Non Immigrant O Visas From India

[buabahn8]

Does anyone know how the application process for a Thai visa in India works? I have been looking on-line and I have a bunch of questions, but I can't seem to get through to anyone, either by phone or e-mail that works at a Thai consulate in India. I will be making a trip to Kolkata at some point this year to visit my sponsored child, and I would like to combine it with a visa run. I will be applying for a one year, multiple entry, non-immigrant O visa. However, I am not married to a Thai, or any of the other common reasons for applying for that visa. The basis for my application is that I am a volunteer with a recognized Thai Foundation.

I can see on-line that the consulate in Kolkata does offer one year, multiple entry, non-immigrant O visas, but I'm wondering if they will do it for foundation volunteers. Is there anyone out there that has applied for a foundation visa in Kolkata? Can you tell me what it was like?

Also, I am confused by the VFS Global service. When I am looking at the consulate website from Kolkata, it seems like I have to apply through this service, instead of being able to go directly to the consulate myself to make the application. That is no so much of a problem, as I have used services like that in the past. However, the problem is that, while there is a Thai consulate in Kolkata, there isn't a VFS office. The closest one is in New Delhi, way across the country. I'd appreciate anyone shedding some light on this for me.

The final question that I have is in regards to how long it takes to have the visa issued to you once you have made the application. In all of the Thai consulates and embassies that I have been to around the world, it has always taken just one night. You drop your passport off in the morning of the first day and are free to pick it up on the afternoon of the next day. From what I can see on the Internet, though, the Thai embassy and consulates in India all take several days (up to 5). Has anyone had any experience with this?

[Rama]

thai consulates in India are geared to say no. They will tell you to get a 1 year non-imm O in your own country. what is your native country?

[buabahn8]

thai consulates in India are geared to say no. They will tell you to get a 1 year non-imm O in your own country. what is your native country?

I'm from Canada, so it's an expensive ticket to get back (no to mention a REALLY long plane ride!)

[Mario2008]

No need to go to your home country, but the consulates in some countries are less helpful than others, unless you are a national of the country they are located in.

In Asia it is unlikely to get a multiple non-O. Most consulates will give you a single non-O and expect you to apply for a 1 year extension of stay in Thailand itself.

If you really want a multiple non-O, fly to Europe and apply in for example Hull or Amsterdam.