Govt bans visa runs; Thailand border check points will not stamp

[TicTac]

Every Thai-Cambodian border check point and Kanchanaburi border check point will not stamp
They closed the visa run for falang indefinitely on the above border points. No stamp even if you have a valid Thai visa. Seems like only option for Hua Hin and Bangkok is fly in/fly out or Rayong. But could change in the next hour or next month

[Big Boy]

Any reason why? Is there a news source for this information please?

[TicTac]

Any reason why? Is there a news source for this information please?

I went to Kanchahaburi checkpoint today at 1pm with a a Huan Hin visa run company. All border check points closed as of 6am this morning. Reasons seem to be the bombing and searching for people but we will never know whether political or security reasons

[Big Boy]

Thanks

[dtaai-maai]

So they haven't closed the visa run specifically, they've closed the border crossing to everyone. That at least makes some kind of sense. I wouldn't be at all surprised if this turns out to be an extremely short-term measure and you were just unlucky to get there at the wrong time.

[lomuamart]

Wasn't the Immigration chief up to sacked a couple of days ago because of all the corruption at land border points?
Supposedly, some of the accused bombers were regularly using border crossings from either Cambodia or Laos.
Yes, IMO this is a reaction to the BKK bombings but I would expect "strictness" to continue for a little while until something is seen to have been done.
Seems totally unfair that those who have genuine, legitimate reasons to do a border run are tarred with the same brush.

[TicTac]

Wasn't the Immigration chief up to sacked a couple of days ago because of all the corruption at land border points?
Supposedly, some of the accused bombers were regularly using border crossings from either Cambodia or Laos.
Yes, IMO this is a reaction to the BKK bombings but I would expect "strictness" to continue for a little while until something is seen to have been done.
Seems totally unfair that those who have genuine, legitimate reasons to do a border run are tarred with the same brush.

Yes lomuamart,
Seems to be an over reaction too little too late. I was also told that part of the reason for the closure of the points relates to the loss of money making at these checkpoints due to tea money. Was told by immigration official today that the staff are changed every three weeks to avoid the problems.

[paul406]

TicTac
What service did you use for the Visa run to kanchanburi?

Can you send me contact info, i will need them in a few months.

[artyoz]

The company is situated at the shops in the Condochain building,opposite Bangkok Hospital. At present they charged us 3200b all incl. I thoughly recommend them. I was also on the bus yesterday and i have read on another forum the border may not open till end of month. But this is Thailand!!

[Ratsima]

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/securit ... to-borders

"The police investigation into the bomb blasts... discovered immigration police were bribed…."

What an amazing discovery.

[hhfarang]

I think they deserve a big reward for figuring that out...

[moater]

You don't need a company to do a visa run. Just borrow/rent a car and drive there, enjoy the freedom and save a little.

Renting/borrowing a small car in low season: 0 / ~600.
Fuel: ~800.
Visiting Myanmar for 5 minutes to stamp passports: 900.
Freedom and fun during this trip, as opposed to minibus-drag: Priceless.

You'll be saving at least 900 baht if you do a straight run, but you should consider combining it with a trip around Kanchanaburi.

[TicTac]

You don't need a company to do a visa run. Just borrow/rent a car and drive there, enjoy the freedom and save a little.

Renting/borrowing a small car in low season: 0 / ~600.
Fuel: ~800.
Visiting Myanmar for 5 minutes to stamp passports: 900.
Freedom and fun during this trip, as opposed to minibus-drag: Priceless.

You'll be saving at least 900 baht if you do a straight run, but you should consider combining it with a trip around Kanchanaburi.

Not having to drive and having a minibus between two people - priceless!

[artyoz]

Yes agree with you Tic Tac. For first visa run anyhow.
I was just speaking to a contact at the Kanchaburi border and he told me 28th at the earliest before the borders re opens. But stay in touch??? mmmmm

[Name Taken]

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/securit ... to-borders

"The police investigation into the bomb blasts... discovered immigration police were bribed…."

What an amazing discovery.

I am thoroughly shocked!