Its one of the things you have to do here in Thailand as a foreigner! Visa runs! A necessary evil, that no one really knows the black and white law on!

Anyhow here's the latest: A successful run and kudos for Ms. Siriporn from Chaw Wang Tours

We were late coming from Ranong (the usual visa run) and arrived in Suratthani at 2:41pm on our way back to the islands. Only about 11 minutes but enough time to miss the bus to the pier but still enough time to catch the 4pm boat back to Phangan. The lady at A-One a real mean cow with a scowl said there was no way to catch the boat (even tho we all knew its only an hour ride away) and that we'd have to wait and take the bus to the 6:30pm boat. Look, we know its not a big deal but don't you hate it when people lie to you, when you know the truth and they do it so blatant and aggressively!

Half of the group left for a taxi which had to come out of pocket, the A-One lady wouldn't even give them their tickets to the boat which they had to pay for themselves. Two of us were from Chaw Wang Tours and when we called them Ms. Suriporn from Chaw Wang Tours she sent a private car at no extra cost to us. Plus had our driver get the tickets for the boat for us when we arrived at the pier. We were stoked, finally some company taking responsibility here with foreigners visa runs!

The group that was left behind at A-One finally were taken to the 6:30pm Raja Ferry. Only the ferry was cancelled because the water levels were too low around the islands to get in. They had to stay an extra night in Suratthani and still a day and a half later they have not yet reached the island.

Do you have a story? A recommendation for us poor souls who have to take these ridiculas one day rides for one reason or another!? Thanks and suggestions will help!

The Good

Ms. Siriporn 083 1031999 from Chaw Wang Tours - its only one situation so I can't say exactly we recommend her whole heartedly but this time she did the right thing. She's the the short Thai lady that waits for the night boat from Phangan to come in at the Suratthani pier. Her office is just around the corner. If you have the $10 USD (perfect condition only) it will save you a few bucks! Good luck! :jerk:

The Bad

The mean lady with the scowl at A-One tours

The Ugly

The actual visa run that we have to do!!

Thanks for the heads up Thaimex. I hate giving money to bad people, so will make sure to avoid that company and recommend friends do the same. I used to be real sabi-sabi about things like that, but I've lived here a while now. Thai's wouldn't stand for it, and neither do I. Lucky I wasn't there with my Jai-Ron!!!

To my knowledge only one good and reputable travel agency in Surat Thani: Phantip Travel.

Two weeks ago, bus Bandon to Donsak + Seatran ferry to Nathon: THB 210