Hi all, I have an exciting opportunity to be based in Chiang Mai for a period of around 6 months (possibly more) starting from next month. I have been trying to get my head around all the various strategies to 'extend' my stay as a British passport holder. I think I have grasped it but my concern about making any wrong assumptions is heightened by the fact that my wife and I will be travelling with 10 month old twins.

I apologise in advance for asking any dumb questions or ones that have been answered a thousand times before.

My understanding is that I should apply for a 60 day multi entry visa in the UK. On arrival in Chiang Mai, I can at any time, up until the expiry of the visa, apply for a 30 day extension at the immigration office in Chiang Mai. Before 90 days have elapsed from my arrival (or is it start date of original visa) I do a border run to Myanmar to get another 60 days. I again have the option of extending for 30 days in CM

Is this correct?

My further questions

1. How many times can I do the above, if I decide I want to exceed a 6 month stay.

2. This may be one of my dumb questions but do my twins have to accompany us to the immigration office and border run.

3. Can I employ a visa agent to submit the applications on our behalf, as is possible with obtaining any international visas in the UK.

4. Are there any safety issues with taking very young children on border runs. I read that some are taking motorbike taxis on the last leg which obviously we cannot.

5. Does anyone have experience of using a reliable, trustworthy private taxi service for a border run. If I was travelling solo I would take advantage of using the cheapest mode of transport as advised on this forum. However, with kids I would rather pay a premium for piece of mind.

6. When booking our flights what should I be thinking in terms of booking the 'official' return date. First I thought I would just pick a date next June when we are likely to return, and amend accordingly nearer to the time of departure. My worry is any adverse consequences when we reach Thailand with a 60 day visa but our ticket seem to indicate we have every intention of staying considerably longer.

7. On reading forums for visa queries relating to Brits, there are many references to the Consulate in Hull but I could not establish the benefit of going there over the embassy in London which I am closer to.

1. As long as Thai consulates are willing to give you new tourist visas. They will stop giving you tourist visas if and when they suspect that you are using this type of visa for purposes other than tourism, eg for working in Thailand without a work permit.

2. The children don't have to accompany you. Up to the age of 14, they are not subject to overstay fines. Get them a single-entry tourist visa before leaving the UK.

3. You must make the application for extension of stay at the immigration office in person.

4. Not applicable. The children don't need to do border runs.

5. Not applicable. The children don't need to do border runs.

6. The date of the return flight does not matter. With a tourist visa in your passport, the airline will let you fly even if you have only a one-way ticket, and on arrival in Thailand the immigration officer does not ask to see your ticket. On the departure portion of the arrival card, you can leave the fields for flight number and date blank and fill it in only when you leave Thailand.

7. At the Thai consulate in Hull, visa applications can be made by mail.

based in Chiang Mai

Just to insure you are aware that if this involves work done while in Thailand you would require a work permit and business visa.