Heads up - Chong Chom / O'smach.

[Pla Simon]

Having enjoyed unhindered back to back 60 day visa exempt stamps at this border point, a few days ago was advised that Cambodian immigration had very recently changed policy (Mon 17/03/2025) - and were not accepting a payment for sameday return to Thailand, and required an over night stay...

 

I was then informed to try Phusing / Chong Sangam - as they may have a different policy. Phoning to enquire proved completely fruitless - no answer.

 

As I was on my last day of visa, and unprepared for an overnight stay, I cut my losses and reported to Kap Choeng to get a 30 day extention.

 

Was informed recent unannounced policy shift was to crackdown on recent call center gangs / scammers, for forseeable future.

 

Immigration officer then called and confirmed all borders with Cambodia had introduced this same policy, and were asking for 3,000 thb for sameday return - not the usual 300.

 

Was advised to check a couple of days before attempting border bounce again.

 

There seems to be no news of these sudden changes -  so can anyone confirm the same ?

 

Best regards.

[DrJack54]

10 minutes ago, Pla Simon said:

Immigration officer then called and confirmed all borders with Cambodia had introduced this same policy, and were asking for 3,000 thb for sameday return - not the usual 300.

Thanks for report.

Assume you did not use minivan border run agents.

Hopefully some reports can update/confirm what is current rules of the game

[Pla Simon]

19 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

Thanks for report.

Assume you did not use minivan border run agents.

Hopefully some reports can update/confirm what is current rules of the game

 

Never have used agents.

 

This border is my preferred goto, as most local - usually smooth and friendly.

 

Thai officer confirmed Thailand is still offering 60 day exempt with no restrictions - sticking point seemed to be Cambodian policy.

[DrJack54]

1 minute ago, Pla Simon said:

Never have used agents.

 

This border is my preferred goto, as most local - usually smooth and friendly.

I didn't mean agents that eg obtain annual extensions etc.

Was referring to border run companies. Most agents in Pattaya/Bangkok make for smoothe bounce to Cambodia via minivan