Thai Tourist Visa

[Sass]

Hi,

This is a great site, but after having trawled through it for quite a while, I'm still slightly confused. So, I would appreciate any advice.

I am 29, from the UK and am planning to travel around SE Asia for 9 months from Jan. I have no family or work there. Initially it will be just travelling.

I'm hoping to be pretty flexible with my plans, I don't have a defined itinerary.

Depending on cost of flights I am going to fly London to KL or Singapore, and then travel overland to Thailand (probably Koh Lak) to do my Dive Master. I am planning to spend 3-4 months in Thailand.

In May I will be flying home for a couple of Weddings and then head back out... possibly to Thailand, or maybe Malaysia/Indonesia/Philippines? I am then hoping to travel around SE Asia for another 4-5 months, before heading to Oz.

So, questions...

Would it be best (or even possible) for me to get a Multi-entry tourist visa from KL/Singapore just before I head to Thailand? This would save me getting one too early in the UK? And with this, I presume I can extent the 60 day visa (only?) in Bangkok for 30 days. Could I then also do a Visa Run, to get a 4th month if I need it?

Possibly, after I have done my Dive Master, I might look for work.

I've seen the thread on this, detailing the trouble with DM's and Dive Clubs and the visa. But, if I am willing and the Club is willing, is it possible to get a Work Permit while I am in the country on a tourist visa? I will need to deal with this if and when it comes up, as I do not know if this will be the case.

Finally, does anyone know of similar sites to this for Malaysia/Indonesia/Philippines?

Thanks in advance,

Sass

[thaiflyer1]

Your best bet is to apply for a Non Immigrant O visa ( multiple entry) from the Royal Thai Consulate in Hull. This would give you the greatest flexibility, allowing for a 90 stay at a time in Thailand and the visa has 1 years validity in which to use it.Check out there web-site for further details http://www.thaiconsul-uk.com/ Make sure you apply to Hull though as they are the most lienient in issuing this class of visa.There is no such thing as a multi entry tourist visa..........there are single,double and triple entry tourist visa which i think is what you meant.........these would give you 60 day stay for each entry which can be extended 30 days in Thailand. My advice would be go for the Hull option........it/ll save you a lot of hassle in the long run.Dont worry about getting the visa too early as it has 1yr validity.Two more points if you opt for the Non Imm visa......put down "visiting family and friends " as reason for visit and the letter of guarantee can be completed by any family member or friend in the UK.

[sua yai]

As far as I see it, your best bet is to get a multiple entry Non O visa from Hull before you leave the UK. It's dead easy and gives you more flexibility than a tourist visa. Hull were supplying single, double, triple and quadruple tourist visas as well.

You should get a single/double (and I've heard triple) entry tourist visa in Penang, but not a multiple entry Non O. The UK is your best bet for this, although you will lose time off it depending on when you enter Thailand.

I'll leave work permits to someone else. I'm not up on them.

[sua yai]

Same advice as Thaiflyer1. Sorry.

[Sass]

Thanks for the speedy responses. A multiple entry Non O visa seems the way forward. I didn't realise I would be eligible.

The point about the Family doesn't have to be in Thailand... I did realise that, it was not very clear - I thought that you had to be actually visiting them in Thailand.

Looking at the Thai Consul web site, it says "Visiting friends" and in the written guarantee you have to put down the Name and Address of the guarantor.

So, will they accept a UK address here? I guess as long as there is a guarantor, it shouldn't matter.

Thanks again,

Sass

[thaiflyer1]

When you fill in the application form......put down "visiting family and friends " as reason for visit also if you are not sure how long you are coming for put down 1 year then you are covered (they/ll give you a years validity anyway, but just incase your not sure what to enter) If you print off from the Consulates website thier example of the form letter for a guarantor and then get it typed up.........simply use any family member you have in the UK and thier address. Make sure you apply to Hull though .The family and friends you are visiting do have to be in Thailand but Hull wont look into it.........if you applied to the Embassy in London they/d most likely knock you back!