Entering Thailand from Myanmar — Border Crossings Guide
Thailand's long western border with Myanmar has three main crossings. Due to Myanmar's ongoing political situation, these crossings operate under restrictions. Here is the current state of play.
Quick Answer
Can I enter Thailand from Myanmar overland?
Travellers already in Myanmar can technically cross into Thailand at the main checkpoints, subject to current operating status. However, due to Myanmar's civil conflict since 2021, travel in Myanmar is not recommended and several crossings have been intermittently closed. Most travellers looking to enter Thailand use the Malaysia, Laos, or Cambodia land borders instead, or fly directly to Bangkok.
The Three Main Crossings
Mae Sai / Tachileikin Chiang Rai Province is Thailand's northernmost town and was historically Thailand's most popular Myanmar border crossing for visa runs. Mae Sai itself is a busy market town with good shopping and street food. The crossing into Tachileik is just a short walk across the bridge. When open, day passes into Tachileik town (not beyond) are theoretically available. However, intermittent closures have made it unreliable. Mae Sai is still worth visiting for the Golden Triangle area and as a base for exploring northern Chiang Rai Province.
Mae Sot / Myawaddyin Tak Province is a fascinating and gritty border town midway up Thailand's western flank. It has a large Burmese expat community, excellent Burmese food, and a busy market selling goods from across Myanmar. The Friendship Bridge connects to Myawaddy, but crossing beyond the immediate border area is subject to current conflict conditions in Karen State.
Ranong / Kawthoung is the southernmost crossing, accessed by a 30-minute longtail boat from Ranong pier to Kawthoung (Victoria Point). This was once the most popular quick visa run for travellers based in Phuket or Koh Samui. Services have been disrupted since 2021. Check the current situation locally in Ranong before making the trip.
Myanmar Safety Warning
Visa Runs: Historical Context
Before 2021, the Myanmar crossings — especially Ranong and Mae Sai — were among the most popular visa run options for long-stay travellers in Thailand. A morning trip across the border, a stamp, and return would reset a 30-day exemption. This practice is now heavily restricted by Thai immigration (land border visa exemptions limited to two per calendar year) and further complicated by the Myanmar closures.
If you need to extend your legal stay in Thailand, the recommended approach is to apply for a Non-Immigrant Visa at a Thai embassy abroad, or to extend your existing visa (if eligible) at a Thai immigration office inside Thailand. The 30-day extension at immigration costs 1,900 THB and does not require leaving the country.
Arriving from Myanmar by Air
Those needing to leave Myanmar and enter Thailand should consider flying. Bangkok Suvarnabhumi has daily flights from Yangon and Mandalay. Air entry gives a full 60-day exemption and avoids the uncertainty of land border status. Chiang Rai (nearest city to Mae Sai) also has direct flights from some Myanmar cities.