I did a search but could only find information from two years ago.

 

I’m in Pattaya on my first exemption of the year and would like to do a border bounce with as little friction as possible. I’m thinking of flying to the Laos border and preferably joining a group to cross and return. I’m willing to pay an agency for guidance and transportation. Could anyone advise on the current options?

Contact 1st Class Visa Run, they are in Pattaya, or SWD Transport aka Thai Visa Service, they're in Bangkok but go to the Lao border 3 days a week

First Class Visa Run
www.1stclassvisaruns.com

SWD Transport 
www.thaivisaservice.com

If you fly to Vientiane return (?)(not cheap) why would you need much assistance for a border bounce?

For going through the land border (much cheaper) at Nong Khai, there are reports that people had to stay a night or two in Vientiane?

And don't know whether a same day return by air is doable.

What nationality are you?

(visa on arrival for Laos cost varies)

 

2 hours ago, Tod Daniels said:

Contact 1st Class Visa Run, they are in Pattaya, or SWD Transport aka Thai Visa Service, they're in Bangkok but go to the Lao border 3 days a week

First Class Visa Run
www.1stclassvisaruns.com

SWD Transport 
www.thaivisaservice.com

Those are minivan transports?

A good 10 hours one way?

4 minutes ago, KhunBENQ said:

Those are minivan transports?

A good 10 hours one way?

25 hours round trip - you do get breakfast.  (There are fly options as well).

1 hour ago, KhunBENQ said:

Those are minivan transports?

A good 10 hours one way?

Those are indeed LONG land slogs to the Lao border 
BUT 
keep in mind those "I'm going to save money/time bounce myself" not so cunning planz are coming off the rails more and more 😮 😕 Especially if you've already taken 60+30 here on a free stamp entry w/extension.

You run a HIGH chance of being pulled aside at Nong Khai stamping out, being told you can get out but you either go to the consulate and BUY a real tourist visa OR you fly back in to thailand. That border is NOT user friendly for people looking to further their stay here via another free stamp 60 day entry 

Flying out/back after being here 90 days is also fraught with peril because you're totally at the mercy of the officer you're standing in front of when you go to stamp back in free stamp for another 60 day entry. They can require proof of onward travel (back to your country) within the number of days you'll stamp in for <- which is what they will ask for if they're going to hassle you

The border bounce companies have it set up so you get out/back the same day, don't get hassled, don't need to stay out of the country xxx days, don't need proof of onward travel, proof of lodging <- which are ALL things you can be told and asked for at the border trying to bounce yourself 

Conversely, if you're going to fly out/back use SWD Transport to do "safe entry" for you, that guarantees you get back into the country even if you just fly to someplace in the morning and right back that afternoon. If they say you can get in, you can, and you will, without any issue, without any hassles,   

Those "do it yourself" border bounces are fast going the way of the dinosaurz, as the officers at passport control get more and more restrictive on handing out free 60 day entries at the borders    

Best of luck with it,

9 hours ago, sign70 said:

I’m in Pattaya on my first exemption of the year and would like to do a border bounce with as little friction as possible

OP, you mention "first visa exempt this year" however did not outline time spent in Thailand this year thus far. 

 

With Cambodia borders closed I would consider exit / return via air. 

Easy transport to BKK and mini holiday to somewhere like Saigon. 

 

Even nicer if your pp provides visa exempt entry to Vietnam. 

Highly recommended to use "safe entry services" for return. 

Friendly Thai Visa is one agent. 

 

Source: Facebook https://share.google/WniQICzSMOy92KaVG

2 hours ago, Tod Daniels said:

Those are indeed LONG land slogs to the Lao border 
BUT 
keep in mind those "I'm going to save money/time bounce myself" not so cunning planz are coming off the rails more and more 😮 😕 Especially if you've already taken 60+30 here on a free stamp entry w/extension.

You run a HIGH chance of being pulled aside at Nong Khai stamping out, being told you can get out but you either go to the consulate and BUY a real tourist visa OR you fly back in to thailand. That border is NOT user friendly for people looking to further their stay here via another free stamp 60 day entry 

Flying out/back after being here 90 days is also fraught with peril because you're totally at the mercy of the officer you're standing in front of when you go to stamp back in free stamp for another 60 day entry. They can require proof of onward travel (back to your country) within the number of days you'll stamp in for <- which is what they will ask for if they're going to hassle you

The border bounce companies have it set up so you get out/back the same day, don't get hassled, don't need to stay out of the country xxx days, don't need proof of onward travel, proof of lodging <- which are ALL things you can be told and asked for at the border trying to bounce yourself 

Conversely, if you're going to fly out/back use SWD Transport to do "safe entry" for you, that guarantees you get back into the country even if you just fly to someplace in the morning and right back that afternoon. If they say you can get in, you can, and you will, without any issue, without any hassles,   

Those "do it yourself" border bounces are fast going the way of the dinosaurz, as the officers at passport control get more and more restrictive on handing out free 60 day entries at the borders    

Best of luck with it,

Agreed. Friend did a run for a new 60 day visa exempt to Nong Khai over the weekend from Chiang Mai with an agent.

mini bus there and back, hand holding filling out forms etc. No questions, no dramas and straight back.

A little bit of extra money for a lot of peace of mind (glad I don't have to do this anymore)

14 minutes ago, Greenwich Boy said:

Agreed. Friend did a run for a new 60 day visa exempt to Nong Khai over the weekend from Chiang Mai with an agent.

mini bus there and back, hand holding filling out forms etc. No questions, no dramas and straight back.

A little bit of extra money for a lot of peace of mind (glad I don't have to do this anymore)

 

    Why didn't he go to Chiang kong ?

Much closer 

13 minutes ago, Nick Carter icp said:

 

    Why didn't he go to Chiang kong ?

Much closer 

Apologies, not sure why I typed Nong Khai. You are correct it was Chiang Kong.

31 minutes ago, Greenwich Boy said:

Agreed. Friend did a run for a new 60 day visa exempt to Nong Khai over the weekend from Chiang Mai with an agent.

mini bus there and back, hand holding filling out forms etc. No questions, no dramas and straight back.

A little bit of extra money for a lot of peace of mind (glad I don't have to do this anymore)

edit, apologies I meant Chiang Kong. Should know better.

One strategy might be to ask the IO before stamping out at Nongkhai what the restrictions are when coming back . If too difficult , then contact one of the visa run cos and ask to join their group . I`d much rather fly up to Udon / Nongkhai than be crammed into one of those minibuses .

Thank you all for your input.

I hold a Dutch passport, and spending long hours on a bus isn’t something I’m willing to do.

You’ve suggested several options, and some of them sound very appealing.

tnx again!

14 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

OP, you mention "first visa exempt this year" however did not outline time spent in Thailand this year thus far. 

 

With Cambodia borders closed I would consider exit / return via air. 

Easy transport to BKK and mini holiday to somewhere like Saigon. 

 

Even nicer if your pp provides visa exempt entry to Vietnam. 

Highly recommended to use "safe entry services" for return. 

Friendly Thai Visa is one agent. 

 

Source: Facebook https://share.google/WniQICzSMOy92KaVG

You sound more cautious these days about the border run via air and the 2nd visa exemption.  A couple of months ago, I mentioned that I would enter on a 60 day visa exemption in November and then leave Thailand and go to somewhere like Saigon in January for a week.  You thought that would be OK and would not require a safe entry service.  Typically  only stay in Thailand about 4 or 5 months every winter and have never overstayed.   

 

Are you now recommending the use of a safe entry service for those wishing to get a 2nd visa exemption even if being out of country for a week? 

 

Thanks.  

2 hours ago, ultramarine said:

Are you now recommending the use of a safe entry service for those wishing to get a 2nd visa exemption even if being out of country for a week? 

 

Anyone trying for a(nother) visa-exempt entry needs to consider their visa-exempt history, including any extension history, over the previous 12 months. Because that history is going to be considered by the immigration officer on arrival.

 

Several posts over the past few months suggest that short visits to neighbouring countries in between visa-exempt entries to Thailand no longer does anyone any favours. Their "v-e" history is right there on the screens as soon as they scan the passport. Who knows, they may already be highlighted for extra scrutiny, verification of onward travel, or worse?

4 hours ago, ultramarine said:

You sound more cautious these days about the border run via air and the 2nd visa exemption. 

I replied to the OP who was vague with history. I stated.... 

"OP, you mention "first visa exempt this year" however did not outline time spent in Thailand this year thus far"

 

From other threads my guess is that has actually been in Thailand more than vague post. 

it's all about history and time out of Thailand, not just time in Thailand. 

45 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

I replied to the OP who was vague with history. He stated.... 

"OP, you mention "first visa exempt this year" however did not outline time spent in Thailand this year thus far"

 

From other threads my guess that has actually been in Thailand more that vague post. 

it's all about history and time out of Thailand, not just time in Thailand. 

OK thanks for clarifying Dr Jack.  So it sounds like you haven't changed your basic view.  As long as a person spends most of the year outside of Thailand, there should be no problem getting a second visa exemption after a short one week stay (approx) in a neighbouring country.  So no safe entry is necessary for someone who only spends a total of 4 months a year in Thailand.  And yet Tod Daniels seems to suggest that safe entry IS necessary for near back-to-back visa exemption entries.  But maybe I'm reading him wrong. 

 

Appreciate your input as always.  You and Ubonjoe have been reliable sources of info over the years.  I owe you a beer or two.  

3 minutes ago, ultramarine said:

So it sounds like you haven't changed your basic view.  As long as a person spends most of the year outside of Thailand, there should be no problem getting a second visa exemption after a short one week stay (approx) in a neighbouring country.  So no safe entry is necessary for someone who only spends a total of 4 months a year in Thailand. 

First up 4 months stay in Thailand is at the lower end of stays using visa exempt entries. 

Especially now that VE provides 60 day stamp. 

Also depends on has a 30 day extension been obtained for each entry. 

Seems more often a warning would be issued rather than straight up denied entry for only second ve entry. 

 

The suggestion of safe entry services is more down to using flights bit more attractive with Cambodian land borders closed. 

Yes safe entry services costs... And ~4k is not insignificant however with ve granting 60 and especially for last one an option of 30 day extension all up 5 month stay is reasonable imo. 

 

If located in Bangkok or Pattaya one could always fly to Udon Thani and do land border crossing. 

Or even mini break in CM and use border run agent from there. 

As for road travel from Bangkok/Pattaya no way (for me) 

12 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

First up 4 months stay in Thailand is at the lower end of stays using visa exempt entries. 

Especially now that VE provides 60 day stamp. 

Also depends on has a 30 day extension been obtained for each entry. 

Seems more often a warning would be issued rather than straight up denied entry for only second ve entry. 

 

The suggestion of safe entry services is more down to using flights bit more attractive with Cambodian land borders closed. 

Yes safe entry services costs... And ~4k is not insignificant however with ve granting 60 and especially for last one an option of 30 day extension all up 5 month stay is reasonable imo. 

 

If located in Bangkok or Pattaya one could always fly to Udon Thani and do land border crossing. 

Or even mini break in CM and use border run agent from there. 

As for road travel from Bangkok/Pattaya no way (for me) 

Yes, I'm getting too old to handle the long minivan trip to the border.  Did it last year to Cambo from Pattaya.  It was OK and the visa service was good but I'd rather fly someplace esp now that Cambo is off the table.  

 

I won't do any 30-day extension this time around to keep things simple.  

 

I have previously used the METV a few times for my snowbird winter stays in Thailand but it is getting more expensive (325 CAD/7500 THB) and its harder to justify the cost when you get 60 days for free.  With the METV, you still have to pay to go to a border after 60 days anyway.  In that sense, even if I had to use safe entry for 4000 thb with two free visa exempt entries, it would still be cheaper than an METV.  

23 minutes ago, ultramarine said:

Did it last year to Cambo from Pattaya.  It was OK and the visa service was good but I'd rather fly someplace esp now that Cambo is off the table.

There in lies the problem. 

Minivan run agents in Pattaya to Cambo are doable. 

Some even have pick up service. 

 

Lao from Bangkok/Pattaya via land no way imo. 

 

For snowbirds i have never understood the desire to be 100% in Thailand. 

Personally, I would do ve Thailand (60) followed by eg Vietnam (30 eVisa  $25) followed by second ve to Thailand (60) = 5 months. 

2 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

There in lies the problem. 

Minivan run agents in Pattaya to Cambo are doable. 

Some even have pick up service. 

 

Lao from Bangkok/Pattaya via land no way imo. 

 

For snowbirds i have never understood the desire to be 100% in Thailand. 

Personally, I would do ve Thailand (60) followed by eg Vietnam (30 eVisa  $25) followed by second ve to Thailand (60) = 5 months. 

Yes, I got the pick-up service in Pattaya.  Nice, although it adds an extra hour to the trip once they're done picking up everyone in the van.  I stayed in Naklua and was the last to be picked up before hitting the highway so that was better for me -- less time in the van.  

 

Agree with the split time approach between two countries to extend the stay without visa hassles.  But sometimes you just want to stay put and not have to travel all over God's green acre.  Air travel definitely more comfortable than bus or van though. 

15 minutes ago, ultramarine said:

Air travel definitely more comfortable than bus or van though

And in the past flights to Kuala Lumpur were cheapest International flight. Vientiane quite expensive and few flights .

On 10/13/2025 at 9:23 AM, DrJack54 said:

OP, you mention "first visa exempt this year" however did not outline time spent in Thailand this year thus far. 

 

With Cambodia borders closed I would consider exit / return via air. 

Easy transport to BKK and mini holiday to somewhere like Saigon. 

 

Even nicer if your pp provides visa exempt entry to Vietnam. 

Highly recommended to use "safe entry services" for return. 

Friendly Thai Visa is one agent. 

 

Source: Facebook https://share.google/WniQICzSMOy92KaVG

 

Cambodian land borders are closed, but no problems flying in/out of Cambodia. I recently returned to Siem Reap from Bangkok with Air Asia.  Cheaper than flying to Saigon (HCM).

1 hour ago, Burma Bill said:

I recently returned to Siem Reap from Bangkok with Air Asia.  Cheaper than flying to Saigon (HCM)

I just did a search Bangkok to Siem Reap 2600b . Also search Bangkok to Saigon 1850b 

Also the OP is Dutch and no visa, necessary for Vietnam however there is for Cambodia. 

Other reasons also 

On 10/13/2025 at 12:16 AM, sign70 said:

I’m thinking of flying to the Laos border and preferably joining a group to cross and return.  I’m willing to pay an agency for guidance and transportation.

 

On 10/13/2025 at 7:56 AM, Upnotover said:

(There are fly options as well)

 

Is it true they now have "fly" options - not only the grueling mini-van option?   If so, the OP can do exactly what he planned - fly up there himself (Udon Thani, then short-trip to Nongkhai),, then meet them at the border to cross/return.

58 minutes ago, Rob Browder said:

 

 

Is it true they now have "fly" options - not only the grueling mini-van option?   If so, the OP can do exactly what he planned - fly up there himself (Udon Thani, then short-trip to Nongkhai),, then meet them at the border to cross/return.

Yes, I looked at one of those mentioned and they will do a pick up at Nakhon Phanom airport or otherwise a meet at Mukdahan and then cross to Savannakhet.  Better than the bus for sure.

On 10/13/2025 at 10:37 PM, DrJack54 said:

If located in Bangkok or Pattaya one could always fly to Udon Thani and do land border crossing. 

Or even mini break in CM and use border run agent from there. 

As for road travel from Bangkok/Pattaya no way (for me

Good advice but a flight to Chiang Rai is nearer for the border bounce at Chiang Khong. In 5 years time we will have the option of the high speed rail link to Lao 😁

32 minutes ago, Jaggg88 said:

Good advice but a flight to Chiang Rai is nearer for the border bounce at Chiang Khong. In 5 years time we will have the option of the high speed rail link to Lao 😁

 

   What route is the train line taking ?

4 minutes ago, Nick Carter icp said:

 

   What route is the train line taking ?

UT

1 minute ago, couchpotato said:

UT

 

   nowhere near CR then