Border Run Alternatives

[Denim]

8 minutes ago, Prissana Pescud said:

That resolves the issue for me. Thank you. It is Ban Laem for me. Cheers mate.

 

Ban Laem is good.

 

Been many times , both with Jack Golf and in my own car.

 

Generally speaking, they do expect a 100 or 200 backhander for a quick turn around on the Cambodian side.

 

On the Thai side try not to look like a newbie otherwise the Thai hustlers will bother you.

 

I found a way to avoid all these hassles but too complicated to explain here.

 

Happy trip .

[Prissana Pescud]

11 minutes ago, Denim said:

 

Ban Laem is good.

 

Been many times , both with Jack Golf and in my own car.

 

Generally speaking, they do expect a 100 or 200 backhander for a quick turn around on the Cambodian side.

 

On the Thai side try not to look like a newbie otherwise the Thai hustlers will bother you.

 

I found a way to avoid all these hassles but too complicated to explain here.

 

Happy trip .

Thank you. So I get to the Thai border at Ban Laem, stay the night, front up at Thai border control at 8 am.

Get stamped through to Cambodia border control. (pay the $30 US for the visa)

I am still to look up any attractions in Ban Laem because I like to walk and visit the sights and sites.

So I have not decided if I will stay a night or a few days.

My Thai wife (my shadow) will accompany me on the ASEAN passport allowances (no fee, can stay for 30 days with a passport but no visa)

Then front up To Cambodian border control and pay..? for exit fees.

Go to Thai border control and be welcomed back like a long lost son.

Report to Prachinburi Immigration control within 24 hours of arrival back home?

Is that about it?

PS. Does Ban Laem in Cambodia have a golf course? I love trying to play the game. (Kabinburi has an excellent course if you play the game)

Cheers and thank you so much

[JackThompson]

3 minutes ago, Prissana Pescud said:

Thank you. So I get to the Thai border at Ban Laem, stay the night, front up at Thai border control at 8 am.

Get stamped through to Cambodia border control. (pay the $30 US for the visa)

I am still to look up any attractions in Ban Laem because I like to walk and visit the sights and sites.

So I have not decided if I will stay a night or a few days.

My Thai wife (my shadow) will accompany me on the ASEAN passport allowances (no fee, can stay for 30 days with a passport but no visa)

Then front up To Cambodian border control and pay..? for exit fees.

Go to Thai border control and be welcomed back like a long lost son.

Report to Prachinburi Immigration control within 24 hours of arrival back home?

Is that about it?

PS. Does Ban Laem in Cambodia have a golf course? I love trying to play the game. (Kabinburi has an excellent course if you play the game)

Cheers and thank you so much

Ban Laem is pretty much a few streets with a few shops.  The nearest town of any significance is Pailin.  The only golf I see on the maps is around Siem Reap, PP, and one near Sihanoukville/Kampot.

[Prissana Pescud]

3 minutes ago, JackThompson said:

Ban Laem is pretty much a few streets with a few shops.  The nearest town of any significance is Pailin.  The only golf I see on the maps is around Siem Reap, PP, and one near Sihanoukville/Kampot.

Thank you. So I pay the fee and return the same day. Cheers. 

Went to Siem Reap 2002 for a week. Been there, done that. Depressing place.

Everything I saw had been shot up by PolPot loonies.

[Denim]

30 minutes ago, Prissana Pescud said:

Thank you. So I get to the Thai border at Ban Laem, stay the night, front up at Thai border control at 8 am.

Get stamped through to Cambodia border control. (pay the $30 US for the visa)

I am still to look up any attractions in Ban Laem because I like to walk and visit the sights and sites.

So I have not decided if I will stay a night or a few days.

My Thai wife (my shadow) will accompany me on the ASEAN passport allowances (no fee, can stay for 30 days with a passport but no visa)

Then front up To Cambodian border control and pay..? for exit fees.

Go to Thai border control and be welcomed back like a long lost son.

Report to Prachinburi Immigration control within 24 hours of arrival back home?

Is that about it?

PS. Does Ban Laem in Cambodia have a golf course? I love trying to play the game. (Kabinburi has an excellent course if you play the game)

Cheers and thank you so much

 

No.

 

Ban Laem is a border check point. There is no town there and no hotels. Nearest hotels back on the highway 30 minutes away but nothing special.

 

If , as you say , you don't live too far away , just turn up at your own convenience. There is very little 9n the Cambodian side. Just a few hotels and the casino for the Thais.

 

With respect , you need to research this more so that you know what to expect. Check out Google maps and street view.

 

If you think this is a pleasant crossing point with civilized towns on both sides .... think again.

 

Bare balls crossing point ...

Nothing else.

 

 

Edited March 7, 2019 by Denim

[BritTim]

1 hour ago, Prissana Pescud said:

Thank you. So I get to the Thai border at Ban Laem, stay the night, front up at Thai border control at 8 am.

Get stamped through to Cambodia border control. (pay the $30 US for the visa)

I am still to look up any attractions in Ban Laem because I like to walk and visit the sights and sites.

So I have not decided if I will stay a night or a few days.

My Thai wife (my shadow) will accompany me on the ASEAN passport allowances (no fee, can stay for 30 days with a passport but no visa)

Then front up To Cambodian border control and pay..? for exit fees.

Go to Thai border control and be welcomed back like a long lost son.

Report to Prachinburi Immigration control within 24 hours of arrival back home?

Is that about it?

PS. Does Ban Laem in Cambodia have a golf course? I love trying to play the game. (Kabinburi has an excellent course if you play the game)

Cheers and thank you so much

In general, your understanding is good.

If looking to spend time in Cambodia after crossing at Ban Laem, you could consider going into Pailin for a quick look around and a meal, then heading to Battambang. This is not a must do trip, but perfectly OK for a change of scene. You could also consider spending a day or two in Chanthaburi which I consider rather pleasant. As I recall, there is golf in the area.

[Prissana Pescud]

47 minutes ago, BritTim said:

In general, your understanding is good.

If looking to spend time in Cambodia after crossing at Ban Laem, you could consider going into Pailin for a quick look around and a meal, then heading to Battambang. This is not a must do trip, but perfectly OK for a change of scene. You could also consider spending a day or two in Chanthaburi which I consider rather pleasant. As I recall, there is golf in the area.

Cheers. You blokes are so good and thanks again for taking the time to do this.

[Scott3000]

Thanks BritTim & JackThompson!

 

I may just give Cambodia a visit at some point this year. Biz visa will be the way to go.

[PaulinSaphanKwai]

Gents:

 

I am US national coming off a number of years of Non-O retirement visas. Exiting on the final day. After 30 days in Laos, applying for a single-entry 60-day tourist visa from Savannaket Consulate. Have cash and outbound flight ticket.

 

Will Consulate be receptive?  Can I also extend for an additional 30 days in-country?

 

Will then fly out to a neighboring country, and not re-enter Thailand.

 

Thanks.

 

Paul 

[ubonjoe]

13 minutes ago, PaulinSaphanKwai said:

Will Consulate be receptive? 

No problem to get the visa.

13 minutes ago, PaulinSaphanKwai said:

Can I also extend for an additional 30 days in-country?

Yes

[PaulinSaphanKwai]

Thanks, UbonJoe.

 

Paul

[kandi]

Taking into account the current messy situation with the new booking system at the embassy in Vientiane, can anyone say how it looks like over there and in Savannakhet? Is it smarter to go to Savannakhet or is it overcrowded?

 

I already have an appointment in Vientiane for the 26th, but I probably won't be able to make it and they removed the "Cancel" button from the booking website, so I can't re-schedule. Visa (TR, already extended) expires on 26th.

Edited March 16, 2019 by kandi

[ubonjoe]

24 minutes ago, kandi said:

Taking into account the current messy situation with the new booking system at the embassy in Vientiane, can anyone say how it looks like over there and in Savannakhet? Is it smarter to go to Savannakhet or is it overcrowded?

 

It should not be that bad in Savannakhet unless a lot of people start going there due to the problems in Vientiane.

24 minutes ago, kandi said:

I already have an appointment in Vientiane for the 26th, but I probably won't be able to make it and they removed the "Cancel" button from the booking website, so I can't re-schedule. Visa (TR, already extended) expires on 26th.

I would keep checking the site to see if the cancellation button comes back or they inform you of another way of doing it.

[kandi]

5 hours ago, ubonjoe said:

 

It should not be that bad in Savannakhet unless a lot of people start going there due to the problems in Vientiane.

I would keep checking the site to see if the cancellation button comes back or they inform you of another way of doing it.

 

Thanks, I thought the same. Well, there's not much more I can do anyway. I'm not even bothering calling or emailing them.

[PaulinSaphanKwai]

On 3/15/2019 at 4:42 PM, ubonjoe said:

No problem to get the visa.

Yes

 

Hello Ubon Joe:

Two days ago, I made this inquiry:

"I am US national coming off a number of years of Non-O retirement visas. Exiting on the final day. After 30 days in Laos, applying for a single-entry 60-day tourist visa from Savannaket Consulate. Have cash and outbound flight ticket.

"Will Consulate be receptive?  Can I also extend for an additional 30 days in-country?"

 

Your answer was at the time:  "No problem to get the visa."

 

Today's question:  Would the same apply if I filed my visa application at Thai Embassy in Vientiane, Laos?

 

Thanks.

 

Paul

 

 

[ubonjoe]

15 minutes ago, PaulinSaphanKwai said:

Would the same apply if I filed my visa application at Thai Embassy in Vientiane, Laos?

Yes it would be the same.

[PaulinSaphanKwai]

Thanks again, Ubon Joe.

 

Paul

[elviajero]

4 hours ago, PaulinSaphanKwai said:

 

Hello Ubon Joe:

Two days ago, I made this inquiry:

"I am US national coming off a number of years of Non-O retirement visas. Exiting on the final day. After 30 days in Laos, applying for a single-entry 60-day tourist visa from Savannaket Consulate. Have cash and outbound flight ticket.

"Will Consulate be receptive?  Can I also extend for an additional 30 days in-country?"

 

Your answer was at the time:  "No problem to get the visa."

 

Today's question:  Would the same apply if I filed my visa application at Thai Embassy in Vientiane, Laos?

 

Thanks.

 

Paul

If you apply in Vientiane you need to make an appointment using their online booking system, which is currently booked up well in advance.

[PaulinSaphanKwai]

elviajero:

 

Didn't I just find out! Good grief, how many months in advance?

 

Paul

[elviajero]

19 minutes ago, PaulinSaphanKwai said:

elviajero:

 

Didn't I just find out! Good grief, how many months in advance?

 

Paul

Here’s the link to their booking system;

https://thaivisavientiane.com/?fbclid=IwAR2QrDrg_NiVBJuwtPjBfsrkDenLQ4hjVR7Kz0xVCg2V1vCqwW0lOOgZ1Fo

 

The system is new and been hijacked by agents advance booking slots. The embassy have made changes to try and stop the agents, so hopefully things will calm down.

 

A TVF member has given an update in this thread;

 

[PaulinSaphanKwai]

On 3/17/2019 at 2:30 PM, elviajero said:

Here’s the link to their booking system;

https://thaivisavientiane.com/?fbclid=IwAR2QrDrg_NiVBJuwtPjBfsrkDenLQ4hjVR7Kz0xVCg2V1vCqwW0lOOgZ1Fo

 

The system is new and been hijacked by agents advance booking slots. The embassy have made changes to try and stop the agents, so hopefully things will calm down.

 

A TVF member has given an update in this thread;

 

Gents:

 

I trust this is the correct topic to pose this question:

 

Given the mess that currently exists in the Vientiane Embassy appointments system, is there any indication that visa applicants may soon inundate the Savannakhet Consulate, causing problems there?

 

Paul 

[visarunner]

we get more enquiries for that trip, but please note that Savannakhet ask for Book Bank or Bank Statement with a certain balance, not less than THB 20,000 and a confirmed airline ticket within 60 days upon entry.  I have looked at the available booking for Vientiane for the 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th of April and for today , every 2-3 minutes a slot is taken, for the 9th April now 46 available. I assume that within this day all 200 slots are filled and that someone will continue to fill up the others days too. We have talked to other agencies and all said, they have no customers that book so far in advance. We requested the Embassy to review these bookings.   

[visarunner]

We noted around 14:00 that 108 slots are available for the 9th of April, now at 16:35 only 32 slots remain available. With that speed this evening all slots will be taken and starting tomorrow also the slots for the 10th will be full.

[visarunner]

And at 17:00 all slots are taken.

[PaulinSaphanKwai]

15 hours ago, visarunner said:

we get more enquiries for that trip, but please note that Savannakhet ask for Book Bank or Bank Statement with a certain balance, not less than THB 20,000 and a confirmed airline ticket within 60 days upon entry.  I have looked at the available booking for Vientiane for the 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th of April and for today , every 2-3 minutes a slot is taken, for the 9th April now 46 available. I assume that within this day all 200 slots are filled and that someone will continue to fill up the others days too. We have talked to other agencies and all said, they have no customers that book so far in advance. We requested the Embassy to review these bookings.   

visarunner:

 

How is Vientiane asking for confirmation of THB 20K--is cash acceptable or is bank statement mandatory? A Thai bank account?

 

Paul 

[ubonjoe]

5 minutes ago, PaulinSaphanKwai said:

How is Vientiane asking for confirmation of THB 20K--is cash acceptable or is bank statement mandatory? A Thai bank account?

They do not ask for financial proof in Vientiane.

He was writing about Savannakhet's requirements.

[PaulinSaphanKwai]

1 minute ago, ubonjoe said:

They do not ask for financial proof in Vientiane.

He was writing about Savannakhet's requirements.

I will be applying for 60 days and intending to extend an additional 30 days in-country.

 

Should the out-bound airline flight be scheduled for the 60th day/thereabouts?

 

Paul

[ubonjoe]

11 minutes ago, PaulinSaphanKwai said:

Should the out-bound airline flight be scheduled for the 60th day/thereabouts?

Not needed in Vientiane. Again that was for Savannakhet.

[PaulinSaphanKwai]

Thanks again, UbonJoe.

 

BTW, in an unrelated matter:

 

In respect to the concerns of many Americans about bringing in their retirement pension via a US-based account or by direct-deposit in a Thai bank account, I trust people are aware of the DirectExpress debit card? A simpler way and it avoids the need to establish a foreign bank account. It can be used in relation to all manner of federal benefit--incl military pensions and disability payments as well.

 

https://www.usdirectexpress.com/index.html

 

Paul

 

 

[ubonjoe]

1 hour ago, PaulinSaphanKwai said:

In respect to the concerns of many Americans about bringing in their retirement pension via a US-based account or by direct-deposit in a Thai bank account, I trust people are aware of the DirectExpress debit card? A simpler way and it avoids the need to establish a foreign bank account. It can be used in relation to all manner of federal benefit--incl military pensions and disability payments as well.

I am aware of it and considered it years ago shortly after it was first started . Looking recently it appears to still be a costly option if you use the card at a ATM here to get your money out.

Another problem is that it would be difficult to send the funds to qualify for the income option since it may difficult to get the proof the funds came from abroad.

Also one person who has was transfer his money to Bangkok Bank via their New Your branch which requires the IAT format now and direct express could not do them.