KTMphil
Senior member
Border officials collecting "fees"
Just received an email from Alexandra & Andre, who left Chiang Mai for Laos about a week ago. They were asked for some fees when leaving Thailand, I think 200 bht each. They asked the officials to see proof of the law stating the fees were legitimate and the officials backed down, Alex's email below:
Alex on R 18 north to Phongsali in Laos
"maybe the English guys or the Geman couple Andrea (Honda scooter) & Thomas (Honda Transalp) we met in Laos told you already, that we did not pay the requested money at immigration Thailand.
We are now in Luang Prabang, quite a culture shock after remote northern Laos.
Just some quick infos – if the internet is running well, I will write sth in Ride Asia and post pictures:
We love Laos and its people- very friendly and also the food is good.
The road to Phongsali is a highway in the beginning and after Bountai at the moment –speaking of the offroad bit.
In between still very rocky, but no bulldust at all. There are some muddy bits and pieces, after a heavy day of rain. Probably now all dry besides on stretch, which we already had on the way up (see picture).
There was some road construction after the fisrt 10 ks and after Bountai, but they are moving quick and might be finished after Bountai already. Could cost ½ hs waiting.
In Phongsali the temperature was only 10°C in the late afternoon, so colder at night, but we have everything with us as you can tell from our luggage ;-)
Been invited to a 3 days wedding in Bountai – great experience.
Paid 500 Baht per motorcycle for insurance in Houay Xay – is this correct?
Thai immigration asked for 200 Baht per person, to enter Laos- we gave you a call if you remember. We did not pay, but met a guy later on who told us, that there is indeed a new law, but only for cars registered in Thailand. So drivers with cars registered in Thailand have to pay 200 Baht – maybe check this out.
So this could be a reason. Maybe they wanted a bribe, maybe they did not know it better and believe everyone has to pay now 200 BHT. At least they made look it official as they presented a receipt ;-).
That´s for the moment.
Alexandra & André"
Just received an email from Alexandra & Andre, who left Chiang Mai for Laos about a week ago. They were asked for some fees when leaving Thailand, I think 200 bht each. They asked the officials to see proof of the law stating the fees were legitimate and the officials backed down, Alex's email below:
Alex on R 18 north to Phongsali in Laos
"maybe the English guys or the Geman couple Andrea (Honda scooter) & Thomas (Honda Transalp) we met in Laos told you already, that we did not pay the requested money at immigration Thailand.
We are now in Luang Prabang, quite a culture shock after remote northern Laos.
Just some quick infos – if the internet is running well, I will write sth in Ride Asia and post pictures:
We love Laos and its people- very friendly and also the food is good.
The road to Phongsali is a highway in the beginning and after Bountai at the moment –speaking of the offroad bit.
In between still very rocky, but no bulldust at all. There are some muddy bits and pieces, after a heavy day of rain. Probably now all dry besides on stretch, which we already had on the way up (see picture).
There was some road construction after the fisrt 10 ks and after Bountai, but they are moving quick and might be finished after Bountai already. Could cost ½ hs waiting.
In Phongsali the temperature was only 10°C in the late afternoon, so colder at night, but we have everything with us as you can tell from our luggage ;-)
Been invited to a 3 days wedding in Bountai – great experience.
Paid 500 Baht per motorcycle for insurance in Houay Xay – is this correct?
Thai immigration asked for 200 Baht per person, to enter Laos- we gave you a call if you remember. We did not pay, but met a guy later on who told us, that there is indeed a new law, but only for cars registered in Thailand. So drivers with cars registered in Thailand have to pay 200 Baht – maybe check this out.
So this could be a reason. Maybe they wanted a bribe, maybe they did not know it better and believe everyone has to pay now 200 BHT. At least they made look it official as they presented a receipt ;-).
That´s for the moment.
Alexandra & André"
