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What should I know about border runs and visa exemption rules in Thailand?

border runs visa exempt entry Chiang Khong Thailand visa rules multiple entry visa immigration advice

Apr 16, 2025

3 days ago

Brian *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thought I would add to the list of those who have done border runs in recent history. 

They are being detailed and to the letter going out as well as coming back. 

The 2 day rule is in effect though going out the people inside the office said one day was fine, the officer inbound wouldn’t accept that answer without making a phone call. He made three phone calls in the course of giving me my exempt stamp. 

So have EVERYTHING required and don’t play!

I went through Chiang Khong into Laos. 

👍

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The post discusses experiences with border runs in Thailand, highlighting strict enforcement of the 2-day rule for visa exempt entries. The author recounts their journey through Chiang Khong into Laos, emphasizing the importance of having all required documentation and not attempting to circumvent rules. Comments from others suggest that those with valid multiple entry visas may not need an overnight stay, and the use of visa agents is recommended to avoid potential hassle.

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Wannikea *********

This circumstance is only valid for travelers milking visa exempt entry stamps, in all likelihood if you already possess a valid multiple entry visa and are simply border bouncing to activate another entry then you most likely will not need to stay overnight.

3 days ago

Wannikea *********

@John ********

we are discussing the recent developments at the Laos border over the last 6 months

3 days ago

Brian *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Wannikea ********

it was an exempt entry, first in a couple of years. Yes, my long visa just expired, and I utilized an available option. 😉

They had a sign on display basically saying all border bounces require a two-night stay. I did get off with one night and a smidgen of work.

3 days ago

John *********

@Wannikea ********

I stayed in Cambodia for 20 minutes. I went to active a visa. Easy

3 days ago

Mitch *********

@Wannikea ********

This is correct. I did a border bounce with an existing DTV visa and was able to return same day at Chiang Saen - Golden Triangle border

3 days ago

Nongnuch ********

@Mitch ********

that's because the DTV has a "multi re-entry permit" included. If anyone turns up at this border without avisa for Thailand and wants to do q border bounce and enter Thailand visa-exempt, he might get asked for the 2-nights stay (or a tea-money price that will get him through on the same day)

3 days ago

Reply to

Nongnuch ********

@Wannikea ********

he wrote he was given an "exempt stamp". So he actually did a visa-exempt entry. He just got lucky at the Chiang Kong border. At most other borders to Laos they now require a two nights stay inside Laos

3 days ago

Wannikea *********

@Nongnuch *******

maybe reread the first part of my post. It's unclear to me exactly whether he needed to stay or not.

3 days ago

Nongnuch ********

@Wannikea ********

actually what you wrote in the first part is inconsistent with the facts . . . "travellers milking visa-exempt stays" in reality are the ones that are asked to stay for 2 nights. In "all likelihood" he did a visa-exempt entry, or he wouldn't have received an "exempt entry stamp" for it. So much for sounding inconsistent when re-reading 😄

3 days ago

Reply to

Nongnuch ********

Jim *********

This is why you ALWAYS use a visa agent. Bribes are already paid and you fly right through without hassle

3 days ago

Doug *******

@Jim ********

I couldn’t agree more. Stress-free is worth the fee!

3 days ago

Reply to

Doug *******