Thailand Laos Border Crossing Problems - Rumour or Real

[Lone Rider]

For what it is worth but there are several FaceBook posts by riders today indicating that Laos has sent information to Thai Border Crossing posts that starting today 24 July 2016 they won't let Motorbikes and Bikes (and possibly also Cars) cross the border until further notice. Not sure if this is valid for all border crossings or only for the Chaloem Phrakiat (north of Nan) to Mueang Ngeun border crossing.

From FB: ชุดสุดท้ายที่ด่านห้วยโก๋น..!!...พึ่งกลับจากลาววันนี้ครับ..ตม. ลาวแจ้งว่าหลังจากนี้ไม่ให้รถมอเตอร์ไซค์และจักรยานเข้าจนกว่าจะมีประกาศเปลี่ยนแปลงครับ
Automatic Translation: The last set of guo huai..!!... Just got back from Laos today... Mud. Laos announced that after this, don't let the car and bike bike into until I have announced a change.

I have a friend who is supposed to cross today (24 July) at this border crossing (crossing back from Thailand into Laos) and he will post info on his experiences as soon as possible.

 

[mactbkk]

Hopefully, there'll be someone coming or going at Nong Khai-Thannaleng who will report back on the situation there. If true, sure would put a large dent in the trade at the TESCO-Lotus at Nong Khai.

How about a check with the folks in Chiang Khong?

Mac

 

[Lone Rider]

Just got a message from my friend. He was refused entry into Laos (he was on a bicycle) and he mentioned that motorbikes also are not allowed to cross till the new Law comes into effect. Cars apparently are not affected yet.

Jean-Baptiste Fournier indicates the same on Thailand - New regulation affecting overland travellers https://www.facebook.com/groups/1024579897597702/permalink/1039405849448440/): Breaking news: Big shit for riders. Bicycles and motorcycles are not allowed enter Laos at this moment, starting from today until new law will be enforced... This restriction is applicable at all border checkpoints...

 

[KTMphil]

Chiang Khong / Houay Xai international crossing might still be open, they didnt know about the new laws today.

 

[blackwolf]

Chiang Khong / Houay Xai international crossing might still be open, they didnt know about the new laws today.

Can you or someone who knows what's going on explain this rumour? Laos and Thailand have a cross-border agreement that allows each other's vehicles (cars buses and trucks) to enter without restriction. Motorcycles are not covered so if changes are coming for them I wouldn't be surprised, restrictions on bicycles seem ridiculuous though.

If this rumour is true, is Laos restricting entry to all foreign registered motorcycles including those from China, Vietnam etc.?

Is this law in response to the new Thai laws (which don't affect Lao vehicles anyway)?

Any news articles?

EDIT: After reading the Thailand new rules Facebook page (the one linked in the post below is broken) it seems that the rules ONLY apply to motorcycles and bicycles and are being enforced for the time being. I remember not too long ago riders were regularly refused entry to Laos at the Huay Kon crossing, particularly those riding small bikes, but now it seems to be across the board.

 

[Lone Rider]

Can you or someone who knows what's going on explain this rumour? Laos and Thailand have a cross-border agreement that allows each other's vehicles (cars buses and trucks) to enter without restriction. Motorcycles are not covered so if changes are coming for them I wouldn't be surprised, restrictions on bicycles seem ridiculuous though.

If this rumour is true, is Laos restricting entry to all foreign registered motorcycles including those from China, Vietnam etc.?

Is this law in response to the new Thai laws (which don't affect Lao vehicles anyway)?

Any news articles?

EDIT: After reading the Thailand new rules Facebook page (the one linked in the post below is broken) it seems that the rules ONLY apply to motorcycles and bicycles and are being enforced for the time being. I remember not too long ago riders were regularly refused entry to Laos at the Huay Kon crossing, particularly those riding small bikes, but now it seems to be across the board.

At this moment everything is murky and the info provided here is based on what riders have experienced at border crossings. At the moment it seems that the Huay Khon crossing is the main problem while other border crossing points may or may not follow these "rules". I have nothing seen on paper so it remains a guessing game.

 

[blackwolf]

At this moment everything is murky and the info provided here is based on what riders have experienced at border crossings. At the moment it seems that the Huay Khon crossing is the main problem while other border crossing points may or may not follow these "rules". I have nothing seen on paper so it remains a guessing game.

OK, thanks. I remember it wasn't too long ago Huay Kon also regularly refused motorcycles from entering. I wonder if this is simply a new chapter in this game or whether they will actually become more consistent in the future. I am not surprised that the authorities haven't made public any changes. I had the same problem once at the Bo Y crossing heading from Laos into Vietnam. The Viet side wouldn't budge and couldn't show me anything to corroborate there was a change in the law. 7 months earlier I could pass through that very same border no problems. This time, nothing worked - Viet driver's licence, Vietnamese friend, bribe. They said only Lao citizens could drive Lao registrations across. Yet sometime later, other foreigners passed through there again no problems. Sometimes it depends on the official on duty. They often make up their own rules or have their own interpretation.

 

[Lone Rider]

Well it looks like that the rumour is becoming more real - this was posted this morning by Jean-Baptiste Fournier.

Entering Laos with a (Thai registered) motorcycle

I make a summary of Sanchai Sonkhlam post in “Motorcycle in Laos” Facebook page for information purpose only. The original post is in Thai and I made the translation from Thai to English by myself (I am a certified translator by Belgium and swiss Embassies in Bangkok for Thai language).

This morning Sanchai reports he tried to enter Laos with motorcycle but got refusal at 3 border crossings: Huai Kon (Nan Province), Phu Du (Uttaradit Province) and Ban Nakaseng in Thali district Loei province).

He says Thai Immigration did not allow him to cross the border. They asked him if he had contacted a Lao travel agent and a Lao guide was waiting for him at the Lao side. But he didn’t.
Immigration said you can go but motorcycle not… We don’t want to have trouble with Lao Immigration. It’s the new regulation. Order was issued on 22 July 2016…

Sanchai got in touch with one Lao agent who said now motorcycle to enter Lao needs to apply for permit (30 days prior the border crossing date) with a Lao travel agency. From 1 to 4 motorcycles a Lao guide must be at the border when crossing, more than 4 motorcycles the guide has to follow the group and 1 police car opens the road… and you have to follow strictly the route given by the travel agent who not bears responsibility if you change for another road…

Thai immigration said to Somchai a lot of Thai registered motorcycle make trouble in Laos, whether it be stolen motorcycles brought in Laos, or riders going anywhere without caring if it is a permit or restricted area, or having a reckless riding or behaviour…

My comment: I don’t know if this regulation applies to all motorcycle or only Thai registered motorcycle…

 

[blackwolf]

Well it looks like that the rumour is becoming more real - this was posted this morning by Jean-Baptiste Fournier.

Entering Laos with a (Thai registered) motorcycle

I make a summary of Sanchai Sonkhlam post in “Motorcycle in Laos” Facebook page for information purpose only. The original post is in Thai and I made the translation from Thai to English by myself (I am a certified translator by Belgium and swiss Embassies in Bangkok for Thai language).

This morning Sanchai reports he tried to enter Laos with motorcycle but got refusal at 3 border crossings: Huai Kon (Nan Province), Phu Du (Uttaradit Province) and Ban Nakaseng in Thali district Loei province).

He says Thai Immigration did not allow him to cross the border. They asked him if he had contacted a Lao travel agent and a Lao guide was waiting for him at the Lao side. But he didn’t.
Immigration said you can go but motorcycle not… We don’t want to have trouble with Lao Immigration. It’s the new regulation. Order was issued on 22 July 2016…

Sanchai got in touch with one Lao agent who said now motorcycle to enter Lao needs to apply for permit (30 days prior the border crossing date) with a Lao travel agency. From 1 to 4 motorcycles a Lao guide must be at the border when crossing, more than 4 motorcycles the guide has to follow the group and 1 police car opens the road… and you have to follow strictly the route given by the travel agent who not bears responsibility if you change for another road…

Thai immigration said to Somchai a lot of Thai registered motorcycle make trouble in Laos, whether it be stolen motorcycles brought in Laos, or riders going anywhere without caring if it is a permit or restricted area, or having a reckless riding or behaviour…

My comment: I don’t know if this regulation applies to all motorcycle or only Thai registered motorcycle…

I have received some information that confirms all Lao border crossings are affected. All motorcycles, irrespective of country of registration or the border they come through now need to arrive on a tour. Advance permission should be requested at least 30 days in advance, though it might be possible that some agents can arrange something more quickly on a case-by-case basis.

For more information, please PM me as I'm not allowed to give the source of this information publicly.

 

[blackwolf]

Well, in typical merry go-round Lao commie fashion, turns out that only the 3 Saiyabuli crossings are enforcing the law, whereas other borders are still allowing entry without a permit. This according to the Motorcycle Laos Facebook page.

The source I obtained my information from yesterday was a well known motorcycle tour agent based in Bangkok, however it seems that the final answer always depends on what a border official decides.

 

[Pounce]

I have received some information that confirms all Lao border crossings are affected. All motorcycles, irrespective of country of registration or the border they come through now need to arrive on a tour. Advance permission should be requested at least 30 days in advance, though it might be possible that some agents can arrange something more quickly on a case-by-case basis.

For more information, please PM me as I'm not allowed to give the source of this information publicly.

Has anyone any updated info on this?
Last year I crossed on my own without any drama but this December there will be 3-4 of us going for another ride. We'll be crossing at FB4 as usual.

 

[Lone Rider]

Has anyone any updated info on this?
Last year I crossed on my own without any drama but this December there will be 3-4 of us going for another ride. We'll be crossing at FB4 as usual.

At the moment it only concerns the 3 crossings in Xayaboury Province (as shown in the post just above yours). FB 4 should be no problem.

 

[4x4xfarang]

At the moment it only concerns the 3 crossings in Xayaboury Province (as shown in the post just above yours). FB 4 should be no problem.

Little concerned here - does anyone know if this applies to 4 wheel vehicles with the "purple book" car passport?

 

[Lone Rider]

Little concerned here - does anyone know if this applies to 4 wheel vehicles with the "purple book" car passport?

I have crossed the Thailand to Laos border several times using the Nakraseng to Kenethao (north of Loei - the Nam Hueang Bridge) without problems in my 4WD truck with exit at the Mueang Ngeun / Houay Khon (north of Nan) also without problems.

 

[Lone Rider]

For what it is worth (from a Facebook post dated 5 October 2017). These people - both on small bikes (< 250 CC) - apparently crossed into Laos at the Nan to Mueang Ngeune crossing on their way to Pakbeng. Not sure if they had approval obtained before through a travel agent as the OP did not reply to messages left.

 

[Lone Rider]

Update Huay Kon-Muang Ngeun border crossing for motorcycles.

You can cross with a motorbike (small or big) but you need to have a permit - Cost 1400 Baht for one bike including Lao motor insurance, plus 400 Baht extra if you have a pillion, no escort, no cc limitation. When 4 bikes or more, you need a guide and with 6 or more bikes you need to have a police escort.

Contact Lao travel agent contact: Phouvanna Tour or Phouvanna Travel Co., Ltd., Luang Prabang. Contact Sithon Somngam, ID Line + phone number +856- 20 - 55774286. Processing time of the permit is 2 days

Or contact Luang Prabang Holiday Travel - Khun Mongkhon at +856 20 550 46474; +856 20 9829 8987 - Email: mongkhon@luangprabangholidaytravel.com and website at http://www.luangprabangholidaytravel.com. I don't know if this company charges the same amounts for their services

 

[Pounce]

I contacted Khun Mongkhon regarding Friendship Bridge 4 & all seems normal & the same there for now.

Sabaidee Khun Peter

My apology for a late reply due to busy these days.

Enter Laos at Friendship Bridge 4, I think there is no issue like at Friendship Bridge 1. Just only one bike, you can enter there as normal. But if you need our service at Houay Xai immigration checkpoint, we are pleased to serve you . Which border will you exit Laos?

I heard about the rule changed too but it is friendship bridge 1, not friendship bridge 4. So you still have chance to enjoy your holiday in Laos .

Important notes:

- If you are a foreigner renting Thai registerd bike you need to have a letter of authorise for riding the bike from bike's owner or from the shop you rent the bike. in the letter, they will mention about your purpose of using the bike in Laos. If you do not have this letter, even Thai border checkpoint is not allowed you to bring the bike out from Thailand.

&#8203;If you have any question please let me know.&#8203;

&#8203;
Best regards,

Mongkhon VONGSAM-ANG (Mr)

Managing Director
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LuangPrabang Holiday Travel Co., Ltd
Kitsalath Rd., House No: 10, Unit 01
Ban Thongchaleun, Luang Prabang, Laos
M: +856-20-5504 6474
T: +856-71-213 234
F: +856-71-213 234
E: luangprabangholiday@gmail.com
W: www.luangprabangholidaytravel.com

 

[Pounce]

3 of us crossed on Dec 28th, 2 on rented bikes & one on his mates bike (all with correct paperwork) without any dramas, in around an hour.

My old mate Mr Noi (the guy who escorts you across from Thailand) told me a group of 4 is OK, 5 is a maybe but 6 or more will be definitley classed as a tour where you'll need a guide waiting for you in Laos

EDIT:
I should mention that this was at the Chiang Khong / Houay Xai crossing

 

[Lone Rider]

An update on the Thailand to Laos (Huay Khon) border crossing north of Nan - info provided by Ivo Hoornstra.

Today 25 January 2018 I arrived at the border point at 9:30 and I am now still in Thailand. Why? Because Thai immigration will not let you (1 bike or a group of bikes) exit Thailand without a tour licence because they know Lao immigration will not let you in without a tour licence.

So yes technically you can cross the border, even with 1 motorbike. But you will have to buy a tour guide etc. That will cost you significantly more as 1400 Thai baht. This all was confirmed by the Thai immigration and a local border travel agency. As this border is under control of Xaraboury immigration the same rules apply to the 2 other border crossings (Phudoo to Paklay east of Uttaradit and Thali to Kenethao north of Loei) within Xaraboury province.

Exiting from Laos into Thailand is no problem. All other border crossings from Thailand into Laos have other rules.

 

[blackwolf]

Little concerned here - does anyone know if this applies to 4 wheel vehicles with the "purple book" car passport?

No problem crossing by car at any Thai-Lao checkpoint. Laos is unable to randomly impose crossing restrictions on cars registered in Thailand due to Thailand and Laos sharing a cross-border transport agreement. Laos and Thailand are therefore obliged to allow each others cars, trucks and buses entry. Motorcycles are not covered by this agreement hence why the rules keep changing.