As fate would have it, the topic of my concern cropped up in the "Visa from Hull" thread.  These guys share my concern that perhaps we might being giving out info too freely on non-O's as well... and info on the other consulates besides. I'm not sure how we can do this in a discerning manner, but I've seen many a post from someone that's not really looking into Thailand as a place to live, but merely a long holiday and often there's the quick advice, "just get a one year non-O from _____"

If it seemed like it was given out more sparingly, perhaps the viability of using them will last longer. For many people not meeting other criteria{non-married, not 50, no business interests}... but are wanting to reside here, it's really the only workable solution. As with anything though, it seems if it's used too much, it will disappear. Any Bedlam members with thoughts on this topic?

(Maybe they read TV and are trying to change their reputation

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Many a true word spoken in jest, maybe? Looking through the Hull consulate's website again today I found that this has appeared (dated May 2005):

"This office cannot issue a Non-Immigrant Category “B” visa to anyone who is unable to demonstrate they are travelling to Thailand for genuine business purposes. Travelling to Thailand for the purpose of researching the possibility of acquiring or establishing a business there is not considered a legitimate reason for applying for a business visa. Nevertheless such a person can apply to this office for a Non-Immigrant Category “O” visa and when they obtain a job or acquire a business they can apply to Thai Immigration in Bangkok for a Work Permit."

http://www.thaiconsul-uk.com/pdfs/Da%20%20...ness%20Visa.pdf

My italics - and that was near enough the basis (exploring business opportunities) of the Non-Imm B visa I got from them last December (although I do have my own UK company). Makes me think that I wouldn't get the visa on the same basis if I were applying now

Does anyone else get the impression that things are being tightened up generally?

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(Maybe they read TV and are trying to change their reputation

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Many a true word spoken in jest, maybe? Looking through the Hull consulate's website again today I found that this has appeared (dated May 2005):

"This office cannot issue a Non-Immigrant Category “B” visa to anyone who is unable to demonstrate they are travelling to Thailand for genuine business purposes. Travelling to Thailand for the purpose of researching the possibility of acquiring or establishing a business there is not considered a legitimate reason for applying for a business visa. Nevertheless such a person can apply to this office for a Non-Immigrant Category “O” visa and when they obtain a job or acquire a business they can apply to Thai Immigration in Bangkok for a Work Permit."

http://www.thaiconsul-uk.com/pdfs/Da%20%20...ness%20Visa.pdf

My italics - and that was near enough the basis (exploring business opportunities) of the Non-Imm B visa I got from them last December (although I do have my own UK company). Makes me think that I wouldn't get the visa on the same basis if I were applying now

Does anyone else get the impression that things are being tightened up generally?

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I wouldnt be surprised if these Consulates do tighten up there rules !!!! I see pages and pages of messages about how great Hull is (which it is) but have you thought for one minute that you may be overdoing it ? If someone posts a simple message asking if Hull is a good place is it really necessary for a hundreds of people to reply with such praise ? Do you think for one minute that the Thai authorities are not reading these comments ?

Not surprisingly we are seeing the new article about the B visa rules. This article (which has only just appeared) tells me that the place is already becoming known as a consulate with relaxed attitudes to issuing visas. The only people to blame for this are yourselves for spreading it all over the net !!!

Ever heard the saying, "some things are best kept secret" ?

Everybody, stop it ! Before you mess it up for yourselves & everyone else !!!

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any thoughts? any at all??

I don't know.... I suppose it all depends on how much they are "bending the rules"... if indeed they are at all..... their interpretation of the guidlines may be seen as ok by the powers...

totster

I worry that the heads of Immigration/Foreign Ministry see it as a loophole, that when broadcasted widely and used repeatedly, that needs to be closed down.

I noticed that the honorary consulate that posts here occasionally (forget which one it was exactly, but believe it was a Canadian one) had their visa-issuing rights curtailed by not being able to issue certain types.

I would worry that the Heads of FM decide why is it we make people jump through so many hoops going through an Embassy when they can get one so easily through a consulate. Also, if they pre-conditions for a visa at the consulates are so lax, how long before the criminal element exploit it and it becomes even more widely known, but for all the wrong reason?

Maybe I'm just being paranoid, but I would hate to see the last viable alternative for many people be taken away.

I don't believe the FM is staffed by complete idiots...and I could easily see them curtailing this as one of their infamous governmental "crackdown".

Well, if I would be in charge and reading on TV that ..... is so much easier than .....

I would check to find out what's going on.

To me, that is the worrisome logical conclusion... with the continuing logic dictating that it should end.