Paul Catton

Signage normally includes vapes due to the abundance of the illicit material.

Was in a queue for less than 10 minutes I opted for the 16 day turnaround with a total fee of THB 60 that also covers the registered mail delivery of the Certificate. Tracking numbers already given at time of application. Due by 28 /2/26 .

I got denied boarding 3 years ago by Thai Vietjet to return to Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi from Vietnam because a "Thai staple hole" became a slight tear on page 16 of my passport. Opal boarded the flight with our luggage. Thai Air Asia accepted the document and put me on a flight to Don Mueang scheduled for 5 hours later. The "jolly girls" at Don Mueang were almost laughing hysterically, when I explained my lack of a smile, as they stamped me through.

Chiang Mai Immigration as of 11 Feb 2026.

Not quite true. Public Health and Legal Status (As of late 2025/Early 2026) Public Nuisance Regulation: Smoking cannabis that causes a smell or smoke to disturb others is a legal violation under the Public Health Act. Penalties: Violators can face up to three months in prison and/or a fine of up to 25,000 Thai baht. This also applies to condominiums without posted rules and most places that members of the public have reasonable access to. The argument that it's my balcony, private property etc.. simply doesn't cut it. Try standing <deleted> naked on your balcony, am sure it wouldn't be long before the BIB came a knocking.

Apologies, for grammar and spelling inconsistency, wireless mouse and keyboard were inoperative, and broad fingers on a Chrome Book gave final result.

When you choose a Condominium that has a non-smoking, non vaping criteria within the building, balconies and grounds except for a designated smoking area, all should be fine. However, it's not, there are numerous non-resident condominium owners that flout the Law and let their "Investment" out for short term stays. All under the semi-blind eyes of the "Juristic Management" who provide the signage, that both activities are either illegal or against the rules. I have had two interactions with persons smoking Cannabis on their balconies. First, was with a "long term tenant" on the top floor, his room being adjacent to mine, this took over 2 months to resolve despite my initial request for him to cease. It took an actual heated discussion to finalise compliance. Second, was a "short term rental" directly underneath my unit, when I confronted him, his reply was he had a medical certificate. My reply "was a script from a "weed dispensary" doesn't give you the right to flout rules and have your acrid aroma invade my living space. You might need a medical certificate to fly home", rather harsh but worked. Additionally the "Hotel Receptionists" in the lobby Ave been advised to give strict Please do not get me wrong I am not against "soft core highs", I have considerably smoked Cannabis and Hashish in my younger years, In Saudi Arabia we had "Thai Sticks" and does anyone remember the "Lebanese Gold" kilo blocks of Hashish with the gold leaf seal. Due to the nature of my work for the past three decades (although now retired) it meant complete abstinence. I am still an avid smoker of Tobacco, yet try to make sure my addiction is not unpleasant towards others. Unless in a designated smoking zone at this property, I have no right to impinge my toxic fumes on others. Also, I have never smoked inside our family home back in NZ.

Same for me, 18 at the time. Steaks at the Bier Kutsche were fantastic. Bars were relaxing venues No pressure or hustle from the girls, And if you opted for the bar-fine, it was a girlfriend experience right up until her next shift. And swimming at the beach in clean water, glorious. Different times indeed.

The following were the requirements for METV in Hanoi earlier this month. Re paragraph 3. 3.5 other options were available, such as Hotels, etc.... Paragraph 3.6 is the financials, THB or equivalency in other currency. HANOI - VIETNAM MULTI ENTRY TOURIST VISA (METV) 60 days maximum per entry. 1. Eligible Applicant for Toursit Visa This type of visa is issued to applicant who wishes to enter the Kingdom for the sole purpose of tourism only. Employment is strictly prohibited. 2. Tourist Visa Conditions 2.1 Multi Entry Tourist Visa is valid for 6 months from the date of issuance. Travelers must enter the the country within the said 3-month period. 2.2 Travelers will be allowed to stay up to 60 days, counting from the date of entry. Extension of stay is possible for another 30 days, with a maximum stay of 90 days, counting from the date of entry. Travelers shall contact the Office of Immigration Bureau ( http://www.immigration.go.th ) for further information. Visa extension is solely at the discretion of the Immigration officer. 2.3 If the Tourist Visa holder breaches the entry conditions (for example, if he/she engages in work-related activities), the stay permit will be revoked, and he/she will be prohibited from entering Thailand in the future. 3. Required Documents for Tourist Visa application 3.1 Passport or travel document with validity not less than 6 months 3.2 One completed Visa application form 3.3 One (01) Recent photograph (size 3.5 x 4.5 cm.) affixes to the visa application form 3.4 Evidence of transportation Flight itinerary for ROUND TRIP ticket (in Thai or English) Flight reservation/itinerary must show the applicant's full name, arrival and departure's date and time, and flight details 3.5 Accommodation (2) Applicant staying at the rented accommodation: Copy of lease contract 3.6 Evidence of adequate finance A bank statement in the past 6 months, showing the minimum fund of THB 20,000.- per person or THB 40,000.- per family 4. Visa Fees Multi entry USD 200 Visa Fees are accepted in US Dollars only and can be paid by the exact amount and by cash ONLY. Visa Fees are non-refundable regardless outcome. 5. Visa Processing Processing time for a complete visa application will take 1-3 working days. Remarks: All personal documents (eg, copy of identity card, passport, work permit, Thai house registration, etc.) shall be certified true copy, signed and dated by the owner of the documents. All documents shall be in Thai or English ONLY. Documents in foreign languages shall be translated into English or Thai and legalized by the public notary or the respective Embassy/Consulate-General. Applicants shall clearly provide contact number and email address.

US$10 per day for the girlfriend experience at the beginning of the 80's. Multi role position (excuse the pun), food guide, tour guide, imperfect translator etc.

Hence my inclusion of the term ironic. The adage of goose/ gander comes to mind. Just a passing observation

Yet, Royal Thai Embassies (presumably worldwide) accept ones own downloaded "Bank Account summary and balances." as being the "Proof of Funds" for the issuance of a Visa. Rather ironic. No axe to grind either way, just a passing observation.

Somewhat to a degree, Yes. Just maybe, external influences who were kept abreast and monitoring the situation might have had input. I will reiterate your words of advice to the forum "If possible folk should apply for METV in home country." Sage words and seconded by me.

As of today, it is still possible to obtain an METV from the Royal Thai Embassy in Hanoi. However, I would heed the advice @DrJack54 has given, regarding applying from ones own home country. Retrospective wisdom. "Immigration's Gloves" came off 14th November 2025, regarding cracking down on "long stays" in Thailand, due to abuse.

METV has been approved by Hanoi Embassy under expediency, with less than a day from reapplication.

Both copies of my passport and the Owners passport are on the Lease Contract. "Perfect homes-Chiang Mai" are also notarized on the Contract, as having "Power of Attorney" to lease this property.

@DrJack54 Perhaps we should take this continuing distraction from the OP , off the thread and welcome direct communication. Again, I would reiterate, hindsight is a glorious possession that none of us hold. My intentions were never, and neither going forward to "circumvent any Rules or Regulations" pertaining to my planned stay in Thailand. Goalposts shifted on 14th November 2025 (as noted in this thread), two weeks after I arrived in Thailand for which I had already started the process of change to an ED Visa in Country, beimg supposedly being allowed. Will be sure to keep you informed of the outcome on 6th February.

I also believe the METV will also be unavailable. Hence on the 6th I will be arriving back to CNX, Visa exempt. Members of my extended family will be at the airport, and I have been re-assured there should be no problem with re-entry. I, though, do have reservations.

Condominiums can be rented on a monthly basis, 3 monthly, six monthly, yearly and beyond (also illegally on a daily basis is rampant). It is also noted, from memory, as being within the E-Thai Visa portal as a "type of accommodation" allowed. Leases can be easily signed and transferred between parties digitally both within the country and almost anywhere on the planet. However that is not the crux of this matter.

I presented myself today at the Embassy in Hanoi, and actually got to speak with a consular staff member (albeit, at the external counter window). I was advised by Ms. THU that the cancellation of the METV Visa application was due to the "proof of accommodation" in Thailand. I had supplied a "Copy of the Lease" taken out on the condominium that I have rented, in the Visa application download. I was informed by her that anyone was able to draft up a "false" contract. Apparently a "Lease Contract" is insufficient proof in itself for Hanoi, and further documentation being asked for was to submit for private accommodations, "the house registration and the page showing the name of the house owner or landlord, as shown in the passport", however "Foreign Condominium Owners" do not have "House Registration" as has been confirmed by Perfect Homes. Being unable to fulfil that requirement meant the Visa application was cancelled. While at the Embassy I was advised that a reply to my email would be sent out today. They have now responded with their "generic disclaimers" and advisory to reapply if the new visa application is in line with their rules and regulations, and that it will be duely considered. I have since been able to obtain a copy of the "Title Deed" for the condominium and replied to the Embassies email to ascertain if this with the lease, would fulfil their proof of accommodation requirement, prior to reapplying if I have now sufficient time left.

6 hours ago Hindsight is a greater power that none of us possess. Back in August 2025 I decided I would like to take a year out from work and get structured "schooling" of the Thai Language. Also, having only ever spent time holidaying in Thailand for never longer than a month, it would give me better insight regarding being a resident, day to day. There have been many changes over the past four decades since I first started to travel to Thailand, and as I'm nearing retirement thought this would be an opportunity to pretrial compatibility for future long term stays. Royal Thai Embassy of New Zealand may issue the following types of visas: Non-Immigrant Visa For the purposes of business, s-tudy, conference, seminar, film production, journalism, volunteer work or accompanying a Thai spouse This type of visa is issued to applicants who wish to enter the Kingdom for the following purposes: - Non-immigrant O (Spouse/Family) - To stay with a family member who is residing in Thailand - Non-immigrant O (Volunteer) - To do volunteer work with state enterprises or social welfare organizations in Thailand - Non-immigrant O (Retirement) - Retirement / pension earners - Non-immigrant ED - To pursue full-time education, internship or other educational programmes in Thailand. As Opal was remaining in New Zealand and not accompanying me ruled out the "spouse/family". For the "Retirement / pension earners", there were too many unknown factors at the time for consideration. Also ruled out were the LTR & DTV also being impractical. As the language schools vetted online all assured that a change from Visa exemption to Non-immigrant ED would be possible, that then at the time became the far easiest solution. Which brings us back to today. Whether I get entry back on the 6th or not is now, immaterial. Thailand is more than well tarnished from my perspective, 6 hours to get a simple extension that in reality should take no longer than getting "processed in" at the Airport, Cannabis aroma wafting into ones condominium with juristic persons unable to act even though there are a zillion signs indicating fine enforcement etc... Hanoi is like a breath of fresh air, figuratively speaking.

Not by choice, only bad luck and the refusal of Chiang Mai Immigration to process the Ed Visa because I'm over 55. This took (all) the schools by surprise. Word apparently does get passed around I was to be a genuine student, having set a flexible budget of 350,000 - 400,000 for the full year. Opal came over at Xmas / New Year from NZ for her annual work shutdown 26 day holiday which was planned before my arrival here. Her arrival was a couple of days after the refusal which set a great tone for her holiday. Latest AI overview There is no maximum age limit for obtaining a Non-Immigrant ED (Education) visa in Thailand. Generally, applicants must be at least 15-18 years old for language schools, though younger students are accepted for specific academic programs. While older adults (60+) can apply, they may face closer scrutiny to ensure they are genuinely studying rather than just seeking long-term residence. Key details regarding ED visa age and restrictions: Minimum Age: Usually 15-18 years old. Maximum Age: No upper limit. Requirements: Must be enrolled in a MOE (Ministry of Education) recognized institution. Scrutiny: Immigration increasingly monitors attendance and requires proof of passing tests for renewals, especially for long-term Thai language students. Alternatives: For those over 50, a Retirement visa is generally more suitable, while those looking for flexibility without attending school might look at the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV). So, Yes, again I feel stiffed and sideswiped. Had this been Statute Law as opposed to informal rules being shuffled and shifting goalposts, then there should have been no problem. Now is the wait and see game in my Hanoi hotel suite, (3* out in the suburbs) until l return to Chiang Mai on the 6th of February. Just maybe the family do still have influence in the Province and are able to pull a rabbit out of the hat.

Sorry Drjack54, Put you on a bit of a crook steer with the entry date for the present trip Should have read arrival 27/10/25 as per the detail in my post earlier which gives the context to current events. Required to utilize the 30 day extension while waiting the 45 days for the approval letter from the Ministry of Education. I am fully aware of all the options available (marriage, retirement, Elite etc.), however the most suitable at the time for my circumstances (being the ED visa in country) was put into motion. It only started to unravel when the clampdown came into effect beginning November, literally days after my arrival. Bad run indeed. And yes, I feel like I have been stiffed, but many other destinations are available to me as a heeled snowbird.

The work is already done for them by the schools preparation of the required documents, basically its a case of reviewing the paperwork (10 minutes at most) and using a rubber stamp. Not exactly calculating rocket trajectory.

Following email sent to the Royal Thai Embaasy in Hanoi Dear Sir / Madam, I have just been informed by an automated email that you have cancelled my Visa Application lodged with the Royal Thai Embassy in Hanoi. Details as listed below.https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=4e44e2387b&attid=0.0.1&permmsgid=msg-a:r4619335079257637340&th=19c0010ddb011c23&view=fimg&fur=ip&permmsgid=msg-a:r4619335079257637340&sz=s0-l75-ft&attbid=ANGjdJ_NnsqgRQsvUS4U6XPKkQUt6a7bifowOhJGHszBtPiAwTJqOzYBxYxihvbJyJYmtOpHEpI4CpqUrVAuQZFTllN1bLj5RDSNTdoPRc0PPHFgnZszERdUr42doRE&disp=emb&realattid=ii_mkv12uhb0&zw Please advise me of the reason for this cancellation, as it has a major impact regarding all the planning undertaken for my trip. It further jeopardises any and all travel to the Kingdom in the future, not only for myself, but especially for my wife (being a Thai citizen) and future visitation with her immediate and extended notable family I am hoping this is just an administrative error due to some type of miscommunication. I am readily available to present myself to the Royal Thai Embassy in Hanoi (until the 6th of February) to clarify any concerns that may have been held. Attached are further proof of substantial funds being my own Kiwisaver Investment & a further Term Deposit account. I await your advice and guidance in this matter. Yours Sincerely Paul Catton Not really expecting a response, so will front up to the consular office on Monday, while family go to Chiang Mai Immigration Office. I have advised Opal (currently at home in NZ) to cancel any thoughts of our spending further free time visiting Thailand, The hub of dysfunction.