Mae Sai Closed (till Oct 1st?)

[mallmagician]

Hi all,

In view of the fact that Mae Sai border is closed, what is the nearest or easiest visa run I can still do?

Thanks

Phil

[jdinasia]

hop on a plane and fly anywhere you can find that is cheap .....

[mallmagician]

Hmmm, maybe. Was thinking of Nong Khai, but am unsure if there border is open still? Anyone know?

Thanks

Phil

[tigerbeer]

why not fly to KL from CNX?

[mallmagician]

what are the visa requirements for KL?

Cheers

Phil

[meadish_sweetball]

You dont mention your nationality, but you probably wont need a visa for KL (check https://www.travelmasti.com/international/m...aysia-visa.html to make sure).

Most Western country nationals can enter visa free - 90 days for EU countries.

You will need to be able to show a return flight ticket or proof of "sufficient funds" at checkin though, otherwise the checkin staff have the right to refuse you to fly (it is the airlines responsibility if they put you on the plane and you become a problem to the destination country).

To apply for a tourist visa at the Thai embassy in KL, you will need a passport valid for the period of the visa as well as the fee money required (cant remember the exact amount but I *think* the equivalent of 1900 baht per entry, i.e. 3800 baht for a double entry visa and 1900 for a single entry visa), and two passport pictures.

KL supposedly still issues double entry tourist visas. Unless you are eligible for a Non Immigrant O visa (marriage to Thai national) or Non Immigrant B (employment here in Thailand at a bona fide company, and the paperwork to prove this), the double entry tourist visa would be the best way to go, as you will only need to leave Thailand once for a period of 5 months with such a visa.

Might be a good idea to get one, as that means 150 days' total stay. Enter Thailand and get 60 days - cross a border on day 59, get another 60 days upon entry + renew at Immigration for another 30 days.

[mallmagician]

Thanks Meadish, looks like a good solution all round.

Is it cheap accomodation over there?

Is it easy to get around and do the neccesary paperwork for the double entry? What docs do I need?

Many Thanks for the help

Regards

Phil

[meadish_sweetball]

I haven't been to KL personally, but I hear good reports from my friends.

Based on what I have seen of Malaysia I dont think you will find it difficult to get around (basic English works and the price level is just a tad more expensive than Thailand, but not much) or do the necessary paperwork.

For a double entry tourist visa, just go to the embassy to fill out the standard tourist visa application form and specify the type of visa, enclose two pictures and pay the required fee at the counter. I assume you will have to pay in ringgit and that other currencies will not be acceptable. The processing shouldn't take more than two days, at some embassies and consulates one day is enough.

Somebody else will probably know about accommodation in Kuala Lumpur?

I think I will move this to the Visa section to attract more responses.

[suzybeaute]

Hey,

Mae Sai's open now. My Thai friend phoned them. Open from 8am - 12pm tomorrow & closed Sunday.

Suzy

[mallmagician]

Hey Suzy!

Unfortunately, I have to be around the house tomorrow. So am looking into other options.

Do you know if Mae Sai is open in the week too?

Cheers

Phil

PS - See you in The Local later, should be there about 7/7.30

[mallmagician]

Thanks for the response Meadish. I can't wait till all these Visa rules are sorted, and we all know where we stand for a while!

Cheers Again

Regards

Phil

[naamjai]

Hey,

Mae Sai's open now. My Thai friend phoned them. Open from 8am - 12pm tomorrow & closed Sunday.

Suzy

hey suzy, do you believe it? we will see tomorrow! an alternative for a visa run is chiang khon, have been there today ... look at: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=84222

[rob69]

Sorry to ask, though i preume that the Mai Sai border is up and running as normal now.

Also previously to 01 Oct 06, i have had two tourist visas (30 days), will this mean that when i go tommorow that this will be last 30 days in LOS, or can i still do another 2 visa trips (i.e 2 x 30 days).

Thanks for the advice

Rob

[lopburi3]

You should be able to stay 90 days from October 1 on entry without visa stays.

[rob69]

You should be able to stay 90 days from October 1 on entry without visa stays.

Lopburi3,

Ta for clearing that up for me. I look forward to returning to Thailand tommorow, after a brief visit to Myanmar!!