Thailand Border Run Guide: Every Crossing Compared (2026 Updated)

There was a time when border runs in Thailand were laughably easy. You would hop on a minivan at 5 AM, cross into Cambodia or Myanmar, get your passport stamped, eat some noodles, and be back in Thailand with a fresh 30-day stamp before lunch. People did this every month for years. Some did it for a decade.

Those days are over. Thailand has cracked down hard on repeat border runners, and the rules in 2026 are the strictest they have ever been. You can still do a border run, but you need to understand exactly what you are working with, which crossings are open, which are closed, and when it makes more sense to just get a proper visa instead.

This guide covers every major Thailand land crossing, with real costs, transport options, processing times, and honest difficulty ratings. No fluff. No outdated information.

The 2026 Rules: What Actually Changed

Before you plan anything, you need to understand the current restrictions. These are not suggestions. Immigration officers enforce them, and getting turned away at the border is a real possibility.

Land Border Entries: 2 Per Calendar Year

This is the big one. If you are entering Thailand on visa exemption at a land border, you get 2 entries per calendar year (January 1 to December 31). Each land entry gives you a 30-day stamp that cannot be extended.

That is 60 days maximum from land border runs in a year. Period. The counter resets on January 1.

Air Entries: Different Rules Entirely

Air arrivals are treated differently. You get a 60-day stamp (not 30), you can extend it for 30 days at immigration (1,900 THB), and there is no hard cap on the number of air entries per year. Immigration officers may question you after 6 or more air entries in a year, but there is no formal limit.

Thailand-Cambodia Land Border: Effectively Closed for Border Runs

The Poipet-Aranyaprathet crossing, which was the most popular border run destination from Bangkok and Pattaya for decades, is no longer a viable option for quick visa runs. The combination of enhanced screening, frequent temporary closures, and Cambodia's own entry requirements has made this crossing unreliable. If you need to visit Cambodia, fly Bangkok to Phnom Penh or Siem Reap instead.

Immigration Screening Is Real

Officers at land borders are now trained to spot repeat border runners. They check your passport for patterns. Multiple back-to-back land entries, short stays in neighboring countries, and frequent Thai stamps all raise flags. Refusal of entry is not hypothetical. It happens regularly, particularly at busy crossings like Poipet and Mae Sai.

If they refuse you, there is no appeal at the border. You are stuck in the neighboring country until you can arrange a flight or find another way in.

The Bottom Line

If you need more than 90 days in Thailand, get a proper visa. A tourist visa, a DTV (Destination Thailand Visa), or an education visa will save you money, stress, and the risk of being denied entry. Border runs are for topping up short stays, not for living in Thailand indefinitely.

For full details on all visa types, see our Thailand visa and entry requirements guide.

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Border Crossing Comparison Table

Here is every major crossing compared side by side. Costs are approximate and based on the cheapest reasonable option from the listed origin city.

| Crossing | Destination | Origin City | Transport Cost | Border Fee | Total Cost | Total Time | Difficulty | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Mae Sai | Tachileik, Myanmar | Chiang Rai | 600-1,000 THB | 500 THB (Myanmar) | 1,100-1,500 THB ($31-$43) | 4-6 hours | 2/5 | | Mae Sai | Tachileik, Myanmar | Chiang Mai | 1,200-1,800 THB | 500 THB (Myanmar) | 1,700-2,300 THB ($49-$66) | 8-10 hours | 2/5 | | Nong Khai | Vientiane, Laos | Bangkok (train) | 1,500-2,500 THB | $35-42 USD (Lao VOA) | 2,800-3,900 THB ($80-$112) | Full day | 3/5 | | Nong Khai | Vientiane, Laos | Udon Thani (fly+bus) | 2,500-4,000 THB | $35-42 USD (Lao VOA) | 3,800-5,400 THB ($109-$155) | 6-8 hours | 3/5 | | Satun/Pak Bara | Langkawi, Malaysia | Hat Yai | 1,200-2,000 THB | Free (most nationalities) | 1,200-2,000 THB ($34-$57) | 5-7 hours | 2/5 | | Satun/Pak Bara | Langkawi, Malaysia | Krabi | 1,800-2,800 THB | Free (most nationalities) | 1,800-2,800 THB ($51-$80) | 7-9 hours | 3/5 | | Padang Besar | Padang Besar, Malaysia | Hat Yai | 300-500 THB | Free (most nationalities) | 300-500 THB ($9-$14) | 3-4 hours | 1/5 | | Chiang Khong | Huay Xai, Laos | Chiang Rai | 400-800 THB | $35-42 USD (Lao VOA) | 1,600-2,200 THB ($46-$63) | 5-7 hours | 3/5 |

Key takeaway: Padang Besar is the cheapest crossing by far. Mae Sai is the easiest from northern Thailand. Nong Khai is the most popular because you can also pick up a Thai tourist visa at the embassy in Vientiane.

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Mae Sai to Tachileik (Myanmar Border)

Overview

Mae Sai is Thailand's northernmost town, separated from Tachileik in Myanmar by a small bridge over the Sai River. This is the easiest border crossing in Thailand. You walk across a bridge, get stamped into Myanmar, walk around for a bit if you want, then walk back and get your new Thai stamp. The whole border process takes 1-2 hours on a quiet day, 2-3 hours when busy.

Getting There

From Chiang Rai (60 km, 1-1.5 hours):

• Green bus from Chiang Rai bus terminal: 31-39 THB, departs every 15-30 minutes
• Minivan: 150-200 THB, faster but less frequent
• Grab/taxi: 600-800 THB one way

From Chiang Mai (260 km, 4-5 hours):

• Green Bus direct to Mae Sai: 200-350 THB, several departures daily
• Minivan to Chiang Rai then local bus: slightly cheaper, more flexible
• Many travelers combine this with a Chiang Rai day trip (White Temple, Blue Temple)

At the Border

1. Thai exit: Walk to the Thai immigration checkpoint on the bridge. Hand over your passport. They stamp you out. Keep your departure card.
2. Myanmar entry: Walk across the bridge (100 meters). At the Myanmar side, pay 500 THB (yes, they accept Thai baht). They give you a day pass that allows you to stay in Tachileik only. No advance visa needed for a day visit.
3. In Tachileik: There is a market area immediately after immigration. Some people buy cheap goods (cigarettes, alcohol, knockoffs). You do not need to stay long. Fifteen minutes to an hour is typical for border runners.
4. Return to Thailand: Walk back across the bridge. Thai immigration stamps you in with a fresh 30-day stamp.

What to Bring

• Passport with at least 6 months validity
• 500 THB cash for Myanmar day pass fee
• One passport photo (sometimes requested, bring two to be safe)
• Photocopy of your passport bio page

Costs Breakdown (From Chiang Rai)

| Item | Cost | |---|---| | Bus to Mae Sai | 31-39 THB | | Myanmar day pass | 500 THB | | Lunch in Mae Sai or Tachileik | 50-100 THB | | Bus back to Chiang Rai | 31-39 THB | | Total | 612-678 THB ($17-$19) |

Difficulty Rating: 2/5

Straightforward crossing. The bridge is short, the process is simple, and Mae Sai immigration is used to border runners. The only complication is if Myanmar immigration is slow or if the crossing is temporarily restricted due to Myanmar's internal situation. Check current status before traveling.

Important Note on Myanmar Crossings

Myanmar's political situation remains unstable. While the Mae Sai-Tachileik crossing has been the most consistently open crossing, temporary closures do happen. Always check the current status before making the trip. The Facebook group "Mae Sai Border Crossing Updates" and Thai visa forums are good sources for real-time information.

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Nong Khai to Vientiane (Laos Border)

Overview

The Friendship Bridge connecting Nong Khai (Thailand) to Vientiane (Laos) is the most popular crossing for backpackers who want to do more than just a quick stamp. Vientiane is an actual capital city worth spending a day or two in, and critically, the Thai Embassy in Vientiane issues tourist visas. This makes Nong Khai the go-to crossing if you want to reset and come back with a proper 60-day tourist visa instead of a 30-day land entry stamp.

Getting There

From Bangkok (Sleeper Train - Best Option):

• Overnight sleeper from Hua Lamphong or Bang Sue Grand to Nong Khai
• 2nd class AC: 700-900 THB
• Departs evening, arrives early morning
• See our sleeper train guide for class comparisons and booking tips

From Bangkok (Bus):

• VIP bus from Mo Chit terminal: 500-700 THB
• 10-11 hours overnight
• Less comfortable than the train but slightly cheaper

From Bangkok (Fly to Udon Thani):

• Budget airlines (AirAsia, Nok Air): 1,500-3,500 THB depending on booking time
• Udon Thani to Nong Khai: minivan 80 THB or bus 50 THB (1 hour)
• Fastest option if you book flights in advance

At the Border

1. Get to the Friendship Bridge: From Nong Khai town, take a tuk-tuk to the bridge (60-80 THB) or the shuttle bus from the bus station.
2. Thai exit: Stamp out at Thai immigration on the Thai side of the bridge.
3. Cross the bridge: Board the shuttle bus across the bridge (25 THB). You cannot walk across.
4. Lao immigration: Get your Laos visa on arrival. This is where it gets slightly more involved.

Laos Visa on Arrival

Most nationalities can get a visa on arrival at the Friendship Bridge. The process:

• Fill out the application form (available at the counter)
• Provide one passport photo (they will charge you 40 THB extra if you do not have one)
• Pay the fee in USD cash:
  • US/Canada/Australia/NZ: $42 USD
  • UK/EU: $35-40 USD (varies by nationality)
  • Other nationalities: $30-42 USD
• Processing: 15-30 minutes

Cash only. They accept USD, THB, or a combination. USD gets you the best rate. If you pay in THB, expect to pay 1,500-1,600 THB regardless of the official rate.

In Vientiane

Vientiane is a pleasant, laid-back capital. If you are just doing a quick border run, you can stamp in, have lunch, and head back the same day. If you want a Thai tourist visa, you will need to stay at least 2 nights:

Day 1: Arrive, submit application at Thai Embassy (morning only, 9:00-11:30 AM) Day 2: Pick up visa (1:30-3:30 PM) Day 3: Cross back to Thailand

The Thai Embassy in Vientiane is at Thanon Phonxay, about 4 km from the center. Tourist visa application costs around 1,000 THB ($29 USD). You will need your passport, completed application, photo, proof of accommodation in Thailand, and proof of funds.

Budget accommodation in Vientiane runs 150-400 THB per night for a hostel dorm. Food is cheap. A same-day border run is possible if you do not need the tourist visa.

Costs Breakdown (From Bangkok, Same-Day Run)

| Item | Cost | |---|---| | Sleeper train Bangkok to Nong Khai | 700-900 THB | | Tuk-tuk to bridge | 60-80 THB | | Bridge shuttle bus (each way) | 50 THB total | | Laos visa on arrival | 1,200-1,600 THB ($35-42 USD) | | Lunch in Vientiane | 100-200 THB | | Return train to Bangkok | 700-900 THB | | Total (same-day) | 2,810-3,730 THB ($80-$107) |

Costs Breakdown (Tourist Visa Run, 2 Nights)

| Item | Cost | |---|---| | Transport (return) | 1,400-1,800 THB | | Bridge + shuttles | 100 THB | | Laos visa on arrival | 1,200-1,600 THB | | Thai tourist visa fee | 1,000 THB | | 2 nights hostel in Vientiane | 300-800 THB | | Food (2 days) | 300-500 THB | | Total | 4,300-5,800 THB ($123-$166) |

Difficulty Rating: 3/5

Not difficult, but more time-consuming than Mae Sai. The Laos visa on arrival process adds complexity and cost. The Friendship Bridge shuttle system is a bit clunky. Immigration lines can be long on weekends and holidays. Worth it if you are combining with a Vientiane visit or getting a tourist visa at the embassy.

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Satun / Pak Bara to Langkawi (Malaysia Border)

Overview

This is the most enjoyable border run you can do from Thailand. Instead of a dusty land crossing, you take a ferry through the Andaman Sea to Langkawi, a beautiful duty-free Malaysian island. The journey itself is scenic, and you can spend a few hours on Langkawi before heading back. Some people turn this into an overnight trip and enjoy the cheap duty-free alcohol and beaches.

Getting There

From Hat Yai (Closest Major City):

• Minivan to Pak Bara pier: 250-350 THB (2 hours)
• Several departures daily from Hat Yai minivan terminal

From Krabi:

• Minivan to Pak Bara: 400-600 THB (3-4 hours)
• Or take a combined minivan+ferry package through an agency

From Koh Lipe (If Already on the Islands):

• Direct speedboat to Langkawi: 800-1,200 THB
• Seasonal (November to May only)

The Ferry

Ferries run from Pak Bara pier or Tammalang pier in Satun to Langkawi:

• Duration: 1-1.5 hours each way
• Cost: 400-600 THB each way (800-1,200 THB return)
• Departures: Usually 2-3 per day, more in peak season (November-April)
• Book ahead: In high season, ferries can sell out. Book through 12Go Asia or at the pier a day in advance.

At the Border

1. Thai exit: Immigration checkpoint at Pak Bara or Tammalang pier. They stamp you out before you board the ferry.
2. Ferry to Langkawi: Enjoy the scenery. The Andaman Sea is stunning on a clear day.
3. Malaysian immigration: Upon arrival in Langkawi (Kuah jetty), go through Malaysian immigration. Most Western nationalities get 90 days visa-free entry to Malaysia. No fee, no visa on arrival needed.
4. In Langkawi: Duty-free island. Stock up on cheap booze and chocolate if you want. The Langkawi Cable Car and Cenang Beach are worth seeing if you have a few hours.
5. Return ferry: Take the afternoon or next-day ferry back. At Thai immigration in Pak Bara, you receive your new 30-day stamp.

What to Bring

• Passport (6 months validity minimum)
• No visa fee for Malaysia (most nationalities)
• Malaysian ringgit or THB for food and transport on Langkawi (ATMs available at Kuah jetty)
• Seasickness medication if you are sensitive (the crossing can be choppy in monsoon season)

Costs Breakdown (From Hat Yai, Same Day)

| Item | Cost | |---|---| | Minivan Hat Yai to Pak Bara | 250-350 THB | | Ferry to Langkawi (return) | 800-1,200 THB | | Lunch on Langkawi | 100-200 THB | | Minivan Pak Bara to Hat Yai | 250-350 THB | | Total | 1,400-2,100 THB ($40-$60) |

Difficulty Rating: 2/5

Easy and pleasant. The only downsides are the travel time from Hat Yai to Pak Bara pier, and ferry schedules that can be limited in low season (May-October). Some ferries stop running entirely during monsoon season. Check schedules before planning.

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Padang Besar (Malaysia Border - Cheapest Option)

Overview

If all you want is the cheapest, fastest border stamp with zero hassle, Padang Besar is your answer. This is a train station that straddles the Thai-Malaysian border. You take a train or minivan from Hat Yai, walk through Thai immigration, walk 200 meters to Malaysian immigration, get stamped in, turn around, walk back through Malaysian exit, and re-enter Thailand. The whole process can take under an hour at the border itself.

Getting There

From Hat Yai (45 km, 45 minutes):

• Train: 34-50 THB (about 1 hour, a few departures daily)
• Minivan: 80-150 THB (45 minutes, frequent from Hat Yai center)
• Grab: 400-500 THB one way

At the Border

1. Thai exit: Stamp out at the Thai immigration building
2. Walk to Malaysia: Follow the covered walkway (about 200 meters) to Malaysian immigration
3. Malaysian entry: Get stamped in (free for most nationalities)
4. Turn around: Walk back to Malaysian exit, get stamped out
5. Thai entry: Walk back to Thai immigration, get your fresh 30-day stamp

That is it. No bus, no ferry, no visa fee. Just walking and queuing.

Costs Breakdown (From Hat Yai)

| Item | Cost | |---|---| | Minivan to Padang Besar | 80-150 THB | | Border crossing | Free | | Minivan back to Hat Yai | 80-150 THB | | Total | 160-300 THB ($5-$9) |

Difficulty Rating: 1/5

The easiest border crossing in Thailand. The only reason it is not everyone's first choice is geography. If you are already in southern Thailand near Hat Yai, this is a no-brainer. If you are in Chiang Mai or Bangkok, getting to Hat Yai is the expensive part.

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Chiang Khong to Huay Xai (Laos Border)

Overview

Chiang Khong sits on the Mekong River opposite Huay Xai in Laos. This crossing is less busy than Nong Khai and is popular with travelers heading to Luang Prabang on the famous slow boat. For a border run, it works well if you are based in Chiang Rai province and want an alternative to Mae Sai.

Getting There

From Chiang Rai (110 km, 2-2.5 hours):

• Local bus: 65-85 THB (every 30-60 minutes from Chiang Rai bus terminal)
• Minivan: 150-250 THB

At the Border

1. Thai exit: Stamp out at Thai immigration near the Friendship Bridge IV
2. Cross the bridge: Shuttle bus across the Mekong (50 THB)
3. Lao immigration: Visa on arrival, same process and fees as Nong Khai ($35-42 USD)
4. In Huay Xai: Small town. Not much to do. Most border runners turn around quickly.
5. Return: Shuttle back across, stamp into Thailand

Costs Breakdown (From Chiang Rai)

| Item | Cost | |---|---| | Bus to Chiang Khong | 65-85 THB | | Bridge shuttle (return) | 100 THB | | Laos visa on arrival | 1,200-1,600 THB | | Bus back to Chiang Rai | 65-85 THB | | Total | 1,430-1,870 THB ($41-$53) |

Difficulty Rating: 3/5

Similar process to Nong Khai but in a more remote location. The Laos visa on arrival adds cost and complexity. Worth considering if you are already in Chiang Rai and want to combine with the slow boat to Luang Prabang.

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Cambodia Land Border: Why It No Longer Works

The Poipet-Aranyaprathet crossing between Thailand and Cambodia used to be the default border run from Bangkok and Pattaya. Minivan companies ran daily services from Khao San Road, and thousands of people did this route every month.

That era is finished. Here is what changed:

• Enhanced immigration screening: Thai officers at Aranyaprathet specifically target repeat border runners. Multiple Cambodia stamps in your passport are a red flag.
• Cambodia entry requirements: Cambodia has tightened its own visa on arrival process and occasionally closes land borders with little notice.
• Scam corridor: The Poipet border area was always notorious for scams (fake visa fees, "VIP" border crossing services, forced casino stops). It has not improved.
• Reliability: The crossing experiences periodic closures, sometimes for days at a time, with no advance warning.

What to Do Instead

If you need to visit Cambodia:

• Fly: Bangkok to Phnom Penh (1,500-3,500 THB) or Bangkok to Siem Reap (1,500-3,000 THB) on AirAsia, Thai Smile, or Cambodia Angkor Air
• You get an air entry on return: Flying back to Thailand gives you a 60-day stamp (not 30), and it does not count toward your 2-per-year land border limit

Flying is faster, more reliable, and actually gives you a better Thai entry stamp. The old land border run to Cambodia is simply not worth the risk anymore.

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Step-by-Step Border Run Process

Regardless of which crossing you choose, the process follows the same general pattern. Here is a detailed walkthrough so you know exactly what to expect.

The Day Before

1. Check your passport. You need at least 6 months validity and one blank page for stamps. If you are running low on pages, consider getting a new passport before your border run.
2. Make photocopies. Bring copies of your passport bio page and your current Thai entry stamp. Some border officers ask for these. It is annoying but better to have them.
3. Get passport photos. Bring at least two 4x6 cm photos. Myanmar and Laos crossings may require one. Even if they do not ask, having them avoids hassles.
4. Withdraw cash. You will need THB for transport and border fees. For Laos crossings, bring USD if possible (better rate for visa on arrival). ATMs at border towns often have high fees or low limits.
5. Check crossing status. Google the specific crossing plus "open" or "closed" and check recent forum posts. This is especially important for Myanmar crossings.

At the Thai Exit

1. Queue at the Thai immigration departure window.
2. Hand over your passport. The officer stamps you out of Thailand.
3. Keep any departure card they give you. Some crossings still use paper cards.
4. Walk through to the other side of the border zone.

Entering the Other Country

1. Go to the immigration counter of the neighboring country.
2. Fill out their arrival form if required.
3. Pay any visa on arrival fees.
4. Get stamped in. For day trips (Myanmar border pass), they may keep your passport temporarily.
5. You are now legally in the other country.

Returning to Thailand

1. Go to the neighboring country's exit immigration.
2. Get stamped out. Collect your passport if it was held.
3. Walk or take the shuttle back to the Thai side.
4. Queue at Thai immigration arrival.
5. Hand over your passport. The officer stamps you in with a fresh 30-day stamp.
6. Check your stamp immediately. Verify the date is correct and the "admit until" date gives you 30 days.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Forgetting passport photos. Laos VOA requires one. Myanmar may require one. Bring extras.
• Not having enough cash. Border towns often have unreliable ATMs. Bring more than you think you need.
• Wrong currency. Laos VOA is cheapest in USD. Myanmar border pass is in THB. Know what you need before you arrive.
• Not checking your stamps. Always verify dates. Immigration officers make mistakes. A wrong date on your stamp could cause problems when you leave Thailand.
• Traveling on weekends or holidays. Border crossings are busiest on Friday-Sunday and Thai public holidays. Go midweek if you can.
• No onward travel proof. Thai immigration can ask for proof of onward travel when you re-enter. Have a flight booking or bus ticket ready on your phone.

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When Border Runs Are NOT Worth It

Border runs have their place, but they are not the answer for everyone. Here are the situations where you should not bother.

You Need More Than 90 Days

If your total planned stay in Thailand exceeds 90 days, border runs are an expensive and stressful way to stay. Instead:

• DTV (Destination Thailand Visa): 10,000 THB, valid 5 years, 180 days per entry (extendable to 360). Best option for digital nomads and long-term travelers. See our visa guide for full details.
• Tourist Visa: Apply at a Thai embassy before you arrive. 60 days, extendable to 90. About 1,000-2,000 THB depending on where you apply.
• Education Visa: Enroll in a Thai language school or Muay Thai gym. Stay up to a year.

You Have Already Used Your 2 Land Entries

If you have already done 2 land border crossings this calendar year, a third will be refused. Your options:

• Fly out and back in. Air entries do not count toward the land border limit. A cheap flight to Kuala Lumpur, Vientiane, or Hanoi resets you with a 60-day air stamp.
• Get a tourist visa. Apply at a Thai embassy abroad. Tourist visa entries at land borders do not count toward the 2-per-year visa-exempt limit.

Risk vs. Cost Analysis

Consider what happens if your border run goes wrong:

• Denied entry: You are stuck in the neighboring country. You need to find accommodation, book a flight, and possibly apply for a Thai visa at an embassy there. That easily costs 5,000-15,000 THB more than the border run itself.
• Missed transport: If you miss the last bus or ferry back, you are paying for an unplanned night in a border town.
• Crossing closed: You have spent money and time getting there for nothing.

Compare those risks against just getting a proper visa in the first place. For stays under 90 days, the visa-free entry plus extension is almost always sufficient. For longer stays, a DTV or tourist visa removes all border run uncertainty.

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Best Border Run for Each Situation

Cheapest border run (southern Thailand): Padang Besar from Hat Yai. Under 300 THB round trip. No visa fees.

Cheapest border run (northern Thailand): Mae Sai from Chiang Rai. Around 600 THB total including Myanmar day pass.

Most enjoyable border run: Satun to Langkawi. Ferry through the Andaman Sea, duty-free island, actual beaches. Turn it into a day trip.

Best for getting a Thai tourist visa: Nong Khai to Vientiane. Thai Embassy issues tourist visas in 1 business day. Come back with a proper 60-day stamp.

Quickest border run: Padang Besar. You can be in and out of Malaysia in under 30 minutes if there is no queue.

Best combined with a real trip: Chiang Khong to Huay Xai, then take the slow boat to Luang Prabang. Turn your border run into a Laos adventure.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I extend my 30-day land border stamp?

No. Land border entries under visa exemption give you a non-extendable 30-day stamp. Only air entries (60-day stamps) can be extended for an additional 30 days.

What if immigration asks why I keep entering Thailand?

Be honest. Having accommodation bookings, proof of funds (20,000 THB or equivalent), and onward travel plans helps. Saying "I am a tourist" while holding a passport full of Thai stamps is unconvincing. If you are living in Thailand long-term, get the right visa.

Do I need to book onward travel before a border run?

Technically yes. Thai immigration can ask for proof of onward travel when you re-enter. In practice, they rarely check at land borders, but having a booking on your phone takes 5 minutes and removes the risk.

Can I do a border run on a weekend?

You can, but expect longer queues. Border immigration offices are open 7 days a week at major crossings (typical hours: 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, varies by crossing). Midweek is always faster.

What happens if Myanmar closes the Mae Sai crossing?

It happens periodically. If you arrive and the crossing is closed, you cannot do your border run. Always check current status before traveling. The Laos crossings at Nong Khai and Chiang Khong are generally more reliable.

Is it cheaper to fly for a border run?

Sometimes. Budget airline sales to Kuala Lumpur, Vientiane, or Phnom Penh can drop to 1,500-2,500 THB return. You also get a 60-day air stamp instead of a 30-day land stamp, and it does not count toward your land border limit. During airline sales, flying is often the smartest option.

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Plan Your Border Run

Use our visa checker tool to see what visas you need for neighboring countries based on your nationality. For a complete breakdown of all Thai visa types, extensions, and long-term stay strategies, read the Thailand visa and entry requirements guide.

If you are planning a longer route through Southeast Asia that includes border crossings, our Thailand itinerary guides include visa timing for multi-country trips.

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Last updated: February 2026

Disclaimer: Border crossing rules, fees, and opening hours change frequently. Always verify current conditions with recent traveler reports and official immigration sources before making your border run. The information in this guide reflects conditions as of February 2026. Thai immigration policy can change without notice.