23 Oct, 2014: Any recent border runs to Cambodia?

[maureeses]

Hello

Has anyone, or someone you know, been able to do a border run to Cambodia recently without any problems at immigration? If it's okay to do A border run, I would want to consider it. I've already made a border run for a total of 2 months stay in Thailand earlier this year before this whole crackdown mess started.

I'm currently on my extension month after my visa expired last month. My extension will expire in a few days. I may need to stay longer. Will it be okay to do a border run to Poipet? Or is this considered back-to-back (if still enforced)?

[ubonjoe]

What kind of visa did you have?

You can do a visa exempt entry after a visa without problem.

Poi Pet has been reported as being more strict than others. Ban Laem is a better crossing,

[maureeses]

What kind of visa did you have?

Single entry tourist visa. Now on extension. 3 months total

[ubonjoe]

No problem to get a visa exempt entry after having a visa. You will only get 15 days unless your are from a G7 country that would give you a 30 day entry.

You can now extend visa exempt entries for 30 days at immigration.

[maureeses]

You can now extend visa exempt entries for 30 days at immigration.

What?? Really??? I didn't know you could make an extension on 15/30 day visa exempt waivers. I thought extensions only applied to actual visas you get from the Thai Embassies/Consulates

Thanks for the quick replies BTW. I have to leave from BKK, so naturally, I chose to go to Poipet since it's closer and cheaper. I may spend a night there so I could get some things from the Rong Klong Market. So it won't be same day

[ubonjoe]

Extensions for visa exempt entries started on August 29th when a new immigration order went into effect that allows for them.

[maureeses]

What exactly is back-to-back? Is it exiting and re-entering Thailand on the same day? I've read how people have stayed a night or two outside of Thailand when on their border runs- seemingly to avoid the same-day entry suspicion by immigration officials. Wouldn't that still be considered back-to-back?

[ubonjoe]

Immigration uses the word "immediately" in their definition of a in/out "visa runner" in their guideline of visa exempt entries.

But you do not fit into that profile since you have not done one since you got a tourist visa.

You can go out and back to get an entry.

If you wanted to another one that would be a back to back visa exempt entry.

[maureeses]

Hey ubonjoe,

All was good. Thanks. I got the late train to Cambodia and kind of planned on staying a night anyway, maybe to try to lessen the back-to-back ness of it all. I spent the rest of the night at the casino making friends with people who had lost their money. Then I went through in the morning and the staff was relaxed and friendly. I was nervous as the official skimmed through the pages, but the reassuring sound of the stamp relieved that feeling. Through his facial expressions, the officer (I hope) wished me a good trip.

I noticed they have eliminated the small market way between the 7/11 and the Thai immigration entryway and laid down train tracks through Aranyaphratet to Poipet, Seems unfinished, but shotty work. I guess they're going forth with a train route from Suvarnabhumi Airport?

It seems.Cambodia raised visa fees from $20 to $30. Cambodian immigration officials were still up to their old tricks as they tried to swindle 200 baht more by showing me their kindergarten handwritten fee on the back of an old worn out scratch paper. But this time, they were less aggressive than in the past as I politely refused to pay extra. As usual, they gave up and issued me the visa.

[maureeses]

BTW, what's the likelihood of getting a second visa exempt waiver after this in Cambodia? I did one for the month of May, so this would be my first back-to-back visa exempt since then.

Would I still be ok, or would an extension be best if I decide to stay longer?

[ubonjoe]

It would be best to get the 30 day extension.

Reports indicate they will only do one after flying in.

[Thai Visa Service]

It would be best to get the 30 day extension.

Reports indicate they will only do one after flying in.

They do also the 30day extension if you entered via Land border, but only once for a visa exempt stamp.

[maureeses]

Hi guys. During a recent search, I came across a post stating that an extension for the visa on arrival waiver is only 7 days. Is this true or could I still get a 30 day extension as a U.S. passport holder? Is it risky to consider doing a second border run to Cambodia?

[ubonjoe]

Since August 29th you can get a 30 day extension for a visa exempt entry.

If you have already done an entry at a border crossing there is good chance you will not get another one.

[maureeses]

Hi ubonjoe,

I received my 30 day extension for the visa exempt and I currently have 10 days remaining. I didn't realize until today how New Year's is fast approaching. I'd like to spend it with my girlfriend and our Thai relatives in Thailand. To refresh your memory, I've had up to date:

-single entry tourist visa

-30 day extension

-visa exempt

-30 day ext. (currently valid until 25 Dec.)

At this point after multiple tries, I feel like I'm asking for your approval for parole. So the final question: Can I get one last visa exempt or have I maxed out?

I found your comment here and, hopefully, your info suggests that I would be okay since I've done visa extensions:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/783107-after-2-entry-tv-is-used-up-can-do-a-border-run/?p=8787516

[ubonjoe]

You should be able to do another entry but it might depend upon which border crossing you use.

A fly out and back would not be a problem.

Having a ticket out within the 30 days would help.

If there is chance you might want more than that 30 days getting a tourist visa would be best.

[maureeses]

You should be able to do another entry but it might depend upon which border crossing you use.

A fly out and back would not be a problem.

Having a ticket out within the 30 days would help.

If there is chance you might want more than that 30 days getting a tourist visa would be best.

Flying would be a last resort since it is over my budget. Hence me considering train to Poipet. Are you referring to an onward ticket? I would get a train ticket to Laos as my next destination if the State Railway allows me to purchase one in advance. Isn't it too tight or too soon now to get another tourist visa after this recent track record? I guess, technically, I haven't done a back-to-back TOURIST visa.

[maureeses]

As always, thank you, kindly, for your excellent feedback

[ubonjoe]

You should be able to do another entry but it might depend upon which border crossing you use.

A fly out and back would not be a problem.

Having a ticket out within the 30 days would help.

If there is chance you might want more than that 30 days getting a tourist visa would be best.

Flying would be a last resort since it is over my budget. Hence me considering train to Poipet. Are you referring to an onward ticket? I would get a train ticket to Laos as my next destination if the State Railway allows me to purchase one in advance. Isn't it too tight or too soon now to get another tourist visa after this recent track record? I guess, technically, I haven't done a back-to-back TOURIST visa.

SRT will sell you a ticket up to 60 days in advance at any train station. Not sure that would satisfy immigration though.

No problem to get a tourist visa. It only takes a couple of days to do a trip for tourist visa.

Vientiane is next day service and Savannakhet same day for a 2 entry tourist visa.

[maureeses]

You should be able to do another entry but it might depend upon which border crossing you use.

A fly out and back would not be a problem.

Having a ticket out within the 30 days would help.

If there is chance you might want more than that 30 days getting a tourist visa would be best.

Flying would be a last resort since it is over my budget. Hence me considering train to Poipet. Are you referring to an onward ticket? I would get a train ticket to Laos as my next destination if the State Railway allows me to purchase one in advance. Isn't it too tight or too soon now to get another tourist visa after this recent track record? I guess, technically, I haven't done a back-to-back TOURIST visa.

SRT will sell you a ticket up to 60 days in advance at any train station. Not sure that would satisfy immigration though.

No problem to get a tourist visa. It only takes a couple of days to do a trip for tourist visa.

Vientiane is next day service and Savannakhet same day for a 2 entry tourist visa.

Good to know! VTE is my base and home away from home, anyway. I may stay my whole 2 month visa there with friends and family (Lao ethnic people/Lao Expats get 2 months or more when we return to the country). But in case I get cold/itchy feet, I'll be running to the Thai Consulate for a 2nd tourist visa. Hopefully, they'll grant me a double instead of a single, this time.

I'm wondering about future scenarios. Does it mean if I get my next visa exempt, an extension for that is not possible?

[ubonjoe]

You could get another extension for a visa exempt entry.