Update: Mae Sai border run + changes to Burma entry + Tachileik casino story

[lordblackader]

Did a border run Saturday 11 April. Unlike previous times, I decided to break it up, spend some time both in Tachileik and Mae Sai, come back the following day.

Minor hiccup when trying to leave, easily overcome: my double entry TR visa gave me 3 months from applications for both entries, not entry. I naturally got my extension after 60 days, but I was only 11 days into it when I turned up at the border to make sure I could sort my second entry (3 days short.)

Border guard goes: no, you come back 15 days. My response was, no, I have to do my second entry. Wave through the little slot (they've changed the counters from last year, it's now front right-hand side, and unless you duck you can't see who you're speaking to) and she eventually finds my visa, she nods at me (all while I'm half crouching) and then it's all ok.

Through to the Burma side. Decided that I wanted to check out the casino. Last time I'd wanted to enter Burma, you had to pose for a photo, and hand over your passport in exchange for some sort of entry card; they've done away with that. As long as you return to the border same day, they actually give you back you passport to keep with you while in the country, and there's no photo/ entry card any more.

Through to Burma, lots of touts, I just say "Regina Casino," someone yells out 300 baht, I laughed, keep walking, next guy says 200 baht, I say no, eventually I someone says "100 baht" and that's the magic figure I'd take in Chiang Mai, even if I know it's slightly over priced.

Tuk Tuk turns out to be a motorcycle with a sort of metal trailer attached to it...ok then. If you've never explored Tachileik, you've not missed much, it literally makes Thailand seem 1st world. The place is a shit hole complete with druggies passed out on the road, and the worst roads I've ever seen. Sort of mini Africa in SEA.

2-3kms later, casino, I'm the only white person in the place, quite possibly one of few they've ever seen. Lots of pokies (slot machines for Americans, although they were actually Australian made pokies, one said to me "you beauty" when I won 400 baht on it) 2 electronic roulette tables and 6 something or other Chinese table games.

Back at the border, went to get stamped out, passport looked at, they said ok, and through I went: turns out they stamp you in and out of Burma now (with the fee of course) and let you keep your passport, and go through and spend a day, or a few hours, whatever you want, as long as you return by border close at 8:30pm.

[masuk]

I think they keep the passport if you're only doing 'shopping' in the bridge vicinity. If you're headed further afield, then you'd need your passport.

[lordblackader]

I think they keep the passport if you're only doing 'shopping' in the bridge vicinity. If you're headed further afield, then you'd need your passport.

Use to be the case, I didn't them I was going to the casino, just that I wanted to go shopping. They've abolished the need to keep your passport and get the whole day pass thing complete with photo entirely, even had the exit stamp in the passport at the entry point when I told them I wanted to go shopping...and yes, I did double check with them because I expected the card/ photo/ keep my passport arrangement.

At a rough guess they're either trying to save money on processing or more likely given there are so few farang crossing the border now since the visa run crackdown that they want to make it as easy and simple for you.

On this trip I actually saw a handful white people, August last year when I last did it: I was the only white person in the entire town, least that I saw...2 years ago, Green Bus was full of farangs, and so was the border crossing.

[FlorC]

Kinda miss going to Mae sai & Myanmar every 90 days. But since the retirement extention kicked in , I only need to go to the post . But even 2 years ago , there where not many westerners in Tachileik when I was walking around .

[kjhbigv]

I am amazed at how quiet the whole market is nowadays compared to 4-5 years ago, used to be rammed with Thai's.....the problem is all the stuff in the market becomes a bit "samey" after a while and isn't all that cheap anymore (even after 50% price negotiation reduction).

[chingmai331]

Is spending the night in Burma permitted?

[hsoa]

I am a little confused. Is it the case now that a day trip involves an exit stamp from Mae Sai, Thailand, an entry stamp into Myanmar, an exit stamp from Myanmar and an entry stamp into Thailand?

[hsoa]

These stamps are important for me as my goal is to exit Thailand and activate the second entry of a double entry tourist visa when I come back into Thailand the same day.

Thanks for any confirmation that what OP says is still the case.

[sunnyjim5]

I am a little confused. Is it the case now that a day trip involves an exit stamp from Mae Sai, Thailand, an entry stamp into Myanmar, an exit stamp from Myanmar and an entry stamp into Thailand?

Yes but you will not be allowed to exit Thailand if you do not have a valid visa which allows re-entry to Thailand.

There are, still, I believe some borders where it is possible to obtain a "day pass" into Burma.

[ardokano]

I am a little confused. Is it the case now that a day trip involves an exit stamp from Mae Sai, Thailand, an entry stamp into Myanmar, an exit stamp from Myanmar and an entry stamp into Thailand?

Yes but you will not be allowed to exit Thailand if you do not have a valid visa which allows re-entry to Thailand.

There are, still, I believe some borders where it is possible to obtain a "day pass" into Burma.

where ist it?