My non-imm multi-visit 1 year B visa (whew!) expires in mid-March. I was issued the visa by the UK Hull consulate and so I'll go back to them for a new visa (I have a business now in Thailand). But I just want to check on one point. I hope to be able to apply for a residency visa in 2 years time (after I have held my B visa for 3 years). Do I simply request a new 1 year visa? Or do I ask for a 1 year extension to my existing visa? I read somewhere that its important not to break this B visa validity for even a single day - to ensure that you build up the 3 years of holding a B visa.

cheers

Simon

If you have a business, you must have a work permit as well.

Based on this apply for extension at immigration.

The 3 year's rule only applies if you stay without interruption on the same visa (extented).

Get the extension - 1,900 baht.

Do the same again in a year's time. After 3 years of extending the original you can apply for residency.

See part 1. of the link below (about half way down after the Fees)

http://www.thaivisa.com/300.0.html

It is 3 consecutive extended visa's. To extend while on a B visa you need that work permit.