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What is the process for re-entering Thailand after a quick trip to Laos from Chiang Mai?

Visa ExtensionThailand VisaLaos Border CrossingImmigration ProcessTraveling with ToddlersChiang Mai TravelCross-Border Travel
Mar 31, 2023
2 years ago
Nami ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hey everyone... I am on a 30 day extension after arriving in Chiang Mai on 45 day stamp last month (feb).

I am needing to get a new stamp on my passport before the 24th of April while my visa app is being processed. Ive heard its easy and cheap to grab a bus ticket to Huay Xai, Laos and hop over the border and then back in..

Ive looked into the bus situation to get there and understand where to leave from Chiang Mai but once I get over the border and into Huay Xai, is it simple getting back in? What is the process? in order to get into Laos do we go through an immigration type thing at the border and have to go back through there to get back into thailand?

Ive never done this before and will be traveling with my toddler so just trying to get a good scope while there's still time for wiggle room.

Thanks 🙏
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is seeking advice on the re-entry process into Thailand after a short trip to Huay Xai, Laos, while their visa application is being processed. They are concerned about maintaining their visa status and the necessary immigration procedures at the border. Comments suggest potential issues with visa applications related to recent entry stamps and provide personal experiences regarding the border crossing process.
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Jeffrey **********
There is no charge coming into Thailand 45 day exemption on arrival
2 years ago
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Jeffrey **********
I messed up getting my year visa let money drop below required amount so had to go Lao couple weeks back to get another 45 days went across Nong Khai had lunch at border straight back no problem cost 1900 baht Thai side for Lao visa 🇹🇭
2 years ago
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Nami ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Besides the visa questions, can anyone tell me what the process is after I hop over to Laos border? Is it similar to the process when you fly in?
2 years ago
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Yvonne *******
@Nami *******
 I went from Thailand to Laos over land (Ubon Ratchathani- Pakse) and it was with 1 bus. So you get off the bus in Thailand, walk to immigration Thailand, get an exit stamp, walk to Laos, fill in paperwork, pay 30-35 dollars (or Kip or Baht), get visa in Laos, get on the bus again (bus crosses border without passengers). This was in my case, but it can be different! Not all checkpoints allow VOA in Laos I've heard
2 years ago
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Nami ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Yvonne ******
 thank you so much!!!
2 years ago
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Tom *********
@Nami *******
 Yeah, do an e-visa in advance !
2 years ago
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Tom *********
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Nigel *********
What visa or extension are you applying for?
2 years ago
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Nami ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Nigel ********
 applying for Muay Thai Ed visa with chiang mai Muay Thai for 6 months
2 years ago
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Nami ********
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Brandon ************
If part of your visa application required you to submit a copy of your entry stamp, then leaving the country may cause your application to be voided because it no longer matches the information in your passport regarding the most recent entry.
2 years ago
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Nami ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
 the visa lady told me I needed to go out the country 👀
2 years ago
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Bob **********
@Nami *******
 yes you need to exit and return some borders are requiring you to spend the night then return with a new 30 day stamp and you’ll also need a visa to enter Laos
2 years ago
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Glen-do **********
@Bob *********
 not true at all that they require you to spend a night.
2 years ago
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Bob **********
@Glen-do *********
 well obviously you haven’t read recent reports
2 years ago
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Glen-do **********
@Bob *********
 just not the case at all. Never has been.
2 years ago
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Brandon ************
@Glen-do *********
 things have changed a lot since covid
2 years ago
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Glen-do **********
@Brandon ***********
 did a run not long back, known others who have done them, no mention of staying over night.
2 years ago
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Bob **********
@Glen-do *********
 did you do the Poi Pet border??
2 years ago
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Bob **********
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Brett **********
@Nami *******
 was this a visa agent or somebody at immigration?
2 years ago
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Brett **********
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Jack ****************
@Brandon ***********
 I don't know about now but during covid they were VERY titchy about that sort of thing.
2 years ago
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Jack ****************
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