Recently applied for an O-A visa at the Thai Embassy in Wellington NZ Went down first and picked up all the papers, filled them in and got Doc and Crim certs (they have to have a notaries red stamp, no exceptions)

One thing I felt greng jai about was asking someone to be a reference in Thailand as required on one of the forms, so I emailed the Embassy and asked what was the role of the reference person. Was told they are only for a contact who may know where I was if I disappeared or something of the sort and that they would not be contacted for the application or held responsible in any way for me.

At the same time I asked how long it would take to process the application; the answer 3 days, so I made my plans accordingly, bought a ticket and arrived on the Embassy doorstep first thing on a Monday morning 2 weeks before escape day only to be told “Oh no it takes a month to process an O-A visa” AAAAAHH.

Jai yen yen, explained the situation but hadn’t taken a copy of the email that told me 3 days (lesson: take copies of all correspondence) Visa officer was great and promised to do what she could, as I had planned to stay in Wellytown for the week she would let me know on Friday before I flew out if it was ready, no such luck so back home (hour flight then hour drive) not knowing whether I would make my flight or not.

Surprise when there was my passport with O-A multi entry visa stamp in Mondays mail, great service, shortest month I’ve ever waited, go there with confidence but do allow the month as it saves a lot of worry.

Now the important bit will be in BKK in time for the last AB-Lions test staying at Honey Hotel. Anyone tell me a good place in that area with a big screen to watch the game which screens over there about 2pm?

Soon another expat kiwi

Soon another expat kiwi

Hooray!!!

Chuchok's finally got some company here in LOS.

You'll probably be able to watch the game at the Bus Stop on Sukhumvit Soi 4... it's basically an Aussi pub but most major sporting events are broadcast there.

Probably better than wathcing in a brit pub...having to watch all the pohms crying