Visa Run Gone Bad - At Least Four Hospitalized

[klikster]

For my visa run to Mae Sai from a village near Chiang Mai I always hire a thai guy who has a small private minibus company. I pay 1500Bahts + fuel for the whole day and invite some poeple from the village who want to come with. He come to pick up at the door and all the day we are free to tell him to stop here and there to visit some place or drink-eat something, at our will. On the border we have all the time we want to shopping and phone him when we are ready to go back.

When returning in the evening we can as well stop in a good restaurant and he will wait and pick us after. There is no time limit, he ride very safe and never fast, never drink alcohol and is a very nice guy. I have absolutely no confidence in companies who make business of visa runs.

hp8000 .. that would never catch on, man .. it's way too .. um .. Thai.

Edited April 1, 2008 by klikster

[Heng]

Way too many people don't pay attention to their tires. More cars come into my cousin's tire/mag place on Ramintra with nails or metal embedded in their tires than do not. If you don't catch these, they'll continue to dig in until you either get a lucky slow leak or an unlucky blowout. Combine that issue with folks trying to save money by driving their tires bald + speed demon driving habits and it's not surprising that you get the fantastic flip style accidents you see all the time here.

[Rooo]

Way too many people don't pay attention to their tires. More cars come into my cousin's tire/mag place on Ramintra with nails or metal embedded in their tires than do not. If you don't catch these, they'll continue to dig in until you either get a lucky slow leak or an unlucky blowout. Combine that issue with folks trying to save money by driving their tires bald + speed demon driving habits and it's not surprising that you get the fantastic flip style accidents you see all the time here.

Speed rating of tyres is also a major factor, as I mentioned before on another thread.Mini vans run light truck tyres & are not designed to maintain a continuous high speed run.Next time you get in a vehicule for a long run, just have a quick look at the tyre & check the code.

Speed Category

Symbol Speed

km/h Speed Category

Symbol Speed

km/h

E 70 Q 160

F 80 R 170

G 90 S 180

J 100 T 190

K 110 U 200

L 120 H 210

M 130 V 240

N 140 W 270

P 150 Y 300

Z OVER 240

[easer]

Samui-forum had a thread on this subject about six mos ago (http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=140573), and i just hope that another thread comes in 6 mos from now. Because im afraid deathcases will be coming sooner or later.

For me its still unbeleiveble that "the fastest visarun on samui" still is a buisness. Im amazed that it can be booked out week after week. I thought life in Thailand and tropical islands was about no stress? Now please, get this guy out of buisness before he kills somebody. Close calls are there all the time from what i hear from people who go on these runs, and obviously also accidents from time to time. It is just a matter of time before somebody dies on these visaruns and when it does happen it most lightly will be more than one person. Years ago i tryed to talk some sence into Herbert on a chat i had with him, but the guy just has his competition-clock on and for him it is very important to be the fastest. If somebody explained to him that actually the main argument for his runs is not the saved 4-5 hours, but its the fact that Herbert is well organised and has friends in the consulat in katu baru so he do come true and get your visa, and if he skipped the "fastest"-thing he might actually gain more than he loose.I just get a bad feeling in my stomach everytime i read about visarun-accidents. lot of friends, or people i met are doing these runs and i dont want them to die because of some crazy guy want to be "fastest".

[samuisam1001]

check them out here

Southern Thailand is awash with national parks nature reserves etc......

Why anybody would wish to do the "fastest" visa run, let alone any visa run and pass the most beautiful places southern Thailand has to offer is a mystery to me. You guys are here on holiday. Chill out and see what Thailand has to offer!!! Not only Costa Del Samui and all it's second rate commercialism. And at a fraction of the cost...

[SamuiJens]

Hey there,

I don't live in thailand, however from what I know my mother and her boyfriend were two of the four injured in the accident. Should anyone find out anything at all about the accident, especially the well being of those injured PLEASE PLEASE let me know.

Have tried calling both them and the hospital but to no avail, so your information is like gold dust to me at present.

Munky

Hi Munky, Mum is fine.

Further...

I would just like to say, that being one of the people directly involved in this accident, I am amazed at the amount of incorrect information supplied in this forum.

I can confirm that only two people remain in hospital at this time, one being my boyfriend. They are both in Hat Yai hospital with two broken legs. We are hopeful that they will return to Samui within a week.

I believe other people involved all suffered broken bones (lower legs I think) with the exceptions of one who had some nerve damage to his back, Herbert with a broken arm and the driver with cracked ribs.

I suffered one broken leg also, but the point I wish to make is that all medical care has been covered by the vehicle insurance. Whilst the government hospital is not 5 star, the doctors have been excellent. I also can confirm that Herbert did everything possible to ensure we obtained our visas and was in daily contact with us regarding our recovery and providing insurance details.

It is my opinion that most of the injuries sustained were due to the poor manufacture on the seats, most of them came away from the floor because they were only held in place by one bolt!!!!

It is very easy to point fingers at who is to blame, Herbert, the driver, the vehicle manufacturer, whoever....... but we all know that once we travel, be it by air, land or sea, we risk accident or death. This time we were all fortunate that the injuries are relatively minor compared with what may have happened - no head injuries, paralysis or loss of life.

I consider myself to be very lucky, and so does my boyfriend.

Could you describe what was the reason for the accident? Had speed anything to do with it? No one has really described what REALLY happened...

Simply a blown tyre as far as I know, and no, the speed at the time was not excessive. The driver lost control and we hit a tree which stopped us ending up in the river.

Being on Hebert's Visa Run the week before (the accident?) and the Month before that, I find speed to be the reason for the accident. We that have driven much know what a blow out does, especially at what speed you're driving!!! On both trips with Herbert, the speed was fast, as I couldn't see from my seat, but a rough way of saying it was that the driver honked his horn twice when driving in the slow lane to let the fast lane driver know Here he comes! And this was done in heavy rain, the 2nd time with Herbert's Visa Run. And we got to the border-at Wang Kelian at close to 11am. All went smooth and fast at the border, since Herbert was allowed inside with border Police and "tried" to be a stand-up comedian when dealing out the passports! Wish I could remember just one line, but it wasn't funny (only Herb thought so, and 2 of his regulars) As we were given out passports, he ordered us to go directly thru the Malay border and back to the Mini-buses, and NOT to shop. But who was the last to get back to the vans? Herbert, since he had a long list of items he had purchased told free, as had others that spoke German(us others had to wait for the shoppers!!!) . At last we were off, at break neck speeds, and even though there was at times(mostly) heavy rains, our driver ended up driving into a wrong road, and had lost the other van, cause of the rain! This was made up by flooring the van, and running at least 2 red lights, and cutting thru the traffic without regard for us, the paid passengers! After 4 stressful hours, we were at the Ferry to Nathon at 3PM. So yes a FAST RUN, but my last, since I value my life and health more and will either get 4 guys together with a driver, or fly down to Malaysia. This I've written is 100% fact and I would believe Herbert would agree. I left out some pick-up facts at the 711's. But just let me say this, Be NOT on time, BE BEFORE the said Time! Since Herbert doesn't even wait til the time I'd been told. Both times I had to drive my bike to Nathon, and was lucky enough to just make it on time, espesially the last time!!!!!

Edited April 3, 2008 by SamuiJens

[juliesvisa]

With nothing to hide I can post in my name, correct? Julie

Is there any good news? Gossip makes bad news, didn't get that back home, think not. We need facts. As an ex special constable I have witnessed many misfortunes back home but have to determine liability - proof - truth - fact. Herberts accident was due to a rear tyre blow out. That tyre was in fact only 4 trips old. Now could that be a manufacture fault - it was not driver error! At 80kph-90kph the result would have been the same (45 kph = 30 mph, 135 kph = 90mph).

Julie's was the 1st company to use Khuan Don near Satun 3 years ago. Herbert followed suit 1 year later (fact). I have always ran this border apart from 3 trips to Sadao for the Hungarian 15 day stamp, and have never ran to Burma as 1 posting a year ago stated, maybe the drink!!

I leave 06:00 ferry - return 17:00 since last year and not due to any accidents. Herbert leaves 05:00 and now returns 16:00. So yes, now we do run the same hours. I have 3 x 14 seater Toyota Commuter (1 x 9 VIP seater on order) owned by Seatran at Donsak who service and maintain weekly and check daily, new to 1 year old only.

Now when you take a driving test here you don't even leave the car park, that says it all, Gosh maybe we could post on 'thaidrivingtest.com' and slag that off. It takes time to tailor these drivers to our way of driving, and many of my customers will vouch for the hard time my driver has had from me, bless him, he's driven for me 2,5 years, and he is one of the better ones. Lots of customers comment good about him.

Does Chayapum pretend to be Thai?!? Fact is that he runs regular with Herbert, and could even be a good friend.

Ahh! the comment about 'love my driver'. Well 'chan tam dai' (= I can do), he is my husband and he not love you. Oh and love the comments 'thai drivers can do all that at the same time', but you did forget the broom up the backside then he could sweep the floor at the same time .

'Anybody 180 cm tall will get serious head- and backache', but I do provide seats in the minibus, I don't do standing room only.

We would like to thank all our loyal and supportive customers (Herbert's and Julie's), Herbert and Julie are good friends. Ooh - more gossip!

[SamuiBond]

It is my opinion that most of the injuries sustained were due to the poor manufacture on the seats, most of them came away from the floor because they were only held in place by one bolt!!!!

It is very easy to point fingers at who is to blame, Herbert, the driver, the vehicle manufacturer, whoever....... but we all know that once we travel, be it by air, land or sea, we risk accident or death. This time we were all fortunate that the injuries are relatively minor compared with what may have happened - no head injuries, paralysis or loss of life.

Simply a blown tyre as far as I know, and no, the speed at the time was not excessive. The driver lost control and we hit a tree which stopped us ending up in the river.

Being on Hebert's Visa Run the week before (the accident?) and the Month before that, I find speed to be the reason for the accident. We that have driven much know what a blow out does, especially at what speed you're driving!!! On both trips with Herbert, the speed was fast, as I couldn't see from my seat, but a rough way of saying it was that the driver honked his horn twice when driving in the slow lane to let the fast lane driver know Here he comes! And this was done in heavy rain, the 2nd time with Herbert's Visa Run. And we got to the border-at Wang Kelian at close to 11am. All went smooth and fast at the border, since Herbert was allowed inside with border Police and "tried" to be a stand-up comedian when dealing out the passports! Wish I could remember just one line, but it wasn't funny (only Herb thought so, and 2 of his regulars) As we were given out passports, he ordered us to go directly thru the Malay border and back to the Mini-buses, and NOT to shop. But who was the last to get back to the vans? Herbert, since he had a long list of items he had purchased told free, as had others that spoke German(us others had to wait for the shoppers!!!) . At last we were off, at break neck speeds, and even though there was at times(mostly) heavy rains, our driver ended up driving into a wrong road, and had lost the other van, cause of the rain! This was made up by flooring the van, and running at least 2 red lights, and cutting thru the traffic without regard for us, the paid passengers! After 4 stressful hours, we were at the Ferry to Nathon at 3PM. So yes a FAST RUN, but my last, since I value my life and health more and will either get 4 guys together with a driver, or fly down to Malaysia. This I've written is 100% fact and I would believe Herbert would agree. I left out some pick-up facts at the 711's. But just let me say this, Be NOT on time, BE BEFORE the said Time! Since Herbert doesn't even wait til the time I'd been told. Both times I had to drive my bike to Nathon, and was lucky enough to just make it on time, espesially the last time!!!!!

Completely undersign this SamuiJens' claim!

I did write about this kind of behaviour at Herberts Runs in the thread six months ago and knew its only matter of time when something serious happens. I guess this wasn't SERIOUS ENOUGH and he will keep acting as a recless elk and advertising - STILL FASTEST...

Others who can decide what to do with their lives, at least control it to the dear end (like drive drunk at Samui) might just not want to take that ticket ever again - like me.

[SamuiBond]

With nothing to hide I can post in my name, correct? Julie

Is there any good news? Gossip makes bad news, didn't get that back home, think not. We need facts. As an ex special constable I have witnessed many misfortunes back home but have to determine liability - proof - truth - fact. Herberts accident was due to a rear tyre blow out. That tyre was in fact only 4 trips old. Now could that be a manufacture fault - it was not driver error! At 80kph-90kph the result would have been the same (45 kph = 30 mph, 135 kph = 90mph).

Julie's was the 1st company to use Khuan Don near Satun 3 years ago. Herbert followed suit 1 year later (fact). I have always ran this border apart from 3 trips to Sadao for the Hungarian 15 day stamp, and have never ran to Burma as 1 posting a year ago stated, maybe the drink!!

I leave 06:00 ferry - return 17:00 since last year and not due to any accidents. Herbert leaves 05:00 and now returns 16:00. So yes, now we do run the same hours. I have 3 x 14 seater Toyota Commuter (1 x 9 VIP seater on order) owned by Seatran at Donsak who service and maintain weekly and check daily, new to 1 year old only.

Now when you take a driving test here you don't even leave the car park, that says it all, Gosh maybe we could post on 'thaidrivingtest.com' and slag that off. It takes time to tailor these drivers to our way of driving, and many of my customers will vouch for the hard time my driver has had from me, bless him, he's driven for me 2,5 years, and he is one of the better ones. Lots of customers comment good about him.

Does Chayapum pretend to be Thai?!? Fact is that he runs regular with Herbert, and could even be a good friend.

Ahh! the comment about 'love my driver'. Well 'chan tam dai' (= I can do), he is my husband and he not love you. Oh and love the comments 'thai drivers can do all that at the same time', but you did forget the broom up the backside then he could sweep the floor at the same time .

'Anybody 180 cm tall will get serious head- and backache', but I do provide seats in the minibus, I don't do standing room only.

We would like to thank all our loyal and supportive customers (Herbert's and Julie's), Herbert and Julie are good friends. Ooh - more gossip!

If Herbert wouldn't be in the van majority of sane paying customers could chill the driver to take it easy. When Herbie is there is makes sure pedal is in the medal...

I do recommend Easy Way Travel... Either to Burma or Malaysian border. Usually more space - more safe - more fun... Takes little longer but who gives a flying duck! Burma was 1600 plus 10 US and I think they do Mon, Wed, Fri and Malaysia Tue, Thu, Sat and is cheaper.

[Mark Wolfe]

What is on the other side of the border at Satun?

I for one would take a visa run that was an overnighter with a night across the border, if such a place exists close enough.

I have taken Julie's visa trip three times and since I don't hide behind a moniker, I expect next time she will give me a HUGE discount! Particularly after I say, shamelessly: Take Julie's visa run service, it's swell!

The fact is that the people wanting to do the run have more time to spend than just the daylight hours of one day. They are not here for just a week, so having an optional service that stayed the night and returned the next morning (starting at a reasonable time, like 10am) would suit me and I bet it would others too.

An afternoon somewhere across the border sightseeing and then a night of libations AND (hopefully) a driver who isn't hung over to drive us back to the ferry at a legal speed. I'd kick in another 500 baht for that.

You'd think that the merchants on the other side would be salivating for some of that action -- overnight tourists bused in on an almost daily basis? That could work.

[breezein]

Time to put this topic to bed

[SamuiJens]

What is on the other side of the border at Satun?

I for one would take a visa run that was an overnighter with a night across the border, if such a place exists close enough.

I have taken Julie's visa trip three times and since I don't hide behind a moniker, I expect next time she will give me a HUGE discount! Particularly after I say, shamelessly: Take Julie's visa run service, it's swell!

The fact is that the people wanting to do the run have more time to spend than just the daylight hours of one day. They are not here for just a week, so having an optional service that stayed the night and returned the next morning (starting at a reasonable time, like 10am) would suit me and I bet it would others too.

An afternoon somewhere across the border sightseeing and then a night of libations AND (hopefully) a driver who isn't hung over to drive us back to the ferry at a legal speed. I'd kick in another 500 baht for that.

You'd think that the merchants on the other side would be salivating for some of that action -- overnight tourists bused in on an almost daily basis? That could work.

For once I agree on a sightseeing trip to Malaysia and an overnite in this also beautiful country. AND it would be a safe drive without the need for SPEED! But haven't seen no city/town around the border pass, but I'd guess it's a small drive or WHO KNOWS???? I'd pay the double price + of course.

Edited April 11, 2008 by SamuiJens

[SamuiBond]

Everyone out of the hospital and ok?

Edited May 1, 2008 by SamuiBond

[Munky]

Everyone out of the hospital and ok?

No, one still in hospital. His two broken femurs are healing slowly, however, only this week it was established that he also has a broken tibia. His recovery will be even longer now.

The other man with two broken legs is now home, but finding it difficult as he can not leave his room.

Two weeks ago, I also returned to hospital for operation on my leg.After 9 weeks in cast the bones were not correctly positioned so had surgery to insert plate and 8 screws. Will have to wait 10 more weeks till I can begin to walk again.

I don't know about the others in the accident, if anyone knows, can they update please?

[SamuiJens]

Everyone out of the hospital and ok?

No, one still in hospital. His two broken femurs are healing slowly, however, only this week it was established that he also has a broken tibia. His recovery will be even longer now.

The other man with two broken legs is now home, but finding it difficult as he can not leave his room.

Two weeks ago, I also returned to hospital for operation on my leg.After 9 weeks in cast the bones were not correctly positioned so had surgery to insert plate and 8 screws. Will have to wait 10 more weeks till I can begin to walk again.

I don't know about the others in the accident, if anyone knows, can they update please?

Hey, good luck to yea, Munky, that must be like a hel_l for you, and 2.5 more months before you can walk? I'll never take one of those run's anymore!

[Mark Wolfe]

however, only this week it was established that he also has a broken tibia.

Hey, you might clue in the hospital that there is this machine that they use to see inside people, all the way to the bone. I think it's called an X-ray machine or something. They might try investing in one of those...