New Visa run to Myanmar

[Ivankuznetsov]

I'm just thinking that nobody ever tried to get a stamp on this border, so maybe it actually works for foreigners, but nobody knows?

[Frank Hovis]

Ivan - you cannot cross this border, it is only for Thai and Myanmar people and it's only allowed with the standard day pass paperwork. Thai/Burmese do not use their passports to cross here, they use ID cards. It is not an open border crossing for anyone of any nationality.

The nearest open border crossing to Hua Hin is Ranong, some 400Kms south.

[CBR]

Yes, this rumour has been running for at least ten years. Spoke to immigration there recently who said it was very unlikely that the crossing would be open to foreigners for a while since there is no way of processing visas and entry on the Burmese side.

Isn't this quite similar to Mae Sot, in Tak province.'

Instead of a Burmese visa you pay $10 for a small stamp that allows you into the town for the day, up to 5 or 6pm.

If something similar could be done it would be fantastic.

[Bristolian]

Ivan - you cannot cross this border, it is only for Thai and Myanmar people and it's only allowed with the standard day pass paperwork. Thai/Burmese do not use their passports to cross here, they use ID cards. It is not an open border crossing for anyone of any nationality.

I went to this border last year to buy some garden furniture, on the Thai side. My Thai wife wanted to look on the Burma side and was allowed to cross the border but I could not.

[lomuamart]

There's no Thai Imm there. No Imm, no stamp back in.

[Ivankuznetsov]

Ok, thanks guys!

[Big Boy]

The Singkhorn temporary checkpoint on the border with Myanmar has been upgraded and will be opened as a new permanent pass on Wednesday.

Provincial governor Veera Sriwattanatrakul said the opening had been confirmed by both countries. It would be marked at a ceremony on Wednesday at Singkorn pass.

Singkhorn, in Prachuap Khiri Khan's Muang district, is opposite Mortong town in Myanmar. It is one of three checkpoints to be upgraded as permanent crossings to boost trade between the two countries.

The checkpoint connects Thailand with Mergui, one of the major towns in Myanmar.

The other two passes to be upgraded are Three Pagodas Pass in Kanchanaburi and Myanmar's Phayatongsu town, and Ban Nam Pu Ron in Kanchanaburi and Myanmar's Tiki town.

The plan was approved at talks between between Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and Myanmar President Thein Sein on April 25 on the sidelines of the Asean Summit in Brunei.

Source: Bangkok Post

[Ivankuznetsov]

Does it means they will have immigration office there starting from wednesday and we will have best border run direction ever?

[dtaai-maai]

Anything's possible, but I wouldn't think so. Not for a while yet.

[Lung Per]

There is no mention in the Bangkok Post article of an immigration office.

[Ratsima]

There is a post by "George" on that other forum which states:

Singkhon is a full international border point from Wednesday. We have got that confirmed by Prachuap Khirikhan Immigration.

I don't need to do visa runs, but I'm wondering if this might become an interesting day trip.

[dtaai-maai]

Singkhon is a full international border point from Wednesday. We have got that confirmed by Prachuap Khirikhan Immigration.

Oh well, that's alright then.
I really wouldn't be driving 4 hours down the road from Bangkok to do a border crossing on the strength of that.
I'm sure we'll find out tomorrow - there are bound to be some hardy souls living in Prachuap who will go and have a look. My guess is it will be a while before both sides have a formal immigration control in place.

[Big Boy]

Does anybody know where we stand if we did decide to drive to Mergui for a day trip? I'm fairly sure that I've read people can only drive in Myanmar with a Myanmar licence.

[Dannie Boy]

Does anybody know where we stand if we did decide to drive to Mergui for a day trip? I'm fairly sure that I've read people can only drive in Myanmar with a Myanmar licence.

I assume you are talking expats only BB, because I can't imagine Thais having a Myanmar licence (many don't even have a Thai licence).

[Big Boy]

I'm sure the rules say anybody, but we all know how the populous of SE Asia tend to blend into one.