Stories tagged with visa
-
Flash floods hit northern Thai border
In the latest effect of steady heavy rains that have lingered over southern China, northern Vietnam, Laos and northern Thailand, flash floods caused the Moei River on the border between Thailand and Burma to burst it banks. The Burmese border town of Tachilek, a popular crossing spot for foreigners making a Thai visa run, was particularly hard hit and suffered major flooding.
On the Thai side of the border, the Moei River created plenty of problems for residents of Mae Sai and other Thai towns lying the river. The three northern Thai villages of Mai Lungkhon, Koh Sai and Sailom Joy were inundated by the waters, which rose to 1.3 metres and submerged the markets and many shops.
In Burma’s Tachilek town, the low-lying market area was flooded under more than 1 metre of muddy dirty water. Damage to vendors is estimated at over 20 million baht. Bottled water has been distributed to residents on both sides of this busy border in northern Thailand. Foreign visitors to Thailand who plan to make a visa run to Mae Sai should check on the current status before travelling, as immigration offices may have been affected by the flooding.
Posted by: Andrew on 25 Aug 2008, 19:58 -
Popular visa-run locations changing
A common experience for many people who stay in Thailand for a good length of time is the necessary evil of a visa-run. Since the Thai government tightened rules on lengths of stays for tourist visas, certain locations in nearby countries have proven more popular than others when it comes to leaving the country to renew a visa.
One of the mainstays for travellers and quasi-residents in southern Thailand has been Penang, Malaysia, where a guesthouse can take care of the process for you while you trawl the beaches. The Thai consular in Penang has recently become stricter when it comes to approving or denying visas, instigating a shift of seekers to other places, like Laos.
For a hassle-free visa, the best chances these days are from Thailand’s eastern neighbour, both in Savannakhet and the Lao capital, Vientienne. One convenience of going to Laos is the visa-on-arrival, which will cost just over B 1,000. The Thai visa from the consulate there will cost B 1,600, roughly the same as what the consulate charges in Penang.
The route from Samui to Vientienne has become popular and common enough for private companies to offer an all-inclusive package tour, which for B 3,500, includes transport, meals and lodging.
Posted by: DaveB on 14 Mar 2008, 18:26 -
Thailand and Cambodia Agree to Single Visa Plan
The Thai and Cambodian governments will sign an agreement allowing foreign visitors to travel in both countries with only one visa.
The plan was initiated under the Ayeyawaddy-Mekong-Chao Phraya Economic Cooperation (Acmecs) accord, in which Vietnam, Laos and Burma also took part.
Foreign Minister Nitya Pibulsonggram and Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Hor Nam Hong will sign the single-visa agreement on Monday, making these the first Acmes countries to initiate such a plan.
The agreement applies to foreign tourists who have received a visa in either Thailand or Cambodia, but it is not clear when nationals of both countries will be granted visa-free access.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Tharit Charungvat said the new rules will come into effect once regulations are modified accordingly.
Although the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) decided that visa applications are not necessary among member states, Thai nationals are still required to apply for a visa when travelling to Cambodia or Burma.
Posted by: Zoe on 13 Dec 2007, 15:55 -
Burmese revolt doesn’t affect Tachilek crossing
The events that have taken place in Myanmar recently have sparked interest and activism the world over. Such monumental protests against the Military Junta that has held on to power for far too long have not been seen in the country since 1988.
Sympathy and support for the protesters have not stopped the government from opening fire on the populous, killing what some say is up to 200 monks and civilians yesterday alone.
What does this mean for travellers? Well, if it’s travelling into Myanmar for tourism, many major Western governments have issued travel advisories against travel to the country. The good news for travellers holding tourist visas or 30-day entry stamps in Thailand will still be able to make the border run between the Thai city of Mae Sai and the Burmese side, Tachilek.
The chairman of the Thai-Myanmar Township Border Committee assured it would be business as usual at the crossing despite the civil unrest. News from the Burmese authorities says that tourists crossing the border and puttering around the market are in no danger.
Posted by: DaveB on 04 Oct 2007, 12:48