Seen by a friend at Chiang Khong border this morning

Edit: he came back today, no question asked, smooth process.

Saw this posted somewhere from the Chiang Khong border crossing (4th Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge, Chiang Khong - Huay Xai) in Chiang Rai province.

It's posted on the wall of outbound immigration, suggesting all these documents are needed to re-enter Thailand on a DTV.

I know Chiang Khong receives a lot of border runners, but hopefully this isn't the start of a new trend.

Having crossed many land borders for legitimate travel (I don't do same day border runs) I've never had any issues with either a DTV, a marriage visa or any other visa (non B multi entry or non-B with work permit and multi entry permit for instance) although at some borders, when they see a farang (westerner) they automatically assume you're a border runner and lump you into that category until it becomes clear you hold a visa and aren't intending on coming back straight away.

My hunch is that the requirements listed are for same day border runners who max out their stays or almost max them out (for instance, people who spend like 140+ days in country and come back the same day). Those spending a night or two away and/or do regular travel on the DTV are not likely to be asked for the requirements in this list.

Same day border bounce trip report: Chiang Mai to Chiang Khong (Laos)

I’ve been on a DTV for almost 6 months so it was time to extend or leave Thailand.

In the past on other visa types, I have gone to the Chiang Khong border and did a same day border bounce with relative ease. Because of the recent scrutiny at the borders/airports, I had an agent escort me. I was paying for the drive anyway so it was only a little bit more money for the agent/driver to escort me.

I probably would have been fine by myself but I didn’t want to take any chances. I don’t have time to leave Thailand for more than a day, so a same day border bounce is my main option.

No issues leaving Thailand. The immigration officer asked if I planned to return to Thailand right away and I said yes. No problem there.

No issues entering Laos. 2,000 baht for the visa and they will do the entry and exit stamps for you at the same time.

No issues re-entering Thailand. I presented my passport and said I have a DTV. The officer asked if I did the TDAC and I said yes. After a quick check in the computer, he said I’m good for 6 months and he stamped me in. I’m able to speak basic Thai so maybe he appreciated that. My agent was right behind me but I didn’t need her.

I have been to that border crossing 4 times and this is the first time it was almost empty. I don’t know if that was a coincidence or what.

If you’re in Chiang Mai or northern Thailand, the Chiang Khong border is a good option.

Looking for recommendations for extending my DTV.

I’m based in Chiang Mai, from what I’m seeing here it seems as if it’s easier to exit the country and come back rather than extending at immigration.

Has anyone done a same day border run from Chiang Mai?

I do also own my own motorbike so that is an option for me (have a 2 year thai license), just not sure it would be all that comfortable

Hello, I will be doing border run on the 3rd nov approx to Laos, apparently you need to stay for 48 hours now, does anyone have any recommended companies I can book it with or your recent experience? Thanks 😇

Recently someone mentioned from August 2024 when you do a visa run to Laos you must stay 2 nights and are not allowed to come back same day even on a “O” visa.

Anyone here with recent experience?

Thank you in advance

Any new info on Mae Sai/Myanmar border??

The last info I read had it that it is a more complicated process than it used to be..in that one also has to collect and pay for transit permissions on Thai side even before exit , then as used to be..enter briefly , pay for Myanmar visa then cross back to thai side..

BTW...this is for an already initiated multi entrance visa..and will go to Chiang Khong/Huaixai as I had before if there are complications on Mai Sai route.

Hey guys!

We have two questions. 😊

1. We have already extended our visa once in Thailand but would like to stay a bit longer.

We heard we could extend our visa for another week?

2. After Thailand we would cross into Laos. Any idea if we can get a visa on arrival in Chiang Khong in the north of Thailand?

Any help would be AMAZING!

Thank you ✨🙏🏼