I've gone to Sin for many years to renew my non O, but was thinking of trying either Penang or KL.  Anyone have any pluses or minus to give about the whole overall experience in these other places?  I don't necessarily mean the actual visa part, but rather things to do in KL or Penang as compared to Sin.  Of course if you have any comparisons or contrasts as far as getting the actual visa, that would be good info also.

Edited August 28, 200817 yr by steelepulse

I've gone to Sin for many years to renew my non O, but was thinking of trying either Penang or KL. Anyone have any pluses or minus to give about the whole overall experience in these other places? I don't necessarily mean the actual visa part, but rather things to do in KL or Penang as compared to Sin. Of course if you have any comparisons or contrasts as far as getting the actual visa, that would be good info also.

Penang has great curries; in fact the best I've ever tasted in SE Asia and they're sooooo cheap as well. Tandoori Chicken with Naan Bread and lots of extras at Kapitan's Chulia Street is awsome and costs only about 60 Baht.

Unfortunately the Consulate there has gone a bit severe recently, so you might have problems going there for a multiple entry non immigrant O visa.

What type of visa are you seeking? Singapore does not provide multi entry visas so if for the KL is your best choice and Penang next (but Penang may also balk).

When did Sin stop issueing Non O visas? I've gotten them there for the past 6 or 7 years by showing the proper paperwork, cash in bank  etc.  I've never had a problem there.

When did Sin stop issueing Non O visas? I've gotten them there for the past 6 or 7 years by showing the proper paperwork, cash in bank  etc.  I've never had a problem there.

They had a policy change a few months ago.

Sounds like KL it is.  I missed the thread where they stopped issuing visas.  Did they give a reason?  Seems strange that a prominent embassy which has always been strict would stop issuing Non O's.  Haven't to to KL though in 20 years, so time to see the towers. Thanks for the info so I didn't waste a trip.

Edited August 29, 200817 yr by steelepulse

The feeling has always been that you should extend your stay rather than use multi entry visas year-on-year. I understand that there is real reason to use for some (offshore workers) but probably better for others to use the extension of stay. With the current 40k family income many more people are able to use the avenue as wife can often provide tax payments to support a 40k per month income without much trouble (about 2-2,500 baht tax per month).

I just phoned Singapore today and they told me that I could no longer get a one-year "O" visa. They did not say that this was a change of policy at their Consulate and left me with the impression that this was a change in Thai immigration law. Luckily, I stumbled into this forum ... so just to e clear ... the law has NOT changed, right, ... only the Singapore consultate policy, so going to K.L. will still yield a one-year multiple entry "O" visa? Thanks!

It will always be up to the Consulate; and yes KL has provided many people multi entry recently. But nobody can say you or they will not be an exception. But it is currently the best choice/chance in the area.

Kuala Lumpur is an excellent city to visit!

The locals all speak English.

The city is very multicultural, with a massive selection of international restaurants.

A very lively city, great nightlife, etc...

The Petronas Twin Towers has a great shopping mall, KLCC I think it's called, which is one of the best, if not THE best mall I've ever visited. There is a Books Kinokuniya there, literally twice the size of the one in the Emporium.

My Kasikorn Visa Debit card passed its first international test successfully and worked in ATMs there, also in Books Kinokuniya.

Overall KL is a bit pricey but I loved the place.

Kuala Lumpur is an excellent city to visit!

The locals all speak English.

The city is very multicultural, with a massive selection of international restaurants.

A very lively city, great nightlife, etc...

The Petronas Twin Towers has a great shopping mall, KLCC I think it's called, which is one of the best, if not THE best mall I've ever visited. There is a Books Kinokuniya there, literally twice the size of the one in the Emporium.

My Kasikorn Visa Debit card passed its first international test successfully and worked in ATMs there, also in Books Kinokuniya.

Overall KL is a bit pricey but I loved the place.

Funny how impressions vary.

I found KL people to be often rude and disinterested in offering help. The taxi drivers seemed a bit greedy (e.g. would never start meters, because they always wanted a high rate).

Also I stayed in a medium/high price hotel, found the staff lazy and inattentive - they couldn't even be bothered to help carry customer's bags to the room. Also many of the rooms stank of cigarette smoke as well (this is not just a KL problem).

Yes KL is certainly poly-cultural, but not as much as Singapore or Penang.

Certainly KL is an improvement on Khota Bharu, but it does not have the faded charm of Penang.

However the shopping malls are good; you can get lots of computer stuff, the prices are comparable with BKK - the choice is much greater.

Most importantly KL is currently the place, bordering Thailand, to go for multiple entry non immigrant B and O visas.

I would advice you to go to KL I just got back a few days ago with a new multiple O I had no problems getting it