Nong Khai 2nd Border Crossing in 2025....Big Boss meeting.

[Quentin Zen]

No panic; I'm just giving you a heads-up about a possible added complication. I've lived in Thailand for almost a decade, but it won't be until next year when I'm able to retire.     I've done the low-paying teaching jobs, ED Visa, Tourist Visas, never more than two border crossings in a calendar year via visa-exempt stamp, almost on my third passport, current one is almost full (I know, it's in the system, but I do think a fresh one might make things easier), and I have felt a long delay a few times before as if I did something wrong.   I figured I would have to explain that this is my last one for 2025, don't worry, I'll get a visa next time.  60+30 is all I needed, and the online system isn't as easy as in years past.....I knew I was taking a risk.   I had 20k in my wallet, bank copies, addresses, phone numbers, and, I hate to say this, but I'm white, fit, no tats, etc.....hopefully not too triggering.  Passport is blue, some people wear red hats.  

 

When I left Thailand, nothing.  That was a good sign, I thought.  Coming back, pretty empty, the guy says to turn around and talk to an officer.   No worries.  I go back, figure it out (really only one office facing a separate check-in area), and wait for him to finish with another foreigner.    We only spoke in Thai.  I said this is normal, I'll go back, get many offers from schools, come back and get a Non-O and blah, blah, blah....He asked if I have a gf, if I'm working, what am I doing, and we joked for a bit.  He stamped me for 60 days.  Took less than three minutes.

 

I do think it's worth a post because two "should" be fine and I was slightly surprised two meant meeting.  I hope it was just me, full passport, safety check, and I'm the super rare case.  Of course I have no idea how often this happens.   I still am very curious what happens if you get rejected.  Do you have to repurchase a Laos Visa?  probably.   I planned to then fly to Udon, or maybe talk to the Big Boss and see if I can stay in Laos until xxxx date ,and then I'm OK.   

 

I'm in a province where you can get a Non-O without leaving Thailand (school/agency pays more) and that should give me until next April.

 

Never fun, good luck all.  

[DrJack54]

13 minutes ago, Quentin Zen said:

I hope it was just me, full passport, safety check, and I'm the super rare case.

Thanks for report. It ain't just you.

Things have changed esp for same day border bounce 

Even at previously friendly Nong Khai crossing.

 

[thai006]

you  were  lucky last December i done an in and out  they send me back to laos  and say i need to spend 2 days in laos before come back to thailand lol

and you don't need to pay for a new laos visa , you just cancel your exit 🙂

[Nick Carter icp]

5 hours ago, Quentin Zen said:

 I still am very curious what happens if you get rejected.  Do you have to repurchase a Laos Visa?  probably. 

 

   You get sent back to Laos and they cancel your departure stamp, so the visa is valid again