Mae Sai/Tachilek Border Info

[Petruchio]

Thanks for your reply Limbo, and interest in the results of my trip to Mae Sai on the 9th.

I had left Mae Sai the first time feeling confident (once more), and all nice and warm inside. They had smiled and said "Don't worry, we know you" - I was "in like Flynn." Or so I thought... But the last time (see my post above), I left in conciderable trepidation.

On this latest occasion (the 9th), all was sweetness and light. and I was processed in a reasonable length of time. A three month "Permission to Stay" was stamped into my Passport (for some reason they only gave me 68 days ?, but I was duly thankful), along with the Non-Imm. O they had promised (which I almost had to pay for twice), I was not charged again for it and no additional Affidavit of Income was asked for (neither of them required again but they could have insisteded if had they had chosen). I was told that at the beginning of the last 30 days of the "Permission to Stay" I could return, and they assured me that at that time they would indeed issue me a One Year Retirement Extentsion - providing I paid the issuing / re-entry fees of course. So the crisis appears to be over for me at this time, and I will try to keep a free mind for a couple months anyway. If I get the one year R/E I will be set for awhile, hopefully.

As a matter of possible interest. as I sat on the front row awaiting processing I overheard the problems of another Farang at that first window. It seems the officer had failed to probvide him the information he had came to him for, a month earlier. The Farang became extremely exasperated and frustrated that because of this he was now in a very difficult if not impossible situation to deal with. He left with his (apparent) Thai wife and in an extremely agitated condition. I felt a little sad for him as well, because he had some sort of severe medical condition (Diabetes I think), his legs were swelled very badly and wrapped in surgical stockings, and he could hardly get around with a cane.and wife helping. What makes life here so tenuous for most foreigners (not just Farangs) is the inconsistrency and the sometimes mis-application of the seemingly ever-changing rules - never able to feel confident that one is in compliance no matter how hard he tries, and knowing the government doesn't want foreigners except to come and spend money on vacation. I believe if I were he, I would consider getting my Hiney back to my own country. After all, TIT and one can either stand the heat - or not. But then we all have our reasons for hanging on and staying....

All the Best.

[Petruchio]

On another subject, when i went to Mae Sai yesterday, I took three Thai ladies from my village and two of them spent their time across in Tachelik. I had heard that the Black Market on a lot of stuff over there (like CD's) had about been shut down, but one of them brought back a "netbook" I think they are called, It was an Apple and said "3G" on it. I should have examined it further so as to be sure of the model, etc., because I want to get one for my Landlady's daughter. She said she only paid 3,800 baht for it. The cheapest I have seen was 8,500 baht for a Samsung at Big C in CR. She also said that the guy gave her a card with his phone mumber on it and said just call him and he will bring one across anytime, no need to go across the river. I will go back soon to check this out.

Also, the usual guys hanging around under the bridge peddling "Viagra" approached (again, as usual), so I asked if he had genuine Pfizer Viagra in the box. He said for 10 boxes it would be 150 baht each - (I have a letter from my doctor prescribing them, whether that works with the police or not - I have been told it does if you are stopped???). I asked to see one but he only showed one 4 pill pack of some "generic" stuff. I said "Mai Oaw". I think the genuine stuff is not available at this time - does anyone know for sure?

I saw in one of the posts that there is a new liquor store. Since I know little about Tachelik, the only one I buy from is the Duty Free shop across from the Immigration Office. I just tell them I only want to go there, and they give me my passport back and say OK. The prices are great, and the last time the clerks said I could bring a limit of 5 bottles back across (that many more if someone is with you). Is this still the case and is there another good place to buy someplace else in Tachelik??

Replies appreciated............

[Briggsy]

Visa run 1 Jan 2012

$10 accepted no question. I specifically avoided the time when any visa run rot dtoo may have deposited a load of runners at the border. I think the Burmese officials particularly dislike these guys.

Tachilek shops have got silly with the prices requested for some of the quite convincing-looking copies of shoes, GPS, etc. Just my opinion

Bought six cans of Bolliarka, Bulgarian dark beer and a bottle of Aussie wine. Girlfriend carried the wine. I carried the beer. The squaddie asked me in English, "How much?" as he pulled the cans out of my daypack. I replied truthfully, "360 Baht," in Thai. He replaced the cans and on I went.

[Petruchio]

One more question. The post about the "VIP Pass" is mighty interesting to me. I did not know about this and wouild like to have some more info on it.

Can one go actually across for two or three hours with just the two copies of the Passport main page, and without having to have your Passport with you (or have it stamped)?? This would be great, but I sure would want to be sure because to have a stamp would be to loose one's Retirement Extension as I understand it.

So is this correct? And do you just go to the place near the bridge near the Thai Immigration checkpoint side?? What about it makes it "V.I.P."??

Thanks.

Edited January 10, 2012 by Petruchio

[Limbo]

What makes life here so tenuous for most foreigners (not just Farangs) is the inconsistrency

and the sometimes mis-application of the seemingly ever-changing rules - never able to feel

confident that one is in compliance no matter how hard he tries, and knowing the government

doesn't want foreigners except to come and spend money on vacation.

You are certainly not the only foreigner who has that feeling!

I recognize it very well! If it is justified or not is another question.

What gives me confidence is that ultimately everything is done by the rules and that these

offer certain more or less creative possibilities in cases that require a wider interpretation.

I remember an 82 year old foreigner, who had endured two strokes that had caused

several problems, among which a partly erased memory.

He arrived with a prove of income to an amount of 798,000 Baht (800,000 required).

The day he presented it the exchange rate had improved and the equivalent of his

pension would be well over the required amount.

The rules were not bent, his income was simply 2,000 Baht short!

He also presented two bankbooks with a total amount of more than 1,200,000 Baht

of which more than the required 800,000 had been on it for a period of more than three

months. As he shared these accounts with his Thai wife they could not be accepted.

The rules were not bent, it was not a personal account!

But a solution was found and some months later things were in order again.

The only problem were the extra trips to Mae Sai he had to make, a problem that

at present day wouldn't exist anymore: a trip to the Central would do!

Good to hear that everything was allright Petruchio!

Limbo

PS: Entering Burma on the 'VIP-pass' would also cost you 500 Baht.

[TwentyBaht]

petruchio,

The tablets in Tachilek, or Mae Sai, will not be Apple iPad copies. They are an original Chinese architecture running Android. I have one of these tablets. And, use it for internet when traveling.

There are still some of the old obsolete 8505 chips being sold there. I have an 8650 chip tablet (cost ~ 2500 baht). Which, is a little modified. But, it is now almost obsolete. The 8710 tablet is coming out. Better value for these inexpensive tablets can be found at the IT center in Chiang Mai.

As to immigration procedures, I think it boils down to this. A westerner can be successful here by utilizing two words. Polite, and patient. Almost, anything can be worked out with a calm approach. It might require some extra paperwork, cost, and time. As, it did in your case. But, we are a guest in this country.

Cheers

[pomchop]

went to border today and once again no problem giving the burma guy $10 usd bill ....about six other people at same time all gave him 500 baht....i am somewhat amazed that he doesn't make everyone give him 500 baht and then he puts $10 bill in the drawer and make himself nice little profit on the transaction...or maybe that is what he does?....anyway fyi in spite of some saying otherwise i have never yet had them refuse the american money....save yourself 200 baht when you pay in american money...

[TwentyBaht]

pomchop,

My experience, also. Have never had the $10 bill refused.

One one crossing, I did have an older $10 bill. A bit worn. And, the officer asked me if I had another. The cleanest bill I had was a $100 bill. The officer looked again at the $10 bill, and said it was okay.

And, yes, everyone else was paying 500 baht?

My experience is the Myanmar Immigration Officers can be quite helpful. Once, you engage them in polite conversation. And, usually a couple of the officers will be taking a break outside the office, or about the road. I've gotten good information by doing this. Shopping advice and directions, and other things.

Cheers

[pomchop]

_{I always keep a few nice brand new $10 bills on hand just for the burma border run....also keep a bunch of ones and fives etc for travel in Laos.}

[just_Elaine]

Just FYI. We were there early morning on Sunday, Jan-22-2012. I had a crisp new $20 USD bill for two of us and we were told that they don't accept USD only Thai Baht. I tried to look for the sign that used to say how much, but it wasn't there. I also tried to ask when did that start, but didn't get an answer. Anyway, just fyi.

[pomchop]

Just FYI. We were there early morning on Sunday, Jan-22-2012. I had a crisp new $20 USD bill for two of us and we were told that they don't accept USD only Thai Baht. I tried to look for the sign that used to say how much, but it wasn't there. I also tried to ask when did that start, but didn't get an answer. Anyway, just fyi.

i think your problem is they don't accept 20 bills...ONLY ten dollar bills...that is what i heard them tell people one time...i have never yet had them refuse a ten bill..but maybe it has changed in the past ten days....

[true blue]

A VIP pass is a temporary entry to Burma that doesn't involve using you passport.

Present your passport to Thai immigration with 2 photocopies of the main page and 100B.

They keep your passport and you pick it up when you come back.

Not sure where Thais go for a pass now, it used to be to the left of the border post.

The VIP pass doesn't allow for an overnight stay.

It's allowable for Americans, but not sure about Brits and other nationalities. Better to check ahead.

You'll need two photocopies of your passport's main page only. You can get the copies at a shop just to the left of the Thai-side Imm office at the bridge. If using this method, be sure to tell them clearly at the Thai imm office that you don't want a stamp in your passport (as you hand the officer your passport and photocopies). Otherwise, they'll perfunctorily put a stamp in it, and it can't be undone. If using this mode, you have to pay the Bt.500 on the Burmese side. $10 won't work.

good information,just a quick question,what do you give or tell the guy,in the burma office,if you leave your passport on thai side,presume it must be one of the photo copies,

[dindong]

A VIP pass is a temporary entry to Burma that doesn't involve using you passport.

Present your passport to Thai immigration with 2 photocopies of the main page and 100B.

They keep your passport and you pick it up when you come back.

Not sure where Thais go for a pass now, it used to be to the left of the border post.

The VIP pass doesn't allow for an overnight stay.

It's allowable for Americans, but not sure about Brits and other nationalities. Better to check ahead.

You'll need two photocopies of your passport's main page only. You can get the copies at a shop just to the left of the Thai-side Imm office at the bridge. If using this method, be sure to tell them clearly at the Thai imm office that you don't want a stamp in your passport (as you hand the officer your passport and photocopies). Otherwise, they'll perfunctorily put a stamp in it, and it can't be undone. If using this mode, you have to pay the Bt.500 on the Burmese side. $10 won't work.

good information,just a quick question,what do you give or tell the guy,in the burma office,if you leave your passport on thai side,presume it must be one of the photo copies,

Yes, you give him a copy.

$10 does work, at least it did the last time I went.

I'm not saying it works everytime for everyone but I always present a nice clean $10 bill with my copy.

[sceadugenga]

Does the old girl still sell them in front of the bank?

What's she asking now?

[CP3]

You may want to go to the private changer at near to police station. Their rates are better then banks and they are licensed.

[sceadugenga]

Yes, but do they sell foreign currency for Thai baht though?

The old girl's rates used to be appalling, up to 40B to the USD so I assumed it was a sellers market in MaeSai.

[SamMunich]

Just FYI. We were there early morning on Sunday, Jan-22-2012. I had a crisp new $20 USD bill for two of us and we were told that they don't accept USD only Thai Baht. I tried to look for the sign that used to say how much, but it wasn't there. I also tried to ask when did that start, but didn't get an answer. Anyway, just fyi.

i think your problem is they don't accept 20 bills...ONLY ten dollar bills...that is what i heard them tell people one time...i have never yet had them refuse a ten bill..but maybe it has changed in the past ten days....

I was also at the Mae Sai crossing on Jan-23-2012. I offered the Burmese guy a crisp, new (not ironed, though) tenner, but he refused and insisted on a 500 Baht note. There were others in the small office but I don't think anybody was looking at what I was handing the guy, Dollars or Baht.

However, what was new to me is the fact, that you can now stay 14 days in Burma with that little cardboard thing you get in exchange for your passport. You have to stay in the vicinity of the place you entered Burma (I guess, that would be the province of Tachilek). If you want to venture further out, an official has to accompany you, I was told at the small office on the right side, just before you get to Burma immigration.

But Tachilek hasn't too much to offer I think. The "hotel" up the hill from the border crossing has no rooms to sleep (guess what you can do there instead..., no, the other choice!), but there are at least 2 hotels in town for about 600 Baht/night, one named Nine Star Hotel, the other name I forgot. And there is an 18 hole golf course with a hotel (about 1,000 Baht/night) in or around Tachilek. There might be people getting a kick out of saying, that they played golf in Burma, who knows...

About a click to the right on the main road is the "Cafe @Eagle", with biker paraphernalia and I guess also used as a biker meeting point, so for those, that want to get in contact with other bikers, that's the place to go. Dunno, how good their English is, as I chatted in Thai with them.

[CP3]

Yes.They do. When I went to exchanged SGD to THB, they did displayed Buy and Sell rate on their board. It is an air-conditioned office, you just go in and you can view the same board like banks display.

[just_Elaine]

Just FYI. We were there early morning on Sunday, Jan-22-2012. I had a crisp new $20 USD bill for two of us and we were told that they don't accept USD only Thai Baht. I tried to look for the sign that used to say how much, but it wasn't there. I also tried to ask when did that start, but didn't get an answer. Anyway, just fyi.

i think your problem is they don't accept 20 bills...ONLY ten dollar bills...that is what i heard them tell people one time...i have never yet had them refuse a ten bill..but maybe it has changed in the past ten days....

The guy said Thai baht. I actually had some $10 bills with me, but they weren't in as good a shape as the $20. The last time we were here (3 years ago), we had no problem with the $20.

SamMunich -- Thanks for the info. I didn't know that you could stay longer...

Edited January 27, 2012 by just_Elaine

[el jefe]

Just FYI. We were there early morning on Sunday, Jan-22-2012. I had a crisp new $20 USD bill for two of us and we were told that they don't accept USD only Thai Baht. I tried to look for the sign that used to say how much, but it wasn't there. I also tried to ask when did that start, but didn't get an answer. Anyway, just fyi.

i think your problem is they don't accept 20 bills...ONLY ten dollar bills...that is what i heard them tell people one time...i have never yet had them refuse a ten bill..but maybe it has changed in the past ten days....

The guy said Thai baht. I actually had some $10 bills with me, but they weren't in as good a shape as the $20. The last time we were here (3 years ago), we had no problem with the $20.

SamMunich -- Thanks for the info. I didn't know that you could stay longer...

If you read thru this thread (I know it's long), you'll see that the 14 day option has always been there. You can go up to Kyiang Tong and Mong La. There are a couple of different ways to do it, but you still are never allowed to just go where you want.

[skybluestu]

The once-a-month service by the immigration folk will be offered today at Central Plaza Chiang Rai from 10am.

[sceadugenga]

Had a run to Tachilek on Thursday, border was very quiet early and we crossed using VIP passes without problems.

[ichingguy]

first of all thanks to this thread for info on vip passes and the immigration service coming to CR; will the service continue next month? 2 questions: one has anyone found a way to rent a motorcycle across the border; and two has anyone shopped there for tile, marble, limestone, ie building materials for the new house I am building here on the river

[el jefe]

Just a quick update on the $10/500B question since there is a current thread running in the CM forum.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/531713-10-bucks-or-500-baht/page__pid__5043520#entry5043520

Had another great meal at Don's on Saturday. It's almost worth the trip up from Chiang Mai for the food alone.

Went across yesterday (Sunday) at 11:45am. Four farangs walked into the immigration office just ahead of me with a Thai guide. I wasn't really paying attention but I think she told her clients the fee was 500 baht. I handed my passport over and the Myanmar Immigration officer said "TenDolarsFiveHundredBaht" like it was all one word. I handed over one of the many $10 bills I had with me, and certainly not the best one. This one had a crease down the middle. He barely looked at it and asked "500 baht?" I replied "No, $10, OK?", more of a statement than a question. He said "OK" and we were done.

Went shopping and came back with a bunch of 30 baht DVD's and enough liquor to keep me happy for a while.

[maidu]

I gave then a us$50 and they took it, no problem. part of the change was $10 in ones. I didn't like that, but he showed me a stack of ones and said he had no $10 bills. I went back to him later and changed my 10 ones for a $10 bill.

2 questions: one has anyone found a way to rent a motorcycle across the border; and two has anyone shopped there for tile, marble, limestone, ie building materials for the new house I am building here on the river

A tourist cannot rent a motorbike in Tachilek. Not even a bicycle available for rent, as far as I know - though you could buy a bike - though not a motorbike. I doubt there are rentals even for Burmese, as there would not be enough trust for a rental business. For similar reasons, there are no equipment rental businesses in Chiang Rai (and probably all of Thailand as well).

[villagefarang]

Things seem to be getting busier at the boarder these days. Songkran perhaps.

[maidu]

Tachilek has its main road cemented. Quite a job. They worked 24/7, with a crew of about 25, all manual labor, except the cement trucks. Now they've got as big a job building drainage and sidewalks on either side - some of which has already been done (starting in front of gov't buildings, surprise!). The new road top is a foot thick, and aids immensely in cutting down dust and banishing potholes. Perhaps the main reason for strengthening the road is because traffic is expected from China - going over the new bridge in to Thailand. Currently, the new bridge isn't being used, even tho it's been there for several years. It's called "Friendship Bridge" because neither Thais nor Burmese have any creativity for thinking up names for bridges, plus they probably wouldn't agree on a name, if it was anything else but 'friendship.'

Found a decent eat place in Tachilek: one block south of the main road, at the eastern end of the tourist market. It's a small Muslim restaurant on a SE corner.

Also found a Muslim restaurant in Mae Sai: about 3 blocks south of the border crossing, 1 block east of the main hwy.

As you can surmise, I'm not a fan of Thai cuisine, and there are no farang food places in that region, so I gravitate to Muslim restaurants. The tastes and ingredients, to me, are better than Thai fare.

[maidu]

sorry to post twice in a row, but had to add this:

while crossing the bridge back to Thailand, two boys walked by me, each carrying a large full black plastic bag. Before you can say, "crap!" they tossed the bags over the side of the bridge, on down to the brown water. The bags dislodged their garbage on the way down, as if to dramatize the filthy act. I chastised the boys as harshly as I could in the circumstance, but of course it was some adult who told them to do that, and the boys scurried off, as chastised boys will do.

Shame on the Burmese shop keepers or border guards, or whomever it was, for trashing the river more than it is already.

You don't have to be a first world country to appreciate the importance of clean rivers.

[CP3]

I suppose the bridge that you'r referring to is Friendship Bridge 2...Yes..they are in use but for going in/out of big truck for import/export. The majority of trading between Maesai/TCL is via that bridge, those at Bridge 1 is just small importing.

That big road will create a lot of rain water fall to either sides of the road and it will be flooded.

[sunholidaysun1]

sorry to post twice in a row, but had to add this:

while crossing the bridge back to Thailand, two boys walked by me, each carrying a large full black plastic bag. Before you can say, "crap!" they tossed the bags over the side of the bridge, on down to the brown water. The bags dislodged their garbage on the way down, as if to dramatize the filthy act. I chastised the boys as harshly as I could in the circumstance, but of course it was some adult who told them to do that, and the boys scurried off, as chastised boys will do.

Shame on the Burmese shop keepers or border guards, or whomever it was, for trashing the river more than it is already.

You don't have to be a first world country to appreciate the importance of clean rivers.

Maybe you should have taken them aside for a quiet word rather than chastise them !!

Maybe a donation of a lighter would have been a better solution , then they could have set fire to the bags of crap and burnt it. No one would have noticed that .