Thai visa run crackdown: Latest update from Thai/Cambo border

[Jip99]

Most legitimate tourists have a proper visa and have a plan and a dated return ticket, visa runs are not included in their plans, to get an extra 15 or 30 days.

Most genuine tourists are here on visa exempt entries and stay less than 3o days,

Backpackers with flexible plans will be adversely affected if they decide to stay longer. Maybe an extension at an immigration office is the way to go.

[theguyfromanotherforum]

I wonder if Thai elite holders are allowed to cross Cambodian border?

[Tony125]

I bet there are long qeueu's now at the Thai embassy's/consulates abroad.

The poor employee's will have to answer all questions/complaints from travellers who just bought tickets to apply for the visa. We have to buy the ticket first and can only apply AFTER that. So they have a ticket now and can't travel from Thailand to Cambodia and see some of the rest of SE Asia.

I guess they will fly straight to Vietnam now and not visit Thailand at all.

I think it doesn't affect the normal traveller who come here for holiday

Sure it does. Especially at Phu Nam Ron & Kanchanaburi. But hey, it's no problem until its your problem, right?

The latest news article is talking about in/out border hops. Which tourist does that?

How about tourists from a G-7 country that arrive on 30 ay visa exempt and decide after 2--3 weeks would like to cross over to Cambodia for a few days to see Angor Wat or visit Viet-nam but now cannot return with a visa exempt at border. Seems they would have to pay for a 60 day tourist visa with re-entry permit and have 20--40 thousand baht to show if requested. Most would not bother with the hassel.

[eldragon]

The whole visa question is a total shambles. The system is not only too complicated but also a total lack of education on the visa rules to all immigration officers is largely to blame. It can't be that difficult to get all the heads of all checkpoints together and give them precise instructions on how the rules are to be applied. The same goes for all their overseas embassies and consulates who almost without exception apply their own version and 99% of them all differ.

Clearly you've never worked for a government agency. The higher-ups spend painstaking amounts of time deciding on policies, the middle management hold extended meetings with the line staff to catch em up on what's new, then everyone goes back to their desk and does things the way they've been doing it for years, until someone comes along and corrects them. That last part probably never happens in TH though.

[metisdead]

An inflammatory post has been removed.

[Tomtomtom69]

I bet there are long qeueu's now at the Thai embassy's/consulates abroad.

The poor employee's will have to answer all questions/complaints from travellers who just bought tickets to apply for the visa. We have to buy the ticket first and can only apply AFTER that. So they have a ticket now and can't travel from Thailand to Cambodia and see some of the rest of SE Asia.

I guess they will fly straight to Vietnam now and not visit Thailand at all.

I think it doesn't affect the normal traveller who come here for holiday

Sure it does. Especially at Phu Nam Ron & Kanchanaburi. But hey, it's no problem until its your problem, right?

While I'm concerned about all of this, how about if you have a valid MYANMAR visa in your passport and want to cross there? Surely that will still be possible? After all, Thailand has no authority or jurisdiction to decide who can enter Myanmar or not. That's for the Myanmar authorities to decide and they decided to open that border to foreigners on August 28, 2013 at 8am. However, if you're intending on coming back that way without a THAI visa, that might just be a problem.

Phu Nam Ron has always been the least busy of the 4 Thai-Myanmar international crossings. No idea why they're cracking down there. If they want to be more effective, they should really consider Mae Sai/Tachilek as that has traditionally always been the busiest Thai-Myanmar crossing.

[Tomtomtom69]

Most legitimate tourists have a proper visa and have a plan and a dated return ticket, visa runs are not included in their plans, to get an extra 15 or 30 days.

I have an Irish passport so do not need a visa for a 30 day stay - and never stay longer than 30 days (including side trips abroad) as I have a job away from LOS. And as I live in Cyprus (no embassy or consulate) a visa would be impossible anyway. During my visits, I have in the past gone for short side trips to Laos and Cambodia but it now appears that this will no longer be possible.

I believe those trips will be possible.

I think your case is strengthened if you can show a reservation for your destination in Cambodia/Laos and also a return flight confirmation for you exit from Thailand.

Consider the logic (dangerous I know!) - you enter Thailand on 30 days visa exempt, you have your return flight booked and paid for 28 days hence. You decide to visit Angkor Wat for 3 days and book a hotel in Siem Reap. Although you will be given 30 days when crossing back into Thailand you don't actually need to extend your stay because you have your booked flight. Hardly terrorist material are you?

I would like to think that even the half-wits at the border could see that......

Laocowboy, although it would become an unnecessary hassle but there is an extremely easy way around your predicament.

So you live in Cyprus where there's no Thai embassy or consulate. But at the same time there are no flights from Cyprus to Thailand either.

So here's a thought: Pick up a Thai visa at an embassy or consulate along the way.

I believe there's one in Istanbul, the nearest city to Cyprus that also happens to have direct flights to Thailand (on Turkish Airlines). Or get one in your native Ireland. Or fly directly to Cambodia, Laos or Vietnam, pick up a Thai visa there, THEN enter Thailand.

There you go. Problem solved.

[Time Traveller]

I wonder if Thai elite holders are allowed to cross Cambodian border?

They are still crossing the Cambodian border without a problem. Mostly they cross at 20,000 feet.

[Neurath]

How amusing. The pop-up advert showing on this page right now as I write is "End Illegal Immigration Now (Sign the Petition) - tell your governor to enforce our nation's immigration law" from a group called Judicial Watch. I wonder how many complaining about the crackdown would sign? You know, to keep illegal immigrants out of the US. How very droll.

[No Apologist]

All these nonsense comments when everyone knows that it is the repeated in/out "tourists" they want to crack down on.

See, there you go. Use a sweeping term to describe thousands and thousands of people all with differing situations, and declare the answer simple; that's the problem with comments on TVF. As long as it doesn't affect the person commenting, that person is way too likely to be shooting off their mouth from their own, individual perspective.

Thai Immigration needs firm rules, that can be looked up consistently over time, and where individuals have some sense they will be followed by immigration agents upon reaching them. And comments like yours - although hardly the worst, either - add zero value to anyone's knowledge or planning.

[Scott]

A post with a racial slur has been removed.

[Soutpeel]

I wonder if Thai elite holders are allowed to cross Cambodian border?

Why not they have a visa and believe the chief of the border post comes out personally to stamp their passport and they are driven to the "other side" on a golf cart and given gift packs of various Thai products

[bamukloy]

Theres got to be some exceptions here.

what about foriegners doing the Arayaphathet casino trips?

Surely they are giving the in & out one day passes for people going to the casinos?

[Tomtomtom69]

I wonder if Thai elite holders are allowed to cross Cambodian border?

Why not they have a visa and believe the chief of the border post comes out personally to stamp their passport and they are driven to the "other side" on a golf cart and given gift packs of various Thai products

Not sure they could be driven to the "other side". Thai vehicles can't enter Cambodia at certain checkpoints, one of which is Poipet. So they'd probably be forced to walk through all the filth and garbage. Even as an elite visa holder.

[Tomtomtom69]

Theres got to be some exceptions here.

what about foriegners doing the Arayaphathet casino trips?

Surely they are giving the in & out one day passes for people going to the casinos?

Not sure about Aranyaprathet, although I can imagine there would be some provision for these types of people there, but at Myawady (opposite Mae Sot) foreigners regularly go to gamble at the unofficial casino there unofficially. That is, they get on a raft (with obvious knowledge of the Thai authorities) along with other illegal Thai gamblers, go to the casino and then head straight back to the Thai side the same way they came. No trace or record of them having left Thailand.

Of course, the numbers of foreigners (non-Thai) going to gamble at any border casinos is relatively miniscule. I only ever spot 1-2 visa runners or the occasional tourist waiting for a bus gambling in there. 99% of the punters (at least at the Cambodian border casinos) are Thais and usually from the border province next to the Cambodian border they are gambling at.

[Soutpeel]

I wonder if Thai elite holders are allowed to cross Cambodian border?

Why not they have a visa and believe the chief of the border post comes out personally to stamp their passport and they are driven to the "other side" on a golf cart and given gift packs of various Thai products

Not sure they could be driven to the "other side". Thai vehicles can't enter Cambodia at certain checkpoints, one of which is Poipet. So they'd probably be forced to walk through all the filth and garbage. Even as an elite visa holder.

....i will put a smiley next time promise

[RHerberth]

Can i make a border run to cambodia with a tourist visa or get i refused entry ?

[Waldkater41]

It will cost Thailand a lot of money. That for sure.

Don't worry. Thailand is a rich country. They don't need foreigners.

Let see, what happens.

Hahaha, where are you living? At Dreamworld? Without foreigners and all their technology......where you will be?

Back on your fathers ricefield!

[Briggsy]

Nothing to see here.

Anybody can jump on a plane to Malaysia and come straight back again.

[digibum]

I love how many TV members are so concerned about Thailand's economic health. Every time the government cracks down on something they come out of the woodwork to issue their dire warnings about what will happen if Thailand doesn't rethink their crackdown. LOL

I would love to see some statistics on this.

What % of tourists have a legitimate reason for staying over 30 days in Thailand?

Of the above, what % arrive 30 days exempt vs. how many think ahead and obtain a tourist visa?

Additionally, what % of tourists come to Thailand, do a quickie day or two trip over the boarder somewhere and then return to Thailand and require more than 15 days (also, without having onward travel documentation)?

Especially over the last few years, more and more of Thailand's tourism has been driven by Indians and Chinese on package tours. They will not be impacted in any way.

Most tourists on longer-term stays traveling around the region don't do day trips back and forth. They might come to Thailand, travel around, head to Laos, go from Laos to Cambodia, from Cambodia head to Vietnam, etc, etc.

So, really, what % of tourists is this actually impacting? I'm guessing it's less than 5%. And most of that 5% would be covered by simply obtaining a proper tourist visa anyway.

So, who is really being caught up in this? Oh yeah, expats living in Thailand without a proper visa. Got it.

[Kitsune]

I knew the bombing was just an excuse.

These are NEW rules being implemented.

It is a crackdown on exempt and tourist visas (people asked for itinerary)

And no, this is not "business as usual in Lao", people are questioned also over their tourist visa, red stamps are given and visas are counted and notes written on passports..

[Tomtomtom69]

I knew the bombing was just an excuse.

These are NEW rules being implemented.

It is a crackdown on exempt and tourist visas (people asked for itinerary)

And no, this is not "business as usual in Lao", people are questioned also over their tourist visa, red stamps are given and visas are counted and notes written on passports..

Yes, these are probably just new rules that are not necessarily (and should not) be related to the bombing.

Also, the issues you are talking about with tourist visas have been going on for years. Nothing new about red stamps being given or visas counted, notes being written next to the visas.

Nothing new at all.

[Tomtomtom69]

I love how many TV members are so concerned about Thailand's economic health. Every time the government cracks down on something they come out of the woodwork to issue their dire warnings about what will happen if Thailand doesn't rethink their crackdown. LOL

I would love to see some statistics on this.

What % of tourists have a legitimate reason for staying over 30 days in Thailand?

Of the above, what % arrive 30 days exempt vs. how many think ahead and obtain a tourist visa?

Additionally, what % of tourists come to Thailand, do a quickie day or two trip over the boarder somewhere and then return to Thailand and require more than 15 days (also, without having onward travel documentation)?

Especially over the last few years, more and more of Thailand's tourism has been driven by Indians and Chinese on package tours. They will not be impacted in any way.

Most tourists on longer-term stays traveling around the region don't do day trips back and forth. They might come to Thailand, travel around, head to Laos, go from Laos to Cambodia, from Cambodia head to Vietnam, etc, etc.

So, really, what % of tourists is this actually impacting? I'm guessing it's less than 5%. And most of that 5% would be covered by simply obtaining a proper tourist visa anyway.

So, who is really being caught up in this? Oh yeah, expats living in Thailand without a proper visa. Got it.

You're basically right, it won't affect many, except those poor first time backpackers who thought they could enter visa-free or even with a legitimate tourist visa at say Phu Nam Ron, which apparently is REFUSING to accept even visa holders! Or those legitimate expats or travellers going around the region, including Indians and Chinese, who must already be in possession of a visa as not all ports of entry issue visas on arrival and yet they could also be refused if they happen to go through the wrong border or happen to get a grumpy official!

It's all quite possible in Thailand and has been happening. It shouldn't be, but you can't dispute the fact that it has.

If someone with a legitimate visa is affected by this crackdown, you can guarantee word will spread and people (at least a small number) will stop coming. First impressions count the most. And for many first time backpackers/other types of tourists, having a tough time entering Thailand will likely mean they will permanently cross Thailand off their destination list.

[GanDoonToonPet]

The whole corruption problem at the borders could 99% be solved, in one foul swoop, by implementing a 'western' style computerised database. I returned to the UK 6 months ago & applied for a new passport which I obtained in under 2 hours; efficiency. I'll describe my passport's journey from then till now:

1. Exited the UK - NO STAMP (computers you see)

2. Arrived in Thailand, given an entry stamp

3. Went to CW like a good little passport should to get the stamps transferred

4. Stamps transferred: Original entry, 'explanatory note',TR to B visa, extension of stay, re-entry permit

5. Trip to Vientiane: Laos entry visa, Thai tourist visa plus associated stamps

6. Start new job

7. TR to B visa stamp (I pay)

8. Extension of stay stamp (I pay)

9. Associated headaches with above, taxi fares etc

So within the space of 6 months I've lost almost 10 pages of my new passport...and they wonder why teachers work illegally???

Anyway back to it. Much like you can't buy alcohol between 2pm & 5pm from Tesco, 711 etc, the 'mom & pop' shops at the borders would fall under heavy scrutiny & it would be almost impossible to enter without going through the system. OK a bad example but you get my point.

A couple of anecdotes. My mate has been running around today trying to organise a visa run because the new 'visa guy' at his school miscalculated the number of days he needed left on his TR visa to convert to a B. In true Thai style he was only informed of the 'mistake' today even though plans had been in place for weeks for him to go to CW tomorrow...

A Filipina lady at my school is planning on going back home at the end of the semester. Her WP ran out today so she thought she'd do a quick in / out at the Cambodian border, to get 15 days to see her through the next 2 weeks. Now she has to go on a visa run to Vientiane to get a TR visa, losing 3 days pay in the process to boot. It's still worth it for her as, if she left now, she'd lose a month's pay & her bonus.

There are genuine casualties in this mess...

[hawker9000]

Well, everywhere in the world a visa does not necessarily give the right to enter a county but eventually the decision lies in the discretion of the border police. In the US for example an immigration officer's word in final. The same goes for visa applications.

In case of the Schengen States law offers ways to object decisions by the officers but even in case a visa has been granted entry can still be refused by the border police.

In Thailand's case there is the way to file a petition if entry into the Kingdom has been refused at the border. Law says that the Interior Minister himself must make a decision whether entry is eventually permitted or refused within 7 days.

Obviously, at some border checkpoints inproper activities came to light and hence those are on special observation now. Those in the fire act understandably extremly cautious now while at other checkpoints the usual procedure appears to continue in accordance to the law. As per the law immigration officiers have a certain liberty to decide themselves from case to case because every case is different. Hence, anyone who plans to enter or re-enter the country should be well prepared to document clearly the reason for entering. If there are any doubts entry may not be permitted at the discretion of the immigration officer in charge.

"Well, everywhere in the world a visa does not necessarily give the right to enter a county but eventually the decision lies in the discretion of the border police. In the US for example an immigration officer's word in final. The same goes for visa applications."

If somebody would repeat this just another three times, I reckon that would make an even million... And every one a fresh pearl of newfound, unheard, just uncovered wisdom previously known to just an elite few. And having absolutely nothing to do with Thailand.

"In Thailand's case there is the way to file a petition if entry into the Kingdom has been refused at the border. Law says that the Interior Minister himself must make a decision whether entry is eventually permitted or refused within 7 days. "

Another tirelessly repeated fun fact. But no one citing it ever seems to be able to describe just exactly how one exercises this appeal, on the spot, after having been peremptorily denied entry at the airport and hustled off to arrange for a return flight.

"Hence, anyone who plans to enter or re-enter the country should be well prepared to document clearly the reason for entering"

OK. Fair enough. So let's have an official, published, authoritative, predictable requirement for exactly what one must have and an assurance that the IO WILL deign to view it before shuffling you off to Buffalo.

You did manage to leave off that one other golden-oldie, the tune that goes "The laws don't change; but policy can: Hey, nonny-nonny.". Thank-you. 'Saves me the trouble of pointing out that some IOs are simply a law unto themselves. (Yeah, I know - Go Back To Step 1...)

[Toknarok]

There is an unofficial border crossing point near Ban Kruat in Southern Buriram. They have been promising for years to make it official, but TIT so nothing gets done.

For the past couple of years there has been a market on the Cambodian side which locals could visit to purchase cheap fags and booze and such. There is also a casino under construction.

Now foreigners are no longer allowed to visit this market although local Thais still can.

[Richard Hall]

Well, everywhere in the world a visa does not necessarily give the right to enter a county but eventually the decision lies in the discretion of the border police. In the US for example an immigration officer's word in final. The same goes for visa applications.

In case of the Schengen States law offers ways to object decisions by the officers but even in case a visa has been granted entry can still be refused by the border police.

In Thailand's case there is the way to file a petition if entry into the Kingdom has been refused at the border. Law says that the Interior Minister himself must make a decision whether entry is eventually permitted or refused within 7 days.

Obviously, at some border checkpoints inproper activities came to light and hence those are on special observation now. Those in the fire act understandably extremly cautious now while at other checkpoints the usual procedure appears to continue in accordance to the law. As per the law immigration officiers have a certain liberty to decide themselves from case to case because every case is different. Hence, anyone who plans to enter or re-enter the country should be well prepared to document clearly the reason for entering. If there are any doubts entry may not be permitted at the discretion of the immigration officer in charge.

"Well, everywhere in the world a visa does not necessarily give the right to enter a county but eventually the decision lies in the discretion of the border police. In the US for example an immigration officer's word in final. The same goes for visa applications."

If somebody would repeat this just another three times, I reckon that would make an even million... And every one a fresh pearl of newfound, unheard, just uncovered wisdom previously known to just an elite few. And having absolutely nothing to do with Thailand.

"In Thailand's case there is the way to file a petition if entry into the Kingdom has been refused at the border. Law says that the Interior Minister himself must make a decision whether entry is eventually permitted or refused within 7 days. "

Another tirelessly repeated fun fact. But no one citing it ever seems to be able to describe just exactly how one exercises this appeal, on the spot, after having been peremptorily denied entry at the airport and hustled off to arrange for a return flight.

"Hence, anyone who plans to enter or re-enter the country should be well prepared to document clearly the reason for entering"

OK. Fair enough. So let's have an official, published, authoritative, predictable requirement for exactly what one must have and an assurance that the IO WILL deign to view it before shuffling you off to Buffalo.

You did manage to leave off that one other golden-oldie, the tune that goes "The laws don't change; but policy can: Hey, nonny-nonny.". Thank-you. 'Saves me the trouble of pointing out that some IOs are simply a law unto themselves. (Yeah, I know - Go Back To Step 1...)

Go by the current (Thai) laws rather than trying to abuse them. As simple it is.

[hawker9000]

Well, everywhere in the world a visa does not necessarily give the right to enter a county but eventually the decision lies in the discretion of the border police. In the US for example an immigration officer's word in final. The same goes for visa applications.

In case of the Schengen States law offers ways to object decisions by the officers but even in case a visa has been granted entry can still be refused by the border police.

In Thailand's case there is the way to file a petition if entry into the Kingdom has been refused at the border. Law says that the Interior Minister himself must make a decision whether entry is eventually permitted or refused within 7 days.

Obviously, at some border checkpoints inproper activities came to light and hence those are on special observation now. Those in the fire act understandably extremly cautious now while at other checkpoints the usual procedure appears to continue in accordance to the law. As per the law immigration officiers have a certain liberty to decide themselves from case to case because every case is different. Hence, anyone who plans to enter or re-enter the country should be well prepared to document clearly the reason for entering. If there are any doubts entry may not be permitted at the discretion of the immigration officer in charge.

"Well, everywhere in the world a visa does not necessarily give the right to enter a county but eventually the decision lies in the discretion of the border police. In the US for example an immigration officer's word in final. The same goes for visa applications."

If somebody would repeat this just another three times, I reckon that would make an even million... And every one a fresh pearl of newfound, unheard, just uncovered wisdom previously known to just an elite few. And having absolutely nothing to do with Thailand.

"In Thailand's case there is the way to file a petition if entry into the Kingdom has been refused at the border. Law says that the Interior Minister himself must make a decision whether entry is eventually permitted or refused within 7 days. "

Another tirelessly repeated fun fact. But no one citing it ever seems to be able to describe just exactly how one exercises this appeal, on the spot, after having been peremptorily denied entry at the airport and hustled off to arrange for a return flight.

"Hence, anyone who plans to enter or re-enter the country should be well prepared to document clearly the reason for entering"

OK. Fair enough. So let's have an official, published, authoritative, predictable requirement for exactly what one must have and an assurance that the IO WILL deign to view it before shuffling you off to Buffalo.

You did manage to leave off that one other golden-oldie, the tune that goes "The laws don't change; but policy can: Hey, nonny-nonny.". Thank-you. 'Saves me the trouble of pointing out that some IOs are simply a law unto themselves. (Yeah, I know - Go Back To Step 1...)

Go by the current (Thai) laws rather than trying to abuse them. As simple it is.

....by which you apparently mean Thai "laws" (LOL) according to every single IO's own personal interpretation of them. To the simple I suppose that does sound simple.

Good luck with your smugness. One day you just might find the bell tolling for you...

[chrisinth]

Ignoramus!! What about a backpacker that wants to take his/her time to explore the country or anyone else for that matter???

Considering that it is quite normal for stays beyond 15 - 30 days to require a visa of some sort, someone wishing to backpack around SEA should probably obtain a tourist visa and not rely on an exemption. Pretty simple.

Just because Thailand has been lax in enforcing immigration rules in the past does not mean that travelers aren't accustomed to visa requirements.

Again, what % of legitimate tourists does this apply to and of that % how many would be covered simply by getting a tourist visa? The impact to Thai tourism will be trivial at best. The impact to expats who are living in Thailand illegally will be substantial. People should stop trying to come up with some hypothetical tourist who needs to stay in-country for an extended period and criss-cross back and forth over the border.

According to the Ministry of Tourism, the average stay in Thailand by a tourist is less than 10 days. Average length of stay by someone from Europe is 16.5% days. Average stay by Americans is 15 days.

Interestingly, biggest spenders per capita are citizens from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait and their average stay is 11.6 days.

And for all of those people concerned about how this will impact the Thai economy, allow me to calm your fears. Thailand's biggest source of tourists is East Asia (including ASEAN countries) which sent 16 million tourists compared with only 6 million from Europe. And their average stay was less than 6 days.

So what are we really talking about? A few hundred, maybe a few thousand tourists who will have to obtain a tourist visa instead of getting by on an exemption? It's a drop in the bucket.

If you add to your list that it is now possible to extend the 30 day visa exempt by an additional 30 days for 1,900 baht at an immigration office, that would cover 95%+ of genuine tourists visiting Thailand. Anyone wishing to stay longer than this knows that they need a tourist visa, and should get one.

I mention this only to give some credence to Thai immigration laws on border hopping with visa exempt. Times are changing and the habitual border runners will have to think of a new plan (in the short term) if they want to remain here.

The above is relating to the visa run crackdown which the OP is about, not the reasons for it.....................

[Tomtomtom69]

There is an unofficial border crossing point near Ban Kruat in Southern Buriram. They have been promising for years to make it official, but TIT so nothing gets done.

For the past couple of years there has been a market on the Cambodian side which locals could visit to purchase cheap fags and booze and such. There is also a casino under construction.

Now foreigners are no longer allowed to visit this market although local Thais still can.

First of all, I'm pretty sure it's been announced that that border checkpoint will be upgraded to international status by the end of the year. This announcement was made just 1-2 weeks ago and will go ahead along with up to 6 other crossings between Thailand and Cambodia. Secondly, the upgrading of a border checkpoint by definition, must have the permission and co-operation of the other country. Ever thought it might actually be Cambodia dragging it's feet all this time?

Thirdly, since when have foreigners ever officially been allowed to use a locals only checkpoint? If you know the chief of immigration or have a good relationship with someone in power, sure, no problem. But all bets are off on the Cambodian side since Thai law has no jurisdiction over there. Last year, I was permitted to cross briefly into Koh Kong Cambodia (well, just the border area) to check on the whereabouts of my friend, twice. I told the officers what I was doing and gave them my passport as security. No problems. So maybe it just depends how you talk to people and/or who you know. Nor was that the first time either. Few years ago was allowed to cross to the Lao border at an unofficial checkpoint.

However, the Cambodian side really would rather have you enter their country properly than go shopping for discounted booze and cigarettes, that you can only bring back in, in limited quantities anyway.

You can always visit the market in question by entering through a proper checkpoint, or wait 3-4 months until the one you are talking about is actually upgraded.

Now quit your moaning...how many people are going to be affected by what is a non-issue based merely on hearsay and your own opinion?

Just you, probably. Not likely any other foreigners have ever even been to that market or care about visiting it.