I've a friend coming on a METV, back in the day i used to do same day border runs to the Aranyaprathet/Poipet border every two months, is this still viable/possible from Bangkok? Thanks for any info.

1 hour ago, it is what it is said:

I've a friend coming on a METV, back in the day i used to do same day border runs to the Aranyaprathet/Poipet border every two months, is this still viable/possible from Bangkok? Thanks for any info.

Border bounces with an METV are still feasible, but under no circumstances should be Aranyaprathet/Poipet border be used.

 

From Bangkok, there are border run companies that use "safe" border crossings with Cambodia. These tend to involve being packed into vans with oversized fellow farangs. In spite of the discomfort, this may be the best solution for those not used to dodging the various scams around Cambodian border crossings. A crossing with Myanmar that used to be a good solution is closed. Laos is easy to do under your own steam, but a long way from Bangkok.

5 hours ago, it is what it is said:

I've a friend coming on a METV, back in the day i used to do same day border runs to the Aranyaprathet/Poipet border every two months, is this still viable/possible from Bangkok? Thanks for any info.

Cambodia crossings, pong nam ron or ban laem would be a better choice

4 hours ago, BritTim said:

Border bounces with an METV are still feasible, but under no circumstances should be Aranyaprathet/Poipet border be used.

 

From Bangkok, there are border run companies that use "safe" border crossings with Cambodia. These tend to involve being packed into vans with oversized fellow farangs. In spite of the discomfort, this may be the best solution for those not used to dodging the various scams around Cambodian border crossings. A crossing with Myanmar that used to be a good solution is closed. Laos is easy to do under your own steam, but a long way from Bangkok.

What about the border run companies into Cambodia with vans packed only with Laotions and Burmese? Are they the same and any good? They usually charge around the 1k baht for a border run. You won't have to deal with those oversized fat farangs taking up too much seat space.

Plane to Malaysia  not that expensive and KL can be fun for a night or 2. 

56 minutes ago, bbi1 said:

What about the border run companies into Cambodia with vans packed only with Laotions and Burmese? Are they the same and any good? They usually charge around the 1k baht for a border run. You won't have to deal with those oversized fat farangs taking up too much seat space.

If they cater exclusively to Laotians and Burmese, they don't need to deal with getting a Cambodian "visa on arrival" for their customers as part of the border bounce procedure. They are exempt.

 

Not sure if they would take someone along who needs one, but of course, then the price would be quite a bit higher to pay for the required visa.

2 hours ago, Wongkitlo said:

Plane to Malaysia  not that expensive and KL can be fun for a night or 2. 

For someone with limited Thai immigration history, that is definitely worth considering. Trips to Saigon, Luang Prabang and Siem Reap also. For those who have spent serious time already as a Thai tourist, entering via some airports carries a small risk of a denied entry.