Hi all,

Just a quick question.

I need to go on a visa run and though about going to ranong and then crossing the border and spending a night at the Andaman CLub Casino. I heard that if you want to play the casino you need 10,000 THB. Is that to become a member and per person and is it non refundable?

Regards.

Jimbo

Hey Jimbo,

They're a bit funny about the 10,000 baht fee.

Officially, it is the minimum required amount to play over the tables, and they give you the membership when you exchange that amount at one time.

They give you non-cash chips, which can only be played, and not refunded for cash, ie if you pay for the 10,000 baht in chips you can't then walk into the gaming room and cash them back in again.

However, as you play the special chips, your winnings will be given back to you in cash chips. So - if you play something with simple odds, say even-odd or black-red at the roulette table - you can if sensible 'launder' your membership money, have a few free drinks, and p*ss off out again with your wallet no lighter.

Good luck. Have a bet on 23 red, and 32/35 split for me.

Incidentally - if you do the 10,000 baht membership as soon as you arrive BEFORE checking in to a room - and then show the hotel reception your new membership card - you will receive special members rates for your room, a saving of around 30% at times.

Hi, Thanks for the reply. If its 2 of us, my wife and I, do I need to pay 20,000 or is the 10,000 of for the 2 of us.

Thanks and will certainly place the bet.

Jimbo,

Membership is 10,000 a head, yes 20,000

But make a few friends whilst you are there, in my experience people are more than happy to swap your 'special' chips for real ones.

J

Hi Jay,

How's everything down Ranong way? Monsoon heavy at the moment or not too bad?

cheers

SVB

Hi SVB,

The weather has been very mild at the moment, monsoon shouldn't be long now.

Are you still out on the island?

I believe Khun Vikrom has investments in the pearl business too?

J

Edited August 9, 200421 yr by jayrockwell

You can of course just stay on the lower floor and play the slot machines, poker machines and automated roulette with no membership fee.

If your wife is Thai make sure she uses her Thai ID card and not passport to exit otherwise she will have to pay the 500 baht Burmese visa stamp fee.

Apart from that is got to be the best and easiest visa run from Phuket, friendly immigration, everything done for you, nice safe boat a real pleasure.

Have a good one.

Mike

Hi guys,

Thanks for all the information.

I hope I have money left to get back online once I return!

Hi Jay,

Still on the pearl farm, getting away for a break from the islands in late September.

Yes Khun Vikrom owns a pearl farm a few miles west of his casino, one of only 3 foreign joint-ventures with the Myanma Pearl Enterprise (also one Japanese and one Aussie JS - us)

cheers

svb

Good luck Jimbo!