KamnanT

Short answer: For salaried employees paid in Thailand, the scope for legitimate tax minimisation is rather narrow. Take best advantage of what few deductions there are (LTF, RMF, life insurance, mortgage interest). Wherever possible, keep income-earning assets offshore and don't repatriate the income to Thailand, at least not in the tax year in which it is earned. Keep in mind that while Thai personal income tax rates are not low, neither are they particularly high especially by European standards. Assuming your gross income (incl. housing allowance) is THB 5.6M, you are single and you take full advantage of the above deductions, your taxable income would be THB 4.31M, on which you would pay THB 1,149,700 in tax, or an overall effective tax rate of about 20%. You would pay more than that in just about any European country (including the UK) and in many parts of the US.

If your friend is in Thailand on a multiple entry Non-Immigrant "B" visa that has not been extended by Immigration in Thailand (i.e. he is NOT on an Extension of Stay based on employment), then his Non-Immigrant visa remains valid until September and he can continue to get permission to stay for 90 days on each entry. However, if he received an Extension of Stay based on employment then that extension expired on the day he resigned and, technically at least, he is currently overstaying.

Some might argue that the relatively low number of Thai nationals on overstay is a result of the strict visa regime and not an argument for a more permissive approach. It would be interesting to see these figures restated as a percentage of the total number of temporary entrants from these countries over, say, the last five years.

I know that as recently as late 2010, walk-ins at VFS were tolerated and accommodated, albeit normally with a long wait while applicants with appointments were processed. However, in the interim the language on the VFS site has become more explicit: "Applicants who visit the visa application centre without an appointment will not be able to submit an application, and will be advised to book an appointment online." Not sure if another member has a recent walk-in experience to relate. Your GF can certainly try to visit VFS without an appointment - all they can do is say "No".

BTW, I assume your GF is also aware that application forms must now be completed online and then printed - handwritten forms are no longer acceptable. After completing the online form, the website takes you through the process of booking an appointment. I suggest she book an appointment ASAP in case she is not accepted without one.

There is no specific limit or restriction on the number of visa-exempt entries you can receive although on occasion, Immigration officers may ask for clarification of the purpose of your visit if they see a number of sequential 30 days entries. I don't believe I've ever read a report of someone being denied visa-exempt entry by air assuming their passport is in order and valid for at least a further six months.

And no one at his Thai bank thought to ask, "Excuse me, Sir, but where are these funds coming from?" And he was able to transfer these large sums out of the country without question? Every time I want to make a telegraphic transfer from my BBL account, I get an extensive questioning about where the money came from and what the purpose of the transfer is.

I don't believe the medical examination required for a work permit includes an HIV antibody test, although as already stated it does include a test for syphilis. What might be more of a hurdle is the pre-employment medical exam that many medium/large firms operating in Thailand require.

I worked for a number of years at a multinational firm's Bangkok office and their pre-employment medical included an HIV antibody test. I asked the HR Director one day, "What would happen if a successful applicant turned out to be HIV+?" and her response was "Their job offer would be rescinded." I smiled and asked why, as the risk to other staff members would be too small to even contemplate. She was clearly horrified at the suggestion that someone with HIV be employed at this company. But as I had already made my sentiments clear, she avoided a confrontation by saying, "Because we provide private health insurance for our staff and if we hire an HIV positive person, their medical costs will push up premiums for all staff."

As in many countries, there is still a harsh social stigma associated with being HIV+ in Thailand.

Not sure if it's still the case, but people entering the U.K needed to have a passport that was at least 6 months old, same for us when we come here, so getting a new passport may not be a good idea.

I don't believe there's any requirement for a passport to be at least six months old, however many countries (including Thailand) require that persons entering under visa exemption provisions have a passport that is valid for at least an additional six months from their date of entry.

In August 2010 I travelled from Zurich to Chicago via Heathrow - BA from Zurich landed at Terminal 5 and there was an airside transfer to Terminal 3 where my onward AA flight was departing from. No immigration control at LHR, just a long bus trip from Terminal 5 airside to Terminal 3 airside. Instead of following the "Arrivals" signs, follow the purple "Connecting Flights" signs to the gates where the buses depart, clearly signed for each of the other terminals.

Of course, your bags must be checked through to your final destination to use this option.

Heathrow has a rather complicated guide to the whole process that can be found at:

http://www.heathrowairport.com/portal/page/Heathrow%5EGeneral%5EAirport+information%5EFlight+Connections/

Thank you for your replies! ive forward the information on to my dad. any information on a working visa??

There is no "working visa" per se - permission for a non-Thai citizen to work in Thailand comes in the form of a work permit issued by the Department of Labour. Normally, work permits are not issued to foreigners in Thailand on an Non-Immigrant "O-A" visa or on an extension of stay based on retirement (one aspect of having somewhat easier rules for retirees is that they are not working). If your father wants to work, he will need to start with a Non-Immigrant "B" or Non-Immigrant "O" visa and then find an employer to sponsor a work permit application. Unless he really, really wants or needs to work, the O-A route will be quite a bit easier.

Because that's the law. It's no more irrational than some of the laws that pertain in your home country.

Can anyone tell me please.I have a air asia ticket N.Z.-K.L.-B.K.K.,but no onward ticket.Will I be allowed into the L.O.S.for a visa on arrival?Thai embassy's visa info says no.Air asia says they will not let me board @K.L.

Can anyone give me correct advice please?Thanks.

Probably should be in a new thread but as it's here now:

If you are travelling on an NZ passport, I assume you are talking about a visa exempt entry, not a visa on arrival - these are different. New Zealanders are not eligible for a visa on arrival.

Depends on the airline but if they are paying attention at the check-in, they will realise that in order to qualify for visa exempt entry into Thailand, you need to be in possession of a confirmed and issued onward ticket for within 30 days of your arrival date. If you do not have one, they can refuse to allow you to board your flight. Air Asia is one of the airlines that appears to pay attention, particularly in KL.

It's not that different from other countries - look at the US, for example. A Thai can obtain a B1/B2 Non-Immigrant Visa that is valid for 10 years, but only for a maximum stay of 180 days on each entry. Theoretically, one could leave the US on the 180th day, go to Canada and then return the following day and get another 180 day entry. In practice, however, your friendly US CBP agent is going to have a LOT of questions for a B1/B2 visa holder who is attempting to re-enter after such a short period outside the country. Why? Because a Non-Immigrant Visa alone is permission to visit, not permission to reside.

Cool - I didn't know about the regional courier options. One learns something new every day.

Unfortunately, VFS, the visa documentation processing agent for the Australian Embassy, has only one office - in Thai CC Tower, 889 South Sathorn Road, Bangkok. There are no upcountry branches. If travel to Bangkok is problematic, be aware that applicants for Tourist Visas are not required to attend in person but can have someone else lodge their application on their behalf.

In this case the child has Thai and British nationality becuase of the parents.

The child is Thai only if 1) the mother or father is Thai, or 2) both mother and father have permanent resident status at the time of the child's birth. The OP doesn't actually state the nationality of the mother.

On the baby's first departure from Thailand, make sure you have the Thai birth certificate with you and give yourself a few extra minutes at Immigration on the way out. Nothing difficult just a bit of fiddling to create a record in the immigration computer so that the baby can depart. With your Non-Immigrant "B" visas, you can apply for a Non-Immigrant "O" for the baby while you are overseas if you wish, which can subsequently be extended in Thailand to the same date as your current permission to stay (assuming you and your wife are on annual Extensions). But as mentioned above, as there are no overstay fines for children, the baby could enter on a visa exemption each time and simply overstay.

The TLSContact website says 6-10 working days, which is 8 to 14 calendar days assuming no statuatory holidays. But 3 weeks does seem well beyond their stated service level target. Any other members had recent experience and what was the turnaround time received?

Voting was made compulsory in Thailand by the 1997 Constitution but not voting is not a criminal offence. The penalty for not voting is essentially a loss of political rights until after the next election (for example, if you did not vote in the last election, you cannot run as a candidate in this election). Voter turnout in general elections varies year-by-year, but rarely tops 75%, so your GF would certainly not be the only person in the country who did not vote.

German Embassy staff would have no way of knowing if your girlfriend did or did not vote and even if they did, it would not be relevant to any past or future decision about visa eligibility for Germany.

Kamnan: There is something I do not understand , the fee is paid once the dossier is accepted, therefore how can the applicant gave any money before the dossier was taken under consideration by the staff in charge ?

Apparently at TLS the first thing you do upon arrival is pay the fees (Schengen visa fee & TLS processing fee). You then proceed to have your application assessed by a TLS staff member. If they conclude that your application is incomplete, then you have three options:

1. Proceed with the application and bring any additional documents to include with your application before 2pm the same day, or

2. Proceed with your application "as is", or

3. Do not proceed with your application.

if you opt for #3, they will refund the visa fee but not the TLS processing fee. Nice little earner, that.

I'm not sure how vigorously they check at the borders but as you have to supply details of your journey and accomodation when applying, if somebody applied at the Danish Consulate when it's obvious the main destination is Germany then they could possibly be refused.

Had word from an acquaintance living in France whose Thai GF went to TLS (processing agent for the French Embassy in Bangkok) on Friday, May 27th to apply for a Schengen. Their planned travel itinerary started in Paris, followed by Switzerland, Italy, south of France, Spain and then back to Paris. But because they were planning to spend more nights iItaly than in another other Schengen state, TLS advised her to apply at the Italian Embassy instead. Applicant had all the other required documentation and six previous Schengen visas from France, Italy and Switzerland. TLS said the choice was hers, but strongly implied that if she proceeded with the French application, she would be rejected. She wisely declined the proceed.

Interestingly, they returned her Schengen visa fee but retained the 1,200 baht TLS administration charge. That's going to be my next business - visa application processing center.

Your biggest challenge is going to be demonstrating that you will return to Thailand at the end of your visit. To be blunt, given that you are 17 years old, single, childless, have just finished school, have close relatives in the US including your father who has a Green Card...I would think that, fairly or unfairly, you would be considered by the US Embassy to be at very high risk of overstaying your visa. Try to think of what evidence you could offer with your application to convince the assessing officer that you will return to Thailand. Job? Any assets (land, house) in Thailand?

sorry yes gf is thia

A subtle point to consider when collecting evidence to demonstrate the genuine nature of your relationship would be to spell your girlfriend's nationality correctly. She's Thai, not Thia.

But seriously, you mention that this is your 2nd visit to Thailand. Can we conclude that you met your girlfriend on your 1st visit? How long have you known each other and of that time, how much have you spent together? If her stated purpose of travelling to the UK is to visit you, then one of the primary criteria in assessing the application will be whether or not your relationship is genuine. If your relationship is at an early stage (a few days/weeks together while you were on holiday), then it is more likely than not that her application will be declined.

If you have sufficient evidence to demonstrate that your relationship is genuine, then the other big hurdle is demonstrating that your girlfriend has sufficient reason to return to Thailand at the end of her visit to the UK. Family ties, immovable assets, employment, studies, an active business...all of these can help establish that she has reason to return and will not simply stay on the in UK.

As stated above, there is clearly a lot more to this than just filling out forms. At least there is if you desire a successful result - a completed application form with no evidence to support either the genuine nature of the relationship or a reasonable likelihood of her return to Thailand is bound to be rejected.

OK, can we start with basics like...a holiday visa to where ?

May I suggest to the FAA an urgent security audit of Qantas Airline before their africanization is complete.

On what grounds would the FAA, a US government agency, audit Qantas, an Australian-registered airline? The FAA would have jurisdiction to investigate an incident that took place in US-controlled airspace or on the ground in the US, but this incident appears to have taken place in Thai airspace. If there were more general safety concerns with the airline, they would be investigated by the issuer of their Air Operator's Certificate --- the Civil Aviation Safety Authority in Australia.

I too have always wondered about the purpose of this...wouldn't a photo out front of the house be sufficient...why the need for two interior shots?

With the interior shots they can assess the value of your stereo, flat screen and Blu-Ray player, just before they pass your address and the time of your next Immigration appointment off to their light-fingered cousin and his friend with big gambling debts.

Geez...maybe I've been here too long?