hotandsticky

I thought they only issued single entry Non O visas based on retirement.

I would.

...not around here....

You will do now.......recent national mandate.

Thank you.... I missed that bit in the report I read.

I wonder which hotel this was? They would obviously have been fully aware of what was going on.

Culture

Do you normally carry a Certificate of Residence around with you?

Indeed, the grass is not always greener.....

Absolute garbage!

I do a mix of both.

Why don't you save yourself a lot of grief and just don't get involved. Leave it to the Thais - they know what they are doing.

Likewise

I have always found the exchange rate to be acceptable.......with no other transaction charges added.

I like the Nationwide gold card - no overseas transaction charges.

WISE is a UK based foreign exchange and financial technology company - and very good they are too. They are not a bank. I use them for currency transfers but I don't leave deposits with them. Interest rates don't really interest me. Be warned 'retaining' a UK bank account is becoming very similar to 'opening one' with some banks. The perceived additional regulatory requirements are cited as the reason for not opening accounts for non-residents........it is only a small step to take that approach to existing accounts where the account holder is non-resident.

I have lived in Thailand for 16 years. Of course I need a UK bank account so I can control when I choose to remit money to Thailand. Government investments and private dividends are better paid into a UK account. I have accounts with 4 different UK banks + WISE. I also have credit cards with available credit of £80k - that is a useful back up. If you have any income, or particularly assets, in the UK then it is sensible to retain at least one bank account. Preferably with a UK address.

Oh please! I am sure that you have heard of Isaan culinary practices..

A fraction the Thaksinista 10,000 Baht for votes bribe.

Thaksin was no fan of Farangs.

There is a pdf version on that link.

https://bangkok.immigration.go.th/en/downloads_en/

I have done over 14 visas for my missus........very occasionally the arrival date is important (I always book flights before applying for the visa) and you are, of course, allowed to apply up to 3 months before the intended arrival date. Those going to the UK for the full 180 days might lose out if a random earlier start date was used. The intended arrival date (and exit date) is included in the application and I am sure most ECOs would use that date; I repeat the requested start date in my sponsor letter. On one occasion the expiry date was important because I wanted to make a summer visit and a Christmas visit with the same visa.

The validity date on a standard visitor visa is 6 months from the issue date (or intended date of arrival if that was requested). The holder can stay for 180 days and the visa is multiple entry.