I have a CELTA (English teacher training course) in Bangkok starting in July for one month. I'm coming 4 weeks earlier to give myself some holiday/study time. I want to teach afterwards, maybe start a small business there. Was in Thailand back in 2000 and 2002 for a few weeks at a time. What would people advise is the best visa to apply for in the circumstances? I'm English, 53, well educated (grad.) and would like the least hassle re. visa renewal (I know i've got a lot to learn in this respect). I just sold my property in UK and will be very mobile shortly. Any help gratefully received. TIA.

Dressedingreen.

It's not my intention to offend you, but why would a 53 year old man

want to come to Thailand to become an English teacher.

This is normally the domain of 20+ year olds who have not yet

achieved their career goals and who will try any job ... mainly to see

where their strengths lie.

At your age I would have expected that

you already had a career ... and knew where you were heading.

Naka.

By the way Farang English teachers rate about fifth on the local Thai social scale,

just above West African drug dealers, panhandlers, baloon chasers

and real estate salesmen.

Now ... just don't get me on about that crazy, suicidal lot "The Falang Beer Bar Owner".

I'm running my life in reverse, Naka.

Next year i hope to start high school

If anyone has some advice on the visa ... i'd love to hear.

Thanks

michael

See Visas and Travel Documents for the different visa types. In particular, see Non-Immigrant Visa "B" (business and work) and Non-Immigrant Visa "O-A" (Long stay) - visa for retired persons.

See also visa information and work permits.

I have a CELTA (English teacher training course) in Bangkok starting in July for one month. I'm coming 4 weeks earlier to give myself some holiday/study time. I want to teach afterwards, maybe start a small business there. Was in Thailand back in 2000 and 2002 for a few weeks at a time. What would people advise is the best visa to apply for in the circumstances? I'm English, 53, well educated (grad.) and would like the least hassle re. visa renewal (I know i've got a lot to learn in this respect). I just sold my property in UK and will be very mobile shortly. Any help gratefully received. TIA.

Hi Green and welcome

I suggest that you should apply for a non-o class visa from the consulate in Hull with a reason given as "investigating retirement options in Thailand", you can get either a single entry (giving a 90 day stay) or a multi-entry giving infinite 90 day stays for the period of 1 year. Timing it right a multi can get you up to 15 months in Thailand.

With a non-o you can obtain a work permit (unlike the o-a).

Once you decide that you want to stay you can either extend on the grounds of retirement (less hassle than getting an o-a initially) or you can get a job and extend on the grounds of employment. both options are relatively hassle-free and don't require you to leave the country.

Vinny

Thanks for the links

Appreciated

Crossy

That's very helpful. I will probably go that route. But a couple of comeback questions ... Any reason for using Hull in particular? What would you suggest i put where the form asks for duration of stay? I want to be around for at least a year but unsure whether to put '1 year', or less. Reading the accompanying instructions, it doesn't make it clear if there are any substantiating documents required for this purpose (investigating retirement options ...). Do you have experience of this?

I appreciate the help and feedback.

Many thanks

michael

Don´t dress in Green...

That's the one bit that's not negotiable, Kayo

No green???

What's the farang dress code then? Tourist navy??

No chance!

michael

Really? Bugger, and I was sure Pink was the color of the year....

I guess I´ll have to buy a new wardrobe.

Where´s Khall (costume designer) abnd Bebop (makeup and hair) ????