News Forum - Laotian tourists are flocking to Thailand

[Thaiger]

Crowds of eager Laotian tourists are flocking to Thailand now that Thailand and Laos have eased travel restrictions this month. Deputy government spokeswoman Rachada Dhnadirek said yesterday that the checkpoint in Nong Khai, which borders Laos in Northeastern Thailand, is now the fourth most popular entry point into Thailand. The top 3 most popular entry points are Suvarnabhumi and Phuket airports, and the crossing in Sadao, in southern Songkhla, which borders Malaysia. Laotian tourists are largely arriving in the Kingdom for shopping and travel, especially in Nong Khai. Thailand and Laos have been working to repair economic activities along the […]

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[Highlandman]

Misleading article. A negative ATK test is sufficient (vaccination isn't compulsory) and guess what? Both Thai and Lao immigration have quietly stopped checking vaccine or test documentation since June 1 at the Nong Khai-Vientiane border, which applies to Thais and Laotians on border passes entering Thailand and all nationalities entering Laos.

Therefore, if you're Thai, you can enter Laos and return to Thailand with no vaccination or testing proof necessary. Do keep in mind this is not yet official, but it's what is happening in practice as confirmed by Thai vloggers and even an expat who runs an insurance company based in Laos, who said he was only checked for the Thailand Pass on entering Thailand but only his passport was needed to re-enter Laos and this happened on both trips he made back into Laos from Nong Khai.

[Highlandman]

Also, Laotians are mainly coming to Nong Khai for refuelling and shopping. The former being the primary reason they're coming right now, given Thailand's fuel prices are much lower and unlike Laos, there are no queues or fuel shortages.

That stated, the shopping options in Vientiane have greatly improved since 2020, so just coming for shopping will become less prevalent in the future. In fact, going forward, I wouldn't be surprised if Thais based in nearby provinces will drive to Vientiane for shopping and dining, seeing that Vientiane is now home to a Parkson shopping mall, with big things planned for the future.

[Cabra]

Tourist? More like Job seekers, and shoppers looking for cheap fuel.