After hearing more rumours about the Immigration check point in Sop Ruak, Golden Triangle, I went to investigate today. Yes, its' true. The Immigration office there has been upgraded to full status, where farangs can get stamped out of Thailand, cross the Khong in a small boat and get stamped into Laos at the upgraded Immigration check point in Ton Pheung, obtain visa on arrival and stay in the country one month.
However, there is no customs station in Sop Ruak, so not possible to cross with small bike in longtail boat. The real reason for this upgrade appears to be that the people who cross the river to visit the casino will now have to buy a visa into Laos, rather than getting an unstamped day pass for 500 Baht.
However, there is no customs station in Sop Ruak, so not possible to cross with small bike in longtail boat. The real reason for this upgrade appears to be that the people who cross the river to visit the casino will now have to buy a visa into Laos, rather than getting an unstamped day pass for 500 Baht.