Singkhorn - New Myanmar Border Crossing for Thai Nationals Only Opens May 8, 2013

[edgarfriendly]

any word on when the 2 in k'buri will be upgraded?

[SiamKitt]

Anyone wishing to travel to Dan Sinkhon..the turn-off just below the Jtn for Pratchuap Kiri Khan has a BIG green overhead sign to notify you..then look for the Pratchuap Immigration Building on your right not far after the turn. (It is signposted)..The border is another 10+km up this road.

[khwaibah]

Hua Hin to Singkhon 115 km

Bangkok to Singkhon 302 km

Bangkok to Aranyappathet 254 km

This could interesting...

[apetley]

any word on when the 2 in k'buri will be upgraded?

Current rumours of when they'll be opening currently circulating in the Central Thailand Forum.

[CroBiker]

Nothing wrong with a visa requirement for entering at this border or any other. Every country I can think of that has a visa requirement does NOT allow you to enter even for a day, even near the border area if you don't have a visa for that country so I don't understand the bickering amongst some posters here about whether a visa would be required to cross this border or not and their hopes that it won't be. Myanmar is clearly an exception to the international rule of treating your country as one by applying the same entry requirements at all designated international border entry points and overland access at these crossings.

I'd be more interested in knowing whether this will be one of the first crossings (after Mae Sot/Myawaddy) to allow full overland access to other parts of the country, which would only be allowed WITH a visa in your passport. But since the Mae Sot/Myawaddy overland crossing opening date keeps changing (currently it is unclear whether it already allows overland crossings to Yangon etc. or not), I am not confident that one can reach Myeik or Dawei overland from Dan Singkorn, unless maybe someone could check with Prachuab immigration and post here?

Mae Sot/Myawaddy is open for overland crossing for some time now. There are numerous 4X4 adventure caravans from Thailand on their way to India and Nepal, I've seen it with my own eyes. I was also part of motorcycle expedition and we rode all the way up to Naypyidaw and Bagan before turning south towards Yangon. First 60km's across Dawna Range are challenging but afterwards no problem.

[naam1]

wow that is good news, im amazed after 15 odd years of saying it will open up

on 2nd thoughts will foreigners be allowed to cross without a Myanmar visa, if so this will be useless for anyone in Hua Hin, as they will have to go to Bangkok to get a visa,

There is no such thing as a visa on arrival for Burma, only a play on the words.

At the Ranong crossing further south they allow you to cross into burma, they stamp you straight out or give you max 2 or 3 days but you cant leave the

island unless you have a burma visa, you have to stay on the island if you have no visa

So my question would be can you stamp in and out at Singkhorn, like you can at the ranong crossing? Or will you need a visa?

If you do need a visa hopefully Myanmar will change their ways soon

not 2 or 3 day . you got 30 day's ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,but only on the island.

[Khun Watchaporn]

Hua Hin to Singkhon 115 km

Bangkok to Singkhon 302 km

Bangkok to Aranyappathet 254 km

This could interesting...

Aranyaprathet. E-Visa or one page in the passport gone. Hassle of dealing with the scum there. Bonus is large duty free.

Singkhon: Probably just $10 or max 500b, tiny stamp, probably not dealing with scum. Bonus, would make for an easy overnight along the beaches for a two day break from BKK.

[chiangmaicharlies]

Great news; particularly the Singkhorn checkpoint, which could open up an interesting part of Burma if we are allowed to travel. I wonder if a two week pass will be issued as in Tachilek or if it will only be for one day. I've visited this checkpoint in the past and paddled across the river there for a short illegal entry.

[Lakegeneve]

It will be just like all the other crossings into Myanmar. Pay 500 baht to enter Myanmar and then return to Thailand.

Hopefully.

Though I usually just hand over a crisp $10 note in Mae Sot.

Yes, it has been $10 for years and years. (anyone paying the 500 baht rate needs to instead change their money - new bills as stated above - pay $10 and then donate the other $6-$7- you are throwing away to a decent burmese charity)

[Lakegeneve]

Nothing wrong with a visa requirement for entering at this border or any other. Every country I can think of that has a visa requirement does NOT allow you to enter even for a day, even near the border area if you don't have a visa for that country so I don't understand the bickering amongst some posters here about whether a visa would be required to cross this border or not and their hopes that it won't be. Myanmar is clearly an exception to the international rule of treating your country as one by applying the same entry requirements at all designated international border entry points and overland access at these crossings.

I'd be more interested in knowing whether this will be one of the first crossings (after Mae Sot/Myawaddy) to allow full overland access to other parts of the country, which would only be allowed WITH a visa in your passport. But since the Mae Sot/Myawaddy overland crossing opening date keeps changing (currently it is unclear whether it already allows overland crossings to Yangon etc. or not), I am not confident that one can reach Myeik or Dawei overland from Dan Singkorn, unless maybe someone could check with Prachuab immigration and post here?

Mae Sot/Myawaddy is open for overland crossing for some time now. There are numerous 4X4 adventure caravans from Thailand on their way to India and Nepal, I've seen it with my own eyes. I was also part of motorcycle expedition and we rode all the way up to Naypyidaw and Bagan before turning south towards Yangon. First 60km's across Dawna Range are challenging but afterwards no problem.

And that trip that you did looks really great. Do pls post on it and then link the info here.

However, as you state in the other thread one needs an embassy issued visa AND a permit authorising said journey. So it is not a matter of just turning up and crossing thinking one can head inland. (Unless this has suddenly changed).

AND all of these overland crossings have been pre arranged "adventure caravans" or "expeditions" approved by the embassy. So it seems doubtful that a few friends could just ask for approval for a permit to travel inland if they didn't have their own transport and a govt. authorised guide (the latter is a requirement at Mae Sai to head towards Kentung on the road to China).

I don't know which is why I asked you for further info. However, based on previous restrictions, my Feb advice at the Mae Sot border and your info, this appears to still be restricted travel beyond Myawaddy. More than happy to be corrected if it is fully open travel for all.

Waiting for the first Singkhon crossers trip report for the details on the burma side. I suspect that for now it will be limited to day entry only but someone will confirm. Note sure that the Burmese would yet want hordes of foreign travelers heading inland through parts of the country where few foreigners have ventured for decades. Just a guess.

Edited May 7, 2013 by Lakegeneve

[Mickeem]

thanks George for the update

ii's a little confusing though as going to Yangoon airport you need a visa to enter Burma

Mai Sai and Ranong you can get stamped in and out and i hope it's the same in Singkhorn.

it's really going to boost land prices all around hua hin, pranburi. In the Future the islands along the coast of Myanmar are going to be world famous, they are simply stunning and they are within easy driving distance from pranburi and hua hin now.

Better get there quick.. I hear the Chinese have been busily buying up land on the nicest beaches for 'development'

[BongBong]

So my question would be can you stamp in and out at Singkhorn, like you can at the ranong crossing? Or will you need a visa?

Singkhon is a full international border point from Wednesday. We have got that confirmed by Prachuap Khirikhan Immigration.

Singkhon only opens for the tourism, not a full international border, you can not do the visarun at the moment, I was on the phone with Singkhon immigration a few minutes ago.

[CroBiker]

Nothing wrong with a visa requirement for entering at this border or any other. Every country I can think of that has a visa requirement does NOT allow you to enter even for a day, even near the border area if you don't have a visa for that country so I don't understand the bickering amongst some posters here about whether a visa would be required to cross this border or not and their hopes that it won't be. Myanmar is clearly an exception to the international rule of treating your country as one by applying the same entry requirements at all designated international border entry points and overland access at these crossings.

I'd be more interested in knowing whether this will be one of the first crossings (after Mae Sot/Myawaddy) to allow full overland access to other parts of the country, which would only be allowed WITH a visa in your passport. But since the Mae Sot/Myawaddy overland crossing opening date keeps changing (currently it is unclear whether it already allows overland crossings to Yangon etc. or not), I am not confident that one can reach Myeik or Dawei overland from Dan Singkorn, unless maybe someone could check with Prachuab immigration and post here?

Mae Sot/Myawaddy is open for overland crossing for some time now. There are numerous 4X4 adventure caravans from Thailand on their way to India and Nepal, I've seen it with my own eyes. I was also part of motorcycle expedition and we rode all the way up to Naypyidaw and Bagan before turning south towards Yangon. First 60km's across Dawna Range are challenging but afterwards no problem.

And that trip that you did looks really great. Do pls post on it and then link the info here.

However, as you state in the other thread one needs an embassy issued visa AND a permit authorising said journey. So it is not a matter of just turning up and crossing thinking one can head inland. (Unless this has suddenly changed).

AND all of these overland crossings have been pre arranged "adventure caravans" or "expeditions" approved by the embassy. So it seems doubtful that a few friends could just ask for approval for a permit to travel inland if they didn't have their own transport and a govt. authorised guide (the latter is a requirement at Mae Sai to head towards Kentung on the road to China).

I don't know which is why I asked you for further info. However, based on previous restrictions, my Feb advice at the Mae Sot border and your info, this appears to still be restricted travel beyond Myawaddy. More than happy to be corrected if it is fully open travel for all.

Waiting for the first Singkhon crossers trip report for the details on the burma side. I suspect that for now it will be limited to day entry only but someone will confirm. Note sure that the Burmese would yet want hordes of foreign travelers heading inland through parts of the country where few foreigners have ventured for decades. Just a guess.

I should have clarified: special permit needs to be obtained from Myanmar government. This takes from 2 to 12 months to get, depends on luck and who you know basically. Then with valid visa issued at Myanmar Embassy and this permit you can ride/drive across the country accompanied by official guides and government minders.

[ubonjoe]

It will be just like all the other crossings into Myanmar. Pay 500 baht to enter Myanmar and then return to Thailand.

Hopefully.

Though I usually just hand over a crisp $10 note in Mae Sot.

Yes, it has been $10 for years and years. (anyone paying the 500 baht rate needs to instead change their money - new bills as stated above - pay $10 and then donate the other $6-$7- you are throwing away to a decent burmese charity)

Paying $10 is fine if you have it already. Making a trip to the bank just to get a good $10 bill might not be worth the time and hassle to do it.

[Khun Watchaporn]

So my question would be can you stamp in and out at Singkhorn, like you can at the ranong crossing? Or will you need a visa?

Singkhon is a full international border point from Wednesday. We have got that confirmed by Prachuap Khirikhan Immigration.

Singkhon only opens for the tourism, not a full international border, you can not do the visarun at the moment, I was on the phone with Singkhon immigration a few minutes ago.

I suspected this.

I think we need official clarrification from the Dept. of Immigration on whether foreigners can use it to be stamped in and out, like in Mae Sot.

[Khun Watchaporn]

It will be just like all the other crossings into Myanmar. Pay 500 baht to enter Myanmar and then return to Thailand.

Hopefully.

Though I usually just hand over a crisp $10 note in Mae Sot.

Yes, it has been $10 for years and years. (anyone paying the 500 baht rate needs to instead change their money - new bills as stated above - pay $10 and then donate the other $6-$7- you are throwing away to a decent burmese charity)

Paying $10 is fine if you have it already. Making a trip to the bank just to get a good $10 bill might not be worth the time and hassle to do it.

You're thinking short.

You go one time and get ten or so of them. Also handy for trips to Cambo.

[ubonjoe]

Fine if you are a serial border runner.

[Dork]

This thread has me a bit confused. How can someone pay THB500 or USD10 for a Burmese border pass if (as BongBong says) Thai immigration won't let you exit?

Am I missing something?

[ubonjoe]

The discussion is just about the costs for the border pass at any Myanmar border crossing.

It was started yesterday when I made a post before bongbong's post made today.

Edited May 8, 2013 by ubonjoe

[Dork]

The discussion is just about the costs for the border pass at any Myanmar border crossing.

It was started yesterday when I made a post before bongbong's post made today.

OK thanks, got it.

So is the border not actually open yet or only open to Thai ID card holders? I didn't understand the bit about open for tourism.

[Khun Watchaporn]

Fine if you are a serial border runner.

Why is it not fine otherwise?

I suppose it mightn't be fine if $100 is a noticeable amount to you.

Personally I find it's always handy to have a small stash of US$ in my house should I be going somewhere where it is an advantage. Buy 'em one time and forget about them.

Edited May 8, 2013 by Khun Watchaporn

[Khun Watchaporn]

The discussion is just about the costs for the border pass at any Myanmar border crossing.

It was started yesterday when I made a post before bongbong's post made today.

OK thanks, got it.

So is the border not actually open yet or only open to Thai ID card holders? I didn't understand the bit about open for tourism.

There are many such border crossings between Thailand and Burma. Only 3 of which allow Westerners (and I believe all non-Thai or Burmese, though perhaps soon only non-ASEAN's) to officially cross.

I would be very surprised if this is open to foreigners almost immediately, or possibly even the foreseeable future.

[lopburi3]

One post removed as off-topic.

[ARGUSEYE]

The original article is misleading, at least for third - nation foreigners.I wonder why the moderators did not make that clear when they posted the article.

At NO border point Thailand to Burma are you allowed to just cross and go where you please, border pass or visa holder.

It never was! Presently there is a lot of talk and hot air, I believe it when I see it.

[Khun Watchaporn]

The original article is misleading, at least for third - nation foreigners.I wonder why the moderators did not make that clear when they posted the article.

At NO border point Thailand to Burma are you allowed to just cross and go where you please, border pass or visa holder.

It never was! Presently there is a lot of talk and hot air, I believe it when I see it.

Yup, you get a day pass into the market town that's on the other side of the border crossing, have to be back in Thailand by 5 or 6 pm.

Hopefully this will be the same as them.

I'm not holding my breath though.

[asiaworld]

Yup, you get a day pass into the market town that's on the other side of the border crossing, have to be back in Thailand by 5 or 6 pm.

Hopefully this will be the same as them.

I'm not holding my breath though.

Can you , or anybody else please clarify this point ?! Being a resident here I do not care about the visa running part , but would greatly enjoy the sightseeing day trip Preferably without getting my passport clogged with stamps ! Would the day trip to the market be possible , like it used to be in 3 Pagodas Pass ?!

[Khun Watchaporn]

^ Call the Dept. of Immigration.

I'm sure they'll be fully up to speed with such matters and give you a clear and concise knowledgeable answer....

Think it will be down to someone in the area taking a ride up there to talk to the officers at the border.

Edited May 9, 2013 by Khun Watchaporn

[asiaworld]

^ Call the Dept. of Immigration.

I'm sure they'll be fully up to speed with such matters and give you a clear and concise knowledgeable answer....

Think it will be down to someone in the area taking a ride up there to talk to the officers at the border.

First part of your answer .. Just talked to prachuap office>>the only number ön immi site ,

They say its not open yet !! Clearly Not the place to get competent answer !!

That leaves us waiting for the second part ..

[xavierr]

I found that many places in the net use the RGTS spelling 'Singkhon' or 'Sing Khon'. Is there a reason why Thaivisa uses an obsolete transcription?

In Thailand, no transcription is obsolete. Some are just better than others.

I don't know what is exactly achieved by ignoring RGTS transcription. In the scripts of languages of ASEAN countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines that 'r' is misleading, as it is would be in many European languages.

[Lakegeneve]

Nothing wrong with a visa requirement for entering at this border or any other. Every country I can think of that has a visa requirement does NOT allow you to enter even for a day, even near the border area if you don't have a visa for that country so I don't understand the bickering amongst some posters here about whether a visa would be required to cross this border or not and their hopes that it won't be. Myanmar is clearly an exception to the international rule of treating your country as one by applying the same entry requirements at all designated international border entry points and overland access at these crossings.

I'd be more interested in knowing whether this will be one of the first crossings (after Mae Sot/Myawaddy) to allow full overland access to other parts of the country, which would only be allowed WITH a visa in your passport. But since the Mae Sot/Myawaddy overland crossing opening date keeps changing (currently it is unclear whether it already allows overland crossings to Yangon etc. or not), I am not confident that one can reach Myeik or Dawei overland from Dan Singkorn, unless maybe someone could check with Prachuab immigration and post here?

Mae Sot/Myawaddy is open for overland crossing for some time now. There are numerous 4X4 adventure caravans from Thailand on their way to India and Nepal, I've seen it with my own eyes. I was also part of motorcycle expedition and we rode all the way up to Naypyidaw and Bagan before turning south towards Yangon. First 60km's across Dawna Range are challenging but afterwards no problem.

And that trip that you did looks really great. Do pls post on it and then link the info here.

However, as you state in the other thread one needs an embassy issued visa AND a permit authorising said journey. So it is not a matter of just turning up and crossing thinking one can head inland. (Unless this has suddenly changed).

AND all of these overland crossings have been pre arranged "adventure caravans" or "expeditions" approved by the embassy. So it seems doubtful that a few friends could just ask for approval for a permit to travel inland if they didn't have their own transport and a govt. authorised guide (the latter is a requirement at Mae Sai to head towards Kentung on the road to China).

I don't know which is why I asked you for further info. However, based on previous restrictions, my Feb advice at the Mae Sot border and your info, this appears to still be restricted travel beyond Myawaddy. More than happy to be corrected if it is fully open travel for all.

Waiting for the first Singkhon crossers trip report for the details on the burma side. I suspect that for now it will be limited to day entry only but someone will confirm. Note sure that the Burmese would yet want hordes of foreign travelers heading inland through parts of the country where few foreigners have ventured for decades. Just a guess.

I should have clarified: special permit needs to be obtained from Myanmar government. This takes from 2 to 12 months to get, depends on luck and who you know basically. Then with valid visa issued at Myanmar Embassy and this permit you can ride/drive across the country accompanied by official guides and government minders.

Yes thank you for confirming this. I think that it is important to be clear exactly what is required and issue the relevent caveats when making statements such as "Mae Sot/Myawaddy is open for overland crossing for some time now."

Some could read that and make significantly incorrect plans without the full info.

Anyway, don't forget to post blog link or post on the trip for all to read pls when you have the time.