thomasrussell

5 hours ago, wgdanson said:

According to the AA you do need an IDP. However, I have been stopped driving on my UK licence several times and no questions asked, ever.

I was led to believe that an IDP is merely a translation into English, of your UK license. It costs about 30 quid at a Post Office, AA or RAC.

 

https://www.theaa.com/driving-advice/driving-abroad/idp-country-list

I was asked for an IDP 4 times in one month at checks in CM.  The Police had a photocopy of IDP to wave at you.

If you are in UK an IDP costs £5 at at main post offices.  Takes about 5 minutes.

I'm entering thailand with a 60 day tourist visa.

Hi 

I'm entering thailand with a 60 day tourist visa.

I used to do a VIP visit to Burma before it stopped and I'd like to visit Tachilek again.

It may be my last chance as I'm 74

Can you confirm that I can get a re entry permit in Chiang Rai Administrative centre. 

If I get the re entry permit I take it I get the remainder of my 60 days and not just the 15 on re entring Thailand?  I'm traveling on an Irish passport.

Thanks

Thomas

Hi

I had a ruptured disk last year and could neither walk nor lie in bed.. Slept in a shaped chair for four months. Gabapentin didnt agree wih me. I was prescribed Lyrica and at first a small number of low dose diazepam as a muscle relaxant.

Sheryl is spot on.

I'd just like to warn that Lyrica (pregabalin) hits similar sensors to pot and for two weeks any lack of concentration and I was in a waking dream. Nothing unpleasant just doing normal things like making tea and cooking. All seemed quite normal until I tried to drink the tea. :-) I certainly could not have driven a car in safety. These effects passed after about two weeks and with lots of gentle physio I gradually got back to near normal though I still have the occasional twinge.

Find a doctor who knows how to treat the problem.

Thomas

Can you fly to Mae sai? Is there a airport there?

No. Closes airport is Chiang Rai. then a taxi 62km to the crossing. AA and NokAir.

Regular bus services from Chiang Rai central bus station to Mae Sai about 47 THB ?. Then song thao to border from Mae Sai bus station 30 THB

Thanks for the info Boomerangutang

If I get through on VIP I will post here to confirm that its ok

Thoms

I visited Mai Sai on 3rd March 2015 . I presented my photocopies, photographs and cash and asked for a VIP pass. They were thrown back at me with a curt, " Not possible" I tried again 20 minutes later with the same result. Later I spoke to an oficer smoking outside his booth and he confirmed that it was no longer possible. The situation may have changed since then but I see no positive results.

Thanks for the info Boomerangutang

If I get through on VIP I will post here to confirm that its ok

Thoms

Hi

I intend to go to Chiang Rai as usual this year but someone told me it was no longer possible to get a VIP entry in Mae Sai to visit Tachilek. Is this true? I don't want to go there and loose the remainder of my 60 day Visa.

Has anyone been there recently and got a VIP entry? I haven't been since 2013 so I'm not up to date.

Thanks for replying,

Thomas

Sorry you had a problem.

Things seem to change on a regular basis at border crossings, We get a report of one person not having a problem and the next one does.

It also depends on the information provided. Posters quite often have a habit of omitting important information.

... or generalizing their misunderstood situation to everyone. Quite often terms such as visas, extensions of stay, visa exempt entries, visas on arrival, etc are used incorrectly and posters reach the baseless conclusion that immigrations officers are being arbitrary or confused rather than themselves.

Not saying that applies in this case. It does seem that unusual and inconsistent rules are sometimes applied at land borders, but there certainly have been many "reports" of problems with immigrations that just reveal the poster is clueless.

Hi

I realise that the OP had spent some time in mae sai and my query isn't really related but does anyone know if the VIP system is still working for day trips without affecting ones visa.

thanks

Hi I'm planning a trip to Chiang Rai and wondered if there's been any change to VIP regulations. There seem to be a lot of tightening up in other areas.

Also I've read that its possible to swop passports between for example Cambodia and Thailand. Is this still possible?

Thanks

Thomas

I have rent a scooter in Chiang Mai for each of the last 4years. I have never been asked for a licence, just a passport or/deposit as security.

I had never been asked for an IDP at checkpoints until this year. I was pulled in at Narawat Bridge. He wasn't a interested in my passport or UK driving licence, just my IDP. He photographed the front and photo page. I asked why and he replied, "Use as example."

I assume the BIB have found a new excuse to fine farang at checkpoints.