Visiting Maesai While On Type O Visa

[palomnik]

I'm currently living in Chiangmai on a retirement visa. I would like to take a trip up to Maesai and cross over to Burma for the day. Do I need to get a re-entry permit for this? While at first glance it may seem obvious that you do, I've read in some sources that Thai immigration hold on to your passport before you cross the border, which would seem to indicate that you don't need a re-entry permit. Does anybody out there know for sure?

[Sojourner]

If you have an extension of your Non-O visa based on retirement you must have a re-entry permit before crossing into Burma from Mae Sai. Years ago one used to be able to get a copy of your passport to carry into Burma but not any more. This info is current and is directly from Immigration in Mae Sai at the same place the Thai Nationals get a copy and stamp of their Thai ID.

[palomnik]

If you have an extension of your Non-O visa based on retirement you must have a re-entry permit before crossing into Burma from Mae Sai. Years ago one used to be able to get a copy of your passport to carry into Burma but not any more. This info is current and is directly from Immigration in Mae Sai at the same place the Thai Nationals get a copy and stamp of their Thai ID.

Thanks, Sojourner. One more question to you, or anybody else: can I get a re-entry permit at the border in Maesai, the same as at Thai international airports, or do I need to go to Immigration beforehand to get one?

[Mario2008]

A rentry permit ycan now only be obtained from your own immigration office, not at the border or another immigraiton office. That includes the airport!

You will have to get it at Chiang Mai immigration.

Cost 1,000 baht and dont forget to bring 1 pic.

[gregchambers]

BTW it is the Burmese who hang on to your passport whilst you wander around their market - okay, as by the time you get back it will be stamped.

[Thanyaburi Mac]

A rentry permit ycan now only be obtained from your own immigration office, not at the border or another immigraiton office. That includes the airport!

You will have to get it at Chiang Mai immigration.

Cost 1,000 baht and dont forget to bring 1 pic.

palomnik

Further, recommend you get a re-entry permit anyway, only baht 1,000, and good "insurance" just in case you need to depart Thailand for some unexpected reason. Such as on a weekend and friends/family want to go to Mae Sai, or some such.

There's been just too many instances recently of people suddenly having to depart on a weekend with no re-entry permit, and then having to go through the extension process all over again. Especially a problem for people on a Non-B with Work Permit.

Mac

[7by7]

Moved to Thai visas, residency and work permits.

[palomnik]

Many thanks to all. I didn't realize that you can't get a re-entry permit at the airport any more. I think it was true up until the last time I left Thailand, which was in October.

[lopburi3]

You have not been able to obtain at airport for far longer than October for anything but emergency.

[Thanyaburi Mac]

You have not been able to obtain at airport for far longer than October for anything but emergency.

Lop3

"... for anything but emergency." And that was just one guy, as I remember, 6 months or so back. Or have there been others since his case? Believe he had to phone downtown to plead his case too.

Still, it is strange to me why Imm doesn't provide this additional service at Swampy, given the rather high number of expats here, retired, married to Thai, expat workers. Must be a lot of them who didn't realize they needed a re-entry permit, or forgot, who lose their extension status and have to start the process over. Surely not all of them report this to TV.

Best to get the re-entry permit immediately following a visa extension, even if no trip planned.

Mac

[thaiphoon]

Have only seen reported the one case you are referring to. Agree is good option to obtain re-entry permit at time of obtaining/renewing extension to cover any unforseen emergencies. 1,000 baht for single entry can save an awful lot of grief later, but is of course down to individual choice.

[jubby]

If you have an extension of your Non-O visa based on retirement you must have a re-entry permit before crossing into Burma from Mae Sai. Years ago one used to be able to get a copy of your passport to carry into Burma but not any more. This info is current and is directly from Immigration in Mae Sai at the same place the Thai Nationals get a copy and stamp of their Thai ID.

Sojourner, Did you get this info personally from Immigration ?. The reason I ask is this subject has been discussed recently in the Chiang Rai Forum and some people are saying you can get some sort of VIP pass for the day (Thai Immigration keep your passport). I was going to enquire myself on my last trip last week but forgot.