sureno

1 hour ago, richard_smith237 said:

You can book economy and keep waiting for the possible upgrade option (usually a day or two before the flight)... but thats a risk IF you really want to travel business, there may be no offer at all (depends on the specific ticket class off course and how full the flight is).

The price also varies....  I've had upgrades from Doha to Bangkok from as little as 14,000 baht (last year)... but this year the upgrade has been over 35,000 baht (which I found not worth it and chose the numb-bum & exit row option).

 

The Promo upgrades with QR are seat only (no lounge access etc).

 

Thus: IF definitely want business on the DOH-HKT leg... book it at time of booking. 

Or, if you don't mind too much, hedge your bets and see what you are offered (given that its likely to be around 35,000 baht (based on recent experience, but could well be different).

 

 

 

I know that with Emirates you can book 'split tier travel' (i.e. Eco for one leg, then Business for the next')... But the QR Website is not as user friendly and I'm don't think that booking a 'split tier travel' is possible.

 

You may be able to book the split tier travel over the phone.... And if thats successful 'business class loungers' are always linked to he onward flight.

(i.e. IF flying UK-DOH in Eco and onward from DOH-HKT in business, you can use the lounge in Doha).

 

 

I've never once used the Lounge in Doha...its always been way too busy. 

 

Once - QR pushed my onward connection back from a 1.5 hr layover to an 8 hour layover... I only found out when trying to upgrade... rather than using the lounge I used the 'sleep n fly' pods (https://sleep-n-fly.com/airports-doh - also available in Dubai)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Great. Thanks a lot for the detailed info. 

2 hours ago, richard_smith237 said:

Indeed… I used to travel back to Bkk from Qatar having been up since 4am. 
2am flight. Paid for an upgrade.

Got in the flight… told the FA’s wake me as late as possible with a cup of coffee, no meals.

Bed flat & slept as soon as seatbelt sign went off….  Managed about 5 hours sleep (with the aid of a sleeping tablet ????)..,

 

last year the upgrades were reasonable… often less than 20,000 baht.

This year they are over 35,000 baht & somewhat unjustifiable, so I took exit row (legroom) & numb bum option! 

 

 

 

 

I’m flying Qatar from U.K. via Doha then Phuket. 
 

I’m ok with economy for the first leg, but what’s the best way to book business class for the Doha Phuket leg? Wait for a possible offer from Qatar for that leg a few days before departure , or book it at time of booking on Qatar website? 
 

Also, if you do book just that leg, do you get lounge access at Doha before boarding the flight to Phuket?  
 

thanks for any help. 

22 hours ago, SuperSaiyan said:

You should be able to get a NON-O 90 days in any embassy with the documents you have. They might need something else as well, best to check the requirements they want.

 

For Savannakhet your docs would be enough: https://savannakhet.thaiembassy.org/th/publicservice/non-immigrant-visa-o-visiting-family-member-of-a-thai-nationality-a-sp?page=5d84a44c15e39c26b400453e&menu=5d84a44c15e39c26b400453f

 

Afterwards you could get the 12 months extension in the local immigration, with the child accompanying you and 400k proof. You might be also asked to provide photos of you and your child and some other stuff the IO will make up on case to case basis.

 

Best is to go and extend the NON-O with 60 days with the documents you have + accompanying child and ask the IO what he wants to see for the 12 month extension.

 

You could also fly in with 30 days extension on arrival and change to NON-O inside the country.

Thanks a lot  for the information. I wonder if you know the answers to these questions……If I did this option,

1. Would the 12 month extension be multiple entry, and

2. would the 400k need to be in a Thai account, and for a minimum time period before?

3. And if the multiple entry was given, do I need to leave every 90 days?

22 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

OP, where would be applying for this visa? 

Years ago was available in Penang.

Not currently available.

Also not available at Vientiane or Savannakhet

 

Thank you for the info.  
 

I’m hoping to apply via the E visa system of the London Thai embassy website. 

20 hours ago, Red Phoenix said:

OP - in your case you have 3 options:

#1 - Applying for the e Non Imm O Visa for reason of dependant child.  The UK Thai Embassy can provide you with either the 90-day Non Imm O Visa for dependant child or the 1-year MultipleEntry Non Imm O Visa for dependant child.  The requirements are different so you can opt for the Visa that best meets your needs.

Note that the 1-year ME Non Imm O Visa requires you to exit Thaland after 90 days or alternatively apply for a 60-day extension at your local Imm Office for visting your dependant child (but after those 150 days you need to exit Thalland by doing a border-hop and obviously you can immediately return and repeat the above).

#2 - Entering Thailand Visa Exempt (without Visa) or on a 60-day Tourist Visa, and at the end of the Permit to stay for either entry, head to the Savannakhet Consultate (across the Mekhong near Mukdahan) and apply there for a 90-day Non Imm O Visa for dependant child. It's a quick process with minimal bureaucracy and you will get the Visa day after application.

#3 - Entering Thailand Visa Exempt (without Visa) or on a 60-day Tourist Visa, and at the end of the Permit to stay for either entry when still having at least 15 days left on your Permit to stay, apply at your local Imm Office for the 90-day Non Imm O Visa for dependant child.  Re the financial requirements > that application only requires you ,to provide evidence of 400K on a personal Thai bank-account at the moment of application, after which you are free to use the funds as you please (no seasoning requirements for a dependant Thai child application). 

And then at the end of those 90 days apply for a 1-year extension based on that Non Imm O dependant child Visa.  Funds-wise once again evidence of 400K on your personal thai bank-account at moment of application and once again free to use those funds afterwards as you please without any seasoning requirements.

>> Note that you should enquire at your local Imm Office for their requirements for a 90-day Non Imm O Visa for dependant Thai child and subsequent 1-year extension of such Visa, as the LOCAL requirements might be different than the general ones which I have outlined higher.

Cheers and succes!

Thanks a lot for such a detailed reply. I think option 1 on your list sounds the easier, where a multiple entry non o is applied for through the London embassy’s E visa system. 
Do you know what the financial requirements are for that multiple entry option?
I’m not married, I would have the birth certificate and mothers ID card as evidence. 
“….if you are applying for Multiple Entries, you need to prove that you have a genuine reason to visit Thailand on a regular basis.”

 As I noted in the other post, this is the only thing that is a bit confusing since the rain is pretty obvious. 

21 hours ago, UKresonant said:

Info I got back start of may, 

 

"Thank you for your email.

 

Please gather all the required documents before starting your application

 

1)

 

You may apply for a Non-Immigrant O visa if you are married to a Thai national, or have a Thai citizen child (with your name as a father on the birth certificate), For a dependent for your spouse/children as you're going to work in Thailand (Non-Immigrant B) as a Non-Immigrant O staying with your family it will be single entry only. (Please do not submit multiple entries)The visa fee is not refundable.

 

Please see the documents required, please follow the steps below.

 

Non-Immigrant Type O (Visiting or staying with applicant's family residing in Thailand single Maximum stay of 90 days/ 3 months validity) or Multiple (Maximum stay 90 days per entry/validity for 1 year)

 

A list of documents

 

1.  Passport or travel document with validity, not less than 6 months, and at least 2 blank pages

2.  Your recent photo (selfie is acceptable)

3.  Marriage certificate / Birth Certificate 

4.  Spouse's Thai ID card/passport

5.  Financial evidence showing savings of not less than £10,000 for multiple entry visa, or £1,000 for single entry, e.g. bank statements, proof of earnings, for at least 1 month 

6.  Proof of residency e.g. council tax bills, driving license

7. Travel history in the last 1 year- please upload a page of your passport with a visa stamp, or a blank page if not travelled in the past year

8. Photo of the applicant holding his/her passport

9. Your flight and accommodation (hotel booking for the first few days will be acceptable) details"

 

I'm just needing a single entry at the moment, but reckon I would need a Multi again 2026 onwards (like I had before )  

 

There is a note on the eVISA that to get the Embassy will need a reason why you need to visit Thailand Frequently for a Multi.

 

I thought the Multi non-O had stopped in Jun 2019, at London, but there was a thread a few weeks ago an a few people had been issued them in recent months. I'll try and find the thread...

 

edit..

 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1286952-multiple-entry-non-o-london/

 

Thanks a lot. I’ve had a look and, yes, there is a multiple entry option for family. As you say, it also mentions the need for a reason for multi entry (as opposed to single every) as follows,

“if you are applying for Multiple Entries, you need to prove that you have a genuine reason to visit Thailand on a regular basis. The difference in fee will not be refunded, if the officer grants a Single Entry Visa instead of the Multiple Entries Visa vou applied for.”

 That seems quite a strange note, as it’s pretty obvious what the genuine reason would be…. most if not  everyone would be expected to visit their child and family living in Thailand on a regular basis, several times each year…that would be the reason ? Or is there something  else that I’m not understanding, that would make them just downgrade me to a single entry? 
The reason I don’t  want a single entry is because I do visit several times over several months each year, even though I’m resident in the uk. In that Scenario, rather than a single entry non o, a METV would be better. 
 

Thanks again 
 

Hello

I have a daughter in Thailand and I visit her regularly in Thailand from the UK.

Up until now I’ve usually used a single entry non O, 3 months extendable to 5, although occasionally I’ve used the multi entry 6 month tourist visa, extendable to 9. I’m staying longer each time, but the METV isn’t really the correct visa and with it, I have to leave the country every few months, which can be a pain. 

The best option i think is my applying for a 12 month multi-entry non o based on Thai family (daughter)… and I wondered if anyone could help me with the process. I can have 400k baht in a Thai bank account for 3 months for financial reasons, , or alternatively (and preferred) I can show a similar amount in GBP through UK back accounts, for a similar period.
 

I have the Thai birth certificate with my name and certified translation, copy of Tabien Baan with my daughter’s name on. 

1) What other documents / details do I need

2) Is it possible to get this year long visa before entering Thailand, for example by applying at the Thai embassy in London or another Thai embassy such as Phnom Penh ?

3) If not, what would be the best way to enter Thailand….a 3 month non o single entry which is somehow “upgraded”, or, say by visa exempt and apply in Thailand? 

Thanks a lot for any help anyone can give. 

I just opened another bank account since I needed to go with SCB or Bangkok Bank which are the only ones allowing foreign transfers of <50k. 
 

I am currently on a tourist visa, and the only thing they wanted was proof of residency. So a rental agreement matching the name in the passport , along with a Thai mobile telephone number, should do it. 
 

Whole thing was done in 30 minutes with new bank book and card, app downloaded and functioning.

I’m aware it can be inconsistent , but I think it’s easier in tourist areas where they are used to the different types of customer perhaps, and I chose a suitably located branch in an expat area. 
 

Hello again. 
 

just to update, I went to phuket immigration yesterday. 
 

Find room 101

Queue up and check docs (copy of passport with entry stamp, copy of house book, photo, tm30) with helper volunteers 

get number from them and wait to be called

they will process the application then pay 300 baht to get them to issue the certificate

whole thing took about 90 minutes

Thanks for the replies. I really appreciate all the comments. 
 

i will show my ignorance here by saying I don’t know what a 90 day report is, and I thought  the T30 is just a form you download in order to make the the application. Is it something different?
 

Thank you.  That’s great information. 
 

Is the immigration office at phuket town opposite the lake, and is it one of these situations where I need to go at 6 in the morning and wait all day???

I have just bought a motorbike in Phuket and in order to get the green book I need a certificate of residence. I already have a Thai driving licence. 
 

what’s complicating things in my mind are two questions . 

1. first I own the condo where I stay, so I’m not sure what to do about this TM30 requirement. Do I just bring the blue Tabian Baan book, which is blank of course, beside I’m not Thai. I don’t have a yellow book. 

2. other complication is that I only tend to stay here for three or four months each year, so I tend to enter on a multi entry tourist visa. Most of the posts I read about residency certificates suggest as part of the application non o or other long stay visas, METV is only 6-9 months max. 
 

If I bring

copies of passport  and visa stamp

original blank Tabian Baan

passport photo

300 baht??

 Is that going to do it here in Phuket or is there something else I need? 
 

thanks for any help. 

Hi

I want an integrated fridge for my kitchen where the door is part of the kitchen cabinet. Something that Ikea make for around £350 and I was wondering if anyone could tell me how much / is it possible to ship to Phuket in Thailand or would there be crazy import taxes?

 Is there an online service that would do it with insurance? Like dhl? Or do you need to go to some highly specialised company? 

 Thanks

I just applied using the online system for Metv in U.K. and I received the visa back within 24 hours. Make sure you select “multiple” when choosing the tourist visa option, otherwise you’ll end up with a single entry, which would be pointless.
 

You no longer need to send your passport off or visit any consulate. 
 

I think  the “easier” options mentioned by the previous posters maybe mean “cheaper”. If you’re coming in on three consecutive visa exempts with extensions, prepare to be scrutinised on the third one, maybe even the second. Maybe Thai immigration are less bothered about it after covid, to up the tourists. However, I would still expect that when and if you wish to visit Thailand again within 12 months, prepare for another round of scrutiny. 
 

For £150 you get unlimited in and outs Thailand during the 6 month period, which you cannot do on visa exempt not setv,  and you can extend it up to 9 months if you get your final entry date right. Plus, no hassle with immigration. Application process involves uploading pdfs showing flight into Thailand, first accommodation booking, bank statement showing evidence of £5k funds, and evidence that you will leave Thailand such as an employer letter or self employed information. I applied on Friday afternoon and the visa was in my inbox first thing Saturday morning. 

Thanks for your reply. 
 

So are the dates I mention and the assumptions I make more or less correct. 

If the date of issue for my MeTV (multi entry tourist visa) is, say, 20 September, does that make the latest date I can use it to re-enter Thailand around the 19 March and I could stay in Thailand for another 60 days, so needing to leave Thailand  around 17 May, without the need to visit immigration?

And if I wanted to extend it by visiting immigration I could do that, giving me up to around 17 June?

 Thanks for any help. 

Thanks again for replies. 
 

I already own a few properties in Thailand so I presume my name on the tabien baan is ok? 
 

I usually enter Thailand with a non o visa but this time, I have a METV. 

My understanding (probably incorrect!!) was for anything over 3 months, you need a Thai driving licence, up to then the international driving permit suffices, or maybe it’s just that most tourist visas are up to 3 months. Regardless, I will get a Thai driving licence, it would just be easier for me to buy the motorbike first so I have something to do the test on in phuket.
 

So in order for the dealership to register a bike in my name, they just need some kind of residence info, such as a blue or yellow book?

I have a uk driving licence and my understanding is it’s good for anything up to 125cc, s as long as you have that international driving permit. However I don’t know if that means under 125 or up to 125. And I’ve no idea if that would mean a straightforward application for the Thai licence or whether I would have to go through the test from scratch?
 

thanks again

44 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

To buy and own - you need just your money. 

Perhaps your passport as ID.

 

To register the motorcycle in your name you will need proof of address...

i.e. a Certificate of Address (from Immigration) 

or an Affirmation of Residence (letter from Embassy / Consulate). 

Thanks a lot for your reply

Hi

I need to buy a scooter and am thinking it’s probably best just to buy a brand new one and keep it for years. 
 

Will probably be a Honda click or something similar, I’m in south phuket, Rawai. 
 

I wondered if I need any specific documents, or is it just the money?

 Thanks for any help

Thanks a lot for all answers. Really helpful. 

Hi. I would like to apply for an MeTV (multi entry tourist visa) online from the Thai embassy in London. 
 

I wondered when the date of the visa starts from.
 

Is it from when I enter Thailand and passport is stamped or is it from the date the visa is issued from the embassy. if it’s the latter,   for example If you took 4 weeks to travel from the date of receiving your visa in that case you would have 3 weeks less of the maximum time allowed with the visa?
 

thanks for any information. 

3 hours ago, scubascuba3 said:

Looks like you are ripe for scamming, be very careful, a few things you've said are dodgy. Lawyers have been known to run off with the money

What exactly is it I have said that is dodgy?  Thank you. 

3 hours ago, The Hammer2021 said:

Its possible You are confused  and misinformed- and  surely your lawer should know the correct procedure  and protocols.

I'm not sure you should be considering  buying property here

Thanks. It would be really helpful if you told me what is it that I am confused  and misinformed about?

12 minutes ago, Peterw42 said:

That's completely wrong, where did you get that information ?

The land office wants proof that foreign currency funds arrived into your Thai bank account, your Thai bank will the generate a FET (Foreign Exchange Transaction), that you take to the land office as proof. You literally cannot buy a condo without a FET document. 

There is no need to even involve a lawyer, its a pretty straight forward procedure done at the land office.

Thanks for clarifying.

It sounds like you are talking about a circumstance where as you say, you don’t involve a lawyer or similar to act on your behalf. You go to the land office yourself perhaps. 

For my own reasons, I do want to appoint a lawyer, and I want him go to the land office on my behalf, even if it costs me more as a result. In that circumstance, it would be my lawyers escrow account where the conversion would take place. Are you still saying it has to come from my Thai bank account in that circumstance,

i understand you cannot use Transfer wise because their account is not in your name. It’s in the name of transfer wise, it’s just the reference that is unique to you. 

As an aside I do have a Thai bank account, but I’m in the crazy situation where the most I can transfer to it is 50k baht per day because it’s not one of the big two banks!

 Thanks again. 

4 minutes ago, Peterw42 said:

As others have said, the money must be exchanged to Baht inside Thailand, ie: send foreign currency. (the rate is always better from thai banks no matter what the purpose)The name of the sending account is not relevant and doesn't need to be in your name, so long as money goes into a Thai account in your name. Don't transfer it straight into a lawyers account, it must arrive foreign currency into your account first.

Nowadays you can use TransferWise, they are aware of the requirements and will treat the transfer appropriately, if you inform them its for a condo purchase .

I had understood that the sending account is very relevant, must be in my name and has to come from a foreign account. Furthermore it cannot come via a Thai bank account in my name, or needs to go direct to the escrow account for the purchase. Why are you saying it shouldn’t go direct to my lawyer’s account, an I misunderstanding??

 Thanks

Hello

For a foreigner freehold purchase, I understand the monies have to come from an account in my name outside of Thailand, and that intermediaries such as Transferwise cannot therefore be used. 
 

My bank accounts in the UK are offering me terrible exchange rates, but another option is that  I transfer in GBP £ via swift, and the money is converted  at the Thai end to Thai baht  by the receiver’s bank, in this case, my Thai lawyer’s escrow account. I’m guessing Thai banks will offer a more competitive rate, such is my experience to date at least!

Does anyone have any experience of this and could it Be the cheapest option. I’m looking at a cost of over  £2000 just for the conversion if I convert  to baht in the UK and send ????

thanks for any help