Surin visa-run

[wow_woww]

I will be travelling to Surin in the next month. I have a multiple entry non-immigrant "B" visa, and wiil need to exit Thailand at the same time in  order to have another 90 day stay in Thailand. So I will cross to Cambodia at the Chong Chom/O'Smach immigration. Can anyone confirm that I'll be given the normal 90 day stay in Thailand passport stamp at this border crossing when I re-enter Thailand from Cambodia? Also how much is the visa cost to enter into Cambodia for a farang?, and can I obtain it on the spot when I'm departing Thailand? And the fare from Surin to the border, which methods are there and the cost? Any information on this trip would be greatly appreciated!

[timba]

I went to Cambodia only by plane and I got your visa upon arrival: USD20,00.

I know that coming overland from Thailand you had to get a visa in Bangkok as you cannot get one at Poipet.

The situation may have changed, you better check with the Cambodian Embassy first (254-6630).

From Surin you can take the train till Aranya Prathet (mainy trains daily), and then take a tuk-tuk to Poipet.

At Poipet there is no departure tax but you will probably ask for some money by the guards.

[goofy]

Hello

you will have no problem getting 90 days at chong chom

they will ask you if your doing a visa run and if its yes you will be told that the visa to cambodia is expensive but they will help you by donating 1000 bht to thai immigration then you wont need any visa to cambodia they will stamp you in immidiately to thailand (dont need to go to cambodia) and it takes about 20 minuits.

Did this in june...

and its expensive to goto cambodia 1200 visa + fee 200-400 so you save some money and time

Cheers

[jayenram]

The Chong Chom border crossing is 70 km virtually directly south of Surin. To travel by bus you will need to change at Prassat. Due to the irregularity/infrequency of the service you would probably need to put a full day aside for the run.

An alternative would be to use the private car taxi service operated from The Farang Connection (http://farangconnection.awebspace.com/). I believe the cost is Bht 900.00 for the return trip. You may need to book the car the day before travelling.

As stated, the cost of a Khmer visa is Bht 1,100.00 and if you return to Thailand the same day, then the Khmers will ask for between Bht 100.00 and Bht 300.00 (depending on whose shift it is) when you exit. There is no charge to enter Thailand.

“but they will help you by donating 1000 bht to thai immigration then you wont need any visa to cambodia they will stamp you in immidiately to thailand (dont need to go to cambodia) and it takes about 20 minuits.”

Regarding the above, I have heard of a number of people obtaining their visa this way but I personally would not recommend it. The paying of a ‘donation’ indicates to me that this method is rather suspect.

There is a thread regarding this aspect but for the life of me I can’t locate it.

[Nakhon1]

but they will help you by donating 1000 bht to thai immigration then you wont need any visa to cambodia they will stamp you in immidiately to thailand (dont need to go to cambodia) and it takes about 20 minuits.”

Oh yeah.

This risks being refused entry on the next run. If you obtain a stamp at a Thai/Cambodia or any other land crossing without getting a stamp from the other countries immigration it shows you didn't exit the country and thereby invalidates any visa.

Be aware that the Government is tightening up on immigaration procedures and determined to stamp out corruption.

[surin]

but they will help you by donating 1000 bht to thai immigration then you wont need any visa to cambodia they will stamp you in immidiately to thailand (dont need to go to cambodia) and it takes about 20 minuits.”

Oh yeah.

This risks being refused entry on the next run. If you obtain a stamp at a Thai/Cambodia or any other land crossing without getting a stamp from the other countries immigration it shows you didn't exit the country and thereby invalidates any visa.

Be aware that the Government is tightening up on immigaration procedures and determined to stamp out corruption.

It will pay to do the Cambodia part of the visa.  I think from memory it cost me $50 U.S. and nothing on return to Thailand

side......The crossing is very basic, but takes no time and you can relax in either of the 2 Casinos at the crossing.

Mind the bloody monkeys that hang around the check point.

You can get a ride from a friendly driver at the Surin Railway station.

Regards to all...Surin