Visa Suggestions

[somchai jones]

Hi folks

I lived in Thailand for several years in the 90s.

In those days visa regs were rather lax and I did the visa run to Malysia every 3 or 6 months.

I am currently employed in UK for a UK company but do my work from home on laptop.

I'm thinking of moving to Samui for two years upwards where I currently holiday each year. I would be staying in a rented house working on my laptop.

As far as I can ascertain from relevant gov websites, my best option would be to apply for a multiple entry non immigrant visa valid for 12 months.

On the UK Thai consulate website it states that after your year has run out in Thailand you would be'unlikely' to get this kind of visa renewed outside the UK. If this is so, I'd of course have to factor in to my plans doing a UK visit after one year.

Any suggestions on what type of visa I should apply for, best options for renewal, visa runs etc. would be much appreciated.

I'd particularly like to hear from others doing what I plan to do, i.e. staying in Samui (or elsewhere in Thailand) working from home on computer.

I've posted this on Samui website as that is where I plan to stay. I realise you may move it to another section, Roo.

Any suggestions much appreciated.

Cheers

Somchai

[happylarry]

Whichever visa you apply for I would recommend you go through the Hull Consulate...they are by far the quickest, most helpful and efficient office you will ever deal with. And I would suggest you dont advertise too much about what you will be doing while over here. (wink wink)

HL

[somchai jones]

Whichever visa you apply for I would recommend you go through the Hull Consulate...they are by far the quickest, most helpful and efficient office you will ever deal with. And I would suggest you dont advertise too much about what you will be doing while over here. (wink wink)

HL

Thanks Larry

Good advice.

[sbk]

TBH Somchai, unless you'd prefer specific Samui visa run advice, you would probably be better served in the Visas section.

Let me know if you want it moved.

[thaiphoon]

Would agree best option is to apply for 12 month multiple entry Non-O visa from honorary consulate such as Hull. Would need to do border run every 90 days, and by doing final border run just before visa expires you will get new 90 day permission to stay stretching visa to 15 months. Cannot renew this visa within the region. Nearest consulate providing is in Perth, but recent reports indicate now additionally need signed copy of ID from Thai friend.

Be aware that by law any type of work (including internet work from home) requires a work permit. But some people do do this, keep head down and fly below the radar. But it is not legal.

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

[somchai jones]

Would agree best option is to apply for 12 month multiple entry Non-O visa from honorary consulate such as Hull. Would need to do border run every 90 days, and by doing final border run just before visa expires you will get new 90 day permission to stay stretching visa to 15 months. Cannot renew this visa within the region. Nearest consulate providing is in Perth, but recent reports indicate now additionally need signed copy of ID from Thai friend.

Be aware that by law any type of work (including internet work from home) requires a work permit. But some people do do this, keep head down and fly below the radar. But it is not legal.

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

Thanks SBK, I hope all is good in Koh Phangan.

Thanks for the advice, Thaipoon, that really helps.

Just two remaining questions. When I apply for this type of visa, should I give my reason as extended travel or specifically to stay with Thai friend? Also, is this visa for 'unlimited number of entries' i.e. within the 12 months, I could leave and return 7 or 8 times for example, or is it for 4 leave entries, i.e. 3 months, 3 months, 3 months and 3 months?

Again thanks for the advice, it's much appreciated.

[thaiphoon]

Apply for multiple entry Non-O visa with the reason of "visiting friends". The number of entries is unlimited. Each time you re-enter the country you will get a new 90 day permission to stay whilst the visa is valid.