Best options for visa run from Chumphon....

[4evermaat]

I've decided to weigh my options on an alternative destination in case I run into problems trying to do the normal Ranong visa run (I already am on 3rd 30 day visa exempt stamps, USA passport, previous to that had 3 1-year non imm visas in same passport). It was actually the visa run company that tipped me off to this as one of their clients recently had a problem with UK passport with too many consecutive visa exempt runs at Ranong.

What borders are closest? cost effective? I heard about Sadao or Padang Besar from Hat Yai. I'm ok with public transportation or minibus, but I just need an idea of the prices and which ones to take.

There is also a train option but the international train only goes and comes back twice a day. can you buy a return train ticket at the border or do you have to buy the ticket all the way to buttersworth or next nearest train stop?

What I'm thinking is either two options.

1) Attempt Ranong visa run a day before stamp expires. If they decide to reject the visa, head to the Ranong bus station and then continue to Hat Yai.

2) Go directly to Hat Yai and attempt Sadao / Padang Besar.

This kind of came at the last minute. Thoughts appreciated.

[ubonjoe]

I think you should try the Malaysian border crossing first. They been turning people away at Ranong that already have 3 or more entries.

You can get a train ticket to the border. They sell tickets for all stops.

What was you non-o based upon?

Edit: You can download the train schedules here: http://www.railway.co.th/home/viewcontent.aspx?id=time003〈=EN

[baboon]

..Or try the train to Sungai Kolok. There are two daily, if memory serves me correctly.

[4evermaat]

.....

You can get a train ticket to the border. They sell tickets for all stops.

What was you non-o based upon?

Edit: You can download the train schedules here: http://www.railway.co.th/home/viewcontent.aspx?id=time003〈=EN

Non-ed for the first 2 years, then 3rd was non-o based on visiting family (Thai child). Did not get a 4th non-o yet and didn't think anything of it until yesterday.

What is the name of the train stop that is at and/or right after the Malaysian border?

Can I buy a ticket at the border stop to come back to thailand?

I can always get ticket to hat yai and then take bus/van to border. Is there directly from hat yai rail station to malaysian border, or should I transfer into Hat Yai town first and then seek out a specific tour company?

edit: you link has broken links for all of the english train schedules. Anyone have alternative link? I'm primarily concerned with the southern rail link (between Chumphon, Thailand and border, Malaysia)

Edited May 7, 2014 by 4evermaat

[ubonjoe]

I got these from the link I posted.

Trains going south: http://www.railway.co.th/home/images/content/home/srt/timetable/download/th/20110702-south-go.pdf

Trains coming from the south: http://www.railway.co.th/home/images/content/home/srt/timetable/download/th/20110702-south-return.pdf

Padang Besar is at the border for the train to Butterworth

You can buy a ticket at the border or any train station. You could buy your tickets for your trip down and back at the same time.

You could get a 60 day extension to visit your child from immigration to give you some more time to sort things out.

You will need to take them with you when you apply. You will need their birth certificate and house book plus copies. And copies of your passport pages and departure card.

If you are the legal father of you child by way of marriage to their mother or legitimization you could get a multiple entry non-o in Savannakhet Laos.

[4evermaat]

I got these from the link I posted.

Trains going south: http://www.railway.co.th/home/images/content/home/srt/timetable/download/th/20110702-south-go.pdf

Trains coming from the south: http://www.railway.co.th/home/images/content/home/srt/timetable/download/th/20110702-south-return.pdf

Padang Besar is at the border for the train to Butterworth

You can buy a ticket at the border or any train station. You could buy your tickets for your trip down and back at the same time.

You could get a 60 day extension to visit your child from immigration to give you some more time to sort things out.

You will need to take them with you when you apply. You will need their birth certificate and house book plus copies. And copies of your passport pages and departure card.

If you are the legal father of you child by way of marriage to their mother or legitimization you could get a multiple entry non-o in Savannakhet Laos.

Thanks. Turns out that the company I used in Chumphon (Fame) had 3 more people today denied exit from Ranong, on their 4th VE stamp. I originally tried to move my run up a day and they were willing to chance it and would refund the majority of the fare if it didn't pan out. But they decided to just refund the entire amount and suggested that I get a new visa somehow (penang).

Switching borders alone will not work. Might as well just get the new visa anyway and reset the count.