Need to spend two days in Laos ay at chiang saen crossing

[Nick Carter icp]

Just passing this on :" For anyone doing the border run from northern Thailand (closest land crossing to Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai) you can no longer turn around and immediately get back on the bus back to Thailand after getting your Laos stamp/visa. They are now requiring a two day stay in Laos before returning. When you do come back you need to have proof of 10,000 bhat, T30 and proof of exit (flight info).

I did this run 3 months ago and it was not in effect back then. Not sure if this is just this crossing or all land crossings. I read some comments that say it’s shady and the head of the immigration here must be getting some kind of cut from the Laos side. No idea the truth of that but I do know there are signs everywhere and all the agents and peripheral businesses act like this is the new normal.

The guy that runs the daily van from Chiang Mai says he can still get you in and out the same day because he’s so connected in there and that’s his whole business but again, can’t say for sure. All I know is I’m spending an unexpected two days in Laos, which is fine, just wish I planned for it better so that’s why I’m telling you."

[Schnitzelfritz]

Does anyone know if this '2 days out' rule also applies to 12-month multiple-entry Non-O visa holders doing a border run to get another 90-day permission to stay?

[BrandonJT]

13 hours ago, Schnitzelfritz said:

Does anyone know if this '2 days out' rule also applies to 12-month multiple-entry Non-O visa holders doing a border run to get another 90-day permission to stay?

There is no 2 days out rule.  It's 1 night required in Laos, only at the Chiang Saen and Chiang Khong border.  And reports indicate it is only for those using visa exempt.  

One person reported recently that they had a multiple entry visa and were told they could not return that day, but turned around in Laos and had no problem getting back in.

[Nick Carter icp]

3 hours ago, BrandonJT said:

There is no 2 days out rule.  It's 1 night required in Laos, only at the Chiang Saen and Chiang Khong border.  And reports indicate it is only for those using visa exempt.  

One person reported recently that they had a multiple entry visa and were told they could not return that day, but turned around in Laos and had no problem getting back in.

 

  There is a two night out rule and Chiang kong . 

I was told about it yesterday at CK by immigration there 

The paper they gave me yesterday 

[BrandonJT]

11 hours ago, Nick Carter icp said:

 

  There is a two night out rule and Chiang kong . 

I was told about it yesterday at CK by immigration there 

The paper they gave me yesterday 

Yeah, they printed up a bunch of these and didn't want to change them.  Chiang Saen was 1 night and and Chiang Khong switched from 2 to 1 night a while ago as well.  That's been confirmed by a few people recently.

Of course it might depend on who is working the shift you decide to return.

[DrJack54]

2 minutes ago, BrandonJT said:

Chiang Saen was 1 night and and Chiang Khong switched from 2 to 1 night a while ago as well.  That's been confirmed by a few people recently.

Bit unrelated.,...do you have recent info Nong Khai crossing.

Is it still turn around and reenter Thailand.

Thinking that's still the case. 

[Nick Carter icp]

10 minutes ago, BrandonJT said:

Yeah, they printed up a bunch of these and didn't want to change them.  Chiang Saen was 1 night and and Chiang Khong switched from 2 to 1 night a while ago as well.  That's been confirmed by a few people recently.

Of course it might depend on who is working the shift you decide to return.

 

   I crossed the Chiang Kong border on Monday was was told by Thai immigration to stay 2 nights in Laos , tonight is my 2nd night here .

   You cant get more recent than that 

Edited 2 hours ago by Nick Carter icp

[BrandonJT]

5 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

Bit unrelated.,...do you have recent info Nong Khai crossing.

Is it still turn around and reenter Thailand.

Thinking that's still the case. 

 

Haven't heard anything changed from Nong Khai.  It's still only Chiang Saen and Chiang Khong that have gone rogue (the last I heard).  I think Tod would be the most up to date but I haven't seen anything from him recently.

 

I'll message him to see if he has any updates.

[DrJack54]

1 minute ago, BrandonJT said:

I'll message him to see if he has any updates.

Last report from Tod was turn around bounce no issue at friendship bridge..