Paul Catton

I had some Sausage Rolls and a large pork pie also from Sausage King. Couldn't fault either product. .

As of 10.40 am today, The Royal Thai Embaasy in Hanoi is still indicating A bank statement in the past 6 months, showing the minimum fund of THB 20,000.- per person or THB 40,000.- per family. Link Below: Thai Embassy Hanoi - Tourist Visa - SETV & METV The only variance that I can see is the cost of the actual Visa itself, US$40 against US$200. The METV has the same conditions as the SETV, whereby it is an entry of 60 days (possible to extend by another 30 days - although no guarantees). You theoretically would need to carry the cash of THB 20,000 per person, for every entry while the Visa remains valid until its expiry - or face rejection at the point of entry into Thailand. Should the Embassy decide to issue an SETV instead of the METV, a clause in the formal application process, there is no refund between the two, or for that matter complete rejection With my application "proof of funds" in my home account wasn't an issue, so I am unable to give clarity of Consul staff and their oversight while weighing up the issuing of a Visa.

Correction. 5th February 2026.

As of January 2026, Hanoi was issuing the METV. My passport country is UK and I am a resident of NZ Definitely not in my imagination. .

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.