Need "exit Stamp" To Cross At Mae Sai?

[sleepyjohn]

Hi

I have a "retirement" extension, coming up for 6 years.

I have a panic disorder which has prevented me from travelling, but may be attempting to get to the border at Mae Sai soon, and pop over to Burma not because of my visa but just for the crack.

If I cross the border does it affect my "retirement" extension?

I know I can get an exit permission stamp or whatever it's called, but I can't be bothered to get it or pay for it for the sake of an hour. If I go out and come back in will it mess me up?

Thanx

[monty]

Normally you would need a re-entry permit, whch you have to obtain at your local immigration office prior to traveling.

If you leave the country and they stamp you out, even for 1 hour, without this re-entry permit you will lose your retirement extension, and they will stamp you in with a 15 day visa exempt stamp.

[Lite Beer]

Correct. Plus you would have to pay for a Visa to cross the border.

[Tywais]

Mae Sai you can get a day pass that will not effect your extension/permission to stay. You can not go beyond Tachilek and it is either $10.00 or 500 Baht and a copy of your passport for the pass. Some information here. However before actually attempting to cross, verify with them that if the case - rules change.

The above link was in February 2009, so perhaps someone with recent experience crossing for a day trip has up to date info.

But as said already, without it you will need a reentry permit which may take more time and expense then going the day pass way.

[sleepyjohn]

Thankyou very much indeed for extremely helpful; information....especially the "last post "

John

[Bearnagh]

I've been told that if you just want to cross at Mae Sae for an hour you can offer your Thai driving licence rather than your passport and this way your passport never gets stamped or altered (& thus no visa status is affected) Seems to good to be true... is it?