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Posted

In the coming weeks, I plan to make my once in a year border run, this time to the Thai-Laos border in Chong Mek, in Ubon province.

 

I use to make one border run between two single entry non-O visas so that, once the extensions included, I get a full year (5 + 2 + 5 = 12 months), and I start again the following year...this system also allows me to avoid travelling during the peak of the rain season, especially THIS year rain season...

 

Having said that, I have two practical questions:

 

1. Is there anything specific I should be aware of regarding the Chong Mek border crossing?

 

2. Just in case, do I need to actually carry 20,000 baht in cash, or is showing my Thai bank book updated the same day acceptable?

 

Your answers are appreciated.

Posted

1. No 

   Other than having money for the fee for the Lao visa on arrival.

2,. They are friendly crossing. No need for the equivalent of the 20k baht in cash (banks books are not accepted by immigration).

 

  • Like 1
Posted
55 minutes ago, ubonjoe said:

1. No 

   Other than having money for the fee for the Lao visa on arrival.

2,. They are friendly crossing. No need for the equivalent of the 20k baht in cash (banks books are not accepted by immigration).

 

Thanks Ubonjoe...always appreciated...

 

Posted

Easy-peasy border run May 2018 for a Multiple Non-O-Visa holder similar to a Tachilek visa run. Very friendly crossing, no gimmicks, 20K cash or updated bank booklet necessary.

 

When you approach the border you will notice a large building in front of you.

It looks like  https://goo.gl/maps/d2qMs6Kw57H2

 

Just in front of the building make a U-turn and park your vehicle on the

left-hand side of this picture  https://goo.gl/maps/y22ekqkGApp

 

Go inside the immigration building and get your Thai exit stamp. Then walk through a tunnel to the Lao side. When you leave the tunnel you will notice a dusty area in front of you. Just walk across and go to the building in the far distance adjacent the larger building on the right  https://goo.gl/maps/Fbz1oPHaUfS2

 

https://goo.gl/maps/s6Caw3ngdXH2

This is the building where all happens what Laos immigration is concerned. At the front is window number 5 where you get your Laos visa form and pay for the visa. On the right hand side of the same building is window number 6 where you are stamped-in into Laos.

 

After that you go back to window number 5 respectively onto number 4 on the left hand side of that building to get your Laos exit stamp. After that it’s back over the dusty area into the tunnel after which you will approach the Thai immigration booths again.

  • Thanks 1
Posted
1 hour ago, gzu88bv said:

Very friendly crossing, no gimmicks, 20K cash or updated bank booklet necessary.

 

 

Do you confirm "necessary", or is it a typo and you mean "not necessary"?

 

Otherwise, thanks for the detailed info...I know the place but it has been quite a few years since I was there...

 

Things were a bit messy on the Lao side of the border...broken road, mud, water, you name it, you had to look where you put your feet...maybe there has been some infrastructure improvement since then...

Posted
16 minutes ago, Brunolem said:

Do you confirm "necessary", or is it a typo and you mean "not necessary"?

I read it to mean that it is not needed. The key word is no before gimmicks.

Posted

@ Brunolem

Cash and updated bank booklet unnecessary

Infrastructure slightly improved

 

@Visa Runners

In Thailand you always have to be one step ahead of immigration. So in essence I ask myself when leaving Thailand why not carry 20k in cash (i.e. some foreign currency and the rest in Thai baht) just to avoid possible trouble first-hand?

  • 11 months later...
Posted

At Chong Mek, is it possible to get stamped out of Thailand, and then re-enter without going into Laos and paying 1500+ for a Laos visa when you don't really want to go into Laos? If I wanted to spend a night in Pakse just for fun, is there somewhere safe to leave the car on the Thai side?

Posted
4 minutes ago, SteveK said:

At Chong Mek, is it possible to get stamped out of Thailand, and then re-enter without going into Laos and paying 1500+ for a Laos visa when you don't really want to go into Laos?

No it is not possible. Immigration will check for the Lao entry and departure stamps. No stamps means no entry.

 

5 minutes ago, SteveK said:

If I wanted to spend a night in Pakse just for fun, is there somewhere safe to leave the car on the Thai side?

I am sure there is secure parking in Chong Mek.

  • Thanks 1
Posted

Thanks for the advice. I know this might be taking the piss somewhat, but would the following be possible:

 

The wife and I drive to Chong Mek. She waits in the car. I exit Thailand and go into Laos, and then immediately turn around and come back in to Thailand. Then meet back up with my wife and go home. I am on a multi entry non-O based on marriage. 

Posted
1 minute ago, SteveK said:

The wife and I drive to Chong Mek. She waits in the car. I exit Thailand and go into Laos, and then immediately turn around and come back in to Thailand. Then meet back up with my wife and go home. I am on a multi entry non-O based on marriage. 

No problem to do that.

  • Thanks 1
Posted

Why not tell your wife to get a border pass for 50 baht and go with you. Visit the duty free shops. Lao coffee. Scotch whisky and cigs.

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