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Posts posted by JanKlimo
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Just returned this morning, so here are a few points that might be helpful if you're planning the trip.
TLDR: My school advised me to go to Savannakhet to get my ED extension, since you can get it the same day and it's a no-hassle option. This all proved to be true.
Getting to Mukdahan
- There are lots of buses leaving from Mo Chit terminal in Bangkok. I got there at 5:45pm and was on a bus 10 minutes later. I got a VIP bus ticket (2+1 seats in one row) for 553 THB. This one was rather basic, but comfy. The nicer ones are ~ 1000 THB. You can get your ticket on the 3rd floor.
- I made the mistake of getting there too early. Choose a bus that arrives in Mukdahan around 8am.
Mukdahan to Lao check point
- No need to get a tuk tuk to go to the border (150 - 200 THB). Get a bus ticket in Mukdahan - it will take you all the way to the Lao check point across the bridge.
- If you do get a tuk tuk like I did, you can get your bus ticket at the Thai check point (50 THB).
- The first bus passes the bridge at around 8:30am.
Lao check point
- Bring a copy of your passport. The page with your picture is all you need.
- You'll need 1 photo here.
- Bring money for the Lao visa fee in USD, otherwise they'll ask you for 1,500 THB. The fee depends on your country, it was 30 USD for me. It's worth checking how much you're supposed to pay, so they don't charge you more than that.
- Got a tuk tuk to the consulate (100 THB/person).
Consulate
- Opens at 9am. There were about 25 of us on Wednesday, done in 30 minutes.
- Fill in the one page form, attach 2 photos, copy of your passport and docs from your school, pay the fee.
- You can copy your passport (again, the page with your picture only) in a booth next to the consulate. They can also fill the forms for you but you'll be charged. You can do it yourself.
- 2,000 THB for single entry ED visa, 5,000 THB for multiple entry.
- Warning: check if your country happens to be on this list. My friend (Moroccan) was denied visa (a true FML moment) despite having no problems in Hong Kong or Malaysia before. You don't want this to happen.
- You can pick up your passport at 3:30pm.
- Nobody had any problems as far as I know. Tourist, ED, or marriage visa, everybody said it was very smooth.
Enjoying your free time
- Chez Boune and Cafe Chai Dee are nice places with good food and free Wi-Fi. It's a small place, all the tuk tuks know the main spots.
- Heard good things about Lin's Cafe, but it was closed that day.
- Have the traditional baguette with beef, you'll see it on the streets.
Back to Mukdahan
- Tuk tuk to the border (100 THB/person).
- Two weird fees here. 40 THB for a stamp on your visa. Then 50 THB if you pass the checkpoint after 4pm. Looking around, all the Thais paid this as well.
- Bus to Mukdahan is 50 THB again.
Mukdahan to Bangkok
- The first VIP bus leaves at 8pm (~ 1000 THB). Got on a normal bus at 6pm, since there is nothing to do at the bus station (~600 THB), not that bad. Back in Bangkok at 5am.
Summary
Make sure to check this list. You'll need about 5,000 - 6,000 THB for the trip. Bring USD only for the Lao visa fee, THB is accepted anywhere in Laos, exchange rate is fair. Copy your passport, bring 3 photos, docs from your school. You get your visa the same day.
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Hey guys,
I am doing my internship in Thailand and my non-immigrant B visa expires May 31st. My internship is for 6 months, so I need an extension by another 3 months. What are my options? Can I extend my visa without doing the visa run?
Thanks!
Jan
Report: ED visa in Savannakhet (leaving from BKK)
in Thai Visas, Residency, and Work Permits
Posted
Correct. Thanks for catching that.