hotandsticky

Yes, I imagine you can relate precisely to that.

EVERYONE is a hypocrite? That is something of a sweeping statement.

One mans balance is another mans Donald Trump.

The forum is as good as it's members

Tax

VfS have no influence on the decision making process. In the past they have come across as being obstructive on occasions, not so in recent years. Morocco......that's an interesting choice @sandyf not a place I have considered.

Absolutely not. VfS are simply agents for UKVI and are obliged to submit whatever you put in your application. Their role is simply to obtain biometrics and forward applications........inserting the visa into a passport is their toughest challenge. VfS have become more efficient , and user friendly, over the last 15 years.

The donations are usually controlled by a family member and the bookkeeping would put some banks to shame. Many years ago my missus lost her young son and she was most moved by the 20 Baht donation from an 80 year old villager who has nothing and walked 2 km from just outside the village to attend the cremation. I am sure there are a few wats that will provide a cremation only service; I have only heard of two - one near Pattaya and one in Buriram province.

Whilst your list of expenses is perfectly valid, the net cost could be much less...... you omitted the pink envelope factor which could significantly reduce the figure. 30,000 Baht is the lowest figure I have seen for a local wat just to do an unattended burn. Most are just as likely to refuse because a 'direct cremation' does not sit well with Buddhist beliefs and practices.

Not defending anyone - just pointing out that the word 'fake' did not appear anywhere. For your benefit HMRC are nothing to do with DWP (they can't even get their acts together when erroneously changing tax codes for those on frozen pensions). DWP are the people you claim the state pension from and it is they whom you advise your residential status to. As @chickenslegs pointed out, you may already be on the system as living abroad and the Thai address is used in the claim application.

Slightly off-topic (my fault)...... a rolling 90 days in a 180 day period remains the rule for periods of stay. This from VfS's website:- "An applicant with a history of multiple-entry visas valid for 12 months, may if there is documented a need for it, be given a multiple-entry visa for 2-3 years. An applicant with a history of multiple-entry visas valid for 2-3 years, may if there is a documented need, get a multiple-entry visa for up to 5 years."

The pension is frozen from the date you advise DWP that you reside in Thailand. When is your pension due? How much extra is the annual increase worth? I doubt that it is worth deferring for a small cost of living increase.

Oooh......smell the envy. The Don, who leads far from a sad life, probably gets it up more than you do.

S0, you lose. To an old man. No shame in that. Be wary of old men

Oooh, news to me. The last one I was involved with went to Liverpool.

2023 when the 3 year visa was granted. It is automatically approved for longer periods once you have had X number of previous Schengen visas.

Yes to the Asian section of UKVI. Yes, to HMPO Liverpool for the passports.

I never enjoyed that privilege as we are not married.....but I do like the fact that she now gets a visa valid for 3 years.

The point is that it is not necessary - in fact specifically excluded by UKVI and I would hate less experienced members gaining the impression that photos can be submitted. . No harm in what you do but I have seen applicants try to present 50 photos which just get binned. Photos are totally pointless, can easily be photoshopped and usually show the couple at the beach or legless in a Pattaya bar. Just using this post to reiterate a point made earlier - the applicant does not attend an interview, at best she will be asked where she is going and if she is satisfied that she has uploaded sufficient documentation. My missus is always asked that question because she only submits a maximum of 6 pieces of paper. Everything is done online and VfS play no part in the decision making process.

Not according to the facts presented - and 'no income' suggests not being of pension age.

Visas cannot be renewed, they are only 'used', in the UK or Thailand. UKVI state that each application is treated on it's individual merits. Obviously, a track record of successfully obtaining visas helps the decision making process.

He doesn't need to be the financial support in this case. I have done 15+ for my missus and also never include any financial information for her. Different for Schengen visas, of course, where I am literally a nobody.

He is not imaginary

Receiver

15 working days is the standard quote from VfS. All mine have been within this timescale. Most within 10 days a couple within a week.