@Paul ******

That’s interesting. I’m wondering how they determine who is required to pay this fee.

It may be linked to the type of visa, as I was never asked to pay anything at this checkpoint when doing border exits on my previous visa (Non-O).

Participant anonyme 720 Sometimes it’s worth reading the entire post 😉 , not just the title.

And just to clarify, this is the visa exemption scheme you’re referring to , not visa on arrival, which is restricted to specific nationalities.

But I can see you’re not really into details 😂

Erwan Ito I don’t think you know Thailand very well if you say that 😅

Of course, if your only experience of the country is Patpong, Nana, or Soi 6 in Pattaya, I can understand why you’d have that impression.

Personally, I’m a big fan of the Deep South — Trang, Songkhla, Pattani, etc. In many places there, you won’t even be able to order a beer in a restaurant, and bars are not openly available (though you can still find a few if you look hard enough ^^).

That’s what’s magical about this country: you can choose the Thailand you’re looking for.

@Paul ******

so you confirm that you were requested to pay this fee in the past ? First hand experience or you heard about ? Thanks 🙏

@Mo *****

sometimes it s not so easy to leave or take time elsewhere. Kid has to attend school by 5 January. But I usually like to spend a few days /weeks outside Thailand time to time.

@Mark ********

it s not really a scam and I could choose to not pay if I really wanted. But it s still cheaper than book a flight out of the country,

Participant anonyme 393 my old multi entries visa (non-O) was very good because it was a year valid visa and I didn’t have to deal with immigration and it didn’t cost that much since I applied online. I just needed to bounce out every 3 months. They do not offer this option anymore now.. you re right. This “fee” could apply to tourists visa only, (DTV falls in this category). She asked me to talk to an other officer after acknowledge that it was DTV. (Can’t be 100% sure of course)

Richard Roc hi Richard, I was surprised because I use this checkpoint very often, as it’s located about 30 km from my wife’s hometown. I’ve never been asked for any money there when doing a border bounce.

That said, I was on a different type of visa at the time — a Non-O (marriage). I’m now on a DTV.

@Bob *********

extortion might be a bit of a harsh word 😝 I was free to turnaround if I wish. Plus once paid they were very helpfull, the IO lady even filled the arrival card for me ^^ and finally the peace of mind it gives you : no worries about denial of entry or extra scrutinity from a moody officer.

@Nikki ****************

Correct, and it remains way cheaper than most other options for staying and living in Thailand.