Visa Run Carpool/Ride Share

[NomadJoe]

I have seen this concept discussed here before. In light of yet another visa run crash and death, does anyone know if there is a place where people can organize car pools/ride shares with passengers splitting the fuel cost? I think this is a really good idea. There can be trips organised to both Ranong and Penang. Thoughts? (Please no "You'll need a work permit" or "Driving is an occupation reserved for Thai's" nonsense.)

[chuppachops]

a facebook group would be good for this i think. something like items for sale phuket is very popular with expats.

[NomadJoe]

^ Yes that is what I was thinking. I haven't found anything like this though.

[NamKangMan]

Great idea, but if it becomes too popular, I think it will draw the attention of the authorities.

I'm not sure TV could be used for this purpose. Perhaps LIK can send it up the chain of command for review. It is certainly on the boardline of breaching labour laws.

Could also do one for the Phuket Airport.

Facebook would be best, as it's free, easy to set up, and harder for the authorities to shut down.

I'm a visa runner. In the past I have done overland visa runs - never again. They are just not safe. Despite the extra cost - I fly now.

I would consider overland again, if something like you suggest gets up and running.

Edited December 19, 2013 by NamKangMan

[LivinginKata]

Nothing to stop TV members from posting up notice that they plan a visa run drive on such and such a date and inviting other members to share.

As for Phuket Airport runs - thats a step too far. Best not to advertise that.

[NomadJoe]

Great idea, but if it becomes too popular, I think it will draw the attention of the authorities.

The only way there may be an issue is if a larger capacity vehicle is used. In Thailand there are some restrictions on what kind of vehicles foreigners can drive. This depends on how the vehicle is registered i.e. what color plates it has. Otherwise, I don't believe that to be a realistic concern, but just to appease those concerned, I will get official verification.

I can think of a few rules that would have to followed for this to work. It seems to me every visa run I have ever been on there has been violators of these rules.

Share of gas money paid up front.

No overstayers or special cases. The car will not wait unreasonable amounts of time for people that do not come prepared.

No BO, including bad breath. All passengers must have recently showered, be using deodorant, and wearing clean clothes.

No one with major hangovers or smelling like alcohol.

The vehicle owner/renter has final say on all issues.

Edited December 19, 2013 by NomadJoe

[CFC]

Great idea, but if it becomes too popular, I think it will draw the attention of the authorities.

The only way there may be an issue is if a larger capacity vehicle is used. In Thailand there are some restrictions on what kind of vehicles foreigners can drive. This depends on how the vehicle is registered i.e. what color plates it has. Otherwise, I don't believe that to be a realistic concern, but just to appease those concerned, I will get official verification.

I can think of a few rules that would have to followed for this to work. It seems to me every visa run I have ever been on there has been violators of these rules.

Share of gas money paid up front.

No overstayers or special cases. The car will not wait unreasonable amounts of time for people that do not come prepared.

No BO, including bad breath. All passengers must have recently showered, be using deodorant, and wearing clean clothes.

No one with major hangovers or smelling like alcohol.

The vehicle owner/renter has final say on all issues.

Don't forget the rule book

[NamKangMan]

Great idea, but if it becomes too popular, I think it will draw the attention of the authorities.

The only way there may be an issue is if a larger capacity vehicle is used. In Thailand there are some restrictions on what kind of vehicles foreigners can drive. This depends on how the vehicle is registered i.e. what color plates it has. Otherwise, I don't believe that to be a realistic concern, but just to appease those concerned, I will get official verification.

I can think of a few rules that would have to followed for this to work. It seems to me every visa run I have ever been on there has been violators of these rules.

Share of gas money paid up front.

No overstayers or special cases. The car will not wait unreasonable amounts of time for people that do not come prepared.

No BO, including bad breath. All passengers must have recently showered, be using deodorant, and wearing clean clothes.

No one with major hangovers or smelling like alcohol.

The vehicle owner/renter has final say on all issues.

I had a similar idea for the coast road - but that would have caused major concerns.

If it takes off, and I don't see why it wouldn't, and it's well known, through Facebook or similar, don't you think it would attract some unwanted attention by authorities?

I'm not talking about the size of the vehicle, but the frequencey of smaller vehicles doing the visa runs, with pseudo "friends" on board. Once you hooked up with a good crew, you would make it a regualr day 89 trip with them.

The owner of the vehicle is happy, as he is getting his expenses covered, and maybe a little more. The passengers are happy, because their visa run is cheaper, and safer. This is not really what Phuket is all about. It's about you paying over the odds for a cheap and nasty service.

I could only see the popularity of the idea getting bigger and bigger until someone has to be arrested to stop it.

As you mentioned in your OP, I'm not getting into the whole work permit argument. I just wouldn't want to see anyone banged up over this, but it's a good idea with the potential to save lives.

Edited December 19, 2013 by NamKangMan

[glassdude007]

4 Mates driving to Ranong or Panang while on holiday is not a breach on ANY Labor Thai laws....nuff said......geeeeeez

Edited December 19, 2013 by glassdude007

[NamKangMan]

4 Mates driving to Ranong or Panang while on holiday is not a breach on ANY Labor Thai laws....nuff said......geeeeeez

I don't think someone putting "Looking to do a visa run to Penang on the 20th Jan. Happy to pay for fuel and other expenses" on a Facebook wall makes you instantly a "mate" of the driver.

As far as "while on holiday" - well, a quick flick through their passport and you will see back to back tourist visas and/or visa exemption stamps. Hardly a holiday - they are living here.

The questions would be, What is the drivers name? Where is he from? Where does he live on Phuket etc etc.

When met with the wrong answer, or no answer at all - I guess the driver is in some trouble.

This idea has the potential to eat into the visa run industry profits, so, I'm sure pressure would be applied by Thai business owners to have it shut down, whether it's legal or not.

Edited December 19, 2013 by NamKangMan

[NomadJoe]

Have it shut down how exactly? You're speaking nonsense.

[stevenl]

4 Mates driving to Ranong or Panang while on holiday is not a breach on ANY Labor Thai laws....nuff said......geeeeeez

I don't think someone putting "Looking to do a visa run to Penang on the 20th Jan. Happy to pay for fuel and other expenses" on a Facebook wall makes you instantly a "mate" of the driver.

As far as "while on holiday" - well, a quick flick through their passport and you will see back to back tourist visas and/or visa exemption stamps. Hardly a holiday - they are living here.

The questions would be, What is the drivers name? Where is he from? Where does he live on Phuket etc etc.

When met with the wrong answer, or no answer at all - I guess the driver is in some trouble.

This idea has the potential to eat into the visa run industry profits, so, I'm sure pressure would be applied by Thai business owners to have it shut down, whether it's legal or not.

It really is better not to make up things you know nothing about.

Sent from my D90W using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[NamKangMan]

Have it shut down how exactly? You're speaking nonsense.

Government agencies can request Facebook pages be removed. Nothing new about that.

I remember this story. The Facebook page has been removed. Normally, a page is removed because it incites hatred, or is offensive, but it proably could also be removed if it encourages breaching of laws, but don't quote me on that.

http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/police-probe-sick-hillsborough-webpage-3344112

Edited December 19, 2013 by NamKangMan

[NamKangMan]

4 Mates driving to Ranong or Panang while on holiday is not a breach on ANY Labor Thai laws....nuff said......geeeeeez

I don't think someone putting "Looking to do a visa run to Penang on the 20th Jan. Happy to pay for fuel and other expenses" on a Facebook wall makes you instantly a "mate" of the driver.

As far as "while on holiday" - well, a quick flick through their passport and you will see back to back tourist visas and/or visa exemption stamps. Hardly a holiday - they are living here.

The questions would be, What is the drivers name? Where is he from? Where does he live on Phuket etc etc.

When met with the wrong answer, or no answer at all - I guess the driver is in some trouble.

This idea has the potential to eat into the visa run industry profits, so, I'm sure pressure would be applied by Thai business owners to have it shut down, whether it's legal or not.

It really is better not to make up things you know nothing about.

Sent from my D90W using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Since you seem to know all about something that doesn't exist yet, perhaps you could enlighten me. :)

[JDGRUEN]

I suggest a closed Yahoo or Google group ... members only - by invitation. The posted description of the group could be rather generic. Yahoo Groups are free and can be set up as group email ... each member just gets an email to their private email address ... it can be set up so that non members cannot read the web based messages. One posted message goes to all members in full or in digest.

[NamKangMan]

I suggest a closed Yahoo or Google group ... members only - by invitation. The posted description of the group could be rather generic. Yahoo Groups are free and can be set up as group email ... each member just gets an email to their private email address ... it can be set up so that non members cannot read the web based messages. One posted message goes to all members in full or in digest.

So, initially, you are invited by word of mouth. Meaning, you must verbally give your email address to a member, who will invite, or add you. Is that correct?

Edited December 19, 2013 by NamKangMan

[LivinginKata]

I suggest a closed Yahoo or Google group ... members only - by invitation. The posted description of the group could be rather generic. Yahoo Groups are free and can be set up as group email ... each member just gets an email to their private email address ... it can be set up so that non members cannot read the web based messages. One posted message goes to all members in full or in digest.

So, initially, you are invited by word of mouth. Meaning, you must verbally give your email address to a member, who will invite, or add you. Is that correct?

Can do by PM. No email details required

[NomadJoe]

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1402002616711342/

[JDGRUEN]

I suggest a closed Yahoo or Google group ... members only - by invitation. The posted description of the group could be rather generic. Yahoo Groups are free and can be set up as group email ... each member just gets an email to their private email address ... it can be set up so that non members cannot read the web based messages. One posted message goes to all members in full or in digest.

So, initially, you are invited by word of mouth. Meaning, you must verbally give your email address to a member, who will invite, or add you. Is that correct?

Yes ... but one can create a 'throw away' email address on yahoo, gmail, outlook/live etc... no need to give out a long standing email address used for family, business, friends, etc. Hidden / Secret Groups can also be created in Facebook that work in similar ways as to what I described for Yahoo Groups - but no email is used. Some email services will even auto forward in a blind fashion to your regular email address... These 'throw away' email address are useful for many purposes such as asking for info on commercial sites

Edited December 19, 2013 by JDGRUEN

[NomadJoe]

^ I don't see any reason to make it secretive. I went ahead and created the FB group in the post above yours and made it open for all. Already someone has posted a visa run they plan to do.

[stevenl]

4 Mates driving to Ranong or Panang while on holiday is not a breach on ANY Labor Thai laws....nuff said......geeeeeez

I don't think someone putting "Looking to do a visa run to Penang on the 20th Jan. Happy to pay for fuel and other expenses" on a Facebook wall makes you instantly a "mate" of the driver.

As far as "while on holiday" - well, a quick flick through their passport and you will see back to back tourist visas and/or visa exemption stamps. Hardly a holiday - they are living here.

The questions would be, What is the drivers name? Where is he from? Where does he live on Phuket etc etc.

When met with the wrong answer, or no answer at all - I guess the driver is in some trouble.

This idea has the potential to eat into the visa run industry profits, so, I'm sure pressure would be applied by Thai business owners to have it shut down, whether it's legal or not.

It really is better not to make up things you know nothing about.

Sent from my D90W using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Since you seem to know all about something that doesn't exist yet, perhaps you could enlighten me. :)

Doesn't exist yet? Many people taking friends all over the island every day already, how well they know eachother is of no importance at all. And I have been stopped by police about providing black taxi services so know the questions, you clearly do not.

I really see no reason at all to worry about police stopping or visa companies harrassment, just the usual scare mongering without any knowledge.

Something like this can easily be done on a normal facebook page, police will really not be interested at all.

Sent from my D90W using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Edited December 19, 2013 by stevenl

[NamKangMan]

@ stevenl

Yes, it is already happening, usually by word of mouth, although I have seen the odd post on TV asking if anyone is doing a visa run and would like someone to contribute to their costs.

This is taking it a step further. We are talking about organising, in full public view, transportation, at a reduced cost, for visa runners out of Phuket.

If it were to become very popular, and I see no reason why it wouldn't, all I'm saying is it may raise some unwanted attention from visa run businesses, who may then complain to police.

I don't own a car here, so I have never been pulled over under the suspicion of running a black taxi service. I would be interested in the questions they ask. Obviously, if this car pool idea gets up and running, the drivers might like to know the questions they will be asked, if pulled over, as well. So please post them.

I mentioned car pooling for the airport as well. LIK suggested that's going a bit too far. I thought this idea may be stepping a bit too close to the boundary as well. I really don't see why a visa run car pool is acceptable, but an airport car pool is unacceptable. Unless, we are talking about the influential people behind the airport taxis. That said, don't you think there are influential people behind the lucrative visa run industry on Phuket as well????

As for "scare mongering" If you see no problem in "car pooling" on Phuket - why don't we start one up for the coast road, between the beaches. See how long that would last. Why is this so different from the airport and beaches, and that's a genuine question I am asking.

As a side issue, if it were allowed to operate, how long would you give it before someone decides to start making a few baht out of it, by basically becoming a a visa run business, under the disguise of "car pooling."

This article shows how the Thai's on Phuket deal with ANYTHING that takes away business from them, especially in regards to transport.

http://www.phuketgazette.net/phuket_news/2013/Taxi-driver-mob-tears-down-Russian-tour-agency-sign-forces-closure-20069.html

Edited December 20, 2013 by NamKangMan

[NamKangMan]

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1402002616711342/

What's the name of the Facebook page?

[thailauren]

I do not do visa runs but I think this is a very good idea and in many ways would benefit foreigners here.

I had an experience going from CM to Bkk.

I saw a post of 2 people needing to drive to Bkk for various reasons. Since i too had to go to Bkk, we got a car, paid for fuel and i had my cost of going to Bkk totally free in exchange for driving.

Ofcourse there should be rules. But if a group of 5 who need to do their visa runs prefer can do it almost every time they need to. Ultimately they would become friends.

Sent from my GT-N7100 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[stevenl]

@ stevenl

Yes, it is already happening, usually by word of mouth, although I have seen the odd post on TV asking if anyone is doing a visa run and would like someone to contribute to their costs.

This is taking it a step further. We are talking about organising, in full public view, transportation, at a reduced cost, for visa runners out of Phuket.

If it were to become very popular, and I see no reason why it wouldn't, all I'm saying is it may raise some unwanted attention from visa run businesses, who may then complain to police.

I don't own a car here, so I have never been pulled over under the suspicion of running a black taxi service. I would be interested in the questions they ask. Obviously, if this car pool idea gets up and running, the drivers might like to know the questions they will be asked, if pulled over, as well. So please post them.

I mentioned car pooling for the airport as well. LIK suggested that's going a bit too far. I thought this idea may be stepping a bit too close to the boundary as well. I really don't see why a visa run car pool is acceptable, but an airport car pool is unacceptable. Unless, we are talking about the influential people behind the airport taxis. That said, don't you think there are influential people behind the lucrative visa run industry on Phuket as well????

As for "scare mongering" If you see no problem in "car pooling" on Phuket - why don't we start one up for the coast road, between the beaches. See how long that would last. Why is this so different from the airport and beaches, and that's a genuine question I am asking.

As a side issue, if it were allowed to operate, how long would you give it before someone decides to start making a few baht out of it, by basically becoming a a visa run business, under the disguise of "car pooling."

This article shows how the Thai's on Phuket deal with ANYTHING that takes away business from them, especially in regards to transport.

http://www.phuketgazette.net/phuket_news/2013/Taxi-driver-mob-tears-down-Russian-tour-agency-sign-forces-closure-20069.html

So now the quantifiers come out 'if it were to be come popular' 'people will make a business out of it' and attempts to get your right 'start one between the beach towns'.

We're not talking about both things here, just a normal sharing of information 'I'm going to Penang next week, anybody wants to join? Will cost you 1,500 Baht gas'.

[NomadJoe]

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1402002616711342/

What's the name of the Facebook page?

Phuket Visa Run Ride Share Network

[NamKangMan]

@ stevenl

Yes, it is already happening, usually by word of mouth, although I have seen the odd post on TV asking if anyone is doing a visa run and would like someone to contribute to their costs.

This is taking it a step further. We are talking about organising, in full public view, transportation, at a reduced cost, for visa runners out of Phuket.

If it were to become very popular, and I see no reason why it wouldn't, all I'm saying is it may raise some unwanted attention from visa run businesses, who may then complain to police.

I don't own a car here, so I have never been pulled over under the suspicion of running a black taxi service. I would be interested in the questions they ask. Obviously, if this car pool idea gets up and running, the drivers might like to know the questions they will be asked, if pulled over, as well. So please post them.

I mentioned car pooling for the airport as well. LIK suggested that's going a bit too far. I thought this idea may be stepping a bit too close to the boundary as well. I really don't see why a visa run car pool is acceptable, but an airport car pool is unacceptable. Unless, we are talking about the influential people behind the airport taxis. That said, don't you think there are influential people behind the lucrative visa run industry on Phuket as well????

As for "scare mongering" If you see no problem in "car pooling" on Phuket - why don't we start one up for the coast road, between the beaches. See how long that would last. Why is this so different from the airport and beaches, and that's a genuine question I am asking.

As a side issue, if it were allowed to operate, how long would you give it before someone decides to start making a few baht out of it, by basically becoming a a visa run business, under the disguise of "car pooling."

This article shows how the Thai's on Phuket deal with ANYTHING that takes away business from them, especially in regards to transport.

http://www.phuketgazette.net/phuket_news/2013/Taxi-driver-mob-tears-down-Russian-tour-agency-sign-forces-closure-20069.html

So now the quantifiers come out 'if it were to be come popular' 'people will make a business out of it' and attempts to get your right 'start one between the beach towns'.

We're not talking about both things here, just a normal sharing of information 'I'm going to Penang next week, anybody wants to join? Will cost you 1,500 Baht gas'.

Do you have any idea how many visa runners live on Phuket????

If this goes viral, over the island, and is well patronized, don't you think some Thai's, somewhere in the transport cartel food chain, are going to be losing money?

Do you think they will just accept that?

Why don't we also have a "normal sharing of information" between the beaches, and also to the airport. "I'm going from Patong to Kata for a night out and will return to Patong late evening Will cost you 300 baht."

[NamKangMan]

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1402002616711342/

What's the name of the Facebook page?

Phuket Visa Run Ride Share Network

I'll check it out. It's a good idea, but like most things transport related here, in my opinion, if it takes off, it may draw some unwanted attention.

Edited December 20, 2013 by NamKangMan

[stevenl]

@ stevenl

Yes, it is already happening, usually by word of mouth, although I have seen the odd post on TV asking if anyone is doing a visa run and would like someone to contribute to their costs.

This is taking it a step further. We are talking about organising, in full public view, transportation, at a reduced cost, for visa runners out of Phuket.

If it were to become very popular, and I see no reason why it wouldn't, all I'm saying is it may raise some unwanted attention from visa run businesses, who may then complain to police.

I don't own a car here, so I have never been pulled over under the suspicion of running a black taxi service. I would be interested in the questions they ask. Obviously, if this car pool idea gets up and running, the drivers might like to know the questions they will be asked, if pulled over, as well. So please post them.

I mentioned car pooling for the airport as well. LIK suggested that's going a bit too far. I thought this idea may be stepping a bit too close to the boundary as well. I really don't see why a visa run car pool is acceptable, but an airport car pool is unacceptable. Unless, we are talking about the influential people behind the airport taxis. That said, don't you think there are influential people behind the lucrative visa run industry on Phuket as well????

As for "scare mongering" If you see no problem in "car pooling" on Phuket - why don't we start one up for the coast road, between the beaches. See how long that would last. Why is this so different from the airport and beaches, and that's a genuine question I am asking.

As a side issue, if it were allowed to operate, how long would you give it before someone decides to start making a few baht out of it, by basically becoming a a visa run business, under the disguise of "car pooling."

This article shows how the Thai's on Phuket deal with ANYTHING that takes away business from them, especially in regards to transport.

http://www.phuketgazette.net/phuket_news/2013/Taxi-driver-mob-tears-down-Russian-tour-agency-sign-forces-closure-20069.html

So now the quantifiers come out 'if it were to be come popular' 'people will make a business out of it' and attempts to get your right 'start one between the beach towns'.

We're not talking about both things here, just a normal sharing of information 'I'm going to Penang next week, anybody wants to join? Will cost you 1,500 Baht gas'.

<snip>

If this goes viral, over the island, and is well patronized, don't you think some Thai's, somewhere in the transport cartel food chain, are going to be losing money?

<snip>

And if that happens it could become a problem. Until that time it is no problem at all.

And since you're really doing whatever you can to take a simple and basic, very easy to organise idea, completely over the top I'm not reacting to you anymore here.

[Guest]

That's a good initiative.

@NKM: If everybody would act like you, being afraid of challenging the status quo, there would not be progress of any kind. You might think your statements are wisdom and wish to say later on "I told you so".

Previously you have asked if there has been any good progress in this island. This is one of those. Support it instead of trying to push it down.