theoldgit

I used the service yesterday to send some cash from the UK to Malaysia for a charity donation, the whole process, from initiating the transfer to the cash arriving in KL, took a few minutes.

I'm pretty sure that was dropped, it was certainly in the old Schengen Handbook, but it's not in the updated Schengen Code, at least I cannot find it, after skimming through all 138 pages, whilst it does mention the direct submission, it doesn't say the applicant has a right to do so. visa_code_handbook_consolidated_en.pdf

You have to apply at the Consulate with jurisdiction for the main destination in the Schengen area, if you are travelling to various member states and a spending an equal amount of time in a number of them, then you should apply via the Consulate with jurisdiction for your point of entry into the Schengen Area. In theory once you have a Schengen Visa you can travel freely, but in order to obtain one you need to show flight and details of accomodation for the trip.

It depends what country you're flying to, I imagine different countries have different rules. These are the requirements for the UK https://www.gov.uk/travelling-controlled-drugs I take prescribed drugs for a heart condition, my doctor the hospital I use has give given me a summary of the drugs prescribed, even though, at his suggetion, I buy OTC from a local pharmacy.

This is the requirement as detailed on the Austrian Embassy website, this advises that a confirmed booking is not required, just a detailed itinerary: "Proof of the means of transport (reservation OR booking; presentation of a paid ticket is not required)Proof of the means of transport (reservation OR booking; presentation of a paid ticket is not required" https://www.bmeia.gv.at/th/oeb-bangkok/reisen-nach-oesterreich/einreise-und-aufenthalt/visum/

I've used my Thai licence numerous times to rent cars in the UK, no companies have ever requested an IDP as my Thai licence fully meets the requirements.

Where did you read it has to be a credit card? I certainly used a UK Bank debit card last month and a printed a Kasikorn Bank statement from their website for the proof of my address.

I've used both my Bangkok Bank and Kasikorn Bank debit cards in the UK, for both cash and purchases, I used all six digits of my pin.

https://www.sevenseasworldwide.com/

What is your final destination, most, if not, all destination countries have strict limits on how much tobacco you can bring into the country tax free. You will be aware that the tax free allowance is for personal use, not as gifts for friends who are helping out, it's not uncommon for customs officials to carry out checks, non smokers are likely to carry smoking implements with them. Whilst the chances of being caught are probably remote, it can happen, though might be lucky and just get a warning and have the tobacco seized.

The improved Civil Service Pension scheme also has a clawback when there's an age difference of this size or higher. I opted to remain on the old scheme which doesn't have the clawback, though I didn't I didn't realise it at the time I made the decision. I must have realised what was round the corner.

The retired Civil Servants amongst us will be relieved to learn that our 10.1% pension increase has been confirmed, effective from 10 April. Civil Service pension increase confirmed

I agree that @Upnotoverhas just about covered everything. As he points out the application can be submitted no more than three months before travel, unlike applications for Schengen Visas, the UK does not require evidence of flights, in fact they advise that non refundable flights are not booked until the visa is issued, though I've also done so. Just include a brief covering letter outlining the details of the aproposed visit and your ties togther in Thailand.

As your question is about your stay in Thailand let’s move this to the Thailand Forum. If you hold Thai nationality, why did you enter with your Australian passport?

As has already been pointed out the Consular Section are not involved in the renewal of Britsish Passports, they haven't been for a decade or so, applications are handled via VFS who, with all their faults, provide a pretty good service https://visa.vfsglobal.com/tha/en/gbr/hmpo. I received my new passport last month three weeks after I applied on the 23 December. There's a long running thread on the subject here How-long-to-renew-uk-passport though you may need to sort out the wheat from the chaff, as this is not a Consular subject, I'll close the thread.

The British Embassy in Thailand have recently updated their information for British Nationals wishing to marry in Thailand. Information for British Nationals intending to marry in Thailand

Troll post and response removed.

As @brewsterbudgenhas rightly pointed out, the applicant, your girlfriend not you, has to convince the Entry Clearance Officer, the decision maker, that their proposed visit is genuine, affordable and on the balance of probablities they will leave the UK at the conclusion of the proposed trip. BB also makes the valid point that this is not so easy when the applicant lives here in Thailand and the partner in the UK, even if the partner supports the applicant financially, the ECO could be forgiven for believing that the applicant might remain in the UK with the benefactor, you are not in that position. It's certainly sensible to consider the fact that whilst you've extended your stay based on retirement, you've not been together that long so may not be able to demonstrate a sustaining relationship, though it's clearly better than a long distant relationship. Can your girlfriend demonstrate other ties here, such as longer term employment? If she did apply this year, and her application was refused, she would need to declare the fact in any future application, all applications are considered individually on merit, so a refusal wouldn't be held against her, but in any future application she should address the reasons for the refusal, and by explaining that she'd waiting a bit longer to prove your relationship before reapplying. I wouldn't necessarily agree that an agent would "bring zero value to your application", a genuine and qualified agent could offer meaningful advice to the applicant on the likelihood whether an application might succeed, given the circumstances surrouding the applicant and any partner/sponsor, and assist with the drafting of the application.

They don't publish any direct numbers for individual departments only a general number, which I suspect you already have - Passport Adviceline Telephone: 0300 222 0000 From outside the UK: +44 (0)300 222 0000 Have you tried their online form to make a complaint? https://eforms.homeoffice.gov.uk/outreach/Passport_Enquiries.ofml

From his earlier posts it would seem that his wife applied in the middle of November, so in the region of thirteen weeks ago, so just about back on track.

As a matter of interest, who are the "they" that told you?

This is a forum for those applying in Thailand, you certainly don't send off your passport from here. Where are you reading that you have to "send off your passport now"?

Like everyone elses opinion, it's probably based on my own gut feeling, I'd certainly welcome any meaningful evidence to prove me wrong.

I'm not sure that the EU would welcome us back with open arms, and if they did allow us to return they certainly wouldn't allow us the concessions and opt outs we previously enjoyed before we bailed out.

What visa are you applying for?