May be a couple of stupid questions but here goes....I basically need a visa to allow me to stay in Thailand until I get the right job offer...I have worked here for 12 years so hopefully it'll be only a couple of months...

1. I have an existing rental agreement for another 6 months in BKK. Can I apply for a Non - O visa based on this although I am under 50?

2. If I get a friend to do a sponsoring letter for a Non-B visa and I never do any actual work for the company (i.e. I am never an employee of that company and never do any work for them) are there any potential ramifications for the company or myself? I am looking for work and have 6 months of a rental agreement left that I dont want to lose (the deposits and penalties if I leave are significant). My friend/his company can always say that employment never happened, which would be true, but could anyone be penalised for this?

Thanks.

1. = No.

1. Unlikely in the region, Hull may be able to help but even they have tightened up recently (there's a thread here ) and you'll have to trek to the UK.

2. Also unlikely to be a problem if you can get the visa. Local embassies are likely to issue only a single-entry (90 day stay) and they tend to have a stack of requirements including the WP3 work permit application receipt.

To be honest, Tourist Visas + 30 day extensions are probably the least hassle and you'll only need a double to get close to six months.

1. Unlikely in the region, Hull may be able to help but even they have tightened up recently (there's a thread here ) and you'll have to trek to the UK.

2. Also unlikely to be a problem if you can get the visa. Local embassies are likely to issue only a single-entry (90 day stay) and they tend to have a stack of requirements including the WP3 work permit application receipt.

To be honest, Tourist Visas + 30 day extensions are probably the least hassle and you'll only need a double to get close to six months.

Thx Crossy and Terry. I will go for the 1 yr B Visa at Hull and if they only give me 3 months fair enough!