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Thought it might be of some relevance to group members, when it comes to places to do a border run.
According to Thai sources and now the Bangkok Post, the Phu Nam Ron (Kanchanaburi) border crossing could re-open soon. They're pushing to open it around the end of the year.
Whether foreigners will be allowed to cross, is not yet known.
Prior to Covid, this was a standard international border crossing.
The way I see it, they might re-open the pass to foreigners in order to do a border run, but maybe not if you wish to travel further inside the country, to Dawei and beyond. The Thai side says it's very safe now on the Burmese side though, but whether the Burmese side agrees and allows travel beyond the border town, remains to be seen.
Should the border re-open, whether it's for border runs only or for proper entry/exit, here's the good news: the 96km Bang Yai to Kanchanaburi motorway (expressway) is slated to open temporarily along it's full length in time for the New Year. While it's not immediately clear if they'll keep it open after that, or only on weekends for another few months, it will definitely fully open sometime next year. This will mean a quick journey to Kanchanaburi and thus the border crossing, cutting travel times from Bang Yai to Kanchanaburi down to 50-55 minutes or so, from the previous 2-3 hours.
At the border crossing itself, brand new immigration and customs facilities along the actual borderline, will ensure a smooth journey, eliminating the previous 4km of "no man's land" between the temporary border control facilities and the actual border, that existed previously. While the Burmese side has not done anything to upgrade it's facilities to the best of my knowledge, perhaps they will have internet access to process e-visas once they re-open.
For border runners, this is not relevant, as you previously paid a 940 Baht fee to Thai immigration, which included a taxi to/from the Burmese immigration facilities, 5km from the Thai border post and the visa on arrival fee. Given the Thai new immigration facilities right next to the border, this fee will likely be reduced, as the journey to the Burmese side will be only 1km. Perhaps they'll allow you to walk across now, who knows.
TLDR : Answer Summary
The Phu Nam Ron border crossing in Kanchanaburi is expected to reopen soon, possibly by the end of the year, although it's uncertain if foreigners will be allowed to cross. Before COVID-19, this crossing was a standard option for border runs. New infrastructure developments, including improved immigration and customs facilities, will likely streamline the process. The recently opened Bang Yai to Kanchanaburi motorway will significantly reduce travel time to the border. This update is particularly relevant for expats seeking easier access to border run options without traveling far.
