Bus From Nong Kai To Mae Sot?

[yuusadouakdaimai]

Hi-

We are new arrivals to Mae Sot and have heard rumors that there is a non-stop bus returning from Nong Kai to Mae Sot. We have not been able to confirm if this actually exists or how much it costs. Does anyone have information about this?

In case running to Vientienne doesn't turn out to be feasible, we are also considering going to Penang for the visa and getting the 60 extension, but I am have couple of expired non-immigrant B visas from when I worked as a teacher in Chiang Mai. I am not with an NGO, hence the visa runs. It seems like Penang might be a bit stricter? Could this possibly be a problem?

Thanks so much! This has all gotten infinitely more complicated than when I first moved here in 2005!!!

-Keely

[lopburi3]

I believe there is Chiang Mai to Udon bus service but do not recall anyone mention Mae Sot (but could be wrong).

What visa do you expect to extend 60 days and for what reason? A tourist visa extension would be 30 days from the 60 day entry. With previous visas there could be a problem getting even the tourist visa in Vientiane as they seem to be the most strict Consulate presently.

[yuusadouakdaimai]

I believe there is Chiang Mai to Udon bus service but do not recall anyone mention Mae Sot (but could be wrong).

What visa do you expect to extend 60 days and for what reason? A tourist visa extension would be 30 days from the 60 day entry. With previous visas there could be a problem getting even the tourist visa in Vientiane as they seem to be the most strict Consulate presently.

This time I entered on a 30-day tourist visa. I did not do my homework to see how difficult the visa situation is now... oops. I was told if I went to Vientienne, I could get a 60 day tourist visa within a day and a half. As my contract in Mae Sot is only 3 months, this is all I need. Is that information not correct? Thank you so much for your help and prompt response!

[lopburi3]

Contract indicates work so be aware a work permit and non immigrant visa entry is required to be legal.

You seem to have 30 day visa exempt entry (not a tourist visa). You likely can obtain a next day tourist visa in Vientiane if apply in morning and pick up next afternoon. But the do often check passports for previous visas and may mark don't come again or refuse visa if they find 3 or more.

[yuusadouakdaimai]

Contract indicates work so be aware a work permit and non immigrant visa entry is required to be legal.

You seem to have 30 day visa exempt entry (not a tourist visa). You likely can obtain a next day tourist visa in Vientiane if apply in morning and pick up next afternoon. But the do often check passports for previous visas and may mark don't come again or refuse visa if they find 3 or more.

OK thanks- "contract" is a bit of a strong word- I'm here as a volunteer, which isn't quite work. Thank you for all the information!

[jdinasia]

Volunteering is still "work" here in Thailand.

There is a bus from NongKhai to Tak. You can ask at Krua Canada (if it is still in Mae Sot) about a direct bus. If there is one I am guessing he'll know.

[yuusadouakdaimai]

Volunteering is still "work" here in Thailand.

There is a bus from NongKhai to Tak. You can ask at Krua Canada (if it is still in Mae Sot) about a direct bus. If there is one I am guessing he'll know.

Good to know. Yep, definitely still here. Will head there now. Thanks very much!

[jdinasia]

Volunteering is still "work" here in Thailand.

There is a bus from NongKhai to Tak. You can ask at Krua Canada (if it is still in Mae Sot) about a direct bus. If there is one I am guessing he'll know.

Good to know. Yep, definitely still here. Will head there now. Thanks very much!

No problem, it has been a couple of years since I spent any time in Mae Sot but Krua Canada was a great resource for local info.

If you make the Laos trip you may as well ask for a double entry TV. Then you can extend the initial 60 days for another 30 days (1900 baht) and then make the border hop there in Mae Sot and activate the second entry. Thus giving you a total of about 6 months. Like stated earlier do not support your request for a tourist visa with documentation showing you are volunteering ... and TV's like all visas are at the discretion of the consular staff at the embassy.

[yuusadouakdaimai]

Volunteering is still "work" here in Thailand.

There is a bus from NongKhai to Tak. You can ask at Krua Canada (if it is still in Mae Sot) about a direct bus. If there is one I am guessing he'll know.

Good to know. Yep, definitely still here. Will head there now. Thanks very much!

No problem, it has been a couple of years since I spent any time in Mae Sot but Krua Canada was a great resource for local info.

If you make the Laos trip you may as well ask for a double entry TV. Then you can extend the initial 60 days for another 30 days (1900 baht) and then make the border hop there in Mae Sot and activate the second entry. Thus giving you a total of about 6 months. Like stated earlier do not support your request for a tourist visa with documentation showing you are volunteering ... and TV's like all visas are at the discretion of the consular staff at the embassy.

OK that's awesome. Just for anyone else who is reading this and thinking of doing a border crossing in Mae Sot, know that it is still closed with no news of it opening any time soon. Thanks for all the info everyone!

[hullupullo]

http://www.phetprasert.com/?name=timetable

This company have route Mae Sot - Mukdahan, can You get visa from Savannakhet?

[Mario2008]

Savannakhet issues visas.

[Prajak]

Bus Nongkhai to Tak ? Never heard of...... and never seen in the bus station. Usually long distance busses to the west and north leave from Udon Thani. Nongkhai to Bangkok, Rayong, Ubon, Chayaphum, Korat, Bungkan and Nakhon Phanom are available in Nongkhai.