Why is it advised to fly back to Thailand instead of using the land route from Vientiane?

Question

Hi there,

I'm in Vientine after 60 days stay in Thailand (1 extension in chiangmai).
Planned on going back for another month in Thailand via Udon thank but on the way out the border control officer told me it's "better" that I fly back and not take the land route.

Any particular reason for that? They were not clear cut over the chance of denied entry, but is that an option? Also if I denied an entry via the land route will it influence future entries?

Much obliged

Ask Thailand · Answer

An expat in Vientiane seeks clarification on border control advice regarding re-entry into Thailand. They were told it may be 'better' to fly back instead of taking the land route through Nong Khai after staying 60 days in Thailand. The community discusses potential reasons for this advice, primarily concerning the limitations on visa-exempt entries by land (two per calendar year) but confirms that the recent rules allow 30-day entries by both land and air. Users share their experiences of crossing at Nong Khai, suggesting that using the land route should not pose significant issues.

Noam ********* · Answer

Got the 30 days. Thank you all

David ******** · Answer

I got a 60 days tourist visa in Vientiane and entered via Nong Khai in December. It was easy, just couple of questions from officer and good to enter

Ryan ******** · Answer

Can you let us know how it goes if you use the land route please?

Ruan ****** · Answer

We were also told it's only 15 days visa by land. But 30 days of you fly in.

Don ************* · Answer

Before enter on land give 15 day only..rules are changed now ..30 same as flight

Nigel ************** · Answer

Even though I had already been 'spoken to' by IO staff at Suvarnabumhi and Luang Prabang airport about my travel plans I found the Nong Khai border crossing to be trouble free. So easy. Thanks to [mention redacted]  for the guidance

Bart ************** · Answer

Maybe because you can only enter twice per year, so you'd use one of those here. But that only applies in case you later plan to use land borders with less viable alternatives through air (and more than one; you can still do it once more).

Wannikea ********* · Answer

I think it was their way of saying you'd use up one of your two free visa exempt land crossings per year.

Tod ********* · Answer

Quite a strange thing to be told, even with an Israeli passport 😕 .

There is nothing that says you can't get the two 30 day visa exempt entries by land in a calendar year (just like the other 50 odd countries on that list can get)

I honestly have no idea why they'd tell you that. You shouldn't have any issue crossing by land at the Nong Khai border crossing.

On the RARE chance they don't let you in (which I can't see happening) you could fly in no issue at all.

BUT

I'd say you're fine crossing at Nong Khai by land to get a new free 30 day entry stamp.

Why is it advised to fly back to Thailand instead of using the land route from Vientiane?

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