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

[DrJack54]

3 minutes ago, Pattaya57 said:

Yep, I'm sure most border runs are done with 1 or 2 days remaining on entry stamp so why would you decline to stay 1 night in Laos when so close to end of stay?

Thinking good advice for folk doing border bounce in future is to use "visa run" agents (minivan) .

They can advise current situation.

[eastbaybob]

14 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

First up thanks for report.

So this other guy wasn't prepared to spend one night in Laos and walked away.

Weird 

The place is completely sketchy, it’s a Chinese city where the only law is the criminal enterprise that runs the place.  It’s the one place in Laos where I can imagine being kidnapped and forced to work in a scam center in Myanmar or somewhere. I had five days left on my visa and if I had to spend a night in Laos I would have gone over to Chiang Khong.

[JoergADA]

At least they didn’t have to pay for another Lao visa.

how did they get back from the border to town in Laos where the hotels are located ?

I just love the 200 baht a ride offer for the few Kilometers

[Tod Daniels]

they went down to ONE NIGHT out of the country at Chiang Khong (and most likely Chiang Saen) and are handing people this at the thai border when they go to stamp out

[Jack1988]

1 hour ago, Tod Daniels said:

they went down to ONE NIGHT out of the country at Chiang Khong (and most likely Chiang Saen) and are handing people this at the thai border when they go to stamp out

My friend has reservated a flight out of Thailand within 60 days without paying. He showed screenshot to the immigration officer. No issues with that

[nailbrains8]

Anyone know if there are any issues crossing the Chiang Khong/Huay Xai border with a marriage visa and reentry permit or a multi entry visa that hasn't expired - just need a new stamp.

[Tod Daniels]

OFF TOPIC;
I thought this was related to 'border bouncing' enough to put it in here 
Take it for what it's worth, that's from a border bounce/visa run company in Samui.

 

 

[Santzes]

Would that mean extensions on 60d entry stamps or also older 30 day stamps? And how about 60 day family extensions?

 

Somehow I guessed that the "relaxation" of rules was just gonna make it much more annoying and random..

[Rob Browder]

On 9/10/2024 at 11:49 PM, nailbrains8 said:

Anyone know if there are any issues crossing the Chiang Khong/Huay Xai border with a marriage visa and reentry permit or a multi entry visa that hasn't expired - just need a new stamp.

I read one report where someone with a Non-Imm visa did not have to spend the one-night-out at one of the borders.  YMMV.  I would have a change of clothes, just in case.  Could also ask the local visa-run vans if they know.

[racket]

If you want to avoid any hassle, just fly in and out of Thailand without any issues. Be sure to stay at least 2 nights abroad before returning to Thailand. You can usually do this about 3-4 times a year before they start asking questions. When they do, be sure to have 20,000 baht in cash, a return flight reservation, and a hotel or condo booking, and you'll be good to go.

 

The reason they've tightened the requirements at land borders is due to the large number of travelers going in and out. This situation will likely become more pronounced when DTV holders start doing border runs to activate their next 180 days. The same applies to embassies—the busier they are, the stricter the requirements for visa applications. 

 

It's not that they don't want you here; it's just that they're overwhelmed. Thailand's immigration process is still lagging behind compared to countries like Malaysia and Singapore, where you can register online and simply scan your passport upon arrival without needing to interact with immigration staff. This will probably change in the future.

[Rob Browder]

19 hours ago, racket said:

It's not that they don't want you here; it's just that they're overwhelmed.

At the Bangkok airports, they seem to hassle people most when they are NOT as busy, per some reports.  Thais who want more prosperity for their people want us here.  Other, xenophobic-types, do not.  

 

The latter are a tiny minority of the general population, in my experience, but such attitudes help justify corrupt-practices towards foreigners, so are inculcated into immigration-staff. 

 

It is psychologically similar to how "the enemy" is demonized with military personnel, to make their job easier to carry-out.  If Immigration staff thought of us, and our Thai families we support, as "like them." it would be harder to stomach what some of them do.  Hate makes it possible.

 

19 hours ago, racket said:

... where you can register online and simply scan your passport upon arrival without needing to interact with immigration staff. This will probably change in the future.

The proposed "ETA" is purported to make using auto-gates possible, though it will infuriate immigration, if they aren't able to extort people with false-reasons for denying entry, to force agent-use. 

 

Some have suggested the ETA will be used to block "too many" border-bounces, but if that system is run by the MFA (not Immigration), I would not make that prediction, absent some change in MFA policy.

[mokwit]

On 9/11/2024 at 6:35 AM, Tod Daniels said:

OFF TOPIC;
I thought this was related to 'border bouncing' enough to put it in here 
Take it for what it's worth, that's from a border bounce/visa run company in Samui.

 

 

Hmmm. I wonder if this restriction will be applied to the 180/5yr DTV visa? If you extend in country that's it, no more in and out

[Rob Browder]

14 hours ago, mokwit said:

Hmmm. I wonder if this restriction will be applied to the 180/5yr DTV visa? If you extend in country that's it, no more in and out

I don't think there is a relation to the DTV at all. 

 

In any case, if I were ever on a Tourist type stay again - or the DTV - I would just use known-safe entry points, who have historically followed the laws published in the Gazette - vs entry points known to make up things which are not the law.

 

Nong Khai is a good choice, because they have a good record, and there is high-traffic - so we would find out immediately if "the bad guys" took over that entry-point..

[DrJack54]

5 minutes ago, Rob Browder said:

Nong Khai is a good choice, because they have a good record, and there is high-traffic - so we would find out immediately if "the bad guys" took over that entry-point..

What on earth does that mean.

There has been no issue with friendship bridge border bounce. 

"bad guys took over that entry point" 

Comical 

 

 

[Chris Daley]

Well the airport closes at night.  So that would make sense.  Imagine a <deleted>hole that turns down tourists arriving at night.  Amazing.

[Gottfrid]

This is such of no importance. it´s soo easy to just take a trip, stay 1-3 nights and just get back. Can be a nice trip alone or with family. 

[Rob Browder]

On 9/14/2024 at 9:35 PM, DrJack54 said:

What on earth does that mean.

There has been no issue with friendship bridge border bounce. 

"bad guys took over that entry point" 

Comical

Let me make it easy for you. IF the corrupt faction took over that entry point and began making problems, THEN we would hear about it BECAUSE it is a high-traffic crossing.  

Clear now?  

[DrJack54]

7 minutes ago, Rob Browder said:

Let me make it easy for you. IF

Stopped reading at "IF" 

Was never a fan of Mel Gibson "Conspiracy theory" movie. 

 

 

[Rob Browder]

24 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

Stopped reading at "IF" 

Was never a fan of Mel Gibson "Conspiracy theory" movie. 

 

 

Not sure what your movie reference has to do with anything.  But, I see, you just insult without any attempt at comprehension. 

Does insulting people online make you feel good about yourself, when unable to make a cogent point? 

Anyone not a "mod" would be banned for abuse, for the types of posts you make routinely.

[DrJack54]

10 minutes ago, Rob Browder said:

Anyone not a "mod" would be banned for abuse, for the types of posts you make routinely.

Your posts have a common theme regarding corruption. 

The one above has for example..

'"IF the corrupt faction took over that entry point" 

Referring to "corrupt faction" 

 

Stick to the thread topics.

If land borders start requiring overnight stay (with option to avoid that with a "donation" then fine) 

Has been the situation for a long time at some land borders. 

[Tod Daniels]

The last reports is that both Chiang Khong & Chiang Saen require you to stay out of thailand one night to bounce at those borders..

It does appear that what ever border Samui Visa Run was using down in Malaysia finally will stop the "no bouncing out/back if you got a 30 day extension on the previous entry" nonsense. Looks like business as usual with bouncing down there now

[Rob Browder]

On 9/27/2024 at 4:42 PM, Tod Daniels said:

The last reports is that both Chiang Khong & Chiang Saen require you to stay out of thailand one night to bounce at those borders..

It does appear that what ever border Samui Visa Run was using down in Malaysia finally will stop the "no bouncing out/back if you got a 30 day extension on the previous entry" nonsense. Looks like business as usual with bouncing down there now

Glad to hear they worked out an "arrangement" - will make life easier for the folks down there, even if it costs a bit more now.

[Tomtomtom69]

On 9/13/2024 at 8:06 AM, racket said:

If you want to avoid any hassle, just fly in and out of Thailand without any issues. Be sure to stay at least 2 nights abroad before returning to Thailand. You can usually do this about 3-4 times a year before they start asking questions. When they do, be sure to have 20,000 baht in cash, a return flight reservation, and a hotel or condo booking, and you'll be good to go.

 

The reason they've tightened the requirements at land borders is due to the large number of travelers going in and out. This situation will likely become more pronounced when DTV holders start doing border runs to activate their next 180 days. The same applies to embassies—the busier they are, the stricter the requirements for visa applications. 

 

It's not that they don't want you here; it's just that they're overwhelmed. Thailand's immigration process is still lagging behind compared to countries like Malaysia and Singapore, where you can register online and simply scan your passport upon arrival without needing to interact with immigration staff. This will probably change in the future.

The problem is mainly with visa exempt runners coming and going the same day (or with a very short period spent outside of Thailand).

As DTV holders will have a visa, there's no reason to think they'll have their movements restricted other than maybe, at a small number of borders, told to spend a night or two outside the country and/or show 20000 Baht to get back in (this is usually requested at Ranong). 

 

Non-O and Non-B multiple entry visa holders have very, very few issues and the DTV allows a period of stay per entry of twice as long as the two aforementioned visa types AND the overall visa validity is 5 years, which is 5 times longer than those two visa types. Thus there will be fewer border runs made, as only one needs to be made every 180 days and if extensions are available and not too cumbersome, it reduces down to effectively one border run a year. Also, the number of DTV holders so far is a drop in the ocean; I read somewhere just 2000-2500 have been issued. A small number compared to the tens of thousands of visa exempt travelers in Thailand at any one time. 

[racket]

On 10/6/2024 at 6:53 PM, Tomtomtom69 said:

The problem is mainly with visa exempt runners coming and going the same day (or with a very short period spent outside of Thailand).

As DTV holders will have a visa, there's no reason to think they'll have their movements restricted other than maybe, at a small number of borders, told to spend a night or two outside the country and/or show 20000 Baht to get back in (this is usually requested at Ranong). 

 

Non-O and Non-B multiple entry visa holders have very, very few issues and the DTV allows a period of stay per entry of twice as long as the two aforementioned visa types AND the overall visa validity is 5 years, which is 5 times longer than those two visa types. Thus there will be fewer border runs made, as only one needs to be made every 180 days and if extensions are available and not too cumbersome, it reduces down to effectively one border run a year. Also, the number of DTV holders so far is a drop in the ocean; I read somewhere just 2000-2500 have been issued. A small number compared to the tens of thousands of visa exempt travelers in Thailand at any one time. 

 

With the soon introduction of the ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization), which serves as a form of pre-screening for visa-exempt travelers, you’ll know ahead of time if entering Thailand without a visa is viable. This removes any uncertainty at the border. For those familiar with entry procedures in Malaysia and Singapore, it works similarly: you simply scan your passport, and you’re in.

 

If you’re using the visa-exempt option, it’s generally advisable to spend a few days outside the country before re-entering. Being questioned at the border can be a sign that it’s time to consider applying for a visa or having a solid reason for frequent entries without one. While most of the time they will let you in, repeated entries—especially via land border crossings—could eventually lead to denial. However, you can still try another border, and in many cases you'll likely be granted entry.

 

Overall, traveling into Thailand has become easier due to the transition to a more civilian-led government, which has resulted in more relaxed policies. For instance, travelers can now stay up to 90 days, a recent shift reflecting this new approach. Good luck..

[Tod Daniels]

16 hours ago, racket said:

With the soon introduction of the ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization

Umm you got the update that they cancelled the roll out of the ETA and have no definite date of even piloting it right?

[racket]

On 10/8/2024 at 1:08 PM, Tod Daniels said:

Umm you got the update that they cancelled the roll out of the ETA and have no definite date of even piloting it right?

 

Yes, I’ve read that article too. The delay is due to the eVisa system not yet being rolled out to all embassies. To get an idea of when the ETA system will be fully implemented, keep an eye on the eVisa system’s expansion. Once it’s widely available, the ETA will likely follow, as both systems will be integrated into a single, unified online portal.

[Jack1988]

Now It is again only 1 day trip and only have to show passport to re-enter to Thailand, no more tm30 and onward flight requested at Chiang Khong border 

[Pattaya57]

30 minutes ago, Jack1988 said:

Now It is again only 1 day trip and only have to show passport to re-enter to Thailand, no more tm30 and onward flight requested at Chiang Khong border 

Why would you ever have to show a TM30 when entering Thailand?

 

[Jack1988]

58 minutes ago, Pattaya57 said:

Why would you ever have to show a TM30 when entering Thailand?

 

because thai immigration at the chiang khong border asked for it before, it was also reported on the border run websites

[Pattaya57]

3 minutes ago, Jack1988 said:

because thai immigration at the chiang khong border asked for it before, it was also reported on the border run websites

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)