Visa Options-best Route

[sekondnature]

Hello all,

This is my first posting. So, please be patient with me. I have a girl friend in Thailand and am looking to come back. I spent three years in Thailand previously and have been in Canada for approximately eight months. I miss Thailand and would like to come back. The thing is I don't want to go with my previous approach of border runs sprinkled in with the occasional tourist visa. It's no way to live. I do not want the uncertainty. I will be upfront and let everyone know that I do not have a degree but I plan on working. I would rather not get into the ethics of this matter. As far as I can tell my options are: 15 day border runs, multiple tourist visas, an education visa, and possibly an O visa or non-B.

The 15 day border runs are a given but that is an extremely unreliable way of staying in Thailand as they change the rules frequently and they seem to get more difficult as times passes.

Multiple tourist visa seems viable to a point but it still involves gettting more tourist visas after the initial 2 or 3? expire. I had an incident at the Thai embassy in Hong Kong where I was told that I was only allowed one more tourist visa. I think I already had two in my passport at the time.

Education visa seems interesting also if the actual Thai lessons are of value. I'm not really interested in simply paying for the visa without valid lessons.

I have little knowledge of non-B and O visas. I know that you apply for a non-B to get a work permit and it will provide you with an initial stay of 3 months in Thailand. O visas are even more mysterious to me. On what grounds are they given? Do they have conditions attached? What do you need to provide to apply for one?

This is slightly off topic but I'm weighing out all my options and looking for a some direction right now. What might be my options in terms of employment in Thailand? I enjoyed English teaching but my real passion is photography. Is it difficult to make a go of exporting or setting up your own business? Any advice on teaching privately? Are there many teaching job availible? I was wondering this given the current global economic situation.

I appreciate everyone's time and consideration regarding all of my concerns.Have a great day or evening whatever time it may be over there.

p.s.

Is there anyway to be notified if someone posts to this topic?

[sekondnature]

I figured out how to track this post. No worries about that matter. Thanks

[Lite Beer]

You did not give us your age. If you were over 50 you would have more options.

There are a few consultes around the world that would issue a Multi entry Non Imm O Visa for visitting freinds and family. I am not sure that Canada has one of these.

It looks like you are stuck with Tourist Visas or the Education Visa.

This is the Vancouver Website. http://www.thaicongenvancouver.org/cms/ind...view&id=131

[ubonjoe]

Check this webpage on the embassy website it lists other conulates in Canada all but the embassy and Vancouver are honorary consulates and will be easier to deal with. Their was a recent report from a member that the consulate in Toronto gave him the best answer for getting his visa. http://www.magma.ca/~thaiott/visa3.htm

Toronto consulate website: http://www.thaiconsulatetoronto.com/visas.php

[sekondnature]

I just read the post about including age and nationality. I'm 28.

[sekondnature]

Thanks guys. I have just come across the teaching forum which may be helpful. Could someone direct me to any other posts that might be relevant to employment or any of my other concerns/questions? When I looked at the jobs forum it seemed there were alot of posts but not many replies. Also, is it possible to get a work permit if you have the intent or are in the process of getting a degree? Are there any exceptions involving the work permit/degree requirements?

[sekondnature]

If at all possible I would like to do things legitimately this time. I didn't like sneaking aroundand having to lie about my qualifications. I don't have the education but I am able. (but that is another story and here comes the chip on my shoulder)

[ubonjoe]

If you want a to stay here without doing border and visa runs then the best option might be to go the Thai languqge school route to start with, It will cost you about 29,000 baht for one year of school with immigration fees on to top of that. You only have to do 4 hours of study per week which is not a lot of time spent going to school. Being able to speak and understand Thai in the long run would be helpfull in finding a job.

Your visa options are limited to a 3 entry tourist visa which would give you almost 9 months by getting 30 day extensionsat at immigration without having to get a new visa. Then make a visa run to Vientiane for a 2 entry visa.

You could contact the consulate in Toronto about getting a multiple entry non-o visa to visit your girlfriend. Tell them a good story and you might get positive results.

[jamesjdaly]

Don't use a fake degree. All degrees are checked with the authorities in your university. You will be caught and may be sent to court and deported.

[sekondnature]

When I first arrived I got a fake degree but chose not to use it. I don't even know what happened to it. It's not my style anyways. I heard a story of a Canadian getting busted. I didn't talk to him directly so this is just hearsay but apparently he served some time in a Thai jail for his phony credentials. It was at a time when they were cracking down and I guess they chose to make an example of him. Definitely not the way to go for me. It seems that the education visa might be the most logical option. It is a bit pricey for my liking but it serves a dual purpose. My Thai is fairly basic and could definitely use some improvement. Still open to new ideas and suggestions though.