Hi, I have browsed the helpful forums and i just wanted to confirm whether I understand this process correctly.

My girlfriend (South African Passport) and I (Uk passport) would like to visit and stay in Thailand for 6 months from May 2010-Nov 2010.

We plan to apply for a 60 day single entry tourist visa in Seoul in Feb/Mar (to take advantage of the free visa) and fly to Bangkok on a one-way ticket. We would then extend our visa for another 30 days in Koh Samui. After the 90 days, we would head to Penang for a few days and get a new 60 day single entry visa-which we would again extend in Koh samui for another 30 days.

Is there a chance that any of the extensions or the second vias will be declined?

Also, i have read about the 1 year, non-immigrant visa-where you would need to leave the country every 90 days and return the next day for another 90 day period. Are we eligible for such a visa and what is the cost?

Thank you for any and all help. A good day to all

You are not eligible for such a visa if being tourists. Hull would likely issue for visiting friends but most Consulates would not. But the tourist visas should work and do not see any reason extension of 30 days would be any problem - it is routine to approve such extensions.

There seems to be a tightening up of the rules around issue of Non-O visa for visiting friends, which is only available at a handful of consulates, so would suggest you check back with us nearer the date of your trip if this is the way you want to go. The cost is £100 for multiple entry. As said, should be no problem going the tourist visa route.

Thanks Guys, Tourist Visa route it is......