Inspection of foreign nationals who use border passes while traveling between Thailand and Lao PDR 

     Traveling to the Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) is considered traveling to a foreign country, which requires proper documentation. Without valid documentation, entry into the country would be considered illegal. In cases in which a passport is not available, a border pass can be used for travel. To obtain a border pass, individuals must contact the district office that is located nearest to the border with Lao PDR and must present his or her national ID card and a photograph. 

     The border pass documents to cross the Lao PDR border are divided into two types:

1.  A Permanent Border Pass is issued only to individuals with national ID cards from border provinces and is valid for one year. It can be used for multiple entries and exits;
2. A Temporary Border Pass is issued for individuals who are not from border provinces, and is valid for 7 days, with only one entry and exit allowed.
   Note that both types of border passes allow a stay of only 3 days and 2 nights in Laos, and travel is limited only to designated areas.

     Inspection steps

1. Verify the correctness and completeness of the border pass in order to determine if it is still valid for use (normally, a border pass is valid for 1 year and can be renewed for a maximum of 1 year);
2. Verify that the person holding the pass is authorized to use it. Record the information of the pass holder who enters or exits the province, in order to allow him or her to stay within the designated areas for 3 days and 2 nights.

Source: Immigration Checkpoint of Phang Nga Province, 37 Moo 3, Tambon Tham Nam Phud, Mueang District, Phang Nga Province,

Tel. +66 7546 0512. 
For more information