Thailand to Holland Visa Runs

A Visa Run to Amsterdan in June 2001.

Well....as crazy as it all sounds, here I am once again back in Amsterdam and once again, looking for maps and books. I like to read books on "alternative" views of history and one of my favorite authors is Graham Hancock. I was fortunate enough to be with my best friend and finding another book of his, "Keeper of Genesis" really topped off a wonderful morning. One of his other books, the "Fingerprints of the Gods" has become my "bible" and reference point for all other similar books.

After we finished our coffee and I had time to write a few notes in my journal, we set out for the Thai Consulate here in Amsterdam. Since I didn't know exactly where it was and armed only with an address from the Internet, we decided to grab a taxi from the taxi stand in front of the train station.  

I can remember when every taxi was a mercedes but it appears those days are over as most cars are some other manufacturer. After what seemed like a long cab ride and especially with the meter clicking off guilders like crazy, 54 guilders later, we arrived at an address that appeared to be some form of townhouse with no obvious signs of it being the right place.

I got out of the cab and walked up the sidewalk towards the door and posted in the window was a small sign telling those that came that the consulate had moved. I copied the address down and headed out once again across town. This time we headed for what turned out to be a brand new high-rise at the Amstel Train Station where there was also an Amstel brewery. How appropriate I thought.

We exited the cab and headed up an elevator to an office that stated it was the Thai consulate but there were no Thais to be found, anywhere. How odd I thought as in Washington, D.C. and Chicago, Illinois I had dealt only with Thais. Here it appeared that consulate matters were being handled by some type of international law/professional services firm.

I presented the lady at the desk with my letter, degree and TEFL certificate and in less than 10 minutes and 84 guilders later, we were walking out the door with a one year, multiple-entry, non-immigrant "B" class visa for Thailand! Yes!
This time, knowing where we were, we took the train back into central Amsterdam, which was a heck of a lot cheaper than taking a taxi.

January 2003 Update

This consulate has once again moved for the 3rd time in three years. It is now located at the law office of:
Hoegen Dijkhof Advocaen BV/De Lairessestraat 127
1075 HJ Amsterdam