Overstay clearance by land?

[abjinthai]

Hello,

Two friends (American/35, Japanese/32) have overstayed their visas by 9 months. Reasons uncontrollable, got conned. Anyways, they each have their 20,000Bt to pay for the overstay, but were thinking of going to Malaysia by train and clearing the overstay then returning with a tourist visa.

My question is...

Will they have trouble leaving and reentering Thailand if they leave and clear the overstay at a border cross on land?

Also, do they need to show how much money they have to embassy officials to apply for a Thai tourist visa?

Thank you very much.

[dr_Pat_Pong]

They should not have any problems going by train to Malaysia Major immigration points will cheerily take their money. If they look presentable when they apply for the visa, they are unlikely to be asked to show money.

[bangkok-bob]

Be careful about visa and passport checks on the train though, if they caught in country with an overstay it could be messy. I've had friends checked on trains in Thailand before.

[dr_Pat_Pong]

Totally agree Bob. Air to anywhere is the safest way for certain, and in the present climate that'd be the very best way to go. A quick flight to Penang would be my choice.