This came as a shock to me, and might to other members:

In September 2007, I went to the Thai Embassy in London for a Non-Immigrant O visa, which they have given me before, often, with only a marriage certificate to my Thai Wife and perhaps a copy of her passport or ID card. New people at the applications desk, and they demamded proof of income or cash in Thailand. Luckily I had my Thai bank book in UK and could show it when I collected the visa, but oherwise? I protested that this proof of income/cash, was only required for an extension, obtained in Bangkok, but I was told that "The Rules have changed" Always a good excuse! They would offer no other reason for this requirement, and it seemed as if no discussion would be tolerated (Never the most helpful of places).

I do not know if this rule is going to apply to all Non-imm applications in London, and I have no idea what would have happened if I had not had my bank book with me, and money in the bank.

I have applied for the same visa many times without any problems and always used the same reason: 'To stay with my Thai wife; and/or Retirement' I know all about the requirements for getting this extended for 1 year, which I now have, and keep the neccessary money in a Thai bank for this reason, but this was checked at Suan Phlu and not London.

This was a one-off visit and I might have got a new counter clerk being difficult, (it was not the usual boy, Kim, but a girl,) but if it is going to be general, then I can see a lot a non-imm visa's being refused. I was temped to challenge this and refuse to show my bank book, but why risk another morning wasted and a trip into London?

This came as a shock to me, and might to other members:

In September 2007, I went to the Thai Embassy in London for a Non-Immigrant O visa, which they have given me before, often, with only a marriage certificate to my Thai Wife and perhaps a copy of her passport or ID card. New people at the applications desk, and they demamded proof of income or cash in Thailand. Luckily I had my Thai bank book in UK and could show it when I collected the visa, but oherwise? I protested that this proof of income/cash, was only required for an extension, obtained in Bangkok, but I was told that "The Rules have changed" Always a good excuse! They would offer no other reason for this requirement, and it seemed as if no discussion would be tolerated (Never the most helpful of places).

I do not know if this rule is going to apply to all Non-imm applications in London, and I have no idea what would have happened if I had not had my bank book with me, and money in the bank.

I have applied for the same visa many times without any problems and always used the same reason: 'To stay with my Thai wife; and/or Retirement' I know all about the requirements for getting this extended for 1 year, which I now have, and keep the neccessary money in a Thai bank for this reason, but this was checked at Suan Phlu and not London.

This was a one-off visit and I might have got a new counter clerk being difficult, (it was not the usual boy, Kim, but a girl,) but if it is going to be general, then I can see a lot a non-imm visa's being refused. I was temped to challenge this and refuse to show my bank book, but why risk another morning wasted and a trip into London?

Hi Robin

It has been fairly common knowledge on this Forum that The Thai Embassy, London are far more stringent compared to other UK based Thai Consulates. Even though the Embassy was a shrt bus ride away, I decided to use the Hull Consulate (Its also recognised as the most helpful&efficient) postal service for obtaining a Non Imm 'O' visa.

Forms downloaded, completed,posted special D with PP&cr card details. Returned special D with visa in under 4 days - FANTASTIC SERVICE

Dave

Got to agree with DTD. Hats off to Hull