Visa Run Savannakhet - Report

[franck1972]

Hi everybody,

Just been to Thai-Laos border to activate my second entry on my double entry Tourist Visa this sunday.

Was surprised to see no farang at all at the border but saw hundreds of Lao people early morning and could hardly get a seat on the bus before 9-10 AM.

Asked IO if it's ok to come back the same day...he said yes, and even nicely handed me an arrival-departure card (saves some stress on the way back)

No problem coming back to Thailand, got stamped as usual, nothing asked.

VIP Bus 32 BKK-Mukdahan : 550 B, departure around 8 PM, arrival around 6 AM

Only one little concern : the bus has been stopped for a police check twice on the way to Mukdahan, so, better not choose this option if you're on an overstay.

Hope that helps some of you

Take care

[TerryLH]

OP, I'm curious as to why you chose to go to Mukdahan instead of Nong Khai.

Since you didn't have to go to the consulate, NK is a couple of hours closer.

Thanks.

Terry

[franck1972]

Well I have the luck to sleep better in the bus than in my bed.
I sleep like 9-10 hours solid, so, the trip is almost instantaneous ;-)

Second reason is the 1100 THB roundtrip, which is quite cheap I think.

Moreover I don't like this NK border crossing, lots of people, feels messy somehow.

[franck1972]

NK couple of hours closer ?
If you do a plane plus minivan, sure.

But by bus, it's a longer trip isn't it ?

Must say I've never tried BKK-NK by bus, BKK - MUK is 9-10 hours

[bamukloy]

Im also curious, why not go closer for just an in/out?

Ban Laem or Aranyaphathet?

The website of one carrier advises travellers that immigration is limiting its intake, and travellers should do the crossing IN PERSON.

Nowhere does it state they are not allowing foreigners out and in.

And as far as Aranyaphathet goes, im sure immigration wouldnt upset the thriving market and casino industry there by not allowing the day passes. They would have to be getting their cut.

Does anyone know if the casino busses are still running from Lumphini park, Bangkok to Aranyaphathet?

[ubonjoe]

I guess you have no been reading the news. Look here: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/856633-no-more-outin-stamps-on-thai-cambo-border-for-anyone/

[bamukloy]

Yes, Ubonjoe, i have read that, but this is what Thaivisaservice website states firstly:

Our procedures are in line with Thai Immigration request and all of our customers will stamp in/out in person. Update 21st September 2015 @02:00pm

.

I guess you have no been reading the news. Look here: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/856633-no-more-outin-stamps-on-thai-cambo-border-for-anyone/

[ubonjoe]

Yes, Ubonjoe, i have read that, but this is what Thaivisaservice website states firstly:

Our procedures are in line with Thai Immigration request and all of our customers will stamp in/out in person. Update 21st September 2015 @02:00pm

.

I guess you have no been reading the news. Look here: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/856633-no-more-outin-stamps-on-thai-cambo-border-for-anyone/

This sill follows what you quoted. http://www.thaivisaservice.com/

"Our TAT License 11-06684. It is our understanding that check points at Thai-Cambodian border will also limit the OUT/IN with valid visa. Until the situation is clear, at least up to 27th September, we will stop our daily service to Cambodia. For the time being we continue to offer our service to Vientiane/Laos in order for you to obtain Single, Double Tourist Visa or Single Entry Non Immigrant Visa. FYI, The Thai-Consulate in Savannakhet/Laos, is currently over limit due the huge number of Laotian trying to obtain Visa."

[bamukloy]

Ok, so the use of the term "limiting" out/in visas would suggest a risk of being knocked back at the border.

Not being argumentive, but since there is no mention of particular borders, have we seen ANY reports of people being stranded at a border point?

There must have been people in transit when the order was made?

Have not been following the forums, but had there been any irate farangs posting they have had to fly out of the country after being denied passage through a land entry?

[ubonjoe]

Ok, so the use of the term "limiting" out/in visas would suggest a risk of being knocked back at the border.

Not being argumentive, but since there is no mention of particular borders, have we seen ANY reports of people being stranded at a border point?

There must have been people in transit when the order was made?

Have not been following the forums, but had there been any irate farangs posting they have had to fly out of the country after being denied passage through a land entry?

This has been going on since the 13th. People have been turned away from leaving and their was a report on here from a person stuck in Poi Pet.

As mentioned in the news it is only out/in crossings to certain Cambodia crossings that are not allowed. People already in Cambodia can still enter.

I am certain there have been people that resorted to doing a fly out and back to get an entry.

[visarunner]

Ok, so the use of the term "limiting" out/in visas would suggest a risk of being knocked back at the border.

Not being argumentive, but since there is no mention of particular borders, have we seen ANY reports of people being stranded at a border point?

There must have been people in transit when the order was made?

Have not been following the forums, but had there been any irate farangs posting they have had to fly out of the country after being denied passage through a land entry?

Thai Immigration is smart, check points at Thai-Cambodia bordernand the one near Kanchanaburi, which are close to Bangkok, do not let you leave , hence they do not have to stamp you back in. If you really leave and continue to travel into another country that is fine.

There are no problems at Thai-Malaysian border. Thai-Laos borders are also OK. At these borders Thai Immigration might ask you to sleep outside for a night.

Airport are OK, without any restriction.

[bamukloy]

Ok, so the use of the term "limiting" out/in visas would suggest a risk of being knocked back at the border.

Not being argumentive, but since there is no mention of particular borders, have we seen ANY reports of people being stranded at a border point?

There must have been people in transit when the order was made?

Have not been following the forums, but had there been any irate farangs posting they have had to fly out of the country after being denied passage through a land entry?

This has been going on since the 13th. People have been turned away from leaving and their was a report on here from a person stuck in Poi Pet.

As mentioned in the news it is only out/in crossings to certain Cambodia crossings that are not allowed. People already in Cambodia can still enter.

I am certain there have been people that resorted to doing a fly out and back to get an entry.

man that sucks big time. Thanks for the info. I am sceduled to do a run next week 28th so you most probably saved my bacon.

any idea of the closest land border for an in/out?

I certainly dont mind having a 1 or 2 night stopover.

Im just reading the other thread now, where a member mentions ban pakard

[visarunner]

I think everyone who stayed a while in Thailand understand this reaction.

BTW, latest comment from the Lawyer of the guy in detention suggest that he enter via Laos. Will they start to close these borders too?

[visarunner]

Ok, so the use of the term "limiting" out/in visas would suggest a risk of being knocked back at the border.

Not being argumentive, but since there is no mention of particular borders, have we seen ANY reports of people being stranded at a border point?

There must have been people in transit when the order was made?

Have not been following the forums, but had there been any irate farangs posting they have had to fly out of the country after being denied passage through a land entry?

This has been going on since the 13th. People have been turned away from leaving and their was a report on here from a person stuck in Poi Pet.

As mentioned in the news it is only out/in crossings to certain Cambodia crossings that are not allowed. People already in Cambodia can still enter.

I am certain there have been people that resorted to doing a fly out and back to get an entry.

man that sucks big time. Thanks for the info. I am sceduled to do a run next week 28th so you most probably saved my bacon.

any idea of the closest land border for an in/out?

I certainly dont mind having a 1 or 2 night stopover.

Im just reading the other thread now, where a member mentions ban pakard

Ban Pakard is closed for sure. 100%sure. It is easier to get a stamp, for the time being in Poi Pet. But Ban Pakard is no go

[ubonjoe]

man that sucks big time. Thanks for the info. I am sceduled to do a run next week 28th so you most probably saved my bacon.

any idea of the closest land border for an in/out?

I certainly dont mind having a 1 or 2 night stopover.

Im just reading the other thread now, where a member mentions ban pakard

She here for Border Run Alternatives

[bamukloy]

Thanks UbonJoe and visarunner for the advice and options. Great stuff.

on searching i also see some postings about the Andaman club crossing from Rayong, but these are old posts, so will do a bit more homwork on that one

[Sutty]

Thanks OP good update cheers

[Asiantravel]

Have there been any updates regarding the length of the queue at the Thai consulate in Savannakhet.

Last week someone wrote on this forum the queue was 500 mainly from Laos and that they were requesting people to ring up and make an appointment 2 weeks in advance.

The trouble is I find very few consulates and embassies actually answer their telephones.

[devaram]

What is going on why 500 Laos in que for visa? Last time I was there 10 or 15. Does this mean it is now Visa Hell in Savannakhet? Any recent reports of getting a visa there? Call ahead two weeks before? YEAH RIGHT!

[brewsterbudgen]

What is going on why 500 Laos in que for visa? Last time I was there 10 or 15. Does this mean it is now Visa Hell in Savannakhet? Any recent reports of getting a visa there? Call ahead two weeks before? YEAH RIGHT!

It does seem strange as Laotians can continue to get a 30 day visa exempt stamp at the Laos/Thailand border, even if they've only spent a single night back in Laos and have a passport full of out-in border stamps.

[SantiSuk]

Wow Bamukloy, you must be a joy at immigration with a bullnosed attitude like that.

Still, if you are a confident blagger prepare to stand for his rights I am sure you will get away with almost anything.

Other people apply risk management solutions. Any doubt? find an alternative.

[munduk75]

Have there been any updates regarding the length of the queue at the Thai consulate in Savannakhet.

Last week someone wrote on this forum the queue was 500 mainly from Laos and that they were requesting people to ring up and make an appointment 2 weeks in advance.

The trouble is I find very few consulates and embassies actually answer their telephones.

I'm in Savannakhet and applied yesterday for my 1-year O visa. Arrived at 8am and had to queue until 11am!

There were around 200 persons before me, and when I left 3 hours later, there were maybe 250 behind me. It seems they accepted everyone, although there are supposed to close at 11h.

If you go there, wake up very early, and don't forget a large bottle of water and your umbrella.

[DiamondKing]

Any updates on Savankanett visa applications and the size of the line

[elviajero]

Any updates on Savankanett visa applications and the size of the line

My friend was there last Wednesday. Arrived a 9:30. There were 7 people in the queue and he was finished and on his way within 15 mins. It's a next day service to collect the visa.

[ubonjoe]

Reports are that the wait at the consulate is back to normal.

What kind of visa do you plan on getting?