Land border entry: Do I need an agent (or worst case e-Visa)?

[CLW]

My current visa (Non-B for teaching) expires 28 January 2025. My new employer can provide another Non-B in April. 

My visa history so far: In 2023 I had a 1 year NON-B based on working, in 2024 I had two airport entries with visa exempt and extension (2x 90 days) plus NON-B for business meeting and the recent NON-B for teaching.

Could I do a border run to Aranyaprathet - Poi Pet and get a 60-days-stamp plus a possible extension ? Will I need an agent or could there be some questions asked?

 

I talked to a befriended lawyer who said normally there should be no issues, worst case would be an extended stay in Cambodia and apply for a tourist visa e-visa online. However, I would like to avoid this route.

[DrJack54]

16 minutes ago, CLW said:

Could I do a border run to Aranyaprathet - Poi Pet and get a 60-days-stamp plus a possible extension ?

Don't use that crossing.

Where are you located in Thailand. 

If you obtain a 60 visa exempt entry you can obtain 30 day extension at your local immigration office.

 

Obtaining tourist visa (eVisa) poor option

[CLW]

43 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

Don't use that crossing.

Where are you located in Thailand. 

If you obtain a 60 visa exempt entry you can obtain 30 day extension at your local immigration office.

 

Obtaining tourist visa (eVisa) poor option

I'm located in Bangkok. 

Where should I go instead? Doesn't have to be a land border. I can fly out as well.

My future employer mentioned he can take over the costs for this temporary visa solution.

[DrJack54]

Just now, CLW said:

I'm located in Bangkok. 

Where should I go instead? Doesn't have to be a land border. I can fly out as well.

My future employer mentioned he can take over the costs for this temporary visa solution.

From Bangkok trip out of Thailand and return via air is attractive assuming no issue visa exempt entry.

I'm biased and always suggest Saigon. Especially if your pp is visa exempt to Vietnam. 

 

Previously I would suggest flight to Udon Thani and border bounce at Nong Khai.

However recent thread where guy made to spent 2 nights in Laos.

 

Minivan agents run from Bangkok and Pattaya to Cambodia and has surcharge to ensure same day bounce. 

 

[CLW]

16 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

From Bangkok trip out of Thailand and return via air is attractive assuming no issue visa exempt entry.

I'm biased and always suggest Saigon. Especially if your pp is visa exempt to Vietnam. 

 

Previously I would suggest flight to Udon Thani and border bounce at Nong Khai.

However recent thread where guy made to spent 2 nights in Laos.

 

Minivan agents run from Bangkok and Pattaya to Cambodia and has surcharge to ensure same day bounce. 

 

Cost and time wise I'm considering to use one of those agency trips to Cambodia. 

I really hate sweating my balls at immigration and just waiting for them to start the questioning...

 

Because now if Laos really requires two days overnight plus the transport forth and back plus eventually problems with immigration, I'll give it a pass.

Your suggestion of flying to Saigon, similar. The cost and time plus being at the mercy of airport IOs at DMK or BKK, I don't have a good feeling about it 

 

[DrJack54]

9 minutes ago, CLW said:

Cost and time wise I'm considering to use one of those agency trips to Cambodia. 

This thread concerns border bounce from Pattaya, however might be helpful. 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1331485-border-run-from-pattaya-in-a-6-seater-vip-van/

 

[CLW]

6 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

This thread concerns border bounce from Pattaya, however might be helpful. 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1331485-border-run-from-pattaya-in-a-6-seater-vip-van/

 

I assume there's no such thing as self driving to the border and meeting the agent there? I'm really concerned about Thai van drivers and having an accident 

[DrJack54]

34 minutes ago, CLW said:

I assume there's no such thing as self driving to the border and meeting the agent there? I'm really concerned about Thai van drivers and having an accident 

There was thread (couple weeks back).

Guy had extension from Non O and ran out of time..

Minivan agent from Pattaya...

Anyway he had to pay extra because of the Non O.

I recommend using an agent now even for Cambodia 

[Bangkok Alex]

1 hour ago, CLW said:

I assume there's no such thing as self driving to the border and meeting the agent there? I'm really concerned about Thai van drivers and having an accident 

If your employer takes care of the cost, some agencies offer taxi services to do a border run to Cambodia. Was 6k baht as of last year. They come pick you up at 4am and bring you back to your place around 2pm. Safe driving and comfortable enough to get more sleep. And privacy. I would recommend that.

[Caldera]

2 hours ago, CLW said:

I assume there's no such thing as self driving to the border and meeting the agent there? I'm really concerned about Thai van drivers and having an accident 

 

Contact some Bangkok-based border run agencies, I'm sure they will be happy to accommodate you. I know some people have used a private taxi to the border and just used the agencies for the border procedures, so self-drive should be an option as well. 

[Rob Browder]

Cambodia via agent works. To do by air, if worried about hassle from immigration on return, that is because they want you to use their agent-friend to "pre-clear" your return entry:
https://aseannow.com/topic/1336926-setv-metv-still-around-now-that-visa-exempts-are-now-60-days/?do=findComment&comment=19217493

 

... or this one:
https://www.facebook.com/srthaivisaservices/

[CLW]

15 hours ago, Rob Browder said:

Cambodia via agent works. To do by air, if worried about hassle from immigration on return, that is because they want you to use their agent-friend to "pre-clear" your return entry:
https://aseannow.com/topic/1336926-setv-metv-still-around-now-that-visa-exempts-are-now-60-days/?do=findComment&comment=19217493

 

... or this one:
https://www.facebook.com/srthaivisaservices/

Yes, something like this. 

 

And people here repeatedly saying there's no bribery involved in all of these agent service. How do you think you'll get in without any issues?

[DrJack54]

1 hour ago, CLW said:

And people here repeatedly saying there's no bribery involved in all of these agent service. How do you think you'll get in without any issues?

From your own OP...

"I talked to a befriended lawyer who said normally there should be no issues, worst case would be an extended stay in Cambodia and apply for a tourist visa e-visa online. However, I would like to avoid this route."

 

You stated that you did not want to obtain eVisa then swipe at vip treatment to border bounce.

So bottom line ...did you obtain border bounce visa exempt entry 60 days. 

[Hocus Pocus]

Although not an expert to the degree others are, I am adding some additional points since my own circumstances have some common points. @DrJack54, et.al. can chime in if I am wrong. Since you intend to get another non-B, you need to ensure you don't do anything that would jeopardize your next non-B visa. Number one, ensure that you leave the country before midnight 28 January to avoid overstay. Number two, ensure that your current employer cancels your work permit with the Department of Labor and provides you documentation of the cancellation. As I understand, failing to do either of these might impact non-B process down the road.