MonkeyLoo

I can confirm that too. HSBC pulled out of Thailand retail banking. I believe they still have business banking facilities in BKK.

Haha, I know what you mean she would probably eat the profits.......

But seriously, im looking at a way of living free between contracts. As I cant work officially I will need to do it through my GF. It wont be a serious investment. Even if it goes pear shaped its not the end of the world

Thanks for the advice Arthur. I have a few years to retirement yet but maybe the education visa would be an option. Are you referring to a visa for teaching English?

I know my girl well, but its never a good thing to give full control of anything major. Been through a few relationships so im not keen on risking too much if things ever went sour

I have a Thai girlfriend who could look after the business. I don't think it will be big enough to employ 4 Thais. My idea is to keep it small and keep as much control as I can, just cover living costs and accommodation costs.

Tourist visa should be fine as I will usually work away for several Months of the year, but hopefully it wont be as crucial for me to contract if I can live cheaply in Thailand for a few Months at a time.

Hi All,

I am an IT contractor currently working in UK. I'm thinking of basing myself in Thailand and contracting from there. Geographically its a pretty good location to the areas I would be allowed to work, and some areas I could perhaps explore.

My idea was to perhaps have a business in Thailand that could also bring in a small income and pay my living expenses when in Thailand. I love Thailand and spending time between contracts there would be perfect.

Any thoughts or advice? People doing this already im sure.

I believe they would pay full fare but they can afford it............

As long as you pay the fine its all okay. They don't even mind letting you back in right away. The only danger is getting stopped and checked by the police. As previously said they will just send you straight to jail. I think they send you to BKK for processing.

Flew with QA many times past two years. Good airline overall but they have a membership system which gives different privileges. A gold member is top which is very nice for them as they can turn up at the airport without a booking and demand a seat. Even if over booked the airline will pull passengers off the flight for gold members. Usually Arabs and/or native Qataris. Otherwise people who fly a hell of a lot with them. Lucky if you ever get gold membership but silver and burgundy are attainable but with fewer privileges.

So.....if the gold member Qatari turns up with his 4 wives and all his kids, any lesser privileged traveller is going to lose out. I saw this happen many times.

Always best to reserve a seat online and checkin online. But as I say. If the gold member shows up your on the next flight.

Some interesting comments there thanks.

From what I have read, its not illegal to use passports in this way. Airlines will ask which passport you want to travel on when checking in when presented with two.

When travelling to different parts of the world with different countries having different visa regulations and restrictions if you travel on the wrong passport it can potentially cause chaos and refusal of entry. I have never had this happen with Oz or UK passports as they are widely accepted. But for others it could easily happen.

Its a complex subject and my original question was about working the system legally.

You are allowed in to UK on your Oz passport. They stamp it in the usual way with a time limit and ask you why your entering etc. You only need the valid passport to get on the flight as that is one of the conditions (Must have at least 6 months left before expiry) or the airline can refuse boarding.

I did the same not so long ago, just out of interest to see what would happen. I have UK passport too but was just a flying visit.

They will let you in with your expired passport and you can renew when there no problem

Thanks NanL that was the kind of constructive answer i was looking for.

The UK visa gets a use by term of 3 months I think. Its for 60 days single entry, so i can extend and remain in Thailand for 90 days.

In theory am I correct in thinking I could get another 60 day visa on my other passport? and just exit and re enter using that one ?

Or perhaps get a multiple entry visa with the second passport.

I still dont see the issue here. If passports are valid whats the problem? Nothing illegal about holding dual passports

How would they know? As long as your passport is valid what difference does it make which one you use to enter the country?

Hi Everyone

I have dual passports UK and Australia. I was wondering what is the best way to allow me the longest stay in Thailand possible by using both passports.

I'm in the UK at the moment and can get the 60 day visa from the Thai consulate but was wondering what my best strategy would be for a long stay.

Any advice is very much appreciated

Al