Mae Sai / Tachilek Still Open For 30 Day Visa Renewal ?

[billwo0]

Wondered if anyone had heard of any change at Mae Sai / Tachilek vis-a-visa visa runs given the current escalating situation in Myanmar.

thanks, Bill

[cali4995]

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Mae Sai Checkpoint

Amphoe Mae Sai

Changwat Chiang Rai 57130 0-5373-1008

[email protected]

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In the absence of any recent field reports from the trenches,

you could maybe try calling them. Sample dialogue example:

Q. Sawadee khraaap, bai bprathet bpa-maa dai-mai khraaap?

A. Dai khraaap (yes) Mai-dai khraaap (no)

If you got a response from the email address, now that would

be amazing Thailand. We do need some more updates.

[billwo0]

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Mae Sai Checkpoint

Amphoe Mae Sai

Changwat Chiang Rai 57130 0-5373-1008

[email protected]

I tried calling them 053-73-1008 (I speak passable Thai, by the way). After being routed from one person to another three times, the fourth person finally said that, yes, the border is open, and then went into a lecture about how if I had been in Thailand too long I would have to go to Laos.

best, Bill

[cali4995]

Bill, I'm pretty much limited to survival Thai myself. If you start off

speaking English they will just pass the phone along or hang up. I

suppose if you had a Thai wife you could maybe pay her to call.

Interesting arcticles on the front of today's (Friday's) Bangkok Post.

In one of them they quote Thai border authorities as saying "Burmese

troops along the Thai border were poised to close border passes and

checkpoints if the unrest spiralled out of control".

They go on to mention how trade has dried up to nearly a trickle and

how Thai forces are taking up positions on the border. Certainly doesn't

look good for anyone wanting to make a quick run to the border. We

could really use some recent information if anyone has made the trip

in the last few days. Ranong, Tak or Chiang-rai crossing.

[realthaideal]

I actually snuck in and did my border run to Mae Sai yesterday, and though tense, it went just fine. Here's the thread I started in the Chiang Mai Forum as most of us usually go that route. btw..... given escalating tensions it could change at any time. I got my go ahead from a helpful Tourist Police Officer who had coworker friends posted up in Mae Sai. perhaps get ahold of one in your local town and have them call the office up their if Immigration won't pick up or help.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=144311

[swain]

Is Mae Sai open? Its been almost two weeks since anyone has posted. Not sure if this is a good sign or a bad one. I have a ticket to Chiang Rai and was going to do the border run. Any news?

[swain]

Is Mae Sai open? Its been almost two weeks since anyone has posted. Not sure if this is a good sign or a bad one. I have a ticket to Chiang Rai and was going to do the border run. Any news?

I am guessing this is a dead topic ... I am also guessing that its stupid question and thats why no one is responding...... and that the border is of course open.

Edited October 12, 2007 by swain