spambot

3 hours ago, topt said:

 

Good info but unless I am mistaken I think these codes are for premium rate nos?

Usually there is an alternative quoted to call from abroad - as in Mikecha post above.

The 0300 is a freephone number and the 0345 number is a non geographic number - Depending upon which service you use to make any of the calls - it may or may not count within your minutes of your service plan - In my my service plan (using VOIP service provider) - Both were included as regular minutes with no premium

However to overcome fears:

For : 0345 3000 168 Outside the UK: +44 (0)191 218 3600

For 0300 200 3500  Outside UK: +44 191 203 7010 

I just did this same event 10 days ago.

I rang this number to make the payment 0300 200 3500 

If you want to get help (or use different number to get transferred  through to above number ) do so by speaking to "Future pension Team" 0345 608 0126 - Here you can  identify the years you want to make the payment for (You might want to do this first since 0300 200 3500 number has no view of your NI account and will simply give you the bank details where you need to pay).

You will be given a sort code, account number and account holder name to make a bank transfer to - But the details are shown here..  https://www.gov.uk/pay-class-2-national-insurance/bank-details

However you also need to quote (on your transfer) a 18 digit reference number (This will be given on the phone call 0300 200 3500)

The reference number given on the call is used in order to identify your NI account and so the payment will get paid into correct NI account (yours) for the NICS class 3 - You will need to put the reference number on the bank transfer - in the field titled. "Your reference"

The payment is supposed to go into your account without any further action on your part, but can take up to 3 weeks - I however rang after 7 days since there was nothing showing on my future pension statement - I called the "Future pension Team" 0345 608 0126 and they immediately reconciled the payment to my account - The credit was showing 24 hrs latter in my account.

Hope this helps.

1 hour ago, Tanoshi said:

 At which Immigration office did this take place.

Hi Tanoshi - The office was at Chaengwattana Rd Bangkok.

4 hours ago, amvet said:

What year did you get refused a retirement extension based on the income letter from the British embassy? Did you ever actually get refused an extension or just told not to use the income method the next year you applied?

Hi Amvet - Nov 2013 - answers to your other questions contained in post #16

7 hours ago, Tanoshi said:

What you had then was an extension of stay based on retirement (not a Visa).

 

On what grounds were you refused?

I know since the Brexit announcement the £ has dropped almost 20% in value.

Depending on your UK income, and using the Pension Income letter method from the British Embassy, it's possible your income did not meet the 65,000 baht PM requirement.

Immigration use the Bangkok bank TT exchange rate for their calculations.

 

65,000 baht last year would have been equivalent to £1,250 per month income.

This year 65,000 baht is the equivalent of £1,495 per month income.

Hi Tanoshi - And yes I know it was an extension of stay based on retirement (not a Visa). My apologies I wasn't precise in the terminology - I thought  that this could not be confused with anything else available.

There was no difficulty in the amounts of funding - I had well over the required amounts using joint methods from funding in a Thai bank deposit and UK incomes. 

I went through the figures with the first official at immigration (i.e first that  process the application and places the first stamp in the passport) and  since he checked everything was correct  as normal he then entered the process into your computer profile immigration records, handed me my passport and the white official paper (in Thai) with his signature and date upon - This was then taken to a more senior immigration officer sitting 10 meters behind the first officer - This officer is supposed to sign the freshly made stamp in the passport ("Extension of stay permitted up to....") This is the final step in getting Extension of stay. 

She refused to sign - and spoke no English - She could just say "Not correct" and after 20 mins trying to understand what the problem actually was  I requested to see someone that could speak English -The person who was found then after talking with Thai officer simply said that she couldn't provide further details for the reason for rejection - I requested that they ring the British Embassy since I have no control on the letter - I simply  provided the embassy with what immigration previously agreed as what should be required in order to get the letter - Hence if the process has broken down they should  negotiate this with them. They refused to speak with the British Embassy. They then needed to stop  for lunch and the senior officer who refused to sign told the person who translated to English that she needed to take advice and see a more senior officer.

I realised that it was going to be a bit of a stalemate since I had the  stamp ("Extension of stay permitted up to....") now in my passport, but without a signature - Hence the extension had not yet been fully granted since it was not signed but the stamp however did exist and would be difficult to take away.

Long story made short - Face saving was employed by the officer that would not sign - I was told I needed to write out a statement and sign / date the statement before I could get the signature of the officer. This statement was to be my declaration that I could not any further use the earning letter route in further applications. However once the English speaking immigration officer moved away since I had to dictated my own statement - Rather than write down "would not" I wrote "would" (apply for an extension using the income letter method) - Hence the statement was confusing and I also hoped non restricting. I  then handed the signed statement to the senior official - But since she couldn't speak English I had presume that she could not read English either - She signed my passport and the extension was complete.

I latter wrote to the British Ambassador ((high commissioner) and also then visited the British Embassy -  I asked them to qualify what had taken place and why their letter for earnings was rejected since I had no explanation provided by Thai immigration - The outcome from the meeting was - They had no idea why the letter might be refused, but they also refused to talk with immigration directly to find out why - The senior officer at the British Embassy agreed however that she would  take a phone call from Bangkok immigration if this could be arranged by me - However as I  said no  immigration officials were prepared to do this. The senior officer at the British Embassy said she could do nothing until she had an understanding what the problem was for the rejection - But since that this was the reason I was attending the British Embassy the conversation simply went cyclic and nowhere.

I then wrote to the Head officer at Bangkok immigration asking for details for why the letter had been rejected - The letter was returned back to me a few weeks latter  - It had been opened and stuck back down with sellotape - printed on the back "Returned to sender".

In short - I think I was just unlucky - And it's simply a problem that could happen to anyone - The positives I got from this was... Nothing is guaranteed in Thailand (not matter how good you think your case might be) - And you must always have a plan B.

7 hours ago, Tanoshi said:

Are you saying you tried to get an extension based on retirement from a Tourist Visa?

Hi Tanoshi

Nope - I already had an existing visa (based upon retirement) I got this from using the same revenues I had from all previous applications (at the British Embassy) using income letters method - But then realised from this incident that nothing was guaranteed in Thailand even when you follow the rules - So I purposely made the future a little more difficult and decided to move to staying through a series of tourist visa - I wanted to convince myself I was not going to be dependent upon immigration - Really I wanted to see if I could stay by  being nimble rather than entitled because that would mean I had generated extra choice if immigration did say no again in the future.

5 hours ago, Tanoshi said:

Not for the retirement extension which the OP is doing.

Hi Tanoshi

I went to British Embassy for explanation - sent letter to head of immigration - this was sent back unopened - I used a tourist triple entry - then other tourist visas - Now back in UK - applying for O-A visa. 

1 hour ago, Dan5 said:

I even saw a post about a province that wouldn't accept someone's proof of income from their embassy. Good luck.

I have made a post some time ago - How this happened to me, proof of income letter was rejected after I did all the right things supplied documents of evidence / paid the requested fees at the UK Embassy - Got the letter for proof of income and then got it rejected - But this was in Bangkok. 

38 minutes ago, cyberfarang said:

Technically it could be interpreted as breaking the law, then the same could apply to changing a light bulb in the homes we live as we can`t own our properties in Thailand, except maybe condos.

 

But as far as I know, no foreigners in Thailand have ever been arrested for doing maintenance in their abodes of residence. So it`s really not worth thinking about.

Interestingly - I did read In a Chang Mai publication a number of years ago - About a Foreigner who said that he was actually threatened under the act.

In Chang Mai the foreigner was renovating his house and he was raided (the act used for the purpose of the raid) he was said to be 'working' - Since he was exerting energy as quoted under the act. He was told that he was being raided because his neighbour had made a complaint. The foreigner was threatened with prosecution and with a max penalty for working without work permit - 2 years in prison and/or fine up to 100K THB. - He paid a 100K THB fine and did not go to prison.

This is probably a typical result in Thailand - Mostly of these cases are not tested in law and so its difficult to understand what a foreigner working actually means.  A typical feature of this type of case is some official with an opinion, rather than someone with real knowledge or experience to qualify a prosecution reality. In this case a single police officer and a single labour officer attended the house. The actions taken were concluded in a single visit and the foreigner's case was never tested in court.

Generally if the police did want to pursue charges it is unlikely that any prosecutor would actual want to take the case. The most likely outcome of a case going to court would be the foreigner would be let off since the Act was not designed for this occurrence and a  prosecutor does know this. But notwithstanding this any attempt to use the courts to make a landmark decision in Thai law would not be straightforward since the law is not based upon any specifics apart from the prohibited work sectors in the three main categories (A, B, C) there is little substance to use in mitigation to win such a case - other than exertion of energy.

Attempting to pioneer and find some clarity in this unenforceable law would not serve anyone well if wishing to test any actual meaning for what constitutes an engagement in work. The best positioning for most cost concerned relative to this law is to leave it alone and never force a test for clearer definition. Hence most future challenges on what can be defined as working illegally will remain as it stands today as unknown and subject to threats and compromise that will only ever get negotiated outside the actual law. 

DisainaM I agree - Paying tax and working illegally are different.

My post made no contribution on the arguments around - Paying tax.

working of Alien act 2008

"Section 5: Definition - WORK : Means of engaging in work by exerting energy or using knowledge whether or not in consideration of wages or benefits."

goes on to say…"In  order to do work you need a work permit if you are a foreigner."

- With this very broad definition of work, then any foreigner entering the kingdom found to be simply breathing would then need a work permit - Because that is exerting energy.

Bottom line: The way that work is defined makes it impossible to define what work actually is.

As far as I am be aware (albeit through limited resources) no Digital Bloggers have ever been prosecuted in Thailand for Blogging without a work permit 

 A realistic view: This or any other digital blogger is unlikely to get into a Thai court for prosecution - simply because - they do not compete with a Thai person for that same job.

Yikes - perthperson - Brilliant post 

Thanks a lot!

I am currently getting my docs ready for a postal London O-A visa application - So I went to doctor yesterday for a quote on getting a medical certificate....

 "Not having prohibitive diseases ( Leprosy, Tuberculosis, drug addiction, Elephantiasis, third phase of Syphilis) as indicated in the Ministerial Regulation No. 14  B.E. 2535."

Things I learned:

1. Certificate - Means letter

I was a bit unclear what I was asking for - Was it a letter from the doctor or should I be asking for a predefined certification of standard issue?

It seems that the doctor wasn't really sure either - So I guessed then it must simply be a letter confirmation, signed (on Medical practice letter head) - And that is what I asked for.

2. To improve your chances - Go see a doctor (for some minor reason) to show you are in great condition - before you go back to ask for the letter.

It seems that my doctor was agreeable in providing this medical letter of confirmation because my history was up to date.

A few weeks previous I attended the doctors for a check up and we had a general chat about my overall health.

I latter went to see the doctor for a quote - since we had the chat in the previous visit there was no discussion or questioning about if I was suffering from the medical conditions .

3.  You will not need an examination

I also wasn't too sure if a physical test was required, but if you follow 2 - 3 then its less likely you will require a physical examination.

- Doctor said "if you had any of these conditions then you would know about them and I would too".

4. The cost of the medical letter / certificate

If you don't require a physical - Then the cost is simply  the time and effort to generate the letter and signature.

I was told they would supply the letter, but this is not covered by the NHS and  needs to be paid for.

- I was asked  to supply a formal request to be passed to the practice manager to get the quote (A different doctor might just supply without this extra step).

However she gave me guidance on prices:

They will charge £150 for an insurance check and letter (but this is a different category)

For other non insurance type letters then expect the cost to be between £25 - £50.

I hope this helps someone!

UPDATE: Just got a response from London Embassy -  below is straight copy and paste - Showing confirmation that postal applications are acceptable.

-------------------------------------------------------------email sent------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hi,

Thanks  OJAS - Yup post # 42 - I was told by Glasgow on an email that I could apply by post

Ha - OJAS Good spot  I didn't see that when I first visited their site -  and yes Tanoshi its a statement that could be open to interpretation.

Up till this time I have had no response back from Cardiff  - I called them yesterday, but I got no answer and no response from an email I sent after the call.  I have called them again just now (after both of your posts).

Answer:

"I think London will only issue O-A visa in person not by post, but you need to check on their website"

Question:

"But the website is not clear as  it could be interpreted that postal application will be accepted"

Answer:

"Mnnnn...OK....Then I would  advise you to call them (after 2pm) and finding out for definite."

I get the feeling that this consulate and indeed possibly none of the consulates might be giving me definitive answers.

There is only Birmingham (and of course London) that I have had no  response from, but since the actual consulate at Birmingham died April 2016 its not clear if they are yet back open (London embassy website says... "From 18 April 2016, Visa service at the Thai Consulate at Birmingham will no longer be available. Applicants are advised to submit their applications by post to the Royal Thai Embassy, London"). 

Don't you just love these Thai Visa vagaries - I think once you finally do get all these answers sorted out - You are then probably well qualified for a job at somewhere like -  Siam Legal.

Yup Tanoshi - You are probably correct - The Hull response also doesn't sound convinced - "we understand" is the way they describe their position - Not a definitive yes or no - Thanks for remaining attached to this post.

55 minutes ago, spambot said:

Thanks Ubonjoe - Since so many people rely upon your advice - here is just to a little bit of extra to add to your library of support info.

 

I have made contact with a number of UK Thai consulates (since its difficult to get response from the London Embassy itself).

 

I have now a confirmation from Liverpool and also just a few minutes ago confirmation back from Glasgow (by email) in response to..

Question: "Is it acceptable for O-A visa application by post?"

Answer (copy & paste) "Yes only London can issue this type of visa and it can be done by post by special delivery so long as you submit the correct documentation which please check from the embassy."

 

 

Update: Just got a response from Hull:

Answer (copy & paste) : "The O-A visa is available only from the London Embassy and we understand that you must apply in person."

Ha - So Hull believe the contrary to the other two consulates - Nothing is ever straightforward when it come to Thailand I guess.

- So far results are 2.1 in favour of a postal application being acceptable. 

On 7/1/2017 at 1:39 AM, ubonjoe said:

As far as I know you must still apply in person for the OA visa. It was clearly stated on the previous version of their website.

I have seen no reports of anybody doing it by post.

I know it is hard to contact the embassy but you may have to try and contact them to be sure.

Thanks Ubonjoe - Since so many people rely upon your advice - here is just to a little bit of extra to add to your library of support info.

I have made contact with a number of UK Thai consulates (since its difficult to get response from the London Embassy itself).

I have now a confirmation from Liverpool and also just a few minutes ago confirmation back from Glasgow (by email) in response to..

Question: "Is it acceptable for O-A visa application by post?"

Answer (copy & paste) "Yes only London can issue this type of visa and it can be done by post by special delivery so long as you submit the correct documentation which please check from the embassy."

I just came off a call to Liverpool Consulate.

Questions:

Can a postal application be made for O-A visa?

Answer:    

YES

They also sent me an email with a Microsoft word attachment which was supposed to show  written evidence that a postal application is acceptable  - Which ended up being just a copy of the web page (that has been linked in this thread). 

From this call and the information provided it would seem that the website even though does not explicitly identify the actual postal policy for just the O-A Visa applications - The interpretation should be - Postal applications are acceptable.

I have also emailed the London embassy with the same question, but I am not holding my breath. 

Just to get me back on track as the poster - With my original question asked:

The website for London Embassy seemed to indicate that sending application by post for O-A was possible - I was looking for guidance to establish if this was actually possible.

It was helpful when Tanoshi - identified that a friend has done this same application by post - hence it was an indicator that this was actually possible.

Ubonjoe and a few others were questioning how this might have been achieved when there has been few other reports of this occurring on the forum.

I just want to get the A-O visa that gives me 2 years (if I leave and return before end of visa date).

However I just do not want to travel down to London and stay overnight if I can prevent doing this.

Hence I was looking for clarity if I could make a postal application for the O-A visa.

7 hours ago, ubonjoe said:

It is not possible to apply for a OA visa at immigration.

the Soi Suan Plu immigration offices has been closed since 2009 when the office moved to Chaeng Wattana.

Thanks ubonjoe - Amazing that this  is still on the London Thai Embassy web site especially  if things changed and now done only at Chaeng Wattana since 2009. This would also mean that whatever the interpretation is attempted to be made for 'visit or post' - just using their words on site - Might be irrelevant.

7 hours ago, OJAS said:

 

If the OP is in receipt of the UK State Pension he is eligible for a non-O from the London Embassy.

 

Thanks OJAS - Unfortunately still 5 years away

Thanks ubonjoe - I had that very same feeling and was pleasantly surprised from the wording I saw on the site - as you say its difficult to call them, last time waited 55 mins with music on hold and no one did pick up. Hull are pretty active on call answering and usually good for information and so will call them on Monday.

3 hours ago, ubonjoe said:

What do you base that upon.

I am not aware of anybody doing it by post.

Most other visas yes but not the OA.

Thanks Tanoshi - Mnnnnn sounds promising if you know someone that did actually do this application by post. Reading this again I can see the following is also said....

 **Visa fees are payable in pound sterling (£) in cash only**

 - But this would seem impracticable if postal was acceptable?

I was a bit surprised at the cost of 400 GBP your friend uncured

- Was this new medicals or criminal reports required?

- If everything goes well the costs should be around:

Visa 125 GBP

Postage used to send passport back 10GBP

Criminal check 45 GBP

Medical certificate (approx) 50 GBP

Copies of bank statement, criminal record, medical record, Notified 4 x 5 GBP = 20 GBP

Total = 250 GBP

3 hours ago, Tanoshi said:

Read the link supplied by perthman for postal applications.

I know someone who obtained his Non O-A via post last year, but it's a touchy subject as he's made a real hash of the Visa.

EXTRA QUESTION:

There is also the option stated on the web page to do this in Bangkok, which would make it much easier than actually travelling all the way down to London and staying overnight and then travelling back.

The words on the site are....

Start - "Channels to submit visa application and fee

1.  Applicants can submit their applications at the Royal Thai Embassy 

2.  The Office of the Immigration Bureau, Section 1, Sub-Division 1, Immigration Bureau, Soi Suan Plu, off South Sathorn Road, Sathon District, Bangkok 10120. Tel. 0066-22873101-10 Ext.2236"- End

-  This was a surprise when I read this. So does this mean that someone could enter the kingdom with just a visa exempt - And then simply go down to the Sathon immigration office with these  same docs together with the 125 GBP fee to achieve the same result for the visa O-A ? 

8 minutes ago, perthperson said:

"The Royal Thai Embassy in London commenced its visa application by post service on the 2 January 2014. Termination of visa services by post at the Royal Thai Consulates in the United Kingdom and Ireland (namely, the Royal Thai Consulates in Birmingham, Cardiff, Hull, Liverpool, Glasgow, Gibraltar and Dublin) will be effective from 15 January 2014." 

 

http://thaiembassyuk.org.uk/en/visa-modern#section2

Thanks perthperson - Yup I read this same page - And it looked like I could apply by post when I read it but I was not certain - So I think you are you confirming that you read this as - Yes an applications by post can be made.