theoldgit

Just be aware that there is a central database that contains the details of all sponsorships worldwide, be it in Thailand, Timbuktu or Tajikistan, which is accessible to all ECO's around the globe, though I don't know if the database is routinely interrogated.

Of course the application form, for a visitors visa, does ask if the person you are staying with in the UK has sponsored anybody else in the last two years, though obviously as you will be sponsoring your wife, and you currently live in Thailand this would not apply.

On a personal note, I was previously married (well actually still am) to another Thai woman and I noted on this fact in my sponsorship letter for my current partner adding that the previous relationship had broken down, I was aware that previous sponsorships would be detailed on the database so I didn't want to think the ECO to think I was a serial sponsor. Despite the fact I was still married my girlfriends visit visa was granted on her first application. Now it's for you to decide if you want your wife to know about your previous application, but chances are that she would find out eventually.

They must have forgotten about that the 3 times I went to Uk with my missus, the second time I was carrying our 1 month old baby that has UK passport while waiting for the missus, and the third time the kid was 1.5.

If you had gone to the UK/EU desk together your wife shouldn't been turned away, it certainly is policy though I doubt if it is writing.

I renewed my passport in the UK six weeks ago, cost 77.50 pounds plus 8 pounds for the optional Post Office check & send service, thought it might be quicker but still took 12 days!

My old passport had my retirement extension & multi entry visa. Just showed both passports at Suvarnabhumi, no questions and no problem at all. Went to Immigration in Khon Kaen a week later and they transferred all stamps to new passport, no charge, and again no questions and no problem at all.

All the best & hope this will help.

Thanks for that Richard, just what I needed to know.

I got a taxi to the airport a couple of weeks ago as we were about 5 mins away the driver realised his meter wasn't moving, he tapped it and it started moving at the proper rate. On arrival the meter was only showing 47 Baht, against the normal 250 or so, I asked the price of the trip and he pointed to the meter with a shrug of the shoulders and a smile, I paid him the normal rate adding a decent tip.

On my return, during curfew hours, I went up to the arrival level where a couple of drivers were cruising around, the one who stopped for me quoted 500 Baht plus the expressway fee, on advising that there was no need to use the expressway for Thong Lor his fixed price went to 600 Baht, I declined his kind offer, as did everyone else, and took a cab from the rank at the regular rate.

We were recently in a restaurant in Hua Hin, at the next table was a couple with two kids, they ordered a meal and Mum's meal was delivered fairly quickly as were the kid's meals, Dad waited patiently, the desserts arrived for Mum and the kids with Dad still waiting for his main course and on enquiry being told his meal was on the way. Mum and the kids finished their deserts, Dad still waiting for his main course, after a little while, without prompting, the bill arrived, Dad pointed to his dinner on the bill explaining that he was still waiting for his dinner, the waitress simply deleted the item and recalculated the total, adding "not have". I suspect that couple will not be returning. Only in Thailand.

^^^

My partner and I are not married so our surnames are different, and we have always gone through together.

There were even real Christmas Trees available last year in Villa Supermarkets, they were available to order but at a price, as I recall, in the region of 10,000 Baht.

The UK Passport Service does advise that overseas residents can renew if they are in the UK and of course it's considerably cheaper to do so, I have noted that passport applications are being turned round pretty quickly at present, though that could change.

The only thing I am not sure about is can I use my new passport along with the full one, which contains my extension of permission to remain along with my re-entry permit, to re-enter Thailand and then get the stamps transferred. I am aware this is allowed by most countries, or would I have to get a new visa, as "loong" suggests, and then start the process all over again. Does anybody have a definitive answer about this?

^^^

Yes, but the OP has advised that the applicant provided all the details of the tenancy, with the supporting evidence, with the application.

Whilst I accept that ECO cannot reasonably be expected to know the ins and outs of tenancy laws, and seemingly Immigration rules, surly they cannot simply refuse an application because they don't understand the rules, they should read the evidence.

if you are young, you can just ask for a student card and you get 99/100 times.

I think ur suppose to be under age 25 for that one.

And have a valid Student ID

In the UK it's actually policy that families will not be split when clearing border control, we have never been refused when we have joined the UK/EU passport line, though it's worth looking at the other passport lines as they are sometimes quicker especially since the implementation of all passports being swiped for checking against the warnings index.

On arrival in Thailand we have always joined the Thai line with my good lady pointing me out to the IO, again we have never been refused.

^^^^

Well said ND

Whatever peoples opinions of this guy it's another loss of a human being which I fear will be the catalyst for further loss of life.

My personal opinion is that he was taken out in revenge for the deaths of other soldiers and whilst I clearly have no proof, it remains my opinion.

There is no place for "summary justice" in a civilised society.

But on the other hand this (and other) forums are littered with people having their visa refused because they didn't supply enough information, while I've never ever heard of anybody having a visa refused for supplying too much.

If the applicant feels some information is relevant they should include it, if the ECO doesn't need it he'll just ignore it.

I agree that, as the sponsors letter is probably the first thing the ECO looks at, the sponsor should add an index of all the supporting documentation they've supplied as part of that letter. That way the ECO knows what information is available before he starts.

I agree, but 2kgs of docs for a visit visa is probably a bit OTT, how many pages do you think that is?

yes , i agree , england should take in all the red shirt leaders who will soon be on the run

Yep, and stick em in Brooke House, the new Immigration "hotel" at Gatwick.

A word of caution, don't overwhelm the ECO with so much evidence that he falls asleep when trying to read it. An application, especially for a visitors visa, needs to show that the visit is affordable and reasonable. If you are sponsoring you need to prove that you can afford it and it's reasonable to do so. The most important thing is the reason to return.

I am not sure how many pages are in you 2 kg pack but I suspect it's bordering on "War and Peace".

Make the app and supporting docs clear, concise and snappy, put them in a file with the sponsors letter with an index pointing out the relevant parts.

Good luck whatever you decide.

You would still need a visa to go through the Channel Tunnel, the border controls are at the Eurostar Terminal in Paris and the shuttle train near Calais.

I know it was a tongue in cheek remark by your wife, but unless people have proof that they are being persecuted as a result of the troubles they wouldn't be granted asylum, and would probably be detained whilst the application is dealt with under the "Fast Track" procedures.

I'm, maybe, flying to the UK on Tuesday - fingers crossed

Yes, it's best to watch the updates on the News Clippings Forum, this has been an invaluable service during these troubled times.

1 - It's your girlfriends application so it's she who will need to provide the evidence to support her application, and she will need to submit the hard copy of the application in person, even if she applies on-line as she will need to have her biometric details taken, so you will have to send papers to her.

2/3 - I have always sent papers from the UK using the Royal Mail International Signed For service and they have always arrived safely, though I never sent to Isaan. You might want to consider DHL or the likes though even then it would depend how far out in the sticks she is. Could the docs be emailed?

4 - It depends why you are not travelling, EVA might help or you might have to claim off your insurance as long as the reason was insured.

Good luck with the app, make sure you put in a robust app.

You are correct that both The British Embassy and the application are, understandably, closed today, the 14th, I'm afraid this is yet more fallout from the red shirts actions.

The application centre hasn't been honouring appointments for some time and the visa section has been running with reduced staff, though I'm not really sure why unless they don't staff to risk going to work.

You have already experienced a problem getting through on the phone and whilst staff will be there I suspect staff are there, they are just overwhelmed at the moment. Of course the counselor and visa sections are completely separate and families calling for information regarding the current situation shouldn't impact on the visa section. You can keep trying to get through but I honestly think it's very unlikely you will be able to get a visa in time.

Not really a very helpful reply, I'm just trying to structure your expectations.

^^^^

They are currently running a Happy Hour where they offer a 50% discount on food, this Happy Hour is actually an hour and I think fairly early, about 18.00 I think.

If you are talking about an indirect direct flight with one of the Gulf States airlines you will be OK as you will remain in transit airside. If you are considering stopping off for a day or two it then is not as straightforward as it depends where you will be transiting.

The BE probably wouldn't help as they are only able to advise on entry requirements into the UK.

Hi Lickey

All I mean by the email headers is that if your family send a letter as a word document make sure sure you copy the email that it comes with or undead the full email if the invite comes is in email form, it just proves the email or letter is checkable, even if not necessary, and not just something you have knocked up yourselves.

Speak soon

In order for the application to succeed your girlfriend not only needs to convince an ECO that the trip is reasonable and affordable but that she will return home at the end of the trip, and that is the most important one, in my opinion.

OK you can prove your relationship, explain in the sponsors letter how you met and give details of the time you spent together in Thailand, photos are fine, but not too many and see if you can give back up proof of the times and dates. Did you travel overseas at all, that would help.

If she is going to stay in your mothers home then yes provide a letter from her though I personally wouldn't bother with a letter from the local vicar as I doubt very much if the ECO would take too much notice of it.

Not having money in her bank account is not really important, after all that's why you are sponsoring her, and you just need to prove that it's appropriate for you to sponsor her, it's clearly affordable and bank statements are fine, even on-line ones as they can check them.

The only concern I have is the three month visit especially as she is going to provide a letter from her employer. Three months is a long holiday when someone is working, of course I don't know her circumstances, but if I was an ECO I would take some convincing. She really needs to show a compelling reason to return, with strong, provable, ties to Thailand. She needs to outline her plans for the future which needs to be backed up in your sponsorship letter, I would advise against writting a "War and Peace" novel, it's needs to be snappy yet informative.

Unfortunately she will have to travel to Bangkok to submit a hard copy of the application and supporting documents, even if she applies on-line, as her biometric details need to be taken.

I personally wouldn't want her to show the app to somebody in Chiang Mai, some people are not what they seem, there are some rouges out there.

Good luck, if you need further pointers, you are in the right place.

The "Happy Hour" is from 15.00 to 21.00 except on Sundays when it starts earlier to take account of the, recently increased in price, carvery.

I go there fairly regularly and the bill certainly indicates that you should have received a second drink. Seems like a genuine mistake, my experience is always that the staff bring your "free" drink as you are finishing your first one.

I quite like The Huntsman even though they aren't the cheapest on the block, but I really wish they wouldn't allow smoking in the bar - there, I've said it now.