Thailand Supplement, visiting-thailand-advice-for-travelers
Note: This is a supplement to our Phnom Penh Guide
visiting-thailand-advice-for-travelers Thailand New Year 12-16 April (incorporates Songkran on some days) สวัสดีปีใหม่
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visiting-thailand-advice-for-travelers Should you be in Cambodia, & considering visiting Thailand, I invite you to read my experiences, detailed here, for my overland journey, the hard way, from Phnom Penh to Udon Thani.
Late December 2022: From Virak Buntham bus company on street 47. I boarded my pre-booked night bus at 21:30 for the journey to Poi Pet. A “hotel bus” has upper and lower bunk beds, arranged on either side of a central aisle. My $19 berth, on the lower tier, was flat with adequate room for me to stretch my six-foot frame. I enjoyed a surprisingly comfortable night’s slumber.
Around four hours into the journey, we made a 15-minute refreshment & bathroom stop.
Tip: As many buses stop at wayside eateries, make a mental note of the bus’s registration 4-digit number, to assist in re-boarding the correct one.
visiting-thailand-advice-for-travelers Leaving Cambodia
The bus arrived at the Poi Pet border around 6am. It’s then a very short walk to Thai immigration.
Tip: As you enter the building, look for the counter to obtain the white arrival/departure card, and have this filled out and ready for passport control. Quite busy, so took 45 minutes to get through & obtain a 45-day entry stamp.
Tip: Do not lose the departure section of the white card. Failure to have this when you leave Thailand can be a massive problem. I then had my bag checked at customs.
Tip: Be aware that, as with most countries, strict rules apply for the importation of cigarettes, tobacco, wine, and spirits, plus various other commodities, into Thailand.
The Land of Smiles beckons
OK, I’m now in the “Land of Smiles”, and need to get to Mo Chit bus station in Bangkok. I paid 80 Baht for a Tuk-Tuk for the 3km trip to Aranyaprathet’s bus station, where I parted company with a further 250 Baht, for a minibus/minivan departing at 8.45am for the 240km trip. After some six stops plus a bathroom break around 10am, I finally arrived at Mo Chit 2 bus station, around 1pm.
visiting-thailand-advice-for-travelers Very unhelpful at Mo Chit bus station
Although very tired, so far, so good. Sadly, however, no information about bus services to Udon Thani.
I enquired at various ticket booths, and oddly I thought, none of them appeared to have a schedule of buses going anywhere, let alone Udon Thani. Many were unable to speak English, but the general advice was clear, one must ask at every booth, of which there are dozens.
Faced with such a daunting task, I enquired at the Information Office, where the man told me, yes, you must ask at every booth until you find what you want. A little bit like, I thought, searching for the meaning of life. I had already noticed that destinations at ticket booths were only in Thai, which I cannot read. No internet service at Mo Chit 2.
There must surely be a published schedule of buses listing departures and the companies running them. All very secretive, has anyone seen Sherlock Holmes, or am I a victim of “candid camera”?
A little bit of luck
However, more by luck than anything else, I did manage to book a seat on a bus leaving at 10.30pm. Never been to such an unhelpful bus station anywhere in the world.
Anyhow, back to the Udon Thani bound bus, which cost me 552 Baht, I was finally on my way at 10.30pm. I can report though, that sitting for 8 hours in a non-reclining seat was most unwelcome. The only positive was the bus arriving in Udon Thani on time.
visiting-thailand-advice-for-travelers Summary
The total cost from Phnom Penh to Udon Thani was $45/1565Baht for the journey of 33 hours (including the 9-hour layover at Mo Chit) covering 740 miles/1200km. Interestingly, not a significant difference in the airfare.
How about you and Mo Chit Bus Station?
How to contact us: visit our homepage at: https://fuzzykensblog.com/
Thailand News
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Visas for Thailand
Contact The Royal Thai Embassy, 196 Norodom Blvd. Phnom Penh for all your visa enquiries, Tel: 023726306. However, please be aware that the Thai authorities have withdrawn the 45-day entry, reverting to 30 days, applicable from the beginning of April 23
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2022 and before Covid
30 October 2022: We understand that there are forged/fake banknotes in circulation in Thailand. To assist the public in identifying these notes, the Bank of Thailand has issued advice, at the following link: https://www.bot.or.th/English/Banknotes/Pages/identify.aspx
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22 October 2022: There are some changes to Thai visa requirements, and those intending to use the Friendship Bridge to Laos at Nong Khai, may be interested in this article from Pattaya Mail. Cut and paste the following link for the story: Pattaya Mail Thai visa runs to Laos
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23 Sept. 22: Some general information that might be of interest. Looks like some common sense regarding the Lao/China Railway. There is a proposal for a 4-track bridge to be constructed parallel to the Nong Khai Friendship Bridge. This will be for freight only, with a connection to the freight depot at Tanalang, in Laos. No idea when construction might begin but The Laotian Times has some details at this link: https://laotiantimes.com/2022/09/22/laos-thailand-and-china-plan-to-construct-new-railway-bridge-for-freight/
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18 August 2022: I understand that the bus service between Udon Thani Bus Station and Vientiane Bus Station is operating again. Same as pre-Covid, a Laos visa is required to use the service. Moreover, it would appear that a Thai visa is not required for the return service to Udon. However, sensible to check all entry requirements and be aware that you may need to provide proof of Covid vaccination, in either direction.
We would appreciate hearing from anyone who has used this service during the last month or so.
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visiting-thailand-advice-for-travelers
Thai Visa Requirements
11 August 2022 IMPORTANT: The majority of countries visa entitlement and all related entry issues, including health and insurance, are under constant review. Therefore, assume nothing and make sure that you have complied with all the rules, prior to making your travel arrangements.
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18 July 22: I visited the Phnom Penh embassy which confirmed that UK passport holders can enter Thailand without a visa for stays of up to 30 days. I was also informed that the Cambodian blue vaccine card is acceptable as proof of vaccination. However, some conditions may apply such as the number of vaccines you have had, and when you had them. Ask the embassy about this to make really sure, in your particular case, prior to booking flights, etc..
Many other nationalities same as the UK for visa-free entry, but nationals from countries who do not have this privilege, must obtain a visa before travel and should make inquiries at their nearest Thai embassy, which may ask to see your passport, prior to offering specific advice.
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14 July 22: The Thai Tourist Police have introduced a new app “I Lert U” to help with various matters and assist foreign visitors who find themselves with problems while in Thailand. This app can be downloaded via play store etc. More details at TATs website: https://thailand.prd.go.th
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This is interesting:
23 June 22: Should you be traveling on the BTS Skytrain in Bangkok, the authorities have now suggested another rule.
I must remember not to flip/flick my hair in such a way that it comes into contact with other travelers’ faces. This is apart from an earlier recommendation that one should not cross their legs, which I assume is directed at those lucky enough to have a seat.
Although somewhat amusing, do Thai commuters really need to be told how to behave in such a way that it does not annoy fellow travelers?
Short beards or long noses?
I do, however, wonder what exclusions may be next. Sneezing above 75 decibels, shaved eyebrows, bending over to tie one’s shoe laces while passing wind, PVC trousers, and rubber boots. Suggestions are much appreciated.
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visiting-thailand-advice-for-travelers
Thailand Pass
18 June 22: The Thai authorities have announced that the “Thailand Pass” will no longer be required, from the 1st of July. Other matters are under consideration so expect further announcements in due course.
The entry card, TM6, may also become obsolete, but as with insurance requirements, I shall await confirmation before traveling to the “land of smiles”
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31 May 2022: Long-awaited bus services between Thailand and Laos
The resumption of, long-distance, international bus services, hopefully coming soon, will be a real boon to the traveling public apart from benefiting the countries involved. However, as this will obviously involve crossing international borders, will the bus companies be required to check passengers’ documents as they purchase their tickets? Or will a check be made as a passenger’s board?
Perhaps more likely, it will be left entirely up to the passengers.
It is obvious that all concerned must have a clear knowledge of exactly what will be required, to avoid travelers being stranded at borders, and bus services being delayed.
In my opinion, the traveling public and bus companies have a right to know what is expected of them.
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visiting-thailand-advice-for-travelers
Helsinki to Bangkok Recalling History March 1992
23 May 2022: Remembering my first visit to Thailand: My flight from a bitter cold Finland, touched down at Don Mueang Airport during the morning of Monday 9th March 1992. From Helsinki’s well below freezing, underscored by a bitingly cold wind to plus 33c in Bangkok, was akin to stepping into an unrelenting oven. However, history reminds us that the weather was not the only thing heating up, during those early summer months of ‘92.
I was heading to Hua Hin via Hua Lamphong Rail Station. Over the years, I have since passed through Bangkok’s iconic central station more times than I can remember, but for sure, I have never seen it as busy as that Monday. I’m not sure, but perhaps many sensed trouble on the horizon and wanted to get out of town before temperament, tempers, and temperature “conspired” to make life less palatable.
Thai Tourist Police to my rescue
Back then, just about everything was written in Thai script, and I needed to join one of the several lines to purchase a ticket. With the assistance of a kindly, English-speaking Thai Tourist policeman, I was able to get my ticket and board the correct train.
Unbeknown to me, unable to read the Thai press, I was totally unaware of the political and military differences being played out behind the scenes. I made my way from Hua Hin to Koh Samui, completely oblivious to what was to come. Following a relaxing time on the island, I left Thailand on the 20th of March, just 8 weeks before all hell was to be let loose in a military coup, that resulted in many deaths, hundreds injured, and a good many unaccounted for.
Anniversary
It is the 30th anniversary of that coup. The Bangkok Post has the details at this link: https://www.bangkokpost.com/opinion/opinion/2311654/remembering-bloody-may-1992
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4 May 22: This is interesting. Good news and bad news: The good news is that various Thai/Laos land crossings are open. The bad news is that Laos remains closed. Read more at this link to The Laotian Times: https://laotiantimes.com/2022/05/02/confusion-ensues-as-thailand-opens-land-borders-but-laos-remains-closed/?fbclid=IwAR1LXB4GFbwgr835bmmSQac7rtvdn-V5gKNzNxC2wPwCFgPFSdH2cme5c_M
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visiting-thailand-advice-for-travelers
2 May 22: It has been announced that various land borders in Thailand have re-opened which is good news in that crossing into adjoining countries will be considerably cheaper than having to fly. However, A possible downside to this will almost certainly mean that the so-called “covid visa” will come to an end for those “stuck” in Thailand. I’ll give it a few weeks to see what transpires before giving it a go. Details on this development at: https://www.pattayamail.com/latestnews/news/thailand-standardizes-entry-rules-by-air-and-land-397234
visiting-thailand-advice-for-travelers
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26 April 22: Thailand entry requirements: It’s the good news and bad news. The good news is that the required insurance has been reduced to $10000 cover but the bad news is that there is little agreement on exactly what this means. I’m sure that more information will follow, but hopefully, minus the rather common fudge and vagueness.
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visiting-thailand-advice-for-travelers
29 March 22: It would appear that the deadline for renewing the “covid visa” has been put back to 24 May 22. It would, however, certainly be wise for all those on the Covid extensions to check with their local immigration office for clarification, and not leave it to the last minute.
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26 March 22: It would appear that the Thai government is looking at what their neighbours are up to when it comes to opening the country to tourism. I wonder whether they might follow in Cambodia’s footsteps. Of course, in any event, there will have to be a meeting of minds, if there is any hope of land crossings opening up.
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Amazing Thailand
26 March 22: I recall from a few years ago when applying for a visa in Thailand, being told by immigration that I must have a bank account. However, I was to discover that one could not have a bank account without a visa. I wonder whether that has changed. Please read this article from The Thaiger at this link: https://thethaiger.com/…/city-guide-how-to-open-a-bank
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25 March 22: Good news and bad news: Songkran will take place in Thailand but without the water. Whatever next? Perhaps a library with no books, a church without blessings, or a pub with no beer. The following link to Pattaya Mail has the story: https://www.pattayamail.com/latestnews/news/pattaya-to-celebrate-dry-songkran-again-this-year-393243
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Looks as though 25 March is the last day to get your covid visa extension, see the following link for details
https://www.pattayamail.com/latestnews/news/covid-visa-extensions-expire-tomorrow-march-25-393292
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visiting-thailand-advice-for-travelers
Before I forget: Details of our bookshop will be found in the right-hand column, just click on the panel in the sidebar, thank you. Our book sale has been extended to the end of March 22
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General advice for visitors
General Advice: entry rules and regulations for Thailand appear to change as often as the weather in London. Therefore, always make inquiries at your nearest Thai Embassy, who will advise on the latest entry requirements.
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9 Nov. 21, editors note: I had hoped to make a return visit to Thailand, for a short holiday before the new year, but with frequently changing entry requirements, I have decided to wait for clarity and commonsense to replace the all too familiar “trademark” fudge and vagueness” Additionally, I will wait for the land crossings to open. However, could be a very long wait though.
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Insurance for oldies
For us of advancing years, a contentious issue is insurance and whether Thailand requires separate Covid cover or something that is inclusive of all health matters. One unambiguous statement from the Thai authorities would be most welcome. Oh dear, perhaps I’m simply dreaming again.
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visiting-thailand-advice-for-travelers
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visiting-thailand-advice-for-travelers
visiting-thailand-advice-for-travelers Where to stay
Where to Stay: With 1000’s of places to rest your head in Thailand, it would be pointless for us to list them all here. We shall, therefore, leave that to the experts at any of the many hotel booking websites such as Booking.com for example. Discover super luxury hotels, resorts, guesthouses & backpacker dormitories, etc. You may also find serviced apartments for longer visits, from very expensive to budget-wise accommodation. Nonetheless, whoever you book with, you must make sure, if applicable, that any accommodation you choose for the first couple of weeks or so, meets Thailand’s strict Covid-19 quarantine requirements
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All Thai visa & entry requirements are under constant review. Get advice before making your travel arrangements.. Ask at your nearest Thai embassy, to where you live, who will be able to advise, in your language. Of course, they will be able to explain issues concerned with entry requirements including insurance, vaccination & quarantine measures, and so on.
Nonetheless, UK citizens can keep up to date with travel advice, including entry requirements for Thailand, issued by the UK Foreign Office in London, at this link: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/thailand
However, Non-UK citizens should check with their nearest Royal Thai Embassy
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Visit our travel advice about Insurance and health care, no matter where you travel, at the following link
https://fuzzykensblog.com/travel-health-and-safety/
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Newspapers in English: Online or hard copy, include the following:
https://www.nationthailand.com/
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Already in Thailand & getting bored? amazing! Why not visit our used bookshop in Udon Thani. This link has the details: https://fuzzykensblog.com/used-books-thailand-buy-sell-exchange-secondhand-paperbacks-archer-baldacci-grisham-follett-etc-in-english-and-other-languages/