Could A Bad Visa Run, From Pattaya, Turn Into A Hospital Run?

[fazbender]

Just returned from a visa run to Cambodia organised by ******* in Pattaya. This is the 7th time I have done the trip with them and I can honestly say that the service is getting worse everytime I go. I do not eat meat, and the first couple of journeys I was provided with a vegetarian tray. Last November there was nothing provided for me as all the sandwiches were meat based (when I told the girl about when booking for this trip, the girl just shrugged and said 'oh, new girl last time she not know') Today I got a cheese sandwich but it was accompanied by a scotch egg and ham in the potato salad!! Ugh!

My main concern is the driver! After my trip in November I commented, on the feedback form, his speed and his overall lack of concern for the lives he puts at risk through erratic driving. Today he did keep his speed down to 80 kmp but overtook lorries on corners and up the exhaust pipe of quite a few slower moving cars. He also managed to, individually, have several 'phone calls, eat popcorn and operate the dvd player all whilst driving!!

The majority of the dvd's are aimed at males, not much 'family' entertainment, and occasionally end up dubbed in Thai with awful English subtitles that make no sense! Who picks this rubbish?

It was also obvious to me that he was starting to fall asleep, by constantly tapping his leg, moving around very frequently in his seat and at one time opening the window for fresh air. He must do this drive every day which surely leads to boredom and fatigue. Today he scared me, so much so, I am writing this. I wouldn't normally voice my opinions so publically.

The mini-bus has seen better days and should be upgraded as it's advertised as a 'luxury' vehicle. NOT!

I do not feel safe going with them again, so will change to another company. My husband felt the same and has not travelled with them since, he has also made similar remarks on the feedback form about the driver.

Are these forms ever read? Certainly our comments seem to have gone unheeded.

So this brings up important questions...... if there was (and I hope never happens) a serious accident caused by the driver and his lack of concentration, who would the liability for any injury sustained fall on? Who would pay any medical bills? Would there be any compensation?

As an ex-nurse I have worked in A & E and seen the results of these accidents and DO NOT wish to become one of them through a lousy driver.

Finally, I would not advise anyone to travel this route with this company. They are not professional and seem to be just making money out of a necessity for us Farangs. I wonder how many people have to do this trip every day, we have to put up with bad Thai drivers when we are driving and make expletive remarks, then when it comes to us having to do these trips we freely put ourselves at risk. I would ask everyone to make your comments heard or just not go with the company again. I wonder what the other 4 men on my trip wrote on their forms!!!

It is advertised as a first rate visa run but it isn't!

[tropo]

The closest I've come to hospital on a visa run to Cambodia was when the van's front wheel fell off just as it was turning into the carpark less than a minute after we got out.

[ozzieovaseas]

Ive also wondered about the liability issue of travelling,not just with visa run operators,but all land travel services..I suspect it might be the usual thai rule of thumb..no-one responsible and every man for himself..

If you are dissatisfied with the visa run companies maybe you can go with one of the reputable buses that are run by the cambodian casinos..very cheap,very professional and always spot on time without any scary near misses.The only disadvantage being you have to do all the visa/immigration work yourself and have to keep swatting away those dagnamned scammers following you around like flies.

I did one recently and couldnt say enough good things about this particular company,although i got it from suburban BK,so im not sure if they run from Phukhet.

[Ianatlarge]

Pardon me if I seem to ask a difficult question, but I would like to know the name of this company, so that I can avoid them. Is it really that horrendous to offer an honest opinion? Free speech.

[fazbender]

Ive also wondered about the liability issue of travelling,not just with visa run operators,but all land travel services..I suspect it might be the usual thai rule of thumb..no-one responsible and every man for himself..

If you are dissatisfied with the visa run companies maybe you can go with one of the reputable buses that are run by the cambodian casinos..very cheap,very professional and always spot on time without any scary near misses.The only disadvantage being you have to do all the visa/immigration work yourself and have to keep swatting away those dagnamned scammers following you around like flies.

I did one recently and couldnt say enough good things about this particular company,although i got it from suburban BK,so im not sure if they run from Phukhet.

Thanks for your reply. We're not specifically looking for 'cheap' but just reliablility and safety.

The cost isn't an issue when you consider your life!! (that doesn't mean that they should go dead slow and charge 5,000 baht!!)

[fazbender]

Pardon me if I seem to ask a difficult question, but I would like to know the name of this company, so that I can avoid them. Is it really that horrendous to offer an honest opinion? Free speech.

I'm afraid not, as I wrote it in the original message but it got edited out!! Which means the pub it's connected to may not run this visa company which is fair as it could damage the pub's trade.

[ubonjoe]

Organize you own trip. Find a few people that need to go about the same time as you need to go. Then hire a van for the day.

It probably would not cost much more than an organized run would. Of course you would be on you own for visas and such.

Or rent a car for the day and drive yourself. Split the cost between 4 people and it would be cheap.

Edited September 1, 2009 by ubonjoe

[Mario2008]

Pardon me if I seem to ask a difficult question, but I would like to know the name of this company, so that I can avoid them. Is it really that horrendous to offer an honest opinion? Free speech.

I'm afraid not, as I wrote it in the original message but it got edited out!! Which means the pub it's connected to may not run this visa company which is fair as it could damage the pub's trade.

Our forum rules do not allow public naming and shaming because of libel issues. If people want more information from the OP they can ask by PM or email, but not on the forum.

[Maestro]

Pardon me if I seem to ask a difficult question, but I would like to know the name of this company, so that I can avoid them. Is it really that horrendous to offer an honest opinion? Free speech.

Please send a PM to the OP (member who made the first post in this topic) to ask this question.

--

Maestro

[tropo]

Because the OP's visa run service offered a packed lunch and videos it would have to be one of the more expensive services in Pattaya. The only ones I know of which offer this are around 2,500 baht. I've done these a few times and had to deal with kamikaze drivers too.

The strange thing is that I've never heard of an accident yet on these visa runs. Is there anyone who has an accident to report?

My service costs 1,800 baht including a free lunch stop on the way home. On the way you get a quick stop at a 7Eleven. I've used the same booking agent for 3 years already (many shops book visa runs with the same operator, often at different prices for the same run). I have to say that in many runs I've not yet had a crazy driver to deal with.

Hopefully this won't break any forum rules: This run can be booked through 'Cambodia Inter' on Soi Buakhao as well as other shops around town. It should never cost more than 2000 baht.

Edited September 1, 2009 by tropo

[onnut]

Just returned from a visa run to Cambodia organised by ******* in Pattaya. This is the 7th time I have done the trip with them and I can honestly say that the service is getting worse everytime I go. I do not eat meat, and the first couple of journeys I was provided with a vegetarian tray. Last November there was nothing provided for me as all the sandwiches were meat based (when I told the girl about when booking for this trip, the girl just shrugged and said 'oh, new girl last time she not know') Today I got a cheese sandwich but it was accompanied by a scotch egg and ham in the potato salad!! Ugh!

My main concern is the driver! After my trip in November I commented, on the feedback form, his speed and his overall lack of concern for the lives he puts at risk through erratic driving. Today he did keep his speed down to 80 kmp but overtook lorries on corners and up the exhaust pipe of quite a few slower moving cars. He also managed to, individually, have several 'phone calls, eat popcorn and operate the dvd player all whilst driving!!

The majority of the dvd's are aimed at males, not much 'family' entertainment, and occasionally end up dubbed in Thai with awful English subtitles that make no sense! Who picks this rubbish?

It was also obvious to me that he was starting to fall asleep, by constantly tapping his leg, moving around very frequently in his seat and at one time opening the window for fresh air. He must do this drive every day which surely leads to boredom and fatigue. Today he scared me, so much so, I am writing this. I wouldn't normally voice my opinions so publically.

The mini-bus has seen better days and should be upgraded as it's advertised as a 'luxury' vehicle. NOT!

I do not feel safe going with them again, so will change to another company. My husband felt the same and has not travelled with them since, he has also made similar remarks on the feedback form about the driver.

Are these forms ever read? Certainly our comments seem to have gone unheeded.

So this brings up important questions...... if there was (and I hope never happens) a serious accident caused by the driver and his lack of concentration, who would the liability for any injury sustained fall on? Who would pay any medical bills? Would there be any compensation?

As an ex-nurse I have worked in A & E and seen the results of these accidents and DO NOT wish to become one of them through a lousy driver.

Finally, I would not advise anyone to travel this route with this company. They are not professional and seem to be just making money out of a necessity for us Farangs. I wonder how many people have to do this trip every day, we have to put up with bad Thai drivers when we are driving and make expletive remarks, then when it comes to us having to do these trips we freely put ourselves at risk. I would ask everyone to make your comments heard or just not go with the company again. I wonder what the other 4 men on my trip wrote on their forms!!!

It is advertised as a first rate visa run but it isn't!

I hear you, some of these drivers are really crap at there jobs, the only thing they have to do is get you from A to B safely. I have not traveled on a bus or in a van in Thailand for 5 years, the last time it was a bus trip from Phuket to Bangkok and scared the hel_l out of me. I now drive myself everywhere and keep out of the way of mini vans and busses.

[tim73]

Well, Thailand traffic is ALWAYS a big "dare" anyway. Cambodia Inter actually has those turbo charged minibuses and rigid racing tyres and they are FAST. They actually have those turbo pressure gauges at the panel and they are not exactly not very shy of using the gas pedal

Edited September 2, 2009 by Crossy
quote of deleted post removed. Crossy

[richard_smith237]

How much is car hire for the day Vs the border run?

Even if you are not so familiar with driving in Thailand, 6-7 visa runs means you have been here long enough to know that you have to be alert on the roads and not to trust van or bus drivers.

The bus and van drivers here apparently care so little for there own lives I can't see how anyone else's could ever enter their thoughts.

With the bad weather in Bangkok today (flooded roads) a van and 2 taxis attempted an undertake along a road on which the inner lane was flooded, the vans and taxis aquaplaned and veered close enough to my car that I thought impact was imminent. The majority of people in Thailand who drive these vehicles are quite simply uneducated and careless. Don't risk your life and drive along fast roads with these people - I think its far safer to drive yourself and trust your own instincts.

[tropo]

Well, Thailand traffic is ALWAYS a big "dare" anyway. Cambodia Inter actually has those turbo charged minibuses and rigid racing tyres and they are FAST. They actually have those turbo pressure gauges at the panel and they are not exactly not very shy of using the gas pedal

I don't know if you're making a joke or just ignorant.

Cambodia Inter does not own any vans or operate a visa run service. They are just one of many booking agents for either independent drivers, or someone who owns several vans.

You were unlucky because all of my drivers over the last several years have driven in a sedate manner.

[Bukseeda]

Myself and a few of my friends used to hire a mini bus and driver from Bangkok to Cambodia for a visa run for 7,000 baht. It was indeed a luxury mini-bus with extremely comfortable seats. Anyway, once they didn't have the bus available so they let us have the stretch limousine for the same price - you can imagine people's faces when we rolled up at the border!

[fazbender]

Myself and a few of my friends used to hire a mini bus and driver from Bangkok to Cambodia for a visa run for 7,000 baht. It was indeed a luxury mini-bus with extremely comfortable seats. Anyway, once they didn't have the bus available so they let us have the stretch limousine for the same price - you can imagine people's faces when we rolled up at the border!

Ha ha!! Nice one!

I don't mind driving myself and others around and about but just a bit concerned about the paperwork at the border.

Can you tell me what it entails?

[Lite Beer]

Flame and the reply to it deleted.

[ubonjoe]

It is not much paperwork at all just apply for the Cambodia visa. Normally most peoples complaints are about the cost. The official price is $20 US but they will not take that and will ask for 1000 baht which is a bit more than the official rate. To me it would not be worth the trouble to argue about it and just pay the extra amount.

Normally I would suggest using the Cambodia evisa website to get one but there have been a lot of problems with it being unsafe.

If it was me I would not hesitate to rent a car and make the trip on my own. At least that way you can set your own schedule and make it a nice trip. Also you can choose the border crossing that you use. Most reports are that Ban Laem is less crowded and less of a hassle than Aran (Poi Pet).

Edited September 2, 2009 by ubonjoe

[fazbender]

It is not much paperwork at all just apply for the Cambodia visa. Normally most peoples complaints are about the cost. The official price is $20 US but they will not take that and will ask for 1000 baht which is a bit more than the official rate. To me it would not be worth the trouble to argue about it and just pay the extra amount.

Normally I would suggest using the Cambodia evisa website to get one but there have been a lot of problems with it being unsafe.

If it was me I would not hesitate to rent a car and make the trip on my own. At least that way you can set your own schedule and make it a nice trip. Also you can choose the border crossing that you use. Most reports are that Ban Laem is less crowded and less of a hassle than Aran (Poi Pet).

Many thanks for your help, much appreciated. The visa runs we have been doing seem to go to Ban Laem (good for the duty free!!) But we will def look into going on our own. Just need a good road map now! ha ha!!

This is exactly the sort of information we needed and how this site should be used with due respect for each other. Thanks again

[tropo]

Most reports are that Ban Laem is less crowded and less of a hassle than Aran (Poi Pet).

I made a brief report on this awhile ago. My last visa run (with company) from Pattaya didn't go to Ban Laem/Daung. They went to another post a little north of there: Pong Nam Ron/Prum. It was very quiet and not yet fully set up for large numbers (no public toilets, no shops, no market). On the Cambodian side there was a small casino town with modern medium rise hotel/casino buildings.

If I was doing it myself this border post would be my choice.

Edited September 2, 2009 by tropo

[Crossy]

Some time back I was on a mini-bus visa run from BKK to Poipet.

On the return journey our (packed) minibus was passing one of those big truck-trailer combinations, we were halfway down said vehicle on a straight dual-carriageway when he decided to pull out into our lane. Luck had it that there was a gap in the median at a junction and our driver got through the gap, obviously we were now travelling at god knows what speed against oncoming traffic, amazingly the driver stopped safely without hitting anything.

Having returned to the correct side of the road and stopped for a breather and puke break the trip resumed without incident. In this case we were saved by the skill of our wide awake driver, he got a good tip

I still wonder what would have happened if that median gap wasn't there!

[harrry]

One thing you should remember is that mostTravel Insurance companies will probably not cover you if y ou have an accidentl. It may be safest to share a hire car too.

[endlessimage]

Went on a run with (I think) the same company in the past week. Besides the driver eating, talking on the phone, working the dvd and punching himself in the side of the head (I presume to keep himself alert) it was without incident. The driving was acceptable and any minor incidents were thankfully avoided and were initiated by other careless road users.

We went to the border just past Pong Ron Nam and there was no waiting at either Thai Immigration (both ways) or on the Cambodian side. Our total turn around would have been between 20 and 30 minutes.

I have a car but chose to do the organised run as all the paper work was filled and processed and fees paid on to Cambodian Immigration as well as fair breakfast and lunch being provided along with a beer on our return. this was far better value for money plus I could relax and try and decipher the English subtitles on the DVD. A challenge in it's own right!

I appreciate that individual drivers and circumstances change with each journey but I will have no hestitation using the service again.

[teddy_bare]

To all that complain about bad service.

Please remind yourself you are paying a small fee for a lot of work. Profit margins will be at the slimest.

You want quality service at bargain prices. It's not going to work.

hire a car and drive yourself. getting a visa at the border couldn't be easier, and the procedure is well documented here. Too many scammers at the border? boo hoo, are you telling me every tourist area doesn't have people hassling you all day. just say no. These guys do remember you mostly and dont bother you. If, of course, you look like a complete tourist idiot, looking around and clueless, then yes they will approach you.

I for one will leave my car in the airport and pay the parking fee, rather than take a Bangkok taxi to get to and from the airport. Why, cos they drive outside of my comfort zone.

[tropo]

I for one will leave my car in the airport and pay the parking fee, rather than take a Bangkok taxi to get to and from the airport. Why, cos they drive outside of my comfort zone.

The driver I hire to take me Pattaya - Airport - Pattaya drives too slowly, but I've never asked him to speed up. Not all Thai drivers are speed demons.

[topben]

Myself and a few of my friends used to hire a mini bus and driver from Bangkok to Cambodia for a visa run for 7,000 baht. It was indeed a luxury mini-bus with extremely comfortable seats. Anyway, once they didn't have the bus available so they let us have the stretch limousine for the same price - you can imagine people's faces when we rolled up at the border!

nice one. where can i find this bkk company?

[lopburi3]

A VIP configured van should cost 2,500 baht plus fuel per day the last time I checked (last year). They cost 500 baht more than a normal van.

[syd]

I for one will leave my car in the airport and pay the parking fee, rather than take a Bangkok taxi to get to and from the airport. Why, cos they drive outside of my comfort zone.

The driver I hire to take me Pattaya - Airport - Pattaya drives too slowly, but I've never asked him to speed up. Not all Thai drivers are speed demons.

Not all - but most!