CWA14

Just used this border last week. I was asked on the way out of Thailand I I was coming straight back so I figure this is somewhat common (and accepted). I was doing a motorbike trip in Laos for a few days though and don't fit the profile of a visa runner. No issues with Thai immigration on either end (though I did have to fill out an arrival card on the way back). Assuming you're on the Nakhon Phanom-Thakhek International Bus (to Thakhek), head straight to the passport control counter to get stamped out. Wait for those doing border passes to sort that and eventually get back on the bus. Lao Visa on Arrival is US$40 (about 1500 baht). If you pay in baht, they'll charge 1800. Lao Immigration did accept my photo but not sure if one is actually needed. USD (and potentially THB) bills need to be flawless otherwise they won't be accepted. There's mostly truck traffic so I'm not sure how practical/possible turning straight around and heading back would work. Between the tuk-tuk hassles getting into town and the fact there's very little to do in Thakhek, I'd just ride the bus into Thakhek station and head back on the same bus you came over on. There are official looking signs saying 2x 10000 LAK service/stamp fees for foreigners on the way back to Thailand but those weren't asked for when I left Laos. Bus times: 9:00 am (Nakhon Phanom dep) 9:30 am (Thakhek dep) 11:30 (both), 2:30 pm (both) and 16:30 (both). Fee is 70-75 baht each way (depending on weekends/holidays/overtime). I paid 52,000 kip leaving Thakhek which was a bit more than 75 baht so pay in THB if possible.

Having flown in, I wasn't asked for a TM6 when I left at Mae Sai. I submitted mine when I flew out 1-2 weeks ago at BKK. I like to think whoever is working passport control knows how someone arrived into Thailand and subsequently whether a TM6 was issued (land/sea--yes, air-no). Then again, TiT.

Apologies for the confusion. Pre-COVID, many were able to get various Thai visas through Thai Honorary Consulates in the UK (e.g. Hull, Liverpool), the US (e.g Boston, Houston, Portland OR) and potentially elsewhere. Are these Thai Honorary Consulates issuing visas (post-COVID that is)?

Cheers to everyone for the information. The fact that Savannakhet will likely issue them is handy. The family member considering moving over is US based but has friends in London he could visit and sort it there. Alternatively, if the Thai Embassy/Consulates in the US weren't issuing multi-Non O's on the online platform, he was then considering turning up on a visa exempt (or securing a tourist visa before leaving the US) and then could sort the multi non-O in Savannakhet. Are honorary consulates in the US, UK, or elsewhere in SE Asia issuing visas now post-COVID? Or official embassies/consulates and the e-visa platform the only options?

Out of curiousity, are certain embassies/consulates issuing multi Non-O's on the basis of retirement any more? If so, where (and if possible, anything in particular is required at any embassy/consulate in order to get them)?

Sorry to bump the thread. I can confirm that the FriendlyFarang's experience at Mae Sai was identical to my border bounce at the beginning of June. Note: I have a one-year extension of stay (Non-B/based on employment) in a US passport and a multiple re-entry permit. Turned up late morning on a Saturday. Got stamped out then crossed over and went to Burmese Immigration. They politely told me to sit down for my photo and an entry permit. Asked for 500 baht but countered with a clean US$10 which was accepted without any hassle. Eventually got my Burmese entry-permit only to wait around in another room to enter while they asked if this was my first time to Myanmar and what I was doing. Told them I was shopping which they didn't have a problem with. Walked up to the scenic pagoda and eventually got a motorbike up to the casino. All slots, low-limit baccarat (200 baht minimum per hand) and one other odd card game. No craps, blackjack or roulette. Asked about golf and was told it was 550 baht for 18 holes. Ended up getting an hourly shuttle (free) back to the border, wandered a bit, picked up some beers and headed back. Gave Burmese Immigration my entry permit, they got my passport after 2-3 minutes of looking around, then told me to wait while they crossed the street with my passport in hand. After a couple of awkward/nervous minutes, they brought me my passport with Burmese entry and exit stamps. Crossed back into Thailand. Needed to fill out a Thai entry/exit card (TM6). Very few people crossing, though there was a small group of Chinese sorting VoA's. Was politely questioned about my condo's address given the limited space on the TM6 but was correctly stamped in based on my extension. Received a quick pat down at customs and then sent on my way. Hope this helps. Wouldn't mind doing again (possibly overnighting in Burma) but there doesn't appear much to do in Tachleik aside from shop, gamble, drink, and golf. Booze was much cheaper but no idea if the "Smirinoff" or other spirits are genuine. Everywhere takes baht so no need to worry about switching money. If you need a place to stay in Mae Sai, a single room at the Orasa Hotel 150m from the border is 800 baht for a nice single room w/ breakfast. There are cheaper options no doubt but for the proximity to the border, food etc. it was sound. Very fast wifi as well.