Answered3 years ago
What is the current situation with border crossings between Thailand and Myanmar?
Anyone know anything about this ?
Answer summary
Recent discussions among expats indicate that the Mae Sai/Tachilek border with Myanmar is currently closed for a week due to safety concerns, prompting travelers to consider alternatives like crossing into Laos. The Cambodian borders remain open but travelers are advised to proceed with caution when bouncing back to Thailand. Additionally, the Mae Sot/Myawaddy border is also closed. A traveler noted the instability in Myanmar and considered Laos a safer option. There are ongoing debates about the reopening of these borders, with some expressing doubt about their accessibility in the near future.
28 repliesnewest first
Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.
Paul *******
Don't expect this border crossing to reopen to foreigners anytime soon. The government has banned foreigners from flying domestic roures to/from Tachilek already since over a month now. I expect this border to remain closed to foreigners for months, possibly years.
Jon **********
Inconvenient that civil war is getting in the way of privileged people on permanent vacation.
Arthur ********
@Jon *********
gormless comment.Paul *******
@Jon *********
Yeah fair enough and good points you've raised.
Tore *********
@Jon *********
such a useful comment…..Jon **********
@Tore *****************
pretty good for a SundayJon **********
@Paul ******
its a narco state, the main reason for keeping the war going is to cover the huge profits from drugs. No world problems were solved by drainbows living on KPPaul *******
@Jon *********
Dumb comment. Fact is, the Burmese need to sort their sh** out. 70 years of civil war and they still haven't achieved anything. Maybe if they embraced the same values as Thailand and Laos things would be better there. Anyway, no westerner wants to go to Myanmar anyway. The lack of safety has scared off all but the most adventurous souls. Power cuts, ATM outages, periodic bombings/skirmishes, travel bans, dual pricing and a myriad of other issues ensures no one wants to go there, even if they could.
Brian ***********
Interesting . Glad I went last week. I felt Myanmar was unstable . Was ready to go to Laos if needed.
Paul *******
@Brian **********
Every official wore masks at Mae Sai-Tachilek when I was there recently. Not so at the Lao border (both sides). Much easier at the Golden Triangle crossing.
Way too many touts at Mae Sai.
Paul *******
*none or at least few of them are. Can't seem to edit my comment.
Brian ***********
@Paul ******
what is the cost of a Laos one day Visa ? And s boat ride ? Mae Sai , $10 U.S. in and out .. and they broke a $50 for me.
Tachilek, no masks and always polite.
Golden triangle , I've been hussled on the boat ride , and really didn't enjoy the whole experience .
Paul *******
@Brian **********
Yeah with Laos so incredibly close (the Golden Triangle immigration checkpoint is just 33km away) I don't understand farang runners obsession with Mae Sai. Is it the border market? One can easily catch a boat to the Lao Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone and back and do it all within 30-45 minutes. Moreover, the Mekong River is more picturesque than the scruffy border town of Tachilek and that border crossing is far better organized.Another interesting curiosity is how all Thai officials (and I understand most if not all Burmese ones too) are masked up at the Mae Sai crossing, but at the Golden Triangle (Sob Ruak, Chiang Saen) none, or at least of them are.
It makes Mae Sai feel like it's in a state of crisis, whereas the Golden Triangle is relaxed and largely back to normal.
Steve **********
Henrik ****
The full annoncement from Tod Daniel in Thai Visa Advice:
The Lao borders are open like normal
The Cambodian borders are open like normal BUT we suggest you do NOT bounce out and back on your own (do so at your own risk)
This is the update on Burma;
The Mae Sai / Tachileik border with Burma in Chiang Rai is closed (they said for a week).
The Mae Sot / Myawaddy border with Burma in Tak is closed as well.
If you want to border bounce you can use the two borders with Lao in Chiang Rai province; Chiang Saen / Special Economic Zone <- where you cross in and out of Lao by boat across the Mekong or the Chiang Khong / Huay Xai border <- where you cross by bridge.
Also the Phu Nam Ron / Htee Khee border with Burma in Kanachanaburi is still not open for foreigners to exit/re-enter.
The Lao borders are open like normal
The Cambodian borders are open like normal BUT we suggest you do NOT bounce out and back on your own (do so at your own risk)
This is the update on Burma;
The Mae Sai / Tachileik border with Burma in Chiang Rai is closed (they said for a week).
The Mae Sot / Myawaddy border with Burma in Tak is closed as well.
If you want to border bounce you can use the two borders with Lao in Chiang Rai province; Chiang Saen / Special Economic Zone <- where you cross in and out of Lao by boat across the Mekong or the Chiang Khong / Huay Xai border <- where you cross by bridge.
Also the Phu Nam Ron / Htee Khee border with Burma in Kanachanaburi is still not open for foreigners to exit/re-enter.
Paul *******
@Henrik ***
Why would the Mae Sai border only be closed for a week? I asked them and they said they don't know. My feeling is it won't reopen to foreigners for months if not longer.
Samuel *********
@Henrik ***
what is the problem about Cambodian border bounce?Henrik ****
@Samuel ********
, that they might not let you back into Thailand...Henrik ****
@Samuel ********
, yes, it is the border stations to Cambodia being the problem on the Thai side.Samuel *********
@Henrik ***
thank you!Only by land, right?
If you fly to Cambodia and come back with a single entry visa (2+1), you shouldn’t have any problem?
Vernon *********
@Henrik ***
You forgot to mention Ranong border.Henrik ****
@Vernon ********
, true: "At this time he only Burma border open is the Ranong / Kawthaung. "
Steve *******
I’d guess army activity that they’d rather no one was around to film.
Seems they’ve not heard of mobile phones…..
Seems they’ve not heard of mobile phones…..
Paul *******
@Steve ******
Only like 5 westerners have been to Tachilek this year anyway. It's the Chinese who've been visiting in their hundreds or more but are currently barred from crossing over too.
Richard ********
Because its not safe on the myanmar side?
Roberto *********
Yes reported by Tod Daniels in Visa Advice group yesterday
Bob **********
They say for 1 week
Paul *******
@Bob *********
Probably much longer. I doubt it will reopen within this year.Activity
14 joined14
people
Related
25What is the process for crossing the land border from Thailand to Laos and back?
1.4k5275mo
What documents do I need to obtain a residence certificate in Chiang Mai if I live in my wife's house?
1.2k1139mo
Can I submit just the final balance of my bank statements for a workcation visa application in Hanoi?
889731y
Will the recent tensions between Cambodia and Thailand impact visa runs and border crossings?
80141y
What are the requirements for opening a bank account in Thailand to obtain a Marriage Visa?
1.9k12182y
What are my options for using a new phone with both US and Thai SIM cards, especially considering eSIM technologies?
7.4k64422y
Is the Mae Sai border to Tachilek currently open for foreigners?
3.5k19182y
What should I do if my 90-day report submission is still pending close to the due date in Thailand?
2.3k11373y
Can foreigners visit Myawaddy from Mae Sot now?
1.4k543y
Is the Mae Sai - Tachileik border crossing open for foreigners to travel between Thailand and Burma?
3.9k51014y
What do I need to know for a border bounce at Mae Sot-Myawaddy?
6k56364y
What should I do if my online 90 days report was rejected?
951484y
Is the Mae Sai/Tachilek land border between Thailand and Myanmar open or closed?
762424y
What is the process for registering my residence with immigration in Thailand after arrival?
2.2k18135y
What is the process for the 90-day report in Thailand if I leave and re-enter the country?
1.3k965y
Can I get a one-year extension of stay based on marriage if my visa is about to expire due to closed borders?
755366y
Will Thailand allow border crossing for expats amidst current visa restrictions?
23.2k2122226y
Do I need to carry my original work permit when flying out of Thailand for a short trip?
2.1k1898y
What time does the Mae Sot-Myawaddy border close today for foreigners?
3458y
What is the current situation at the Myanmar-Thailand border after the closure?
736149y
What do I need to know about obtaining a Non-B visa and work permit for Thailand?
2.8k23219y
What does the scribbled note across my visa indicate?
2k13179y
How can I apply for a Thai tourist visa using a different passport while in Thailand?
6.7k61549y
What Myanmar border crossings allow a $10 USD 1-day pass for a 30-day stamp upon return to Thailand?
1.2k889y
Can I leave Thailand by air without canceling my work permit and visa?
1.8k12179y
Resources
Need help with your Thai visa?
#1 visa agent · 4,000+ reviews · 100,000+ expats served