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What challenges might one face crossing the Nong Khai border into Thailand?

Nong Khai Border Crossing DTV Visa Thai Immigration Experience Visa Issues Expat Experiences Land Border Crossing Tips Thai Immigration Rules

Oct 18, 2025

2 months ago

Damien ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Just cleared immigration at Nong Khai. The female IO busted my balls. Everything she told me right up to the second she went silent and stamped my passport said I wasn’t going to Thailand tonight.

She scans my passport and I guess she doesn’t see my DTV upon first glance and she gasped “mister you’ve been in Thailand a very long time!” 

To which I responded, “I have a DTV.”

“Oh? What you do in Thailand?”

I told her, “Holiday”

She just laughed at me in what must’ve been disdain. 

The. She proceeds to tell me that the policy says I cannot cross land border. Idk man. I’d advise everyone to fly or go through during the day.

Not here to fear monger, but she was honestly telling me I wasn’t going to be admitted right up until she stamped me in. 

Interesting experience thus far, but I won’t be taking an international train again

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TLDR : Answer Summary

A traveler shares their tense experience crossing the Nong Khai border into Thailand on a DTV visa. The immigration officer expressed skepticism about their long stay and compliance with policy, leading to anxiety until their passport was stamped. Community comments reflect mixed experiences at the border, with advice on the importance of having visa documentation and varying perceptions of immigration procedures.

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Anonymous ******************

The worst ball busting I have ever had was at the Mae Sai border border and it was all done thru one of the glory holes there.

Normally if you can make eye contact with the officer AND you dress well and appear humble in my case everything goes well.

The only place I was ever asked gor money was at that nasty Sadao border and that was for one USD to stamp the passport. I always get anxiety when going through there.

I guess some of these people can have bad days, I try and position myself in lines where I can see the officer has a smile on their face and doesn't look like they have been told that the kaprow moo in the cafe was all sold out.

Ball busting if you have the correct visa is no problem, they just wanna ascert dominance and its best to let them do it, speak very quietly and smile.