Answered6 months ago
What were the challenges faced during a border bounce at Ranong and where are better alternatives?
I did a border bounce to ranong and it was a nightmare. I honestly would say their document requirements were about as difficult as when I got the visa. I’m not even exaggerating. I also find it very difficult to get accurate information. I do t really understand why that is. Maybe it’s just inconsistency with officers? I was the only foreigner there; the boat ride across was super expensive because of this. All sorts of issues id never do it again.
I actually get sick in those border bounce vans, unless I get the front seat which never happens. Idk why people can’t just answer the question and give good info. That’s what this place is for. If Ranong is no good, then where are the good borders? I used to use Cambodia but can’t now for obvious reasons.
I actually get sick in those border bounce vans, unless I get the front seat which never happens. Idk why people can’t just answer the question and give good info. That’s what this place is for. If Ranong is no good, then where are the good borders? I used to use Cambodia but can’t now for obvious reasons.
Answer summary
The author expresses frustration with the difficulties encountered during a border bounce at Ranong, citing stringent document requirements and the high cost of travel. They mention the challenges of dealing directly with immigration officers and the inconsistency in the information received. Commenters provide advice on using experienced border run services instead of going solo, suggest alternative borders like Malaysia or Laos, and discuss the implications of using a DTV visa for extended stays in Thailand.
43 repliesnewest first
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Peter **********
I did this on my own in January. The IOs were extremely helpful and there were zero problems. For me it was about making it easy, and it was. I was in the area so I was home by the afternoon.
Ambitious**********
I used to do them alone to Bam Lam Chantaburi/Cambodia when the border was open. It was smooth but I realized they are not really used to taking solo punters b/c 99% went with an agent.
Allan **************
They're an Anonymous Cheap Charlie💰💰💰
David ************
@Allan *************
nit cheap for an indian....
Chris *********
Why post anonymously? What a stupid post you've announced. Anonymously? Geeze. Good luck to you
Nongnuch ********
you should only approach the Ranong/Kawthoung border bounce with a Visa-Run Service. Do NOT attempt to do it by yourself. There is an agent in Ranong and with them, your border run is a breeze
Sam *********
I did it on 11th of April, the documents were required were same as applying for DTV or you could put 800b in passport.
Waqar ********
Ranong border is strict due to issues related to illegal workers from that country. IO there are trained to be stricter. Avoid that with Cambodia as well. Your go-to countries should be Malaysia or Laos. ❤️
Krystian ******
Fly in pay fast track, your welcome 🤗
feckpand*********
I did this border bounce with a travel agency and had no problems.
LongTimeLivi************
It wasn't that long ago Ranong / Kaowthong wouldn't let foreigners cross with out a Work Permit and Re-entry Permit.
Alessandro ***********
If you go alone they make it super awkward. They like to get their tea money from the ‘agents’.
James ********
@Alessandro **********
it's a good way to avoid any hassle trying to do it yourself....by using an experienced border run service company.Alessandro ***********
I’ve done it myself. Multiple times. They make it very awkward and keep directing you to the agents office on the street corner. 😅
Magenta********
So why are you trying to live continuously in Thailand even more than six months, but you can't afford to fly even to Kuala Lumpur and stay a few days in hotel and fly back without a immigration problem?
Instead you try to "cheap out" and doing the exact thing that Thailand doesn't like - an actual border bounce, actual border run, especially on the cheap?
It seems ironic, because the people who don't get the trouble with a DTV and trees are typically flying into Bangkok and typically stayed away a few days/weeks in some other location.
Instead you try to "cheap out" and doing the exact thing that Thailand doesn't like - an actual border bounce, actual border run, especially on the cheap?
It seems ironic, because the people who don't get the trouble with a DTV and trees are typically flying into Bangkok and typically stayed away a few days/weeks in some other location.
Anon0*****
MagentaYuzu5267 io at airports are much more strict. Many reports on here of flying out a few days and coming back and getting grilled by the IO requesting a lot of info. He should’ve used a company he would’ve had no issues at all
Luit *****************
Anon
Checks should be no problem as long as you comply to all requirements, and the time it costs often gets back because you need less time waiting for your luggage.
*****
9 The closer your trip is to 180 days and the shorter it is outside the country, the more it looks like trying to live continuous in thailand which is not the intention of the visa and therefore it might be a reason to do more checks.Checks should be no problem as long as you comply to all requirements, and the time it costs often gets back because you need less time waiting for your luggage.
LongTimeLivi************
Anon
*****
9 The DTV is not structured like a US tourist visa. It was deliberately designed as a 5‑year multiple‑entry visa with 180 days per stay, which clearly anticipates long‑term use. Comparing it to a US tourist visa misses the point, because the DTV’s framework itself allows repeated long stays. The fact that banks don’t allow account openings is a regulatory issue, not proof of the visa’s intention. Using the visa within its stated limits is exactly how it was meant to be used.Anon0*****
LongTimeLivingInThailand that isn’t true at all.
I’ll use this example again, a Thai can receive a 10 yr visa valid for 6 months at a time to the USA. If they tried to live in the USA and fly out briefly every 6 months they’d get their visa revoked.
If the dtv was meant to be used to live here they would allow you to open a bank account.
I use the dtv to live here but I’m not stupid In thinking it’s how it was meant to be used. Avoid airport IO and avoid doing border bounces at certain checkpoints. And use an agency if you want pierce of mind
I’ll use this example again, a Thai can receive a 10 yr visa valid for 6 months at a time to the USA. If they tried to live in the USA and fly out briefly every 6 months they’d get their visa revoked.
If the dtv was meant to be used to live here they would allow you to open a bank account.
I use the dtv to live here but I’m not stupid In thinking it’s how it was meant to be used. Avoid airport IO and avoid doing border bounces at certain checkpoints. And use an agency if you want pierce of mind
LongTimeLivi************
@Luit ****************
That actually is the intention of the visa. It’s a 5 year multiple entry visa with 180 days allowed per stay. The whole point is to permit long stays and repeated entries. As long as each entry follows the 180 day limit and re entry rules, it is being used exactly as designed.Anon0*****
@Luit ****************
like I said, if you aren’t using it to live in Thailand you are correct. But if you are basically living here then a border bounce agency is the way to goMagenta********
Anon
If there's any trend it seems to be that people flying in directly to Bangkok have less problem than people flying to CM or Phuket with their DTV Visa.
And maybe there is some profiling going on on how you're dressed and how you carry yourself?
*****
9 I don't know how accurate that is but always comments using "the service" just seem like blatant promotion from anonymous service providers :-DIf there's any trend it seems to be that people flying in directly to Bangkok have less problem than people flying to CM or Phuket with their DTV Visa.
And maybe there is some profiling going on on how you're dressed and how you carry yourself?
Anon0*****
Dispossessed_flipflop if they expected you to live here they would allow you to open a bank account.
How am I opposed to it im using it to live here lmao. But if you haven’t been paying attention they are getting really serious questioning the dtv.
In the USA they will give Thais a 10 yr visa and it’s good for 6 months at a time. Do you think that means they can live there? No, they will get there visa revoked if they tried to do that. Same here.
Idk why you are getting so upset over basic facts, dtv is a tourist visa, if you are living here on it you best be using border run agency’s and not coming in thru the airport. Airport IO are very strict compared to using a border bounce agency where you are guareabteed to get thru.
How am I opposed to it im using it to live here lmao. But if you haven’t been paying attention they are getting really serious questioning the dtv.
In the USA they will give Thais a 10 yr visa and it’s good for 6 months at a time. Do you think that means they can live there? No, they will get there visa revoked if they tried to do that. Same here.
Idk why you are getting so upset over basic facts, dtv is a tourist visa, if you are living here on it you best be using border run agency’s and not coming in thru the airport. Airport IO are very strict compared to using a border bounce agency where you are guareabteed to get thru.
Dispossess***********
Anon
Some of you seem so opposed to the idea of people living here. It’s odd.
*****
9 Dude, of course they expect that people will live in Thailand on this visa. Why else would it exist? Some of you seem so opposed to the idea of people living here. It’s odd.
Anon0*****
Dispossessed_flipflop the DTV is a tourist visa not meant to live in Thailand. So if you have been living in Thailand and barely leave the country then you are much better off using a border bounce agency than risking it at the airport.
Anon0*****
MagentaYuzu5267 if you haven’t been in Thailand long then no issues. But if you have been here like myself for a long time without much time leaving the country then a airport IO will be much more risky than doing a border bounce with a company.
Dispossess***********
MagentaYuzu5267 I have entered Thailand dozens of times in my life and 4 times in the DTV. I have never had an issue and reckon few ever do. This idea that we now need to pay an agent to “clear” our arrival when we already have valid visas seems ridiculous to me.
Markus ********
The Ranong border is generally considered stricter than average and rigid, as I found out during some research last year. That was one of the reasons why I preferred to fly to Kuala Lumpur. Everything is fine with my stay and my documents, but I don’t want any unpleasant situations.
Luit *****************
@Markus *******
Maybe this border is more strict because it is mainly used by border bounces, because not normal tourists due to the Myanmar situation.Since border bounces are often meant to trick the system that migh be a reason for extra checks.
Charlie ***************
Why Anonymous? Scare tactics ? Hmmmm never had any issues with IO male or female .. ONE LOVE ♥️
James ********
Where are you living in Thailand?
What's your passport nation?
What's your passport nation?
James ********
That's why I always recommend doing a BORDER BOUNCE with an experienced border run service company. Not a problem and same day return.
Ade ********
@James *******
thanks 🙏 is that off insta ?Ade ********
@James *******
cheers palJames ********
@Ade *******
note they offer a special price for DTV visa holdersJames ********
James ********
@Ade *******
I'll look
Christopher ***********
Border bounces do appear to be difficult for anonymous participants.
James ********
@Christopher **********
especially when they try to do it alone trying to save a few Thai baht.Activity
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