Visa Run

[jauntyjohn]

Has anyone done a visa run with "thaivisarun" - they leave from Baan Rai coffee shop in Ekkamai at 9.30am.

Comments?

Thanks,

JJ.

[Eugen]

Looks like another self advertisement , but service is OK.

They leave at 09.30am and return 18.00-18.30.

Food is served on the new bus and there4 turnaround time at border is fast. Volume of movies played is a bit loud.

Other reliable services include Fineday tours , Jack Golf and ThaiVisaService.

[Stube]

My wife goes to the border with this company every month.

[Maestro]

...there4...

If last time it was there6, wasn’t it there7 this time?

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Maestro

[Lang]

Has anyone done a visa run with "thaivisarun" - they leave from Baan Rai coffee shop in Ekkamai at 9.30am.

Comments?

Thanks,

JJ.

Sufficient, good of business people or expats.

[Dumbski]

Sufficient, good of business people or expats.

Very confusing!!!

[Lynnx]

Alcohol drinking is not allowed on this “ThaiVisaRun” bus, it is a quite peaceful trip.

[Ronpang]

6 months ago I went to Baan Laem with this thaivisarun company and it was ok. Someone told me they bought a new bus, not sure if they are still as quick as before.

[dippy]

Has anyone done a visa run with "thaivisarun" - they leave from Baan Rai coffee shop in Ekkamai at 9.30am.

Comments?

Thanks,

JJ.

Where are they located? Do they have a website? I need to plan a run and not sure where or what to do. It will be my first VR.

[Crossy]

Has anyone done a visa run with "thaivisarun" - they leave from Baan Rai coffee shop in Ekkamai at 9.30am.

Comments?

Thanks,

JJ.

Where are they located? Do they have a website? I need to plan a run and not sure where or what to do. It will be my first VR.

Here http://www.thaivisarun.com/

2000 Baht. Make sure you have a passport size photo.

[lopburi3]

You will find about a half dozen scheduled visa run advertisements in the classified sections of English language newspapers.

[visarunner]

here are the four I would consider reliable.

www.finedaytours.com

www.thaivisaservice.com

www.jackgolf.com

www.thaivisarun.com

Check out the details and book in advance.

[quibbler]

I've used their service and recommend it. I didn't really want to do Casinos or anything like that just a quick trip to the border and back.

Left on time, got back early. Comfortable new looking bus, efficient service and quick.

I will say that if you think its going to rain, wear something intelligent on your feet. The water cascades over the floor at the Thai immigration side when it rains at the border point they go to!

HTH,

Quibbler

[thaihome]

Aren't these technically "entry stamp" runs?

Should experienced TV members be perpetuating this misnomer?

TH

[Maestro]

Aren't these technically "entry stamp" runs?

Should experienced TV members be perpetuating this misnomer?

Technically, they are visa-avoidance or visa-exemption runs. (You get an entry stamp – admitted...until... – also when you enter on a visa or re-entry permit)

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Maestro

Edited August 8, 2006 by maestro

[Crossy]

Aren't these technically "entry stamp" runs?

Should experienced TV members be perpetuating this misnomer?

Technically, they are visa-avoidance or visa-exemption runs. (You get an entry stamp – admitted...until... – also when you enter on a visa or re-entry permit)

---------------

Maestro

Maybe 'Border Runs' would be a better standard, descriptive and not readily confused with anything that actually gets you a visa (as opposed to a 30 day visa-exemption stamp).

I propose that we use the following definitions when discussing visa / stamp / extension issues. Additions changes etc etc will be totally ignored by all posters (as will the list anyway):-

Visa Run - A trip to an embassy or consulate outside Thailand in order to obtain a visa.

Border Run - A trip to a border point in order to exit and immediately re-enter Thailand with the object of activating a new entry of a multiple entry visa or of obtaining a new Visa Exemption stamp.

Visa - A stamp or printed sticker inserted into a passport by an embassy or consulate indicating permission to enter Thailand a specific or multiple number of times.

Permission to Stay - The stamp inserted into your passport by an immigration official at the border indicating the period for which you are permitted to remain in Thailand.

Extension of Stay - Stamp inserted by the immigration department extending the Permission to Stay by a specified period.

Visa Exemption - A particular type of Permission to Stay issued when a person from a specific list of visa-exempt countries has no visa, usually valid for 30 days.

[Maestro]

I propose that we use the following definitions...

Splendid idea, if it were not for the Immigration Bureau itself using misleading terms on its own website, to which ThaiVisa members are often referred, for example “Visa Extension” for the link leading to the list of requirements for extension of stay. (Note for Firefox users: many links on this website do not work in Firefox)

---------------

Maestro

[Crossy]

I propose that we use the following definitions...

Splendid idea, if it were not for the Immigration Bureau itself using misleading terms on its own website, to which ThaiVisa members are often referred, for example “Visa Extension” for the link leading to the list of requirements for extension of stay. (Note for Firefox users: many links on this website do not work in Firefox)

---------------

Maestro

Agreed, is really is awfully confusing. But what to do?

Answers on a postcard to............

[Maestro]

Agreed, is really is awfully confusing. But what to do?

Alas, it’s a futile endeavour. Questions on this subject are mostly posted by new members and even if the definitions were posted on the forum, newbies would be unlikely to consult them before posting. This is in addition to some posters’ inability to formulate questions intelligibly.

---------------

Maestro

[thaihome]

Aren't these technically "entry stamp" runs?

Should experienced TV members be perpetuating this misnomer?

Technically, they are visa-avoidance or visa-exemption runs. (You get an entry stamp – admitted...until... – also when you enter on a visa or re-entry permit)

---------------

Maestro

Maybe 'Border Runs' would be a better standard, descriptive and not readily confused with anything that actually gets you a visa (as opposed to a 30 day visa-exemption stamp).

I propose that we use the following definitions when discussing visa / stamp / extension issues. Additions changes etc etc will be totally ignored by all posters (as will the list anyway):-

Visa Run - A trip to an embassy or consulate outside Thailand in order to obtain a visa.

Border Run - A trip to a border point in order to exit and immediately re-enter Thailand with the object of activating a new entry of a multiple entry visa or of obtaining a new Visa Exemption stamp.

Visa - A stamp or printed sticker inserted into a passport by an embassy or consulate indicating permission to enter Thailand a specific or multiple number of times.

Permission to Stay - The stamp inserted into your passport by an immigration official at the border indicating the period for which you are permitted to remain in Thailand.

Extension of Stay - Stamp inserted by the immigration department extending the Permission to Stay by a specified period.

Visa Exemption - A particular type of Permission to Stay issued when a person from a specific list of visa-exempt countries has no visa, usually valid for 30 days.

A splendid list, indeed. Does the re-entry permit need to added?

I only have experience with multiple one, but here goes:

Re-Entry Permit- Stamp inserted by immigration dept allowing passport holder to exit and re-enter Thailand, either multiple or single times, and still maintain the date of the current extension to stay stamp. This contains the number (in the form (99999/99) that must be entered in visa block on the Arrival Card (TM 6) when re-entering Thailand.

TH

//edit TM number - lopburi3//

[gypsyboy]

I am American and want to stay for 2-3 months so will need to do 1 or 2 "Visa Exeption" "border runs". One will be the Trat-Koh Kong route and the second will be south to Malaysia. I have PP photos.

I read the Trat-Koh Kong visa run description which was complicated and went to Phnom Penh. Is that necessary if I only need a stamp and not a Visa, assume not, but want to know what I am getting into before I show up at the border.

There are many companies offering border run services for a few thousand baht. Are these companies necessary? Can I get border runs and visa exemptions done alone?

Also, the offical statement on the Kindom's website states that I must have proof of a confirmed return flight out of Thailand to gain access, it that checked? I have only a one way to Bangkok as I do not know where or when I will be leaving.

Thanks for you help on these matters.

Thanks,

GB

Edited August 9, 2006 by gypsyboy

[Maestro]

I read the Trat-Koh Kong visa run description which was complicated and went to Phnom Penh. Is that necessary if I only need a stamp and not a Visa, assume not, but want to know what I am getting into before I show up at the border.

For a visa-exemption border run, there is no need to go all the way to Phnom Penh. At any border crossing of your choice:

Get Thai exit stamp.

Get Cambodian visa and entry stamp.

Get Cambodian exit stamp.

Get Thai entry stamp.

There are many companies offering border run services for a few thousand baht. Are these companies necessary? Can I get border runs and visa exemptions done alone?

You can do it alone.

Also, the offical statement on the Kindom's website states that I must have proof of a confirmed return flight out of Thailand to gain access, it that checked? I have only a one way to Bangkok as I do not know where or when I will be leaving.

I have seen no reports that Thai Immigration checked. There have been many reports that the airline verified at the check-in for the flight to Thailand and refused boarding if there was no confirmed flight out of Thailand, and a few reports that the airline did not verify this.

---------------

Maestro

[Crossy]

Also, the offical statement on the Kindom's website states that I must have proof of a confirmed return flight out of Thailand to gain access, it that checked? I have only a one way to Bangkok as I do not know where or when I will be leaving.

I have seen no reports that Thai Immigration checked. There have been many reports that the airline verified at the check-in for the flight to Thailand and refused boarding if there was no confirmed flight out of Thailand, and a few reports that the airline did not verify this.

Do check with your airline (and get it in writing) that you will be permitted to board without a visa or an onward ticket.

As an alternative, if you get a single entry tourist visa you will have no problems getting on the flight. Additionally, you will be stamped in for 60 days on arrival, you can get an additional 30 days by visiting immigration and paying 1900Baht. No visa border runs required.

[gypsyboy]

Thank you,

Do either of you know if the airlines that stop passengers are Thai firms? My German carrier said they do not interdict passengers with one way flights because that is the responsibility of the Thai Goverment.

Does a flight out of Kuala Lumpur suffice as an outbound flight even though it does not depart from Thailand per se. Also, are you familiar with any inexpensive flights from Thailand to any other country that I could purchase and then not use, or is that completely unneccesary if my airline has assured me I can get on the plane to Thailand but then I am on my own once I get there?

Thanks again,

GB

Do you enjoy answering these questions for wide-eyed ignorants coming to the LOS? You certainly are great resources?

[Maestro]

Do either of you know if the airlines that stop passengers are Thai firms? My German carrier said they do not interdict passengers with one way flights because that is the responsibility of the Thai Goverment.

Once you have your boarding pass, you’re home free. Unless you are flagged in Thai Immigration’s computer system or you show up dressed like a destitute hippie on his uppers, your risk of being refused admission is, in my estimate, less than one in a million.

I am curious to know, though, why you are so averse to buying a tourist visa for $25. It would certainly be cheaper than a visa run or a cheap ticket for a flight out of Thailand.

Does a flight out of Kuala Lumpur suffice as an outbound flight even though it does not depart from Thailand per se. Also, are you familiar with any inexpensive flights from Thailand to any other country that I could purchase and then not use, or is that completely unneccesary if my airline has assured me I can get on the plane to Thailand but then I am on my own once I get there?

A flight out of Malaysia would not count as an onward flight out of Thailand.

There are six or more low-budget carriers offering flights from Thailand to neighbouring countries. Google, and ye shall find! Air Asia and Nok Air are two names that spring to my mind.

For the rest, it’s up to you and your German airline.

---------------

Maestro

Edited August 9, 2006 by maestro

[gypsyboy]

I am certainly not opposed to the tourist visa but I am currently living in soutern Germany and the closest Thai Embassy is quite far. Also, I was told correctly that I did not need a visa but was not aware of the return flight stipulation. So... having not done my homework on time, I now have only a week before departure and little opportunity to get to a Thai Embassy to get the paperwork done. Also, as you can tell, I am working on a quite a few assumptions like I have to go to the embassy or at least have the time necessary to wait for correspondence through the mail. If this is not the case and getting a tourist visa is simple and quick I would certainly entertain the idea as that method sounds preferable.

The short answer is I made assumptions that I should not have. Now I will wear decent clothes, not get high before taking off, and smile at the immigrations officers upon arrival.

Thanks for the info, now I gotta take my lumps if they want to hand them out.

GB

[Crossy]

I am certainly not opposed to the tourist visa but I am currently living in soutern Germany and the closest Thai Embassy is quite far. Also, I was told correctly that I did not need a visa but was not aware of the return flight stipulation.

If you're coming from Europe I'd get an air asia flight (book online) to Penang (or somewhere else maybe cheaper), just find the cheapest flight from anywhere in Thailand to anywhere that's not

The three cities (London, Brussels and Rome) I've flown from in Europe have ALWAYS asked to see my visa (I am invariably on the return half of a ticket), the ones I've asked have stated that I would not be allowed to board without a visa or onward travel.

If you do have a letter from your airline stating you may board, no problem of course

[lopburi3]

You could also use the Consulate in Frankfurt to obtain a visa. If that is too late now I would show up early at airport so you have time to buy a refundable ticket, or take to the next level.

[Axel]

... but I am currently living in soutern Germany and the closest Thai Embassy is quite far. ....

GB

South Germany is large, but here some choices o RT Consulates in the area:

Royal Thai Honorary Consulate, Stuttgart

Pforzheimerstr. 381, 7

0499 Stuttgart-Weilimdorf, (in the building of LB=BW-bank at Loewenmarkt)

open: Mon-Wed-Fri von 12:00-14:00 Uhr

Tel.: 0711 226 48 44, Fax: 0711 226 48 56

Königlich Thailändisches Generalkonsulat, Basel

Aeschenvorstadt 71, Postfach, CH-4010 Basel, Tel. 061 206 45 65, Fax: 061 206 45 46,

Internet: http://www.thaikonsulat.ch/, Email: [email protected]

Königlich Thailändisches Generalkonsulat, Zürich

Löwenstrasse 3, CH-8001Zürich, Postfach, 8021 Zürich Telefon 043 344 70 00 - Telefax 043 344 70 01

Internet: http://www.thai-consulate.ch/

Edited August 10, 2006 by Axel

[gypsyboy]

Wow,

Ask and you shall receive.

Thanks for all the advice. I looked at flights and found a cheepy from Bangkok to Phnom Penh. Who knows maybe I will even use it and see some of Cambodia.

I will get back on here and update this topic with my experience. Gonna try and get on without showing the ongoing flight, see what happens.

Anyway, thanks again all for your (plural) speedy help. Could have been a nasty little surprise waiting for me at the airport. "Uh what do you mean I can't get on... ?"

GB