ArtVandelay

I'm still confused. They wouldn't let the OP out of Thailand because of what specifically? A few years ago I was able to change to my new passport at Aranya Pratet. Paid the 500 Baht. Took almost an hour, though.

Annapurna is a spectacular area to trek. I've done it twice, but not as high an elevation as they went. My first time I had hired a private guide in Pokhara. Made a mistake listening to him, since he was determined to get me to a specific tea house for the night. Rather than stop early my first day when I got sore, like I should have, he pushed me to keep going up. I learned later that some of the guides have certain businesses on the mountain where they get kickbacks in the form of free food, etc, and will pressure you to stay at that specific one. I should have listened to my body, and stopped at a lower tea house for the night. Since I kept going, I was so sore the next day, that the rest of my trek was a miserable experience. Also, coming back down the mountain was actually more painful because it takes as much or more muscle power to stop yourself from falling than it does to climb up the mountain. If you go, listen to your own body. The guides might have other interests than your health,

I had a previous non-B visa and several covid extensions, which probably didn't help. She called her supervisor who then grilled me (politely but firmly) on what I was doing in Thailand this long. I explained I was just a tourist not ready to go back home yet. It was when I finally mentioned that I was planning on going home for Christmas that she finally stamped me in.

I've heard of Red Stamps, and know they are to be avoided. Can anyone explain to me what one is and what the implications are if you get one? I've gotten two red visa-exempt stamps when entering Thailand by air in the past year. I was given the full 30 and 45 days, but questioned extensively last night when entering at DMK. Are these the dreaded "Red Stamps" I always hear about or is it just a stamp that happens to be red? I entered both times by air. Thanks.

Thanks. What way do you recommend crossing into Cambodia? I'm in Bangkok.

Any reason you don't recommend Aran Poipet crossing? I was thinking about crossing there next week . . .