Iamemjay

I did a border crossing at Maesai last week, but when I produced the usual US$10 fee they refused to accept it, saying that that was only acceptable if I stayed overnight - otherwise I must pay 500B. When I questioned this (new rules?) the Myanmar officials involved refused to discuss it further.

Does anyone know if this is indeed a new rule, or is it just a scam the particular officials were running? (given  that 500B is in fact much more than US$10).

The Fang (Chiangmai province) Immigration office, which incidentally was recently downgraded from a full immigration office such that their only function is "O" visa 90 day reporting (ie. no renewals), has introduced a new requirement that both farangs and their spouses have to report their residential situation to them (or the police) and are apparently attempting to impose a fine for those that don't comply.

Attached are scans of their notice and the accompanying form which they are requiring. These details have come via a farang who has lived here for 20 years, who has always complied with the 90 day reporting requirement attaching to his "O" (marriage to a Thai national) visa and whose wife was recently "fined" 2000B for not reporting his presence in her home!

The requirement also includes reporting of farang visitors to them within 24 hours of the visitors' arrival.

What gives here? Has anybody else experienced this?

(The same office recently attempted to make a charge of 1600B for another farang who simply tried to make his 90 day reporting visit. He refused to pay and went to Chiangmai to report (for free of course)).