Phuket visa run crash leaves one dead

[webfact]

Phuket visa run crash leaves one dead
Phuket Gazette

PHUKET: A Philippine national has died and an unknown number of Phuket expats were injured in a visa run van crash in Trang early Monday morning.

A representative at Phen Phet Visa Run confirmed to the Phuket Gazette today that the accident occurred in Trang province, about 300km south of Phuket, at about 2am on Monday.

The van was carrying tourists and expats to Penang, Malaysia, to obtain new visas to re-enter Thailand from the Royal Thai Consulate there.

“The road was slippery from rain and the van slid off the road. One Philippine national died in the accident,” a Phen Phet Visa Run representative said.

The visa run representative told the Gazette the victim was male, but could not confirm his age.

However, police at Si Kao District in northern Trang, told the Gazette that the victim was female.

“The case investigator is unavailable, but what I know about that accident is that there was very heavy rain that night,” Sen Sgt Maj Sarawut Thongtae.

“I was told that there was only one victim: a female from the Philippines,” he said.

Source: http://www.phuketgazette.net/phuket_news/2013/Phuket-visa-run-crash-leaves-one-dead-22585.html

-- Phuket Gazette 2013-10-24

[LivinginKata]

If the road is slippery from the rain then drivers should slow down. But we all know these visa run buses have tight schedules that require a heavy foot. RIP the dead lady.

[paz]

Visa Run (and the entire visa system actually): the most farcical, meaningless, humiliating, uncomfortable and dangerous speciality of Thailand.

This death is the direct responsability of who enacted and continued the system.

But they only cared for the money to be made, the jobs to be created, the power to be shared.

[FireMedic]

I swear on everything I own.....My last visa run was with this company 9 months ago. No joke the 2 guys drove no slower than 140 through the rubber plantations all in the pouring rain. I was scared to death the entire time. Even when me and the other guy asked very nicely for the drivers to slow down, they would just look at you with that shit eating grin. I think they enjoy scaring farangs. This whole system is a complete joke. I'm really sorry that someone died and the others are injured. I'm sure no one will take responsibility, or the guy will run off and not be charged. What a <deleted> joke this system is. Maybe it is time all the farangs do their own blockade and "Negotiate" like Thais do.

[Mr Red]

Visa Run (and the entire visa system actually): the most farcical, meaningless, humiliating, uncomfortable and dangerous speciality of Thailand.

This death is the direct responsability of who enacted and continued the system.

But they only cared for the money to be made, the jobs to be created, the power to be shared.

While I am far from an advocate of the Thai visa rules (immigration, not this web site), and support making it easier and more straightforward, I can't see how this accident or death is "the direct responsability of who enacted and continued the system". Expats have an opportunity to obtain a year long visa for many options, and could renew thru local immigration, thus negating the visa runs.

Discuss issues and don't resort to Thai-bashing on any excuse.

[simon43]

Hmm, did this visa-run last Wednesday (see my separate post under the visa forum). I was not happy at all about the speed that the driver maintained, even in the rain.

That's the last time I do a visa-run by minibus....

RIP to the deceased and hope the injured recover soon, (third-party medical insurance cover from the visa-run company??)

Simon

[paz]

While I am far from an advocate of the Thai visa rules (immigration, not this web site), and support making it easier and more straightforward, I can't see how this accident or death is "the direct responsability of who enacted and continued the system". Expats have an opportunity to obtain a year long visa for many options, and could renew thru local immigration, thus negating the visa runs.

Surprise to you, not everyone wants or is free to marry a Thai, or is over 50 with $30,000 in the bank. Certainly, immigrant workers like the decesed are not. Or do you think people does the runs for fun if thye had another option ?

I stand with my opinion. Requiring a person that is legally in the country, to leave just to re-enter is farcical and absurd.

Edited October 24, 2013 by paz

[Scully]

Visa Run (and the entire visa system actually): the most farcical, meaningless, humiliating, uncomfortable and dangerous speciality of Thailand.

This death is the direct responsability of who enacted and continued the system.

But they only cared for the money to be made, the jobs to be created, the power to be shared.

While I am far from an advocate of the Thai visa rules (immigration, not this web site), and support making it easier and more straightforward, I can't see how this accident or death is "the direct responsability of who enacted and continued the system". Expats have an opportunity to obtain a year long visa for many options, and could renew thru local immigration, thus negating the visa runs.

Discuss issues and don't resort to Thai-bashing on any excuse.

So it's Thai bashing for a student gap year tourist that is on a multi entry visa to travel to the border every 90 days just to enjoy his/her extended holiday? While driving on some of the most dangerous roads?.

When I first came to Thailand backpacking I will not forget being driven from 6am until 8pm by the same driver, I now fly.

[webfact]

One dead, 10 injured in Phuket visa run van crash
Tanyaluk Sakoot

PHUKET: A Filipino woman died and 10 others received minor injuries when a visa run minivan crashed in Trang on Monday (October 21).

Pol Capt Opat Jaiboon, from Sikao police station, told The Phuket News the 10 passengers, plus a driver, were on their way to Penang in Malaysia on a visa run, with the company Phen Phet Visa Run.

One Filipino woman died at the scene. Other injured passengers were taken to Sikao Hospital and Trang Hospital, but none were seriously injured.

“The crash point was in front of Khao Keaw temple, and I believe the driver lost control of the van in heavy rain and then crashed into a tree,” Capt Opat said.

When The Phuket News called Phen Phet, an employee answered the phone and confirmed the crash but did not give any comment.

Visa run vans in Phuket have a reputation for often fast and reckless driving, with many near misses reported on the Phuket-Penang visa run route.

Source: http://www.thephuketnews.com/one-dead-10-injured-in-phuket-visa-run-van-crash-42516.php


-- Phuket News 2013-10-24

[cornishcarlos]

While I am far from an advocate of the Thai visa rules (immigration, not this web site), and support making it easier and more straightforward, I can't see how this accident or death is "the direct responsability of who enacted and continued the system". Expats have an opportunity to obtain a year long visa for many options, and could renew thru local immigration, thus negating the visa runs.

Surprise to you, not everyone wants or is free to marry a Thai, or is over 50 with $30,000 in the bank. Certainly, immigrant workers like the decesed are not. Or do you think people does the runs for fun if thye had another option ?

I stand with my opinion. Requiring a person that is legally in the country, to leave just to re-enter is farcical and absurd.

Where did you read that the deceased was an immigrant worker? If she was then she wouldn't need to do visa runs...

RIP lady...

[Alwyn]

if people were to forward plan a little bit instead of leaving it all to the last minute this could be stopped entirely. There are public buses and trains not to mention planes. Car sharing - hire a car and drive yourself if you don't have a car, split the fuel etc with some other like minded people. a post here should help that! I went once by mini bus many years ago. never, ever again. I don't have to do it now but when i did, i would drive myself leaving atc 4 a.m. and be back in Phuket in Peppers having a beer by 2p.m. Sometimes I'd take the bike and stop over at the Jansom Spa hotel or the Andaman club on the island. spend the night and ride back the next day nice and leisurely. Just forward plan a little bit and once the message gets through, it'll stop. In fact I heard about one company from Phuket that has forbidden the drivers to be back in Phuket before 7p.m. which has resulted in the drivers driving at a leisurely and safe pace!!

[realenglish1]

Here is a word For anyone not happy with the way a Bus Driver drives the bus and remember its up to you

TELL THE DRIVER TO SLOW DOWN YOU DID NOT PAY FOR HIM TO SPEED

And if you give the excuse " I DONT KNOW THAI" Have a friend write it in phonics and put it in your wallet for future use

I am sure he will slow down if you tell him and other passengers will be appreciative as well

Edited October 24, 2013 by realenglish1

[tingtongfarang]

While I am far from an advocate of the Thai visa rules (immigration, not this web site), and support making it easier and more straightforward, I can't see how this accident or death is "the direct responsability of who enacted and continued the system". Expats have an opportunity to obtain a year long visa for many options, and could renew thru local immigration, thus negating the visa runs.

Surprise to you, not everyone wants or is free to marry a Thai, or is over 50 with $30,000 in the bank. Certainly, immigrant workers like the decesed are not. Or do you think people does the runs for fun if thye had another option ?

I stand with my opinion. Requiring a person that is legally in the country, to leave just to re-enter is farcical and absurd.

Where did you read that the deceased was an immigrant worker? If she was then she wouldn't need to do visa runs...

RIP lady...

Your post makes you sound like a new arrival, So many immigrant workers here are infact illegal by design of strange rules or corruption,

BTW she is not the first philipino to die in a visa run van probably under the same circumstances.

[Bikkii]

Perhaps it is about time those who have to do the dreaded visa run could name or shame or alternatively name the good companies on here who have drivers who don't abuse the speed limits. This will soon bring in more business for the safer companies and in turn make the other fools realise they have to change to get business back. A win for all the poor bas#ards having to go through this disgraceful act.

[Larry001]

Visa Run (and the entire visa system actually): the most farcical, meaningless, humiliating, uncomfortable and dangerous speciality of Thailand.

This death is the direct responsability of who enacted and continued the system.

But they only cared for the money to be made, the jobs to be created, the power to be shared.

While I am far from an advocate of the Thai visa rules (immigration, not this web site), and support making it easier and more straightforward, I can't see how this accident or death is "the direct responsability of who enacted and continued the system". Expats have an opportunity to obtain a year long visa for many options, and could renew thru local immigration, thus negating the visa runs.

Discuss issues and don't resort to Thai-bashing on any excuse.

That is not true. I have American friends who must do a visa run every 3 months. Like wise with Philippino's, and others working here. Not all people here are retired expats

[Larry001]

While I am far from an advocate of the Thai visa rules (immigration, not this web site), and support making it easier and more straightforward, I can't see how this accident or death is "the direct responsability of who enacted and continued the system". Expats have an opportunity to obtain a year long visa for many options, and could renew thru local immigration, thus negating the visa runs.

Surprise to you, not everyone wants or is free to marry a Thai, or is over 50 with $30,000 in the bank. Certainly, immigrant workers like the decesed are not. Or do you think people does the runs for fun if thye had another option ?

I stand with my opinion. Requiring a person that is legally in the country, to leave just to re-enter is farcical and absurd.

Agree. Some members here have their heads in the clouds (or beer glass all day long). They can't see the issues. Of course some of these road deaths would be prevented if the Govt and police do their job properly. Look at countries who enacted strict driving laws and reduced the road toll by over 200%

[cornishcarlos]

While I am far from an advocate of the Thai visa rules (immigration, not this web site), and support making it easier and more straightforward, I can't see how this accident or death is "the direct responsability of who enacted and continued the system". Expats have an opportunity to obtain a year long visa for many options, and could renew thru local immigration, thus negating the visa runs.

Surprise to you, not everyone wants or is free to marry a Thai, or is over 50 with $30,000 in the bank. Certainly, immigrant workers like the decesed are not. Or do you think people does the runs for fun if thye had another option ?

I stand with my opinion. Requiring a person that is legally in the country, to leave just to re-enter is farcical and absurd.

Where did you read that the deceased was an immigrant worker? If she was then she wouldn't need to do visa runs...

RIP lady...

Your post makes you sound like a new arrival, So many immigrant workers here are infact illegal by design of strange rules or corruption,

BTW she is not the first philipino to die in a visa run van probably under the same circumstances.

Still don't see how the immigrant worker angle appeared !

If I sound like a new arrival then I am very happy, better than sounding like a bitter n twisted old timer

Just love the way people make up their own facts on here to justify their rants...

Again RIP lady... Wasted life

[Malthus101]

Visa Run (and the entire visa system actually): the most farcical, meaningless, humiliating, uncomfortable and dangerous speciality of Thailand.

This death is the direct responsability of who enacted and continued the system.

But they only cared for the money to be made, the jobs to be created, the power to be shared.

I totally agree. Why don't the dullards in the Thai government just take the money themselves and issue 3M, 6M, and 1 year visas.

So much better for everyone - we don't do stupid, dangerous and as you say, humiliating border runs (which are an obvious loop-hole abuse anyway) and the Thais would collect the thousands and thousands of baht spent every day by farang doing border runs in vans driven by drunk, bored, tired and reckless drivers, usually in the damn rain!

[simon43]

I am sure he will slow down if you tell him

Unfortunately not - Telling the driver to slow down makes him 'lose face' (infantile personality flaw that seems very prevalent in Thailand). He will probably drive faster and more recklessly if you rebuke him.

Simon

[shaurene]

Visa Run (and the entire visa system actually): the most farcical, meaningless, humiliating, uncomfortable and dangerous speciality of Thailand.

This death is the direct responsability of who enacted and continued the system.

But they only cared for the money to be made, the jobs to be created, the power to be shared.

Mr Red

The mini bus drivers do not know how to drive especially the young ones and probably do not have a drivers license. Do not tell me or any of the other guys you have never been on a run with a driver keeping to the limit or to the road conditions. If I was in that van I would have a quiet word with the other guys to see if they had any problem to break the guys neck and make it out that he broke his neck in the accident.

If the company that organises the runs cannot get a guy with some driving experience and a bit older and responsible they are held responsible. Get real Mr Red. The driver killed an innocent person lets see what you say if it was your Son or Daughter

[Halion]

While I am far from an advocate of the Thai visa rules (immigration, not this web site), and support making it easier and more straightforward, I can't see how this accident or death is "the direct responsability of who enacted and continued the system". Expats have an opportunity to obtain a year long visa for many options, and could renew thru local immigration, thus negating the visa runs.

Surprise to you, not everyone wants or is free to marry a Thai, or is over 50 with $30,000 in the bank. Certainly, immigrant workers like the decesed are not. Or do you think people does the runs for fun if thye had another option ?

I stand with my opinion. Requiring a person that is legally in the country, to leave just to re-enter is farcical and absurd.

Totally agree and I think the PAZ post on this was myopic..

[skorchio]

I have never, and nor will I ever, do a visa run in a bus. I have money, I fly to Singapore or KL. These kids driving vans racing each other home for dinner are just having fun. RIP Pinay or Pinoy.

[tingtongfarang]

@ cornishcarlos

Sorry about the new arrival remark,

Seems i am surrounded by illegal immigrant burmese workers, some managed to become legal even to the point of a thai ID card involving quite large amounts of corruption money to police and various officials,

Others pass under the radar simply because they work for thais who themselves are corrupt-powerful, Quite a few have found a way to earn their own living by selling whatever and pay monthly to the RTP to be left alone and get on with life ....they do that since many years!

The visa run buses are full with philipinos doing 15 day runs who work either in government or private schools, they accept this as opposed to their lot back in their home country although they know the risks of stepping into these vans.

[cornishcarlos]

@ cornishcarlos

Sorry about the new arrival remark,

Seems i am surrounded by illegal immigrant burmese workers, some managed to become legal even to the point of a thai ID card involving quite large amounts of corruption money to police and various officials,

Others pass under the radar simply because they work for thais who themselves are corrupt-powerful, Quite a few have found a way to earn their own living by selling whatever and pay monthly to the RTP to be left alone and get on with life ....they do that since many years!

The visa run buses are full with philipinos doing 15 day runs who work either in government or private schools, they accept this as opposed to their lot back in their home country although they know the risks of stepping into these vans.

Forgiven

[tingtongfarang]

@ cornishcarlos

Sorry about the new arrival remark,

Seems i am surrounded by illegal immigrant burmese workers, some managed to become legal even to the point of a thai ID card involving quite large amounts of corruption money to police and various officials,

Others pass under the radar simply because they work for thais who themselves are corrupt-powerful, Quite a few have found a way to earn their own living by selling whatever and pay monthly to the RTP to be left alone and get on with life ....they do that since many years!

The visa run buses are full with philipinos doing 15 day runs who work either in government or private schools, they accept this as opposed to their lot back in their home country although they know the risks of stepping into these vans.

Forgiven

Accepted

[Dap]

Here is a word For anyone not happy with the way a Bus Driver drives the bus and remember its up to you

TELL THE DRIVER TO SLOW DOWN YOU DID NOT PAY FOR HIM TO SPEED

And if you give the excuse " I DONT KNOW THAI" Have a friend write it in phonics and put it in your wallet for future use

I am sure he will slow down if you tell him and other passengers will be appreciative as well

"I am sure he will slow down if you tell him ..."

See post #4

[koto]

I swear on everything I own.....My last visa run was with this company 9 months ago. No joke the 2 guys drove no slower than 140 through the rubber plantations all in the pouring rain. I was scared to death the entire time. Even when me and the other guy asked very nicely for the drivers to slow down, they would just look at you with that shit eating grin. I think they enjoy scaring farangs. This whole system is a complete joke. I'm really sorry that someone died and the others are injured. I'm sure no one will take responsibility, or the guy will run off and not be charged. What a <deleted> joke this system is. Maybe it is time all the farangs do their own blockade and "Negotiate" like Thais do.

Aloha

I'm very surprised how many Farangs just sit in the van, scared, asking them to slow down, I always demand the front seat, put on seat belt, let the driver know I like 2 hands on the wheel, pull over if phone is used, no racing (fast driving) or I pass on the ride, I've lived for 75 years and I'll be damned if I'm going to let some still wet behind the ears kid, drive like a <deleted> nut, taking chances on my life...Not on my watch, not on my hard earned years...

[lucjoker]

Surprise to you, not everyone wants or is free to marry a Thai, or is over 50 with $30,000 in the bank.

If you come to thailand other than tourism,you need a lot of money or marry a thai (even more expensive ,lol)

If you dont have the 800 000 bht in the bank ,go to the right lawyer and for 25 000 bht he will arrange a

legal 1 year visum .(as if you had 800 000 on the bank.)

And yes i know it is not legal,but many do it .

[paz]

If you come to thailand other than tourism,you need a lot of money or marry a thai (even more expensive ,lol)

If you dont have the 800 000 bht in the bank ,go to the right lawyer and for 25 000 bht he will arrange a

legal 1 year visum .(as if you had 800 000 on the bank.)

And yes i know it is not legal,but many do it .

Another one assuming that everybody is older that 50. Wow.

[MMarlow]

Visa Run (and the entire visa system actually): the most farcical, meaningless, humiliating, uncomfortable and dangerous speciality of Thailand.

This death is the direct responsability of who enacted and continued the system.

But they only cared for the money to be made, the jobs to be created, the power to be shared.

More nonsense. Thailand's the only country to require a visa to enter it?

The death most certainly is not the responsibility of the government as you suggest.