Visa run at Nong Khai: new things I should know?

On 8/14/2024 at 1:42 PM, stratocaster said:

Here's my rant. Came across a Farang utuber's, "I know everything about Thailand" channel, who posted with the clickbait title "Thai visa run to Vientiane".

Was curious to find out if there was still anyone  applying for  a visa, how long to get an appointment etc, if you can just get 60 days cost free VE. As suspected after watching 15 minutes of this total  drivel it turns out he is actually doing a border bounce using the Nong Khai crossing.

Another rant. Another Thailand guru has posted his trip using the new Bangkok Vientiane direct train. Unfortunately he only says that you clear Thai immigration at Nong Khai. No mention of if you have to leave the train. How long the stop is. If you have an overstay to pay is it possible to pay. If you have an Evisa for Laos is there a Laos check point to get stamped in thereby saving time to head directly to Vientiane instead of staying with the train and heading 20 kilos north of town. And of utmost concern when entering Thailand what is the customs routine. What are the chances of a couple of suitcase of Beer Lao going unchecked.

I can answer the last one. If entering by car, no issues. Just hide the Beer Lao in a spare suitcase or under your seat. Thai customs is extremely lax (generally speaking, Laos is relatively lax too, especially at the larger and busier borders). Cambodia is as lax as Thailand, as is Myanmar (when they're open). Only Malaysia is strict. I'd definitely follow the rules to the T when entering Malaysia.