theoldgit

I'll move this to the Thailand Visa Forum.

Not sure that the availability of a Christmas lunch in Pattaya is a visa issue, let’s try the local forum.

On 12/21/2022 at 6:39 AM, prakhonchai nick said:

It will also be interesting to see what time scale VFS mention.

I submitted an application yesterday, in and out in ten minutes.

The VFS lass said applications are normally still taking eleven to twelve weeks, but added that some are being returned somewhat quicker.
I heard, from a reliable source, yesterday of a new passport arriving in two weeks, not sure if the applicant had appealed, and had been given, a quicker turnround.

https://www.evisa.gov.kh/

The list of valid entry points is shown on the website, it's not valid at all entry points into the Kingdom.

There are numerous apps like WhatsApp and Line that require both users to have an App installed to make free calls.

I use mytello which offers cheap calls to landlines and mobiles, with only the caller needing the app.

Calls to landlines or mobiles the US cost 0.4 Baht per minute.

A1 would have been sufficient for her initial visa, but not for FLR or ILR. 

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/prove-your-english-language-abilities-with-a-secure-english-language-test-selt

As you seem to be asking for options for a visa for Thailand, I’ll move your query to a more appropriate forum.

6 minutes ago, hotandsticky said:

I am trying to recall the previous procedures for processing through Hong Kong - I can’t imagine that the current passport left the possession of the applicant. 

My last application was via Hong Kong, as I recall I didn't need to send my passport there so was able to retain it, a very efficient and speedy renewal.

Let’s move this to the correct forum.

1 hour ago, OJAS said:

The previous passport for cancellation (likely also languishing in some Key Visa pigeonhole).

I’d assumed the whole idea of the passport debacle here in Thailand was that to comply with the apparent rule that foreigners passports should be made available for inspection on demand, and the VFS involvement allowed applicants to retain their passports following an an application for a new passport.

I understand that using an agent saves the applicant a round trip, or two, to Bangkok, but it seems to me that it rather defeats the object of ensuring the passport is available for inspection on demand, if the current passport is languishing in the agents office for a month or three.

This question is on the wrong forum, and though it's been answered I'll move it the appropriate forum.

49 minutes ago, Cake Monster said:

A UK agent will help with this issue, and an Agent in Thailand is a total waste of both time and money

I beg to differ, I’m fully aware of the proof required to satisfy the decision maker, and that there are a number of highly qualified, and respected agents here in Thailand, who could assist with the application.

Did you read the OP’s comment that he has “plenty of available funds available”?

I’m sure the OP’s wife could satisfy the ECO that on the balance of probabilities she would return to her home country after their visits, where she and her husband have lived for 25 years or more without resorting to enlisting the help of an agent halfway around the globe.

2 hours ago, Cake Monster said:

They are one of only 2 recognized Visa agents in the UK o deal directly with the Home office, and will be able to give you the latest and correct information or your needs.

For the avoidance of doubt there are many Visa Agents in the UK, probably hundreds, who are registered with the OISC to provide advice on Visa Applications and other Immigration matters, it’s a legal requirement in the UK for agents to be so registered.

Whilst I have no doubt that the company you recommend are properly registered and come highly recommended, the OP and his wife are located here in Thailand, and if they feel that the use of an agent is necessary, they may be better using an OISC registered agent here, where the applicant needs to submit her bio details and passport.

You're probably aware that the longer term visas, those with a two, five or ten year validity, are designed for those who can demonstrate a need to travel to the UK regularly but still have ties to their home country, these visa still only allow the holder to remain in the UK for up to six months, subject to satisfying the Border Force Officer on arrival in the UK, that their visit is genuine, and they are not using the visa to make the UK their home.

You seem to have strong ties to Thailand, and your wife would need to demonstrate those ties in her application, keep in mind that if she applied for a longer term visa and the Entry Clearance Officer had concerns, they could issue a six month visa, and there would be no refund in the extra fees charged.

I would be totally honest in the application, and whilst you're correct in saying that it would be unwise to pad her bank account, there not really an issue in indicating that you will be funding the trip.

My wife rarely has large sums in her account, I'm well into my retirement, and she's never had a problem getting visas approved - touch wood. 

It seems that the local senior police officer who perished was the driver of the car.

"Investigators are working to ascertain how and why the accident occurred"

Soi 94 is at the edge of a popular bar area in Hua Hin, maybe there's a link.

"One of the deceased was a senior officer from Hua Hin Police Station"

 ????
 

I drive over that crossing frequently but I can’t remember if they have manually operated sliding gates, at 04.00, or automatic gates, either way it shouldn’t have happened.

This has nothing to do with Visas to countries other than Thailand, so I'll move it to the Thailand section.

On 11/12/2022 at 2:17 PM, KannikaP said:

So even the British Thai Embassy doesn't know that it is an International Driving PERMIT, not license.

Seems that the Thai Embassy in London doesn't know either.

"If you would like to drive, either vehicle or motorcycle, while visiting Thailand, you are required by law to hold an international driving license. When asked for, you need to show your international driving license along with your passport and national driving license.

For those who temporarily stay in Thailand, you can apply for a temporary (one year) driving license at the Department of Land Transport or a Provincial Land Transport Office."

https://london.thaiembassy.org/en/publicservice/84710-driving-in-thailand?page=5d6636ce15e39c3bd000734d&menu=5d6636cd15e39c3bd00072e2

The latest guide to processing times

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/visa-decision-waiting-times-applications-outside-the-uk