Guemlum

I am currently here on a 60 day tourist visa which I got from the Thai Embassy in London, UK. I need to get a 30 day extension, and was wondering if it is possible to get the extension from the immigration office here in Nongkhai, or do I have to visit the Thai embassy in Laos. Any advice from those in the know would be much appreciated.

Guemlum

That's now Two train accidents in Udon in 2 days. Why oh why do people not look when crossing?

I suppose if the bystanders had spent less time videoing and photographing the accident on their phones, maybe the lives of these 2 unfortunate men could have been saved.

Thanks guys, will send via post.

Guemlum

Downloaded a tourist visa application from their website, which says applications can be made via post. Phoned them this morning and the automated message says that applications via post cannot be made. Which one is it? Has anyone got experience of this and can advise accordingly?

Guemlum

Thanks Damaz, I was aware about that but thought there might be something else I was forgetting.

Does anyone know of any companies specialising in damp proof applications to an older property that needs some treatment?

Guemlum

Thanks guys. You both mentioned "documents". They only need to authorise the translated affirmation. What other documents do they need?

Guemlum

I have been looking through some older posts dating back to 2011, regarding the above topic, but was wondering whether anyone had some up to date info on obtaining a affirmation of mariage from the British Embassy. My questions are...

1. Do you have to make an appointment as suggested on the FCO website, or simply turn up to the embassy during consular hours as has been suggested by others?

2. I read one post that said the MOFA had relocated offices during the recent coup. Can anyone confirm if this is the case or are they back at their original address?

3. What are current costs in getting the translated affirmation of marriage authorised by the MOFA and expected turnaround times?

Thanks

Guemlum

That's great. Thanks guys.

Guemlum

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We never received an accompanying letter from the British Embassy when my partner was recently granted her tourist visa to visit the UK. They have done in the past.

Does she have to enter the UK within 90 days from the start date of the visa or can she enter at any time during the 6 month validity?

Guemlum

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Does anyone know if this will run into Tuesday? We are 3 passengers on a domestic flight from Udon to BKK.

Guemlum

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The visa is valid from 29/01/14 to 29/07/14 and we stated that she would visit in a May/June so I'm hoping no wellies will be needed.

In the past the British Embassy issued a letter which accompanied the visa, but we never received one? Is this normal?

Guemlum

Sent from my iPhone using ThaiVisa app

Well after a lot of hard work and a short but nerve wrecking wait, my partner was granted a tourist visa for her to visit the UK. Thanks to 7by7 and the old git and to everyone else who gave us support and encouragement over the past couple of months. We are both over the moon.

Guemlum

Sent from my iPhone using ThaiVisa app

I thought as much. Thanks guys. Only a few more days suspense.

Guemlum

Sent from my iPhone using ThaiVisa app

We received an email this afternoon saying that UK Visas and Immigration have made a decision on our visa application. However, when using the "Track your application" option on the VFS website, it simply says that our application has been forwarded to the British Embassy.

Does anyone know if this option will actually give you the outcome, or do they keep you in suspense until the documents are returned to us?.

Guemlum

250 baht for photos is just another rip off as it's 100 baht anywhere else

I agree, and I have had photos taken in the past only for them to be refused by the VFS, when they were taken by an authorised passport photo booth. It is a scam, and one that the VFS should stamp their foot on, but I couldnt be bothered with the hastle again so my partner paid for them herself.

Guemlum

I thought there were a few clues in the OP as to the country, but for those that don't know Regent House is for those applying to visit the UK and Canada.

As Santisuk says, there is a small bank in the lobby but it is now a requirement to pay online when filling out your application. However, the information on the notice board outside still implies you can pay by cashiers cheque. This does need removing by the VFS.

Guemlum

We took a taxi yesterday from Don Muang airport to Regent House and encountered no problems on the way. There are demonstrations at Lumpini park directly next to Regent House but it has not affected the VFS. They are still opening.

Regarding copies, I created a section at the back of the folder which contained all originals asking for them to be returned with everything else. For each original document you supply, I would provide a copy for them to keep.

Guemlum

Its been some time since submitting a visa application at the VFS, Regent House and I must say that they have certainly cleaned things up at Regent house.

Ther are no longer touts hanging around outside insisting on checking your application, which was a real nuisance in the past, and the VFS have located their office to the ground floor. There is a seating area outside where you can wait and are called in depending on your appointment time. We were there early and as a result of not many people being there, were called in an hour earlier than our appointment time.

Show your appointment confirmation and passport to the security guard sitting at the desk inside the entrance and then you are scanned using a hand held scanner by another guard before entering.

You are given a ticket which shows your counter number and then you wait until your turn appears on the screen. Prior to this, you have the opportunity to have your photos taken for your application at a cost of 250 baht and also use computer and printer facilities should you require.

Once you have submitted your application at the counter you are asked whether you want your documents couriered back to your partner which will cost you 275 baht. Upon completion you are handed back your application/documents in a pouch style folder, given another ticket where you wait to have your biometrics taken and submit the folder to a clerk. Thats it.

Your English partner is not allowed in to the centre, however if there is a problem you are allowed in. I was allowed to go in as the documents I submitted sponsoring my partner had to be taken out of the nicely presented folder I had put together and there was a query about some original documents which was resolved quickly. I was told that the British Embassy do not accept ring bound folders anymore. My folder was nicely presented, indexed, making it easy for the ECO to identify the information they require and the VFS just rip it all appart. My main concern is that it will now be mixed up giving the ECO a massive headache. Please be aware.

We will now wait and track our application on the internet with the reference number we were given.

All in all, a problem free experience which was not the case in the past. Hats off to the VFS for cleaning up their act. :-)

Guemlum

Hi all, does anyone know whether the airport or transport in surrounding areas will be effected by the shutdown on the 13th of this month?.

We will be staying at a hotel local to the airport and assume local transport will not be effected and the protests/shutdown will be aimed more at central Bangkok.

Guemlum

Nothing....no option to select "other". Nothing

Guemlum

We are currently filling in the online visa application and in the section "Have you ever travelled outside your country of residence, excluding the UK, in the last 10 years?" we have selected yes.

However, on the drop down menu it does not include Laos. My partner has stamps in her passport for these visits and if we do not declare these we are concerned we will be deemed to be lying. However, if Laos does not appear in the list, what are we to do?

Guemlum

Can anyone tell me whether the VAC at Regent house are still pulling the passport photo scam and whether the British Embassy are doing anything to combat this?. Recently heard they were telling applicants that photos must be on a white background and not as per...

https://www.gov.uk/photos-for-passports

Thanks 7by7. Will update on the outcome closer to the time of application. And thanks for the up to date advice.

Guemlum