Coming back to Thailand from Vientiane to Nong Kai with covid extensions.

[markus1971]

I'm thinking of doing a border run to Laos soon and would like to know of peoples' experience of coming back into Thailand on a visa-exempt entry through the Nong Kai entry point. My elite-visa expired September 2021 and I've been here on COVID extensions (6 in total) ever since. I need to cross the border and reset my visa status so I can convert to a Non-imm O based on retirement upon my return here. I cannot convert to a Non-imm O visa in-country based on my current visa/extensions..... Does anyone have any experience of coming back into Thailand through a land border with several COVID extensions on a visa-exempt entry stamp? Any advice would be highly appreciated! Thanks......

[DrJack54]

I don't have personal experience however cannot see why you cannot enter VE at land border.

If via air I would certainly suggest a TV. 

[markus1971]

12 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

I don't have personal experience however cannot see why you cannot enter VE at land border.

If via air I would certainly suggest a TV. 

Sorry..... I'm asking about returning to Thailand with 6 COVID extensions in my passport after I've already been to Laos and possible entry problems coming back to Thailand. Thanks....

[ubonjoe]

3 minutes ago, markus1971 said:

Sorry..... I'm asking about returning to Thailand with 6 COVID extensions in my passport after I've already been to Laos and possible entry problems coming back to Thailand. Thanks....

I don't think you will have a problem entering at Nong Khai. Spending a few days in Vientiane might look better.

Or you could apply for single entry tourist visa at the embassy in Vientiane. It is apply one day and pick up the visa the next day. You have to register and make an appointment here. https://thaivisavientiane.com/#

[DrJack54]

6 minutes ago, markus1971 said:

Sorry..... I'm asking about returning to Thailand with 6 COVID extensions in my passport after I've already been to Laos and possible entry problems coming back to Thailand. Thanks....

Realize that.

To reenter via land border I don't see an issue. 

I qualified it by stating if you had chosen to enter via air you could be refused without a visa

[BritTim]

As a general rule, whatever your prior immigration history, entering visa exempt through the Vientiane/Nong Khai Friendship Bridge is never a problem. As at most land crossings, the only restriction you need to worry about is the limit of two visa exempt entries by land in a single calendar year. You will be fine.

[bookstore]

Their is a lawyer across the street from the American Embassy I think his name is David Lam. he got me a NON-O visa without having to leave the country. cost a little bit but saved alot of problems

[markus1971]

2 hours ago, bookstore said:

Their is a lawyer across the street from the American Embassy I think his name is David Lam. he got me a NON-O visa without having to leave the country. cost a little bit but saved alot of problems

Thanks for the info but my original visa was a Thai Elite visa (before the COVID extensions) and I've been told by just about everyone, including the most popular agents, that this visa type cannot be converted into a Non-imm O visa in-country and that I have to leave and 'reset' my status.... crazy as it seems!

[jacko45k]

You may  well be one of the first..... 

But I expect as it is the first Exempt entry for a long time, you should have no problems providing you meet the Thailand Pass requirements... then get it converted to an O Entry.