If you’ve been using border runs to stay longer in Thailand, big news: The popular Thailand-Cambodia border crossings in Chanthaburi are now closed.
This change affects both Thai nationals and foreign tourists. If you’re depending on the Ban Laem or Ban Phakkat checkpoints for a quick visa reset – that option is no longer available.
What Happened?
On June 7th, Thai immigration authorities officially shut down the land border crossings between Chanthaburi and Cambodia. This includes:
- Ban Laem – Daung Lem (Pedestrian crossing)
- Ban Phakkat – Phsar Prum
These spots were used by many people doing border runs – short trips out of the country just to come back and get more days in Thailand. Some agents even ran regular trips to help people do this.
But now, due to legal issues and national security concerns, those days are over – at least at these two crossings.
A Quick History of Border Runs
Border runs were once a popular trick to extend your stay in Thailand. Many tourists, digital nomads, and even long-term residents would leave Thailand for a day or even a few hours, then return with a fresh 15-30 day stamp.
Common border-run routes included:
- Cambodia (Ban Laem, Aranyaprathet)
- Laos (Nong Khai)
- Myanmar (Mae Sai)
But in recent years, Thai immigration has been tightening the rules, especially with people who do this too often. Now, in 2025, many of these land routes are completely closed or heavily restricted.
What Are Your Options Now?
With Cambodia and Myanmar borders mostly shut, and Nong Khai (Laos) getting stricter, you need to be extra careful about your stay in Thailand. Here are some real, legal options:
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Tourist Visa Extensions
- Extend your tourist visa at immigration offices for 30 more days.
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Change Visa Type
- Switch to an education visa, retirement visa, guardian or dependent visa – if you qualify.
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Apply for a Long-Term Visa
- If you’re working, studying, or retired – you might qualify for a longer stay visa.
Avoid overstaying. Penalties are serious – you could be fined, blacklisted, or even banned from re-entry. If you have already done that, please reach out for help with overstaying.
How Thai Nexus Can Help You
At Thai Nexus, we help you stay legal, safe, and stress-free.
Our visa experts can guide you through:
- Tourist visa extensions
- Long-stay visa applications (ED, Non-B, Retirement, Marriage, etc.)
- Work permit and business visas
- Thai visa compliance and consulting
We speak both Thai and English, and we’ll never leave you confused or lost in paperwork.
Visa agent in Hua Hin – available in-person or online.
Don’t Risk It. Stay Legal.
If you’re in Thailand on a visa and depending on land border runs, now is the time to rethink your plan. With more and more borders closing, the only safe way to stay is the right way – with the help of registered, experienced visa agent.
FAQs
Can I still do a visa run from Hua Hin to Cambodia in 2025?
No. The main Cambodian land borders used for visa runs, including Ban Laem and Ban Phakkat, are now closed. If you’re staying in Hua Hin, border runs are no longer a reliable option to extend your stay in Thailand.
Where can I get help with Thai visa extensions in Hua Hin?
You can get help from Thai Nexus in Hua Hin. We assist with tourist visa extensions, long-stay visa options (such as retirement or marriage visas), and handle all the paperwork so you stay legal in Thailand.
How do I extend a tourist visa in Hua Hin?
Tourist visas can be extended at the local immigration office in Prachuap Khiri Khan. However, it’s best to work with a visa agent in Hua Hin who understands the process and can guide you step-by-step to avoid delays or rejections.
Is it legal to do multiple visa runs from Thailand?
Technically yes, but Thai immigration now tracks frequent border runs and may deny re-entry. With many border crossings closed or restricted, it’s safer to apply for a proper visa or extend your stay legally.
Who is the best visa agent in Hua Hin?
Thai Nexus is a trusted visa service in Hua Hin. We offer bilingual support, clear advice, and affordable services to help you stay in Thailand legally.
Can I get a retirement visa while living in Hua Hin?
Yes. If you are 50 years or older and meet the financial requirements, you can apply for a retirement visa (Non-O or Non-OA). Thai Nexus will help with every step – from your documents to opening a Thai bank account.
Do I need to go to Bangkok for my visa?
Not necessarily. Many visa processes can be done at the local immigration office or through a licensed agent in Hua Hin. Thai Nexus can assist you without the need for travel to Bangkok in most cases.
What are the visa options if I want to stay long-term in Thailand?
Some of the most common long-stay visas are:
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Retirement Visa
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Marriage Visa
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Education Visa
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Business Visa
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Thai Elite Visa
Thai Nexus will help you understand the requirements and apply for the right one based on your situation.
