Chang Kong Visa Run

[suzybeaute]

Hi,

I understand that the border at Mae Sai is closed. I'm considering doing a visa run tomorrow to Chang Kong. Has anyone done this visa run recently? Any problems at the border? What are the working hours at the border? I'll probably drive..any suggestions as to a good route to take?

Thanks a lot,

Suzy

[brahmburgers]

Hi,

I understand that the border at Mae Sai is closed. I'm considering doing a visa run tomorrow to Chang Kong. Has anyone done this visa run recently? Any problems at the border? What are the working hours at the border? I'll probably drive..any suggestions as to a good route to take?

Thanks a lot,

Suzy

I spoke by phone with a buddy who did the Chiang Kong 'run' yesterday (Friday 9-23) and said it was do-able but that there were a few wrinkles. He said there was a table in front of the immigration office on the Thai side that looked like it was manned by officials - but he thinks they may have been private scammers who were just trying to get 80 to 200 baht per person before the farang got to the proper office. Advice: Before paying monies to different people, try talking to people returning - those who have just done the 'run'. They may have pearls of wisdom to impart - about who seems to be scamming, and who is for real. Don't expect much worthwhile assistance from officials. They're probably among the ones we hear about every day who are 'assigned to inactive posts.' If anyone hears about Mae Sai opening up, please let me/us know. thanks.

Edited September 23, 2006 by brahmburgers

[naamjai]

i have been (on the 22.09.06) for my visa run to chiang khong, because the border in mai sai is still closed! about the opening hour, please call immigration office chiang khong : http://www.thaivisa.com/immigration_phone.0.html

on the thai border you need: (1) fotocophy of your passport, your last 4 pages of your passport (mabey they start counting the days already????), kopie of your departure card. per photocophy 2 bath. if you return to thailand at the same day, you will have to pay 200 baht at the thai border(pocketmoney???)!!! 500 baht per day for overstay. after that, boat trip to laos, 20 bath. laos visa (0-30 days) 1500 baht or 30 us$ plus 1 picture. (on the thaiside, 4 picture 80 bath). return to thailand with the boat, 20 bath. entre thailand, for free , get a stamp for 30 days .....

have fun and enjoy the trip to laos