Going back and forth from thailand to Laos?

[anotheruser]

I live in Laos and have a business visa in Laos. My question is how many times can I enter Thailand via land crossings with out getting problems? I won't be continuously in Thailand but for example spend a month in Thailand and then a month or a few weeks in Laos. So would expect to split my time around 50/50 between the two places. Am I going to have trouble doing this?

[olddoc]

Sooner or later you will be challenged.

Are you working in Thailand ?

[Thanyaburi Mac]

Entering at Nong Khai?

With Lao "re-entry" permit, which I assume you have, or their equivalent, and a business and work permit there, I really don't think the Thai will have a problem with your comings and goings.

I have an American friend in VIentiane who does just that, has been doing so for 10 years, no problems.

Mac

[ubonjoe]

Since you are not just leaving Thailand, entering Laos and immediately returning you will not have a problem.

[Canada]

Since you are not just leaving Thailand, entering Laos and immediately returning you will not have a problem.

Hi. So, what if he were doing that?

My long term visa expired and I've made 2 border runs for 30 days each recently. I plan to get my next long term visa in 2 months at Savanaket.

How many times will they permit this?

I've been here for about 7 years mostly on non O visa with 90 day border crossing stamps rather than extensions of stay permissions.

Thanks. Not trying to hijack the thread, I think it's a related question.

[ubonjoe]

Since you are not just leaving Thailand, entering Laos and immediately returning you will not have a problem.

Hi. So, what if he were doing that?

My long term visa expired and I've made 2 border runs for 30 days each recently. I plan to get my next long term visa in 2 months at Savanaket.

How many times will they permit this?

I've been here for about 7 years mostly on non O visa with 90 day border crossing stamps rather than extensions of stay permissions.

Thanks. Not trying to hijack the thread, I think it's a related question.

I assume you are asking about getting a two entry tourist visa in Vientiane. You can typically get up 3 of them there back to back.

On what basis was non-o visa issued?

[anotheruser]

Sooner or later you will be challenged.

Are you working in Thailand ?

No I am not working in Thailand, just have friends there and it makes for a nice place to take a break.

[slipperylobster]

^{Just did my fourth consecutive land border run (in and out one hour) at Nong Khai. I was expecting some kind of warning/red stamp....but it was a breeze. They hardly glanced at the computer screen and went to the page with the 3 previous stamps...and put it the fourth. This, after reading all the warnings about the fourth time getting a "red stamp".}

^{Got my 30 days, and will fly out to the Philippines (visit my son) and will try to get a tourist visa back to Thailand at the Consulate in Manila.}

^{I wish to challenge the rumors that they are much stricter than other places, in giving out Tourist Visas...but will try to get what I can.}

[Canada]

Since you are not just leaving Thailand, entering Laos and immediately returning you will not have a problem.

Hi. So, what if he were doing that?

My long term visa expired and I've made 2 border runs for 30 days each recently. I plan to get my next long term visa in 2 months at Savanaket.

How many times will they permit this?

I've been here for about 7 years mostly on non O visa with 90 day border crossing stamps rather than extensions of stay permissions.

Thanks. Not trying to hijack the thread, I think it's a related question.

I assume you are asking about getting a two entry tourist visa in Vientiane. You can typically get up 3 of them there back to back.

On what basis was non-o visa issued?

No. I am talking about out and in border crossings to acheive 30 day stay visa exempt. I have done 2 back to back recently and intend to do 2 more before I can get to Savahnaket to get another Non O.

Non O visa was granted for reason of marriage to Thai national.

[ubonjoe]

I have not read any reports of their being any limits on the number of visa exempt entries you can do at Nong Kai. They would tell you when you have reached the limit they would not just refuse entry.

Are you aware you can get a 60 day extension to visit your wife at immigration. You can get it for any type of entry for a 1900 baht fee.

[Canada]

No, I was not aware of that. Thank you. Would the fact that I have been here FOREVER have an impact on whether or not they would give me that? And would they limit the number of those that you can get?

I've only been to Immigration at Udon twice over the last two years, and both times they were not busy and quite helpful. Quite a contrast to Chiang Mai.

[ubonjoe]

No, I was not aware of that. Thank you. Would the fact that I have been here FOREVER have an impact on whether or not they would give me that? And would they limit the number of those that you can get?

I've only been to Immigration at Udon twice over the last two years, and both times they were not busy and quite helpful. Quite a contrast to Chiang Mai.

It will not matter how long you have been here.

You can only get one 60 day extension per entry.

Your wife will need to go with you to immigration when you go for the extension. You will need original and copies of marriage certificate, wife's house book and ID card. If you are not living where your wife's house book is for or if it is not for Udon then you may need proof of residence.

Copies of your passport photo page, entry/entry permit stamp and TM6 departure card. A completed TM7 form ( http://immigration.go.th/nov2004/download/pdf/tm7.pdf ) with attached photo and 1900 baht fee.