Visa run to Laos, always fine? No problem with TDAC

[anotherfarangishere]

Hello everyone,

My tourist visa extension is ending in one week, I'll go to Nong Khai by train and make a vira run at the Laos border.

Last year, everything was fine at this border. Is there something new I should know?

Did someone already make a visa run at this border since May 1st and TDAC?

Westerners incoming to Thailand without visa get always 60 days? I read immigration was speaking to come back to 30 days?

Thank you!
 

[BrandonJT]

Nong Khai now requires you to stay in Laos.  I don't remember if the reports say 1 or 2 nights, as it varies by border.  You will need to stay in Laos for whatever amount of time that border requires.  

 

When you return to Thailand, you will receive a 60-day visa exempt stamp if you have no visa.  There is no mechanism to receive a stamp less than that unless the government modifies the visa exempt program again.

[anotherfarangishere]

30 minutes ago, BrandonJT said:

Nong Khai now requires you to stay in Laos.  I don't remember if the reports say 1 or 2 nights, as it varies by border.  You will need to stay in Laos for whatever amount of time that border requires.  

WT. ... 😩 Are you sure? It was already the same for other Laos borders last year except Nong Kai.

Otherwise, is there an alternative with Malaysia - Padang Besar - or Myanmar - Mae Sai?

[BrandonJT]

23 minutes ago, anotherfarangishere said:

WT. ... 😩 Are you sure? It was already the same for other Laos borders last year except Nong Kai.

Otherwise, is there an alternative with Malaysia - Padang Besar - or Myanmar - Mae Sai?

Yes, I'm sure.

Why not just use a border bounce agency? They will get you out and back without any overnight stay.

[anotherfarangishere]

I did it one time by the past... so many time in the bus + usually they are mini van and I don't use mini van, too dangerous.

So, what about Malaysia and Mae Sai now?

[BrandonJT]

10 minutes ago, anotherfarangishere said:

I did it one time by the past... so many time in the bus + usually they are mini van and I don't use mini van, too dangerous.

So, what about Malaysia and Mae Sai now?

Mae Sai is closed.  Chiang Saen and Chiang Khong require 1-2 night stay.  Most Malaysian borders require overnight stay.