Diary of Jacques Koppert (part 4): A visa run at Mae Sot

Jacques Koppert previously described in 'De Week van' how he and Soj left Wemeldinge for their home in Ban Mae Yang Yuang (Phrae) (December 25). In his Diary of 27 January he described the 2012 school sports day and the turn of the year, on 17 February he looked back on the construction of his house and on 9 March he talked about his week's holiday in Thailand. Today on the way to Mae Sot for a 90-day stamp.

If you want to stay in Thailand for more than 3 months, an annual visa is useful. Last year, when I made my first purchase, I thought: Fine, everything arranged in one go. But it became clear at the embassy. Even with an annual visa, you must leave Thailand within 90 days to get a stamp so that you can stay for another 90 days. Logical right?

I didn't like the border crossing at Mae Sai last year. Begging children hanging on to you and much more annoying cigarette/Viagra sellers. I'm not interested in that merchandise. I don't smoke and when asked why I don't buy erection pills, everyone can come up with an answer for themselves. My “No is No” sounded so unfriendly according to Soj that she corrected me. You shouldn't get angry at those annoying people, not even in Tachileik in Myanmar.

Day 1: On the way to the border

This year we went to secure my stay in Thailand in Mae Sot. A place that the connoisseur of Northern Thailand par excellence, Sjon Hauser, describes as Little Burma in Thailand. That seems suitable for a trip. And there was one more goal. Visit to a Thai acquaintance who lives there with her two sons.

We know each other from the time they still lived in the Netherlands. Six years ago they left for Thailand. The boys are now 12 and 13 years old. They look like Thai boys, but we can speak Dutch with each other. Also with mother Jaimy. It was nice to see each other again. We went to eat in a Vietnamese restaurant. Make your own spring rolls at the table, they will keep you busy for an evening.

Day 2: Crossing the border

The second day we crossed the border. Things are more relaxed here than in Mae Sai. The price is the same: 500 bath and for Soj 20 bath. The friendship bridge is long, 420 meters it says on the board. There is not much to do on the other side in Myawaddi. The highlight was the coffee in the River View restaurant with a pot of tea, all for 20 baht. And Soj found a pair of jeans that fit. So still a tangible memory to take home. Well, it was about the stamp and there were no beggars or pushy salesmen here. Mission accomplished, back to Thailand soon.

Near the bridge, on the Thai side, is a large covered market, the Rim Moei market. You can't miss it. Everything is for sale, except livestock. Soj had a bad moment when she saw the gemstone artificial trees, two of which she had bought in Kanchanaburi, priced 400 baht cheaper here. She was frightened and bought 2 wrap skirts with matching blouses as compensation.

The atmosphere in Mae Sot is special. The street scene is determined by cyclists. I have never come across this before in Thailand. It's because of the Burmese who are everywhere here. Driving a scooter is not allowed, because they do not have a driver's license. So is it walking or cycling. Those cyclists in particular are dangerous in the dark.

Bicycle lighting has yet to be invented here. I therefore see gold trade for a shop in front and rear lights. A good campaign, a police officer on the corner of the street to check and in no time everyone here is riding their bicycle with lights on. At least then you can see them when they cycle on the wrong side of the road.

Temples were also on our list. In the afternoon looking for Wat Don Kaeo in Mae Ramat, north of Mae Sot. You will only come across a tourist sign with the name of the temple in English once. Furthermore, only Thai signs, without my Thai guide it would have been difficult to find.

In the temple a white marble Buddha statue, from Myanmar. Such marble Buddha statues are apparently rare. At least we have this rarity in the photo.

Day 3: To a hilltop forest temple

Day three looking for another peculiarity in the area. The Wat Phra That Doi Din Kiu, near the border with Myanmar. To get there you have to pass a military checkpoint along the way. We turned out not to be a threat to the state and were allowed to continue. The temple is described as a hilltop forest temple: A large hill, a lot of forest and little temple. Only the Chedi is special. It stands atop a huge gold-painted piece of rock, which balances on the edge of a mountain cliff. To see that you have to climb more than 100 meters. We could have climbed even further to Buddha's footstep, but we resisted that temptation. Buddha will not blame us.

Day 4: The Bhumibol dam, lots of water

The fourth day was departure day. The J2 hotel had another surprise. If we wanted to pay 750 bath. On arrival we had booked for three nights and paid 1500 bath. That seemed like a bargain. But turned out to be for two nights. Misunderstanding, can happen when all staff are from Myanmar.

On the way back stopped at the large vegetable, fruit and spice market along highway 12 to Tak. All supplied by hill tribes from the area. Then drove on with a packed vegetable cart.

To the Bhumibol Dam north of Tak. Worth the visit. It looks like you are entering a holiday resort. Beautiful park, impressive dam and lots of water. You can sail from here to Chiang Mai. Mountain bike races are held here every year. I won't participate in that, but I bought a few of the T-shirts with mountain bikes on them. Gives a sporty feel when worn.

Safe at home

We got home safely, despite the idiots who insisted on overtaking us in blind corners or who came storming straight at us on the wrong side of the road. Keeping a cool head and always trying to create distance between yourself and that idiot. That's what we've done so far.

We have seen those who do not make it lying on the sidelines. Three pieces during this trip. The most innocuous was the truck lying on its side that had spread its load of gravel all over the road. We were allowed to continue our way slowly driving over the gravel heaps.

Road safety thinking is not in the minds of Thai road users. But also not with the Thai road authorities and traffic enforcers. That is where the approach to road safety should start. Why do I read so little about it?