What is the process for a border run from Chiang Mai to Myanmar on a budget?

Jul 19, 2018
6 years ago
Tristan *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi, nothing unique here.

Living in Chiang Mai for two months now on an extended visa I got at the BKK airport. My extended visa expires on saturday, so I wanted to do a border run to Myanmar (I believe?). I'm tight with money and I believe this is the cheapest option.

Can anybody explain the process to me? I've also heard that the 20k baht requirement isn't asked at this border.. can somebody confirm? I don't have the money right now so I'd have to ask a partner back home to send me some. Getting paid on the 23rd.

Would like to go tomorrow, friday, just so I can still go on saturday incase I mess up.

Dutch passport.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A user living in Chiang Mai plans to do a border run to Myanmar due to an expiring visa. They inquire about the process, especially regarding the financial requirements at the border. Comments indicate that the Mae Sai - Tachiliek border typically does not ask for proof of funds, but experiences vary. Several users provide insights on the border crossing, sharing tips on cost efficiency, time taken for the process, and concerns regarding appearance in relation to the enforcement of requirements.
Mark ******
Bodere bouncing,plus the 30 day Stamp...max. the can aske to showe them 10.000 thb...TR Visa yes 20.000 thb...or the change itšŸ˜±šŸ¤”
Ron *******
Mark Gori thats correct. You can be asked to show cash on ANY visa while entering Thailand IF they choose to ask you.
Mark ******
@Ron ******
ED visa same same
Mark ******
@Ron ******
If you are entering Thailand on a tourist visa, you may be required to show immigration officials 20,000 baht in CASH.
Ron *******
If they ask, it will be to see 20,000 baht. No matter what the rules say.
Tristan *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Mark *****
Ah well Tod Daniels earlier explained how it's not going to be an issue and they provided a logical statement as to why they don't really ask for it
Mark ******
Tristan Franken wait abit...iam just confuzius its well....but i think ,iam still rightšŸ¤”
Tristan *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Alright. I can withdraw that in a day if necessary, thanks:)
Barry ******
If you're strapped for cash, you should consider paying for the myanmar visa in USD its cheaper (like 2 large beers in savings).
Tristan *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Lol thanks guys.. much appreciated. I'll do it for my next run :P!
Barry ******
go get a few crispy usd bills from superrich before you go
Tod *********
as long as you have a pristine 10 dollar bill you're fine. Otherwise they'll make you pay 500baht
Tristan *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I heard something about that before, but I'm European and don't have USD. What do I do?
Tod *********
AFAIK; the Mae Sai - Tachiliek border with burma doesn't ask for proof of funds when you bounce out and in for a 30 day visa exempt entry stamp.

The good news is IF they require it and you don't have it they won't even let you stamp out of thailand, because they know you can't travel in burma without a visa and would be stuck.

I have not heard of anyone actually being asked for proof of funds at that border crossing.

Good Luck
Tristan *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Ah that makes total sense! Appreciate it! It's always good to go by logic and not by risk :)
Robert ********
IF the I/O asks for Bt. 20K and you don't have it....you are in trouble.
Mark ******
For Border Bouncing 20.000 thb? No,just 10.000 thb
Tristan *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Got all the info I need, thanks guys:)
Michaela ***********
I did it last month and it was no problem. Just cross the border (bridge), pay 500 baht, stay there for around 10 min. (I had a tea) and then come back. Done :)
Trevor ******
I have to do a border run I have the METV but its close and cheaper to stamp out and in then pay 1900 baht for the extension
Trevor ******
This the Chiang rai to Myanmar border?
Michaela ***********
@Tristan ********
no, i was also a bit stressed but its very easy :) people there are very nice. Just stay calm and everything will be fine ;) if you need a lot of details for ex.how to get there and back etc, in these groups here many people talked about it so you can just search in any group for. Crossing border to myanmar and many info come up
Tristan *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Michaela **********
Ah thanks I'm really overthinking this and I can't help it. This comment calms me! No strict schedule then
Michaela ***********
@Tristan ********
i came there at around 1 pm, does not have to be early..its just the border, just crossing the bridge. You go there, there are many foreigners going in and out everyday. They take your passport and on the way back they give it back. Easy :) you will see everything when u arrive. Is not long, is not really a process. You just give them passport, pay 500 baht and thats it.
Tristan *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks, helps me a bit with visualizing it hehe. I'm supposed to go really early in the morning right? How long did the process take
Rob ******
I've seen the 20k cash requirement enforced exactly once, for a guy in elephant pants, a singlet, and dreadlocks. I don't want to say it was the guys appearance that prompted it, but it's a high possibility seeing he was the only one asked and was the only one unpresentable in a professional environment.
Sam *********
To bad the Thai government doesn't ban dudes from wearing elephant pants, lol
Hruby ********
@Tristan ********
i go there 2 time no ask anything take green bus normal shit bus abbot 200thb VIP bus abbot 300thb
Rob ******
I think you'll be fine as long as you don't give them a reason to ask further. There's tons of young people in Thailand traveling for long periods on a budget and that in itself is not suspicious
Tristan *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I can really imagine this having something to do with it. I fortunately don't look like that and just dress normal. I'm only 22 however so I wonder if that will trigger it
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