Lao borders (some at least) now requiring overnight stay?

[Jack1988]

8 minutes ago, Pattaya57 said:

So then people who've never been in Thailand before can't enter as they don't have a TM30?  Makes no sense as TM30 is expired anyway as soon as you leave Thailand when only on a visa exempt

I'm talking about to making a border run from thailand to laos, to get a new exempt stamp, that means that people have already been in thailand. What it doesn't make sense? Thai immigration ask to see tm30 or proof of accommodation when you return to the country. A friend of mine was asked to show a tm30 and onward flight out of thailand within 60 days

Edited October 25 by Jack1988

[Caldera]

2 hours ago, Pattaya57 said:

So then people who've never been to Thailand before can't enter as they can't possibly have a TM30? 

 

Makes no sense as TM30 is expired anyway as soon as you leave Thailand when only on a visa exempt (TM30 only remains valid when you have multi entry visa or re-entry permit)

 

 

I'm pretty sure they'd accept a hotel booking from someone who isn't there for a border run / has never been to Thailand before.

 

The TM30 just gives them the complete address in a clean and uniform way. Of course a new TM30 notification will need to be submitted upon re-entry.

[benlovesnuk]

I have been to chiang khlong border multiple times this year.

 

I was told by the bus ticket person the day after this change, that this was the case.

 

Ready to fight with immigration, i waited on the laos side to be greeted by pleasant smiles and, oh you have wife visa, then no problem...paid my money no documents and got the new mini buses.

 

Went back and got in after 2 hours.

 

Went again, parked up, and went to immigration. This time the officer stated, "when you cum back..?"

I said today.

He said, "no no no, stay 2 days...."

 

I said, "no, it will be today...."

 

He didnt like that, and i didnt care. 

Once more i was told by the bus ticket lady....

 

Went over to the laos side, do you remember me?

 

From a smile to a stamp. Quick beer, to bus.

 

Back at thai side immigration, and let in.

 

From what i understand its for tourists, not for visa holders, at least non o visas.

 

The last time was early octocber.

[DrJack54]

10 minutes ago, benlovesnuk said:

From what i understand its for tourists, not for visa holders, at least non o visas.

I see it little different. 

For folk with any multi entry visa such as METV (tourist visa) or eg non O multi entry etc you should be able to exit and reenter "turnaround" 

For visa exempt perhaps without border run agent might be an issue