Best Visa Run from Bangkok

[michael888]

Hello all,

Will have to do a "run" near the end of June 2016 and am wondering about the best way. If you have experience please chime in. I am from the USA, am on 30 day extension from a 60 day tourist visa, and just want to get a 30 day exemption. I will be transferring the exemption to a different type of visa in Thailand. I am thinking about Cambodia as the probable departure point. What is the cheapest and most reliable way that you have found? I know there are many van services and took some of those in the past but cant remember the best ones (without hidden fees also, I remember a couple of times they tried to glean extra money when we rolled up to Cambodia, extra fee to the border or some such BS). Thanks a lot for your reccomendations. Im open to Public bus options also, if they aren't too much of a PITA.

[darrendsd]

ThaiVisaService is the best one IMO, used them 4 times now, never had any issues, 2400 all in for the trip

[jay1980]

Before booking to sit in an uncomfortable and dangerous van for a few hours, I would suggest price checking how much it would cost to fly on Airasia to KL and back the same day. Sometimes the cost is comparable because of no visa requirement for Malaysia and I think it is a way more comfortable way to do a visa run. Also you don't loose a page of your passport to a big green Cambodian visa.

Its a short flight and KLIA is a nice big place to chill for a bit while waiting to fly back to DMK.

[gilo]

I also have found Thaivisa service reliable and professional. Also the drivers seem to drive at a reasonable speed. No issues at the border all very smooth.

[hathairat2711]

Before booking to sit in an uncomfortable and dangerous van for a few hours, I would suggest price checking how much it would cost to fly on Airasia to KL and back the same day. Sometimes the cost is comparable because of no visa requirement for Malaysia and I think it is a way more comfortable way to do a visa run. Also you don't loose a page of your passport to a big green Cambodian visa.

Its a short flight and KLIA is a nice big place to chill for a bit while waiting to fly back to DMK.

Exactly.

[gilo]

As the OP is looking for a 30 day exempt if he flies he may have to have purchased a forward flight within 30 days in order to meet airline requirements whereas at a land border with or without an agent this will not be required (normally). This may therefore need to be factored in on the estimated costs. Going with an agent also minimises the likelihood of having difficulties or being delayed with questions on re-entry.

[gk10002000]

http://bangkokbuddy.com/ Fantastic head office lady Tanya. I used them twice, granted it was almost two years ago now. Office is near Asoke BTS stop.

[JackThompson]

... Going with an agent also minimises the likelihood of having difficulties or being delayed with questions on re-entry.

Is this true? When entering Thailand, you are one-on-one with an IO and his/her computer terminal. In Poipet, there may be hundreds of people in line. How would the IO know you were with Tour Group?

I have noticed IOs seem to be talking via headset to with someone during the process - perhaps a supervisor. Do some tour-agencies have 'connections' with the IO's and/or supervisor(s), and provide a list of their customers with a 'request' to show leniency?

[thairookie]

What has happened to thaivisarun who used to run its office at PB Building @ Klongtan ? I used their service for every visa run to Cambodia and visa application @ Laos. Their website has been down for years.

[NoshowJones]

Before booking to sit in an uncomfortable and dangerous van for a few hours, I would suggest price checking how much it would cost to fly on Airasia to KL and back the same day. Sometimes the cost is comparable because of no visa requirement for Malaysia and I think it is a way more comfortable way to do a visa run. Also you don't loose a page of your passport to a big green Cambodian visa.

Its a short flight and KLIA is a nice big place to chill for a bit while waiting to fly back to DMK.

Exactly.

This may be a stupid question, but is this suitable for someone who only wants a 90 day stamp for marriage visa.

[ubonjoe]

Before booking to sit in an uncomfortable and dangerous van for a few hours, I would suggest price checking how much it would cost to fly on Airasia to KL and back the same day. Sometimes the cost is comparable because of no visa requirement for Malaysia and I think it is a way more comfortable way to do a visa run. Also you don't loose a page of your passport to a big green Cambodian visa.

Its a short flight and KLIA is a nice big place to chill for a bit while waiting to fly back to DMK.

Exactly.

This may be a stupid question, but is this suitable for someone who only wants a 90 day stamp for marriage visa.

Yes it is.

Even better since you can plan ahead 90 days and find lower cost flights.

[michael888]

As the OP is looking for a 30 day exempt if he flies he may have to have purchased a forward flight within 30 days in order to meet airline requirements whereas at a land border with or without an agent this will not be required (normally). This may therefore need to be factored in on the estimated costs. Going with an agent also minimises the likelihood of having difficulties or being delayed with questions on re-entry.

That is an interesting point. Does anyone know if proof of ongoing flight (or bus, train I suppose) from Thailand within 30 days is required for returning back from KL? Thanks

[NoshowJones]

Before booking to sit in an uncomfortable and dangerous van for a few hours, I would suggest price checking how much it would cost to fly on Airasia to KL and back the same day. Sometimes the cost is comparable because of no visa requirement for Malaysia and I think it is a way more comfortable way to do a visa run. Also you don't loose a page of your passport to a big green Cambodian visa.

Its a short flight and KLIA is a nice big place to chill for a bit while waiting to fly back to DMK.

Exactly.

This may be a stupid question, but is this suitable for someone who only wants a 90 day stamp for marriage visa.

Yes it is.

Even better since you can plan ahead 90 days and find lower cost flights.

Thanks Joe, do you get your 90 day stamp at the airport?

[ubonjoe]

This may be a stupid question, but is this suitable for someone who only wants a 90 day stamp for marriage visa.

Yes it is.

Even better since you can plan ahead 90 days and find lower cost flights.

Thanks Joe, do you get your 90 day stamp at the airport?

You would not have a problem getting your 90 day entries by air.

The last 90 day entry I got was over 8 years ago at Mukdahan and I am still here on that entry that has been extended 8 times.

[jacksam]

As the OP is looking for a 30 day exempt if he flies he may have to have purchased a forward flight within 30 days in order to meet airline requirements whereas at a land border with or without an agent this will not be required (normally). This may therefore need to be factored in on the estimated costs. Going with an agent also minimises the likelihood of having difficulties or being delayed with questions on re-entry.

That is an interesting point. Does anyone know if proof of ongoing flight (or bus, train I suppose) from Thailand within 30 days is required for returning back from KL? Thanks

It would have to be an onward flight and yes airline perfectly in the right to ask you to show flight out within 30 days.

[darrendsd]

... Going with an agent also minimises the likelihood of having difficulties or being delayed with questions on re-entry.

Is this true? When entering Thailand, you are one-on-one with an IO and his/her computer terminal. In Poipet, there may be hundreds of people in line. How would the IO know you were with Tour Group?

I have noticed IOs seem to be talking via headset to with someone during the process - perhaps a supervisor. Do some tour-agencies have 'connections' with the IO's and/or supervisor(s), and provide a list of their customers with a 'request' to show leniency?

I would say that being with a 'visa run" company makes no difference, you are one on one with the I/O and his computer and if he gets a alert he gets a alert

ThaiVisaService clearly state on their site that you could be refused entry if the alert sounds, whether they could then assist you in talking to the I/O i'm not sure

[NoshowJones]

This may be a stupid question, but is this suitable for someone who only wants a 90 day stamp for marriage visa.

Yes it is.

Even better since you can plan ahead 90 days and find lower cost flights.

Thanks Joe, do you get your 90 day stamp at the airport?

You would not have a problem getting your 90 day entries by air.

The last 90 day entry I got was over 8 years ago at Mukdahan and I am still here on that entry that has been extended 8 times.

Thanks again Joe, I usually go on a road trip for my 90 day stamp, but this time it is close to when I go on a three week holiday back to Scotland.

[novo58]

The question of the onward ticket out of Thailand raises itself again in this thread .

Has ANYONE , ever actually been refused boarding a flight into Thailand recently.

I have flown into Thailand twice on one way tickets , with no visa ( visa exempt at swampy)............and never had a problem.

I can understand if the destination has strict visa rules( like australia)....................but Thailand with visa exempt entry makes this whole onward ticket issue seem pointless.

If I were refused boarding , I would argue that it is not the airlines job to determine entry requirements to a country....that is immigration's job .

[ubonjoe]

The question of the onward ticket out of Thailand raises itself again in this thread .

Has ANYONE , ever actually been refused boarding a flight into Thailand recently.

I have flown into Thailand twice on one way tickets , with no visa ( visa exempt at swampy)............and never had a problem.

I can understand if the destination has strict visa rules( like australia)....................but Thailand with visa exempt entry makes this whole onward ticket issue seem pointless.

If I were refused boarding , I would argue that it is not the airlines job to determine entry requirements to a country....that is immigration's job .

The rules state a ticket out of the country within 30 days of arrival is required. It is up to the airline that you are flying on to decide whether to allow you to board or not.

Info from the IATA database can be found here by entering your info. https://www.klm.com/travel/kz_en/prepare_for_travel/travel_planning/travel_clinic/visaform.htm

[jacksam]

The question of the onward ticket out of Thailand raises itself again in this thread .

Has ANYONE , ever actually been refused boarding a flight into Thailand recently.

I have flown into Thailand twice on one way tickets , with no visa ( visa exempt at swampy)............and never had a problem.

I can understand if the destination has strict visa rules( like australia)....................but Thailand with visa exempt entry makes this whole onward ticket issue seem pointless.

If I were refused boarding , I would argue that it is not the airlines job to determine entry requirements to a country....that is immigration's job .

Yes this question does come up. Many members have posted that they have entered many times visa exempt and had no problems. Personally I notice OFTEN with AirAsia check in at hcmc they look through my passport. I once asked why. Reply...looking for your visa.

5 days ago fly x bkk to Japan with the tgf. This was at boarding. Already had our boarding passes. Why? Yes they wanted to see flight out of Japan. In particular 15 days for Thai. The attendant counted it out.

Airlines do have right to refuse at boarding.

About 2 months ago I was in hcmc awaiting my visa. Was talking to an american who arrived without his "letter of approval" or visa for Vietnam. Immigration were all in a spin. Actually they were being nice with him. He thought his company was organizing it. BIG stuff up by the airline to allow him to board.

In other current threads running about limits on visa exempt, one would imagine airlines will be far stricter on wishing to see onward flight within the 30 days. Just an opinion. Mind you you can always book one on the spot. You can find a throw away ticket out of los for 1000baht.

[michael888]

As far as the onward ticket is concerned, which airlines and departure point airports have people been asked for proof of travel out of Thailand? Any recent incidents?

[DUS]

If I were refused boarding , I would argue that it is not the airlines job to determine entry requirements to a country....that is immigration's job .

A rather futile exercise, imho.

It is the airline´s right to refuse you to board their flight if you don´t meet your destination´s official immigration rules. Yes, yes, I hear you and your argument about visa exempt etc. And I am with you on that. Mind you, in the unlikely event the IO refuses to let you enter LOS the airline would need to foot the bill for bringing you back. And I understand why they want to avoid any such risk by demanding a flight out of LOS within 30 days (provided that you don´t have a "proper" visa).

But then again, there have been reports from TV users who argued at check in and were allowed boarding after signing some sort of indemnity paper for the airline.

[jacksam]

As far as the onward ticket is concerned, which airlines and departure point airports have people been asked for proof of travel out of Thailand? Any recent incidents?

I don't think anyone can answer your question. I fly aa and find they check. However I acknowledge other posters have had no problems. In your op you talk about visa run. Perhaps fly out in same day. I have no basis to state this but if they noticed your arrival (which would be on their screen) and fact your returning same day. Ummm ....wouldn't be surprised if they wanted to see onward flight.

[michael888]

ThaiVisaService is the best one IMO, used them 4 times now, never had any issues, 2400 all in for the trip

Does that include the Cambodian visa fee? Thanks.

[seancbk]

Before booking to sit in an uncomfortable and dangerous van for a few hours, I would suggest price checking how much it would cost to fly on Airasia to KL and back the same day. Sometimes the cost is comparable because of no visa requirement for Malaysia and I think it is a way more comfortable way to do a visa run. Also you don't loose a page of your passport to a big green Cambodian visa.

Its a short flight and KLIA is a nice big place to chill for a bit while waiting to fly back to DMK.

I just flew to Macau on Airasia for 5000 baht return, 700 or so of which was paying for priority boarding and seats at the front.

[lkv]

ThaiVisaService is the best one IMO, used them 4 times now, never had any issues, 2400 all in for the trip

Does that include the Cambodian visa fee? Thanks.

Yes it does. They also take care of the stamps and sticker for Cambodia.

Right now their crossing is at Ban Laem.

[ignis]

ThaiVisaService is the one I used many times...

Also DMK to Mai Sot is easy, often very cheap flights if you pick the right day, come out of tiny airport get a Tuk Tuk 50 baht to bridge, walk across, the Burma side will stamp you in and out, cost 500 baht + a 2 small stamps in Passport. another 50 baht Tuk tuk and your back at the airport..

Have you lots of space in your Passport ? [Cambodia you also need a full page for the Visa sticker as well as another page for the in & out stamps]

Past 4 years back on Retirement Extensions, so not used/needed to do a Visa runs [prices may well have gone up]...

[ubonjoe]

ThaiVisaService is the one I used many times...

Also DMK to Mai Sot is easy, often very cheap flights if you pick the right day, come out of tiny airport get a Tuk Tuk 50 baht to bridge, walk across, the Burma side will stamp you in and out, cost 500 baht + a 2 small stamps in Passport. another 50 baht Tuk tuk and your back at the airport..

Have you lots of space in your Passport ? [Cambodia you also need a full page for the Visa sticker as well as another page for the in & out stamps]

Past 4 years back on Retirement Extensions, so not used/needed to do a Visa runs [prices may well have gone up]...

The OP is wanting a to get a visa exempt entry. Mai Sot does not allow border crossings to get one. You must have a valid visa for re-entry to Thailand or a visa for Myanmar to do the crossing.

At this time the only crossing to Myanmar that allows a border hop for a new visa exempt entry is Ranong.

[darrendsd]

ThaiVisaService is the best one IMO, used them 4 times now, never had any issues, 2400 all in for the trip

Does that include the Cambodian visa fee? Thanks.

Yes and everything is taken care of, you stay in no mans land whilst a runner sorts the in/out stamps for Cambodia

Whole process takes around a hour, obviously you have to wait until everyone on your minibus has been processed,

[IMA_FARANG]

... Going with an agent also minimises the likelihood of having difficulties or being delayed with questions on re-entry.

Is this true? When entering Thailand, you are one-on-one with an IO and his/her computer terminal. In Poipet, there may be hundreds of people in line. How would the IO know you were with Tour Group?

I have noticed IOs seem to be talking via headset to with someone during the process - perhaps a supervisor. Do some tour-agencies have 'connections' with the IO's and/or supervisor(s), and provide a list of their customers with a 'request' to show leniency?

I would say that being with a 'visa run" company makes no difference, you are one on one with the I/O and his computer and if he gets a alert he gets a alert

ThaiVisaService clearly state on their site that you could be refused entry if the alert sounds, whether they could then assist you in talking to the I/O i'm not sure

-----------------------------------

I have not used ThaiVisaService in two years but they used to have someone check when you arrived to take the van....and you were not required to pay unless that person verified your visa status before the trip.

On one occasion the van was stopped by the police just before we reached the Cambodian border and there was a immigration officer with the Thai police.

We are had our visas checked and we were then passed on to continue our border run.

It seemed the immigration officer and the van owners were on a friendly "handshake" basis.