were denied entry and received a Denied Entry stamp in our passport. The border official instructed us to fly from Siem Reap to Bangkok instead.
I know that this is a massive own-goal on our parts. We didn't use a company to get us out and back, and I didn't research the border otherwise I would have found out that the Poipet Aranyaprathet border is tricky.
Then to compound our error when we arrived at the border:
1) We were underprepared and did not have our proofs in order
2) The Thai officials did not speak English and so verbal communication was pointless, so printed proofs were essential
3) However, at no point were we asked for the proofs - perhaps the language barrier
4) The actual Denial of Entry stamp said we were refused entry for not having proof of funds
I would say that our primary mistake apart from the poor choice of crossing, was not printing our our tickets back to the UK on 8 March. I am kicking myself.
We are back in.
We flew to Thailand yesterday. When we arrived at Suvarnabhumi Airport we were both taken aside by border control officials.
On us we had the three proofs:
1) confirmation of a flight back to Heathrow on 8 March.
2) ฿20 000 in cash each
3) proof of accommodation
When asked how long we intended to stay in the Kingdom (the only question they were concerned with) we said 16 days (the number of days until the flight back to the UK).
The border officials cautioned us to leave the Kingdom on 8 March as stated on our tickets. However, they said we did not have to fly back to Britain. They suggested that we apply for an e-Visa online and then fly to a neighbouring country before re-entering on the e-Visa.
They than stamped our passports with a 45 day exemption stamp.
TLDR : Answer Summary
Two travelers experienced difficulties at the Poipet Aranyaprathet border while attempting to enter Thailand, resulting in a Denied Entry stamp due to a lack of proof of funds and preparation. After flying into Thailand from Siem Reap, they successfully provided essential documents to immigration, including proof of accommodation and a flight back to the UK, which allowed them to receive a 45-day exemption stamp. They were advised to consider applying for an e-Visa for future travel.
