ColbyCoombs

No. As I wrote, Nina is the owner of Discovery Lodge (just discovered I'm not allowed to post its URL, but it's Google-able), the closest guesthouse to the college. I doubt if you'll meet the 'owners' of the college; the head-instructor was/is Steve. Probably no need to book any guesthouse in BKK - very few travelles about.

I obtained ny TESOL at the Bangkok Branch.

It is hardly a 'college'..more like 6-8 rooms. The course was good however and the instructors were excellent. I managed to secure my own position before the course finished but the other guys and gals on the course all secured positions afterwards.

Yep. I went to Chichester in 2006: agree with all the above. PLUS an emphasis on practicalities, invaluable for learning the 'easy' way. Check out Discovery Lodge about [from memory] 2/3 blocks from the school, away from MRT's Suthisan station - great atmosphere and 'Nina', the owner, full of friendly, useful advice. Good luck

Crackdown on back-to-back Tourist visa applications

Extended screening of visa applicants

Seems serious: "increased screening" appears fairly innocuous (but how does it operate? it's hard to prove a negative [e.g. I don't work in Thailand]). But the 'whammy' is on these two points, reinforced in the 'Helsinki announcement':

"Should ... the applicant’s real intention [be] concealed, the application will be rejected."

"the intention of applicants to repeatedly depart and re-enter Thailand via tourist visa issued ... in neighboring countries ... is considered as concealment ... their visas applications will be rejected."

I read these phrases as:

• We will reject your application for a new visa if we think your [real] motive for applying is concealed.
  
• Concealment is determined by repeated exits to/re-entries from neighboring countries.
  
• Therefore, if you have "repeatedly" crossed a land-border, you ain't comin' back this time (perhaps: 'unless you fly back')
  

Long retired [and not working anywhere], I think - after three pleasant years in Thailand - I see a chop looming; and I had intended to leave/re-enter on my "2-entries" visa later this month.

However, I'm often wrong. Advise, anyone? Personal experience with this new 'screening'?

By now, possibly too late, but there's a good [serious] gym/school on the top floor of Asha Guest House in Saphan Khwai: tell +66(0) 2271 1417, 4 Intamara Soi 3, Suthisan Road, Saphan Khwai 10400.

Cheers