Visa Options

[bipper]

Hi There,

I am Irish, a 48 year old single male and planning to travel to Thailand for a minimum of 12 months in the next 6-8 weeks or so. I intend to use Thailland as a base and travel (if I can) to neighbouring countries such as Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia and Indonesia. I would appreciate if anyone would you be so kind as inform me as to the best visa I can obtain for my requirements. I note a 12 month multi entry visa may be the best option but as I must leave the country every 90 days on this, like it or not. I was wondering is there any other option available to me? That is is there any visa other than (work or retirement) where I am not required to leave every 90 days? Also do I need to apply to the nearest Thai Consulate which I think is in the UK?

Also do I need to obtain visa's to travel to the above countries before I leave Ireland or can I apply from Thailand after I arrive there?

On a seperate point I will be staying in the Chiang Mai area and I would like to offer some time, perhaps up to 15 hours a week to a local charity or to help out in some way on a volunteer basis. If anybody has any suggestions on where I should go to offer my services or who I could contact in the Chiang Mai area I would be very grateful.

Any assistance would be gratefully appreciated.

Thank you.

bipper.

[Lite Beer]

Hi There,

I am Irish, a 48 year old single male and planning to travel to Thailand for a minimum of 12 months in the next 6-8 weeks or so. I intend to use Thailland as a base and travel (if I can) to neighbouring countries such as Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia and Indonesia. I would appreciate if anyone would you be so kind as inform me as to the best visa I can obtain for my requirements. I note a 12 month multi entry visa may be the best option but as I must leave the country every 90 days on this, like it or not. I was wondering is there any other option available to me? That is is there any visa other than (work or retirement) where I am not required to leave every 90 days? Also do I need to apply to the nearest Thai Consulate which I think is in the UK?

Also do I need to obtain visa's to travel to the above countries before I leave Ireland or can I apply from Thailand after I arrive there?

On a seperate point I will be staying in the Chiang Mai area and I would like to offer some time, perhaps up to 15 hours a week to a local charity or to help out in some way on a volunteer basis. If anybody has any suggestions on where I should go to offer my services or who I could contact in the Chiang Mai area I would be very grateful.

Any assistance would be gratefully appreciated.

Thank you.

bipper.

As you said a Non O Multi Entry Non O Visa is the best option. Enabling you to come and go as many times as you want for a period of up to 15 months. You can always sign up with a school to study Thai and get an Education Visa. Have a look at the 2 schools at the top of this page.

You can obtain Visa for other countries from inside Thailand. You do not need one for Malaysia.

As for you doing volunteer work. You will need a Work Permit to do this.

[bipper]

Many thanks Lite Beer.

On the Non O Multi Entry Visa is it a given that it would be issued? Also just to confirm is a work visa required to do "unpaid" volunteer work such as charity work? And if so do you know if this can be applied for by a charity from inside Thailand if and when I find one willing to let me assist?

I really appreciate your assistance.

Best regards,

bipper.

[Lite Beer]

Many thanks Lite Beer.

On the Non O Multi Entry Visa is it a given that it would be issued? Also just to confirm is a work visa required to do "unpaid" volunteer work such as charity work? And if so do you know if this can be applied for by a charity from inside Thailand if and when I find one willing to let me assist?

I really appreciate your assistance.

Best regards,

bipper.

If you apply at the Thai Consulate in Hull you will have no problem with the Non O Visa. http://www.thaiconsul.co.uk/

A Work Permit is needed to do any kind of work in Thailand whether it is paid or not. Anyone you work for should be able to provide the paperwork required. Look here for the definition of Working. http://www.doe.go.th/service3_en.aspx

[bipper]

Hi Lite Beer,

I was wondering is the non O Visa the same a a 1 year multiple entry visa? I rang the Thai consulate in Dublin and they stated I would only get it this I were going to Thailand on business or if I was married to a Thai person. I am neither.

Can I apply to Hull if I am resident in Dublin Ireland and I was also wondering if you had any advice as to how to present my application.

Many thanks,

bipper

[Lite Beer]

Hi Lite Beer,

I was wondering is the non O Visa the same a a 1 year multiple entry visa? I rang the Thai consulate in Dublin and they stated I would only get it this I were going to Thailand on business or if I was married to a Thai person. I am neither.

Can I apply to Hull if I am resident in Dublin Ireland and I was also wondering if you had any advice as to how to present my application.

Many thanks,

bipper

Same thing. 12 Month Multi Entry Non O Visa. You can apply in person or by post. We have had a member in Spain do it by post.

All you do is write on the Application Form. "To visit friends and Family" They Issue these every day and never ask for proof.

I suggest you give them a ring or E Mail. They sre very helpfull and freindly.

http://www.thaiconsul.co.uk/ http://www.thaiconsul.co.uk/downloads-and-visas.aspx

[bipper]

Many thanks Lite Beer I have contacted them, they were very helpful just as you said and you have been marvelous! I really appreciate it, I never thought I would get such a satisfactory answer so quick.

Kindest regards,

bipper.

[Lite Beer]

Many thanks Lite Beer I have contacted them, they were very helpful just as you said and you have been marvelous! I really appreciate it, I never thought I would get such a satisfactory answer so quick.

Kindest regards,

bipper.

Don't apply too early as the Visa starts on the day it is issued. Apply too early and you will lose time.

Did they say you could post it or are you going in person?