Poi Pet Border Run Report

[Explorer]

Did my border run on friday (10th Dec 2004) and it seems that the Cambodia Immigration at Pot Pet has installed a new computer system at the arrival counter.

Everyone is required personally to go to the counter with their passport as the immigration will snap a picture from their digital camera at the counter.

This is very time consuming, as i was told before this system was introduce 1 passport would take atleast 1 minute for the immigration to attend to but now 1 passport is around 8 minutes. This won't sound big but if there were 50 person infront of you and they only have 4 counters working, then you better do your maths.

I had to stand in line for atleast 2 1/2 hours just to get my arrival stamped at the Cambodia immigration. And then another 1 hour or so to get all the normal procedure done and back on the bus.

Did my run with Jack Golf, they were good just that they can't help much with the new system installed. Got back at Sukhumvit around 8 pm.

So, if anyone wants to do the Cambodia run, better get prepared for a long line under the sun. You might want to bring some sun tan lotion or an umbrella coz it'll get pretty hot in the afternoon.

Explorer

[Merlin]

yes I got stuck waiting in the same queue. I spoke to one of the guys who used to run the passports through the Cambodia lines before, he was rather put out about it because he was missing out on his usual tips.

He said it was all because of the Americans - they had insisted the Cambodian authorities add these measures, they had even supplied the cameras and computer systems - and the photos that are taken are viewed by the FBI in less than two minutes...

Needless to say, he's not impressed...

[Khutan]

Thats interesting, they are building new stuff at Osmach, the Cambodian side of the boarder to Cham Chon.

Its still very fast and simple there, from parking the car in Thailand to the Blackjack table was about 10 minutes.

2 hours later I was about 3,000 up at Blackjack, a trip to the Duty free for a big bottle of booze, and I was back in the car driving home within 2 1/2 hours.

The reason I am having this gloat is that those "visa-run" companies, juam you all through Poipet. There are other places far better to do it. There is another place (forget the name) at the back of Chantaburri, it is also a low-key place, last time I want there (by accident) I also got a free ride from the carpark to the boarder and then to the casino.

So go to Poipet and waste your time, I will go the extra 100km and save many hours, and aggrivation.

[udon]

mattnich

Pong Nam Ron / Ban Pak Kad?

Map

Edited December 13, 2004 by udon

[Hans Brix]

I dont know anyone who's ever heard of Osmach

[udon]

I dont know anyone who's ever heard of Osmach

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

You should get out more!

[chingy_]

what is this mysterious place?

[Hans Brix]

Sounds like a must see hot spot

[astral]

They are not only taking your photo, they are also scanning the id page of the passport.

All very high tech, except that the man on the machine is not computer literate.

[thaiflyer1]

Yeah i was up at Poi-Pet on the 6th the new system is a pain in the arse. Singapore is almost an option now from Pattaya with Jetstarasia flying there from U-Tapao..........i know something i aint going to Poi-Pet again.

[chingy_]

i know something i aint going to Poi-Pet again.

scan or not, you didn't do any crime, why should you be worry.

actually i will going in a few day, for anybody that have been down there for the last few day or so, can you explain exactly what are being change, seem like all these new thing is over on the combodia side.

Edited December 13, 2004 by chingy_

[thaiflyer1]

i know something i aint going to Poi-Pet again.

scan or not, you didn't do any crime, why should you be worry

Youve misunderstood me........i/m not worried i just cant be arsed to queue for a couple of hours on the Cambodian side.........i fancy a change anyways. Its going to be either Pong Nam Ron or Singapore next time.

[yuyi]

i know something i aint going to Poi-Pet again.

scan or not, you didn't do any crime, why should you be worry.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Come on, queuing 2 1/2 hours in the sun, just because big brother needs another pic of you and your ID, this is BS, especially because we've done no crime.

What's the FBI doing in Cambodia anyway? And what is their excuse for it this time?

[udon]

Probably looking for gentlemen with unkempt beards and white skull caps!

[Potter]

Any news of what happens at other border crossings to other countries ?

What happens in the airport ?

What happens when you get their second time and they already got your passport scanned ?

[Khutan]

mattnich

Pong Nam Ron / Ban Pak Kad?

Map

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Yes, thats correct, On the Cambodian side its called Prum. Thats where they tarted me for the 18 hour rule after I lost at the casino - mmm, about a year ago.

Osmach for those who have never been there is in Cambodia. The Thai side is Chom-Chon.

FYI over the weekend it was its usual low-key self. The Khmer sitting around playing checkers, didn't care if I had a photo or not.

As I said from the carpark in Thailand to the tables in the casino was about 10 minutes, I have never had to wait there, The only queue is in thailand getting your exit stamp (mmm a normal 30 - 60 seconds) This is one place where the Farang line is alot shorter and faster.

[thaiflyer1]

i know something i aint going to Poi-Pet again.

scan or not, you didn't do any crime, why should you be worry.

actually i will going in a few day, for anybody that have been down there for the last few day or so, can you explain exactly what are being change, seem like all these new thing is over on the combodia side.

I was there on the 6Th December, the changes are all on the Cambodian side.........before you could get a runner to go and get your arrival and departure stamps (Cambodian side) for you while you waited where they issue the 20 baht health certificates, you cant do this now you must go to immigration arrivals by yourself where you queue to get your photo taken by webcam hooked up to a terminal.......you then proceed over the road to departures where you go through the procedure again before returning back to Thailand..............the runners will still try to escort you but really it is unneccessary now as the do nothing for their "tip".

[Khutan]

Finally, after I buy some paid advertising on this and other web boards, I am going to open my service.

I have a few things to complete, including a special deal with the Khmer. And to finish the guest house and its trappings.

Then I can advertise what I think will be an alternative, sure it will cost about the same, but alot less aggravation for all concerned.

Yes there are markets, yes there are bars, yes you can get a guided service to PP or Ankor etc etc, Yes I have flushing toilets, yes I have hot water and all that. The next thing for my house is a swimming pool and some pool-tables.

So hold tight and it will all be revealed.

And yes I am going to buy advertising.

[Hans Brix]

I don't berieve in runners

[Gazza]

Good Luck Mattnich and keep us informed.

[thaiflyer1]

I don't berieve in runners

Well they exist i've seen them.

[Crazy Dave]

goto Prum, its the nearest place to pattaya, u can rent a mini bus and driver for 1300baht for the day plus diesel, 1,000baht for the visa, and 300 baht for the fine cos u aint staying in cambodia, absolutely no beggars and absolutely no body else crossing the border, if u r a slow writer like me it will take all of 15 minutes to complete everything and be back in ur minibus, thats the time for getting out of the bus to getting back into the bus.

I drove down there last week at a slow pace and it took 3 hours, i left pattaya at 9 am, I could easily have done this in 2 hours if I wanted to drive fast, then again I dont drive a minibus.

[Khutan]

I don't berieve in runners

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Thanks for that interesting comment Hans.

It is a fact of life, particularly for a country with land boarders.

I learnt many years ago the only person I must wake up with is myself. I have taken people to the boarder, they have had a great time.

One in particular he just wanted to stay another month and be with his wife for christmas. Why didn't he have an "O" Visa, because he got married 2 weeks before. I told him to go to Soi Suan Phlu, but he was scared to deal with Immigration. OK, took him for a run. 2 weeks later after Christmas and New Year he was back getting his "O" visa, she now lives in Australia.

Frankly I don't care what your motives are, I just want to provide an alternative to the "Mass Market". If I only get one customer a month, I don't care, at the end of the day I am opening my home to people, exposing a very isolated village to the outside world and letting people see a totally different view of this wonderful country.

At the end of the day the cost will be about the same as the Big Bus, or a little more. But you get a night's sleep in a bed, cooked breakfast etc etc, the whole idea is a relaxing weekend for your Visa Run, not the hectic - I must be here at this time or I am on overstay.

I am interested in feedback. My Idea is you can print a card from the internet (Paid Advertising from here) and then you go to Mo-Chit, they will put you on the VIP bus, and I will pick you up at the other end for free. Depending on what time of day you arrive and how you feel is when we make the 5km trip to the boarder. If you are tired, maybe all you want is a swim, a beer, maybe a genuine massage and a game of pool. If you are up for it, then you can get over the boarder.

How long you stay in Cambodia is up to you, the Casino, the (very low key) bars, or off to Ankor for a day trip - its all up to you. The whole idea is to have a relaxing experience and not be stressed out by beggars, touts, helpers etc etc etc.

[sriracha john]

I don't berieve in runners

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Thanks for that interesting comment Hans.

It is a fact of life, particularly for a country with land boarders.

I learnt many years ago the only person I must wake up with is myself. I have taken people to the boarder, they have had a great time.

One in particular he just wanted to stay another month and be with his wife for christmas. Why didn't he have an "O" Visa, because he got married 2 weeks before. I told him to go to Soi Suan Phlu, but he was scared to deal with Immigration. OK, took him for a run. 2 weeks later after Christmas and New Year he was back getting his "O" visa, she now lives in Australia.

Frankly I don't care what your motives are, I just want to provide an alternative to the "Mass Market". If I only get one customer a month, I don't care, at the end of the day I am opening my home to people, exposing a very isolated village to the outside world and letting people see a totally different view of this wonderful country.

At the end of the day the cost will be about the same as the Big Bus, or a little more. But you get a night's sleep in a bed, cooked breakfast etc etc, the whole idea is a relaxing weekend for your Visa Run, not the hectic - I must be here at this time or I am on overstay.

I am interested in feedback. My Idea is you can print a card from the internet (Paid Advertising from here) and then you go to Mo-Chit, they will put you on the VIP bus, and I will pick you up at the other end for free. Depending on what time of day you arrive and how you feel is when we make the 5km trip to the boarder. If you are tired, maybe all you want is a swim, a beer, maybe a genuine massage and a game of pool. If you are up for it, then you can get over the boarder.

How long you stay in Cambodia is up to you, the Casino, the (very low key) bars, or off to Ankor for a day trip - its all up to you. The whole idea is to have a relaxing experience and not be stressed out by beggars, touts, helpers etc etc etc.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

All very sound ideas... best of luck to you.

ohh.... and how about some photos when possible?

[Khutan]

I have read the forum rules.....

All very sound ideas... best of luck to you.

ohh.... and how about some photos when possible?

The minute after I become a paid sponsor of the board, you will all know.

There are many things left to do, and I don't want to disappoint. Silly little things like getting the pool tables set properly and under cover (they are in the garage at the moment), getting a good price for a proper traditional Thai massage, lots of little things, still on the project plan.

If I don't have everything good when I start, then all I will get is abuse - fairly too.

Another thing that is to start in the new year (jan 7) is a big round circular bar and outdoor eating area.

But no addresses, no url's nothing until I buy advertising. I can tell you I have spens more than 2 million on the place - and I will tell you in Issan, that buys alot !!!

[350torana]

Good luck with your enterprise. Just curious how big a cut the Cambodian officials want of your profits at the end of the day ? Pretty obvious runners(i prefer to call them walkthrough) and immigration share everything out at the end of the day . I refer to Cambodian immigration of course

Really not being sarcastic, honestly curious

[Khutan]

350, a question I have always wanted to ask you, I cannot tell from your Avtar, is your picture a L34-A9X. I am a ford fan, but that car was a total killer.

Now to answer that question....

Just curious how big a cut the Cambodian officials want of your profits at the end of the day ?

No Problem, my wife is related to the Immigration people on the other side.

When I said stress free, the experience of the ink on the passport you will (hopefully) never notice.

I am trying to cook up an even better deal on the Khmer side, negotiations are still in place, but I can assure you, with the family connections etc etc, it is going to be better than excellent.

--- Watch this space and wait for the paid advertising---

I edited this post to fix drunken typo's

Edited December 14, 2004 by mattnich

[350torana]

Mattnich,

Firstly, have to say, &lt;deleted&gt; mate,u really know your cars!!!, even for a Ford fan Thanks for the answer and good luck

[Hans Brix]

I don't berieve in runners

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Well they exist i've seen them.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

yes they do exist, I just dont like to have someone deriver my passport to me

[chingy_]

do you have pick-up in service in bangkok mat