Korat Visa Run

[tyler2uk]

Hi peeps, will soon be arriving in heaven on a multi non o visa which will have to be run every 3 months....so could anybody please tell me where the nearsest visa run would be, i will be based in korat.....

Thanks in advance for any help on this.......tyler

[cathyy]

Where in Korat? If you mean Nakhon Ratchasima, and I think you do, the closest is Aranyaprathet/Poi Pet on the Cambodian border. I just made a border run there last week to get another 30 day entry permit.

After you leave Thailand (don't forget to go through Thai immigration on the way out for your exit stamp...it's on the left as you head to Cambodia) and cross into Cambodia cross the street and head to the "visa service" sign. For 1200bt they will get you your Cambodian Visa and the entry and exit stamps. You'll need a passport photo or two. They have the forms. You need only wait in the shade, with a ceiling fan, while they do all the work. No need to go more than 10 feet into Cambodia! Once that is complete, just walk back into Thailand. Keep to the left to go through Thai immigration on the way back. Don't forget the new requirements for a large amount of CASH when walking the border.

[Jeff1]

That large amount of cash would be 10,000 baht , is that correct ?

[cathyy]

So it would seem, for a single person. Glad I had to go in late September!

Better info is available in the visa area of the forum.

[tyler2uk]

Thanks cathyy for responce.. had a feeling it was poi pet, just not sure if there was a border closer...i will be on a non "o" visa so will be carrying 20,000bt so will be fair game for the people who live at the border....

Thanks again....

[cathyy]

When will you be arriving? I'll be in Korat until October 12th. It would be great to meet you and your lovely lady if we will all be in town at the same time.

[Jeff1]

How long of a drive does it take to get there ?

Thanks

[cathyy]

Figure on making a day of it. I left at 630AM, arrived by about 9:30 or 10:00 and done by noon. Did some shopping at the enormous market on the Thai side before heading home. Called Rong Klae or something... then the three hour (or so) drive home. A good driver will know the places to stop for lunch and clean restrooms. Western toilets not available, bring toilet tissue.

[tyler2uk]

Thanks for all the info, we have a car in thailand so probably be going alone and making a day of it, shopping and looking at sights etc.....

Leaving uk on 12th oct and getting there 15.30 on the 13th so looks like will miss you....but will be there for about 7 months so if you ever back love to meet for a drink....

It really helps speaking to people already there.....

[jayenram]

You may find it less hassle and a shorter route to cross the border at Chong Chom. There are fewer farangs running the border there. Take the 224 from Khorat in the direction Chock Chai/Nong Bunnack. Turn left on the 24 and pass through Nong Ki, Nang Rong and Prakhon Chai. Turn right on the 214 at Prasat and carry on straight until you arrive at the Khmer border at Chong Chom. You should be able to park right at the border on weekdays. I reckon Khorat to Aranyapratet is around 290 km whereas Chong Chom is only 210 km.

[cathyy]

It may be closer, but it's not an "official" border crossing location according to the websites I checked. I suppose that means having a genuine immigration office, or a consulate, or a location-specific entry stamp, or some other bureaucratic nonsense. Better safe than sorry for those of us intending to reside here permanently!

[Pink Mist]

Jayenram has lived in the area for a long while and would be speaking from experience. PM him and ask for details.

[lopburi3]

Believe the problem is that the immigration post is named for the District (Amphoe) rather than the town it is located in (and is spelled in a number of ways):

Immigration Check-point Kabcheung

229 Surin - changjom road,

Amphoe Kap Choeng

Changwat Surin 32210

[jayenram]

Believe the problem is that the immigration post is named for the District (Amphoe) rather than the town it is located in (and is spelled in a number of ways):

Immigration Check-point Kabcheung

229 Surin - changjom road,

Amphoe Kap Choeng

Changwat Surin 32210

You are correct Lopburi3.

The immigration office is in Kabcheong where three officers generally reside. The actual border crossing is 20 km south at Chong Chom where two Thai officers are present.

[tyler2uk]

Thanks guys for all replys.....have been to poi pet so know my way about there but will be giving chong chum a look as well this year...thanks for all help folks, really is helpfull ...thanks

[Drew9906]

That large amount of cash would be 10,000 baht , is that correct ?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hi,

Just joined the board and just moved to Korat, will be making my 1st Visa run in this part of Thailand. I lived in Phuket for 4 years and did my visa runs to Ranong or Hati Yai and there was no need to carry any money at all. So am a bit confused about this statement above, why would I need 10,000 baht for a simple in and out at the boarder?

Thanks in advance for any info / insight

[lopburi3]

Because it is the law. And is now being selectively enforced more often. And you may fit the profile with many border runs for more careful checks.

[jayenram]

Because it is the law.  And is now being selectively enforced more often.  And you may fit the profile with many border runs for more careful checks.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

A friend did a 90 day border run at Chong Chom last week. he was not asked to give evidence of any cash. Is it just that the law hasn't permeated down into the sticks yet or does the Bht 10,000 rule only apply to 30 day stamp entries?

[lopburi3]

As said it is selective. And for someone with a valid visa the requirement is 20,000 baht or 40,000 baht per family. But the 90 day run at least shows the person has a valid visa and maybe purpose inside Thailand so probably would not attract as much attention as someone who has been doing 30 days runs, on the last day, for a few months.

[udon]

Re Dunnies...... you can use the toilets in the 1st casino on the right as you walk down to the Cambo departure office, in Poipet.

Just walk in as though you are a farang gambler and ask politely where the dunny is.

Dress neatly. but then you knew that........ didn't you!

[Drew9906]

Thanks all for the input!!

[udon]

A little more info about a visa run to Chong Chom is here http://www.geocities.com/lhasa2x/thailand.visa.run.htm

I have never paid more than 1000b for the visa and just slip 200b in yr passport and give pport to the dep. Immi officer, no need to chat to them. (At Poipet)

[Micke]

100 baht is enough, at least at Chong Jom. Place a 100 baht note in your passport AFTER you have done the visa matters.

If you happen to be in Bangkok, you can apply for a Cambodian visa at their embassy (near Lumpini park, the road towards Pratu nam). Pay in US dollars, you will get it for 20 $. That's only 800 baht. Otherwise it is 1000 baht and there is nothing to save because you can get it for 1000 at the border.

So, at the border: put a 1000 baht note in the passport before they have the chance to tell you the visa fee. Otherwise, it can be 1100 baht or as high as 1200 baht.

I would like to add that the last time I was at their embassy, I could get my passport the same day I applied. I applied before noon, and could pick it up at 5 PM (they are open 1 hour between 5 and 6 PM).

[udon]

Tha Cambo embassy is a good idea if you have 2 days to waste as you apply one day and have to rtn the next day to pick it up. Great if you live nrby.

I would do it just to piss those Cambo Immi Police off. (In a nice way!)

[udon]

I would like to add that the last time I was at their embassy, I could get my passport the same day I applied. I applied before noon, and could pick it up at 5 PM (they are open 1 hour between 5 and 6 PM).

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

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Hi micke, I missed that last para of yours.

Its a few yrs since i used the embassy, thanks.

Is it still open only in the morning?

[boris]

A well placed Thai source suggested to me very recently that likely policy is for visa running to be ended once and for all given current security concerns.In other words all foreigners living permanently in the kingdom will need to be properly authorised, ie with appropriate work permit/retirement/visa status.My source was unclear exactly how visa runners were to be curbed but I imagine there will continue to be an element of discretion about number of entries allowed to leave genuine tourists and visitors unrestricted.My source considered that foreigners abusing the system (ie visa runners) would come under particlar scrutiny and would be examined in detail if suspected of living permanently in Thailand whether retired or not on an unauthorised basis.My conclusion is that there may not be too much for illegals (I use the term "illegal" broadly as offending against the spirit if not the letter of the law) to worry about because implementation subject to practical difficulties.But in current climate it does seem to make sense to follow the spirit as well as the detail of Thailand immigration law.I have advised my friends in this category to regularise their position.

My own view is that implementation may not be followed through, and I don't think there has even been an internal ruling yet.However by the standards of any country in the world such a policy would be entirely reasonable.To the illegals on this forum don't bleat about your position, just regularise it in conformity with what is a very fairminded and generous immigration regime.