Entering Thailand at Pedang Basar

[Sena Dave]

I work in Malaysia and my family live in Thailand so I'm usually in Thailand once a month for between 3 and 6 days. Ive just returned to Malaysia (4th August) and I had not problems at Swampy going or coming out at DM. There is a holiday weekend here on 31st and I;ll be going back to Thailand for 4 days. I could fly Penang ,BKK but there are only 2 flights a day which don't suit me time wise . What I used to do and want to do this time is go through at Pedang Basar and Fly from Hat yai to BKK, about a dozen flights a day from there. Should i expect the possibility of problem with immigration at the land border these days? I have no back to back stamps or Visa's , but plenty of entry stamps .Im sure they are more likely to turn me around at a land border than an airport, which I'm confident won't happen

[Jungle Jim]

I have never had a problem on the train route. But have had numerous hassles at the road crossings over the years. I think you will be fine.

[ParadiseLost]

If you are married to a Thai national, and have an EP for Malaysia you can get a 1 year multiple Non-o from Penang. I refer to the EP as from personal experience it seems to satisfy the consul that you are not working in Thailand...

 

Not saying this is the only way, but it will allow you worry-free travel.

[ubonjoe]

You do not fit the profile they are looking for. You have not been doing in/out entries to stay the length of your entry and then just go out for another one.

You should not have a problem doing a border crossing.

[Sena Dave]

Thanks Gents , I'm not married anymore but I have legal custody of my kids in Thailand, so when I finish work here I'll be getting a 3 month O and then extended for a year

 

Think I'll take the chance with hat Yai, Because its a holiday Penang - BKK flights,Thai are sold out and airasia arrival time in BKK is rubbish, If i book a morning flight from Hat yai and then get Turned around there will be a chance of getting back and taking Airasia from Penang

[ParadiseLost]

Did you consider flying in to Hat Yai? The last time I flew the flights were really cheap. Surat Thani is also an option.

[Tomtomtom69]

I would rather be refused at a land border than at an airport, because there is some chance of them giving you 7 days to sort out your affairs, whereas at airports there is none- you have to fly out and it may be a bit of a puzzle to work out which airline you are allowed to fly, or how they want you to leave (can you use an existing ticket on another airline in your possession, book a flight online or with an airline of your choice), sort out your bags etc.? That however shouldn't be something you need to factor in, because it sounds like you are legitimate as a visitor to Thailand and living in Malaysia, if you were refused you'd simply just think of it as a short wasted trip and return to Penang, a mere 100km or so from the border.

 

I'd say all you need to do is explain your situation to the immigration officer if asked. You can show him evidence of your Malaysian work visa, job, proof of temporary stay in Thailand etc. if needed. I highly doubt an immigration officer wouldn't allow you to calmly and politely explain your situation at the port of entry.

[Sena Dave]

Tomtomtom69 , yes I know do carry a "File" with all sorts in it , contracts , copies of kids ID, birth certs , didnt need it when i flew in last week , but it makes sense to carry that stuff if it can make the difference. Malaysians get very good immigration "Rights" with Thailand , anyone born in a state bordering Thailand (4) can come and go across the border as they please, no passport required

 

Paradiselost , I live in Penang , I know fellas who live in KL who take the Surat Thani flight or hat yai.  Hat Yai BKK flight is also about 70% cheaper than Pen-BKK especially on holiday weekends 

[Tomtomtom69]

Tomtomtom69 , yes I know do carry a "File" with all sorts in it , contracts , copies of kids ID, birth certs , didnt need it when i flew in last week , but it makes sense to carry that stuff if it can make the difference. Malaysians get very good immigration "Rights" with Thailand , anyone born in a state bordering Thailand (4) can come and go across the border as they please, no passport required

 

Paradiselost , I live in Penang , I know fellas who live in KL who take the Surat Thani flight or hat yai.  Hat Yai BKK flight is also about 70% cheaper than Pen-BKK especially on holiday weekends 

 

Yes but only a certain distance from the border. There is no problem for a Cambodian going from Koh Kong to Had Lek (the Thai border town there) on a one day pass every single day if they wanted to. But working, staying longer, heading further inside the country etc. needs more official documentation and/or a passport.

 

I thought you were not Malaysian, you merely live there? Anyway, even Laotians and other border nationalities can and do get deported from Thailand just like anyone else for visa running and other things.

 

Carrying copies of ID etc. is a good idea irrespective of who you are or where you come from in light of this crackdown.

[Sena Dave]

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Tomtomtom69 , yes I know do carry a "File" with all sorts in it , contracts , copies of kids ID, birth certs , didnt need it when i flew in last week , but it makes sense to carry that stuff if it can make the difference. Malaysians get very good immigration "Rights" with Thailand , anyone born in a state bordering Thailand (4) can come and go across the border as they please, no passport required

 

Paradiselost , I live in Penang , I know fellas who live in KL who take the Surat Thani flight or hat yai.  Hat Yai BKK flight is also about 70% cheaper than Pen-BKK especially on holiday weekends 

 

Yes but only a certain distance from the border. There is no problem for a Cambodian going from Koh Kong to Had Lek (the Thai border town there) on a one day pass every single day if they wanted to. But working, staying longer, heading further inside the country etc. needs more official documentation and/or a passport.

 

I thought you were not Malaysian, you merely live there? Anyway, even Laotians and other border nationalities can and do get deported from Thailand just like anyone else for visa running and other things.

 

Carrying copies of ID etc. is a good idea irrespective of who you are or where you come from in light of this crackdown.

 

Tom , yeah for some reasons many Malaysians don't want to go much further than Dan Nok.;o)

 

Ive really only got the next couple of visits to worry about on 29/8 and 12/9 (Malaysian national holidays) Then I should finish work here and settle long term in Thailand or until another job in Asia comes up. I was intending to stay with a dependency Visa for the kids but I spoke to my Girlfriend of 9 years and we are going to get married and I can get the 1 yr O in Penang before I leave here. Who said Romance was dead ?