For the people that were asking about the Ranong - Kawthaung (Myanmar) border run, here’s my experience of today:
Arrived at the pier by car, were driving around slowly looking for a sign to confirm we were in the correct location and a parking spot. A guy knocked on my window, asked if we were going to Burma and we agreed then and there to go on his boat (THB500 return trip per person), he helped us park, make copies of our passports and guided us to immigration.
Stamped out, got on the boat, it stops at 2 additional checkpoints on the Thai side and one on the Myanmar side. Docked in front of immigration, had to pay US$10 plus THB100 (the $ has to be new and unfolded). We decided we wanted to have a look around town so immigration kept our passports (“pick them up on your way out”) and agreed an additional THB500 with the boat guy for his time waiting for us.
Walked around a bit, bought some refreshments using THB, no problem. After an hour went back, got our passports, went back by boat (stopping again at 2 out of 3 checkpoints).
Upon arrival in Ranong, you have to ‘buy’ a TM6 (arrival) card for THB100, fill it in and hand your passport to immigration. Got stamped in no questions asked (despite a gazillion stamps, (covid) extensions, etc) and off we went.
On the Myanmar side I asked some questions about staying/going further into the country, this is what they told me:
You can stay for up to 2 weeks, but are limited to a 20km radius from the immigration office.
You CAN go further into Myanmar, including the Mergui archipelago but only with a visa. At the moment there is no diving, only snorkeling possible. There is fighting ongoing about 60km from Kawthaung, so caution is required.
He also said a liveaboard boat has illegally entered the Mergui archipelago and was apprehended by the navy and is now chained there with 19 ppl on board.
Any questions, let me know!! 🙏🏼🙏🏼
