Corruption on the border!!
Trip Start
Jan 16, 2011
1
22
41
Trip End
Mar 26, 2011
Aranyaprathet, Thailand
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
It did take me all day but it was probably a shining moment in my life where I stood my ground, questioned everything and successfully did something most people fail at! I beat their game!
So my trip started at 5 something to get up and get to the train station for my 5:55am 3rd class (yes 3rd class Thailand style! OMG!) Saw lots of amazing things whizz by the window and pass through the cabin. I wish I would have had the chance to do a little more train travel, fascinating experience for sure! I arrived at the border town just about 11:30 I think... And this is were the first scam presented itself, by guess who? The tuk tuk! He takes you to the Cambodia Conciliate or whatever to get you visa (which I already know might happen, and knew for a face the visa is after the Thai exit stamping) not sure the scam but I think they charge you for them to fill out the free visa forms. I just said I already had my visa, they insisted I needed to fill out these forms too, I just kept saying no I don't and as soon as the next tuk tuk came in site they got me out of there. Finally I was dropped off at the real border, after a short walk I was stamped out of thialand! (it was fun in no mans land the area between the borders there was a couple casinos, was very tempted!) Next I found my way to the real Cambodia visa office to apply for my visa where (just like the internets warmed me!) the actual official badge wearing officer was asking for extra money for processing! The sign next to him clearly states: Tourist Visas $20 Do not pay more. I again said "I dont think so", "where does it say I need to pay that?" and when the next person walked up the moved me along for being difficult I guess haha! Within a couple minutes I had a nice new visa sticker in my passport and I was read to go stand in the sun waiting in line to cross the border... It was awful! Everyone was sweating like pigs! The people selling overpriced drinks were making a mint! Within minutes I found my way to the free bus to the bus station, where I caught a shared taxi for $12 for a 2 hr ride to siem reap then a free transfer on the back of a motor bike to my hotel! What a ride! I made it!
