Hi all,

Long time reader of these forums but now so confused on visa's i have to post a question.

I am a 35 year old Australian (Adelaide) guy wanting to spend as much time as possible in Thailand with my Thai girl friend. Have been to Thai numerous times just on the non visa entry - 1 month at a time.

I now have the opportunity to take 12 months off from work and would love to spend 12 months in Thai with the gf.

what visa allows me to spend the most time there???

Does applying to the Australian Perth consulate for a 12 month non immigrant visa sound right???

Will they issue this on the grounds of just being a tourist wishing to visit a thai gf?

What kind of supporting documents will they require??

Or is there a different Visa i should be enquiring about?

Im planning on staying at the family home of gf or us renting an apartment.

Does this all sound like a possibility that it can be done???

Thanks in advance for any replies.

Great forum.

The multi entry non immigrant O visa allows stay of up to 90 days before you have to leave. You can then return immediately for another 90 days. So yes, if available, that is your best option. I would advise you to call Perth and ask them exactly what they require as it has changed recently and may change at any time. But currently you would seem to be able to obtain after getting copies of paperwork from GF.

Hi lopburi3... what paperwork is that? Does having a Thai GF (you mean girlfriend, right?) give you any special status re immigration?

I am in a similar situation as the OP, except i am not Australian. Still, perhaps i can apply for the Non Immigrant O from Perth, i'll give them a call -- thanks for the tip!

GF does not give any immigration advantage.

Perth normally will issue with copy of Thai ID card and perhaps home register/note asking for visa to be issued by the Thai. But ask the Consulate as these things can change over time. Copy of ID card seems to have been the normal requirement this year.

Hello,

I am going to Perth soon to apply for this same visa for same reason as the OP

I emailed the perth consulate and asked about the paperwork. All they want is signed copy of your girlfriends ID and an invitation letter (obviously you will need to fill out the standard visa application form but you dont need anything special you wouldnt have with you anyway). You will need passport pictures, some proof of stay in Australia (not needed in your case obv) and the AUS$225 for the multiple entry visa.

make sure your passport is valid 6 months after you intend to leave thailand

I will post a complete trip report when I return