audaciousnomad

There are visa runs where you exit, spend a few days to apply for a visa at the consulate (for example in Kuala Lumpur I have done one in the past though not recently), and then return once you have a new visa. It does not necessarily mean "same-day" when referring to visa runs.

LOL...who's crying? This post was not a sob story. It's a heads-up cautionary post to inform people what they may face in visa running.

I doubt you can get a refund for those if you are denied entry. You might need to get a separate travel insurance policy that reimburses you for costs incurred due to trip cancellation.

Thanks for that sage advice. We all do what we can, according to each of our individual situations.

Yes...they were already doing these hassle tactics before the pandemic began. Now that visa runs are becoming viable again(albeit with additional hoops to jump through such as T-pass, covid tests, etc.), it seems that the immigration gatekeepers are back at it. Pre-pandemic, the conventional wisdom was for visa-runners by air should arrive elsewhere(Chiang Mai, Phuket, Surat Thani) rather than Bangkok. The pandemic has decimated flight schedules, so for many Bangkok is now the only option. That means, get ready to be grilled by the immigration bulldogs there. ????

Worst case, they will probably have to visit a Chinese bank in Bangkok to wire themselves some money. China has not joined the sanctions.

Unpaid debts too?

@DrJack54 While not required to enlist their services, the blog of this travel agent has done a great job of outlining the process for all the nearby countries that have reopened. Actually quite useful for deciding which one you want to go to depending on how much (or less) red tape will be required. ???? Scroll down the page to find Laos. https://www.exotravel.com/blog/en/

Singapore is also open now, and Laos...but only through approved travel agents.

I pay attention to posts on both this forum and in FB groups I am in. While I agree with you that FB is often populated with trolls...this forum has its share of them as well. That said, I am reluctant to discount posts that are not trolling, but are actual reports of the user's experience. If you notice some of my other posts, you will find that I also share reports of positive experiences. Anyways, I just hope this helps people know what to potentially expect on a visa run now.

In one of the FB groups, some who were on covid extensions and tried to visa run have reported getting hassled having returned to LOS without a visa sticker. Others have actually been denied entry and sent back on the plane. With nearby countries opening this year, you may be tempted to do a same-day quick out/in to somewhere such as Cambodia. That could be a mistake. BEWARE...and get yourself to a nearby consulate to apply for TR visa. If your gut tells you you might be a candidate for denied entry...you're probably right.

They're wrong. Those numbers will be in May....few weeks after Songkran.

As long as he keeps his fingers away from the RED button.

In response to the OP, who expressed a concern for possibility of being rejected for a covid extension. Here is a Koh Phangan success story from a FB group:

I read positive reports from Sakhon Nakhon and Roe Et. If those are not far from you, it might be worth a try.

Good luck, and if you have time, please update us how well it goes afterwards! ????

MARCH 15th good sir! ???? https://www.thaipbsworld.com/vietnam-to-fully-reopen-15th-march/

I wonder how Bangkok has been.

@Terry B .... Congrats. Please...your post is more helpful to all if you could advise which office in Thailand you had this experience. Thanks!

Wow...very unusual. Which office?

Very nice @WEBBYB808. In Bangkok, they often hassle the longstays. Which office have you been applying? I'm looking for options in case Bangkok hassles me.

Nice budget summary @MICHAELDUTCH. Where did you find PCR test for price of 1500THB ?

They're all coming to Phuket !!! ????