Advice Sought On Extended Stay Please

[AndyHenry]

Hi

I was hoping some of the more experienced members may be able to advise / critique my situation in regards to an extended stay in Thailand.

My situation is: UK passport holder, 42 years old, unmarried, funds provable if required.

I previously spent a year in Thailand on an ED visa for Muay Thai issued by the Hull consulate in the UK and approached them re a return visit. Unfortunately this is no longer issued and their best suggestion was a 90 day single entry Non Imm B visa, for which I can obtain all the relevant paperwork.

But, because I intend to rent out my property – and in the UK standard rentals are for 12 months or more – this is of little use to me, so I see my options as follows:

Arrive with a Non Imm single entry then visit Malaysia / Cambodia for a month before applying for another Non Imm B in a repeating cycle. My preferred option if fresh visas can be issued in the region.

Arrive with a Non Imm single entry and sign up for a language school ED visa during this period then split my time between language and boxing.

I’m less keen on this simply because I speak basic Thai and would prefer to take an intensive one-to-one course on arrival then go forth and practice with top-up lessons as required, rather than being restricted to a specific location for lessons/immigration. I realize that at least one school has branches in both CM and Phuket so this may be an option if they allow students to transfer.

I’d appreciate any observations members have, as the forum has proved a mine of information for me in the past. I’ve been unable to find any reference to obtaining Non Imm B single entries in the region unless you are holding a WP. I would rely on the invitation letter and registration paperwork provided by my gym which is acceptable to Hull, but may not suffice at neighbouring consulates.

Thanks in advance. Andy

[lopburi3]

It will not allow B visa issue in the area of Thailand so suspect a 3 entry tourist visa to cover up to 9 months stay would be your best option from Hull.. After that ED or more tourist visas would be options. If starting with the 90 day B visa you could likely follow with 2 entry tourist visa locally but 3 entry is less likely.

[AndyHenry]

Thank you for your prompt reply. Could you clarify the 3 entry tourist visa exact title - I didn't see reference to this on Hull's website and they made no reference to it when I called. I assume this is 3x90 days with visa runs? Nine months would solve my problem with some regional travel tacked on the end!

[lopburi3]

It would be 60 days plus extension 30 days done 3 times but last entry must be made prior to expiration of visa which would be six months from date of issue (when Hull stamps it) so second 60+XX would be slightly less than full 30 days.

[ubonjoe]

Info about tourist visa rules can found on Hull website by downloading Aba VISA APPLICATION PACK .

[Lite Beer]

From Hull's website:

TOURIST VISA

Tourist Visas are available with one, two or three entries. The one (1) entry visa has a validity of three months from date of issue. The two (2) and three (3) entry visas have a validity of six months from date of issue

If you have been granted a Tourist Visa please note the following:-

a With a ONE entry Tourist Visa you must ensure you enter Thailand within the validity of the visa

which is 3 months from date of issue.

b With a TWO or THREE entry Tourist Visa you must ensure you enter Thailand on your

final

visit

before

expiry of the visa which is 6 months from date of issue.

On first arriving in Thailand pass through Thai Immigration where you will be granted either a 60-day or a 30-day stay,

according to your nationality, and will receive a stamp in your passport giving the date you enter (ADMITTED) and the date by which you must exit (UNTIL). It is most important not to stay in Thailand beyond the exit (UNTIL) date or you will be fined when leaving the country and you could be detained. It is not permitted to stay continuously in Thailand for more than 60 (or 30) days but if you have a visa with more than one entry which has not been used you can re-enter for further stays of 60 (or 30) days until you have used up all entries. If you have a visa with more than one entry and wish to stay in Thailand for a further 60 (or 30) days it is necessary to visit a Thai Immigration Border Control Office before your 60 (or 30) days the stay expires, exit Thailand into a neighbouring country and re-enter to activate your next 60 (or 30) days. You can keep doing this until you have used all your entries provided this is within the validity of your visa. At the end of your only or final stay you must leave Thailand and you cannot re-enter until you obtain a new visa.

A visa cannot be saved for use on a second or third visit on the basis that first entry is for a stay of 30 days or less.

You are not allowed to enter Thailand on a Tourist Visa for any purpose other than tourism.

[AndyHenry]

Thanks once again to forum members for explaining this. It could be the most practical way of making my visit work. Great advice to widen my options...... Thanks again!