With all the problems in BKK I am not sure whether to book TB/English test etc and then Visa appointment or not, in case they are not accessible/shut (as the passport office seems to be).

SO... another of my options would simply be to apply for a UK Family Visitor visa for my Thai wife. It is only really to see how she likes it there compared to France, or indeed staying in Thailand. My questions are:

1) If we get a Family Visitor Visa for six month from say start August and go to the UK, can we apply for a Schengen Visa at a French Consulate in the UK to visit France mid September (after current Schengen Visa expires). We would use the EU ruling to get a free Schengen visa.

2) Can Family Visitor Visa be extended whilst in the UK....

3) Can Spouse settlement Visa be applied for whilst in the UK under a Family Visitor Visa?

Have tried getting these answers from oficial sources but cannot get answers! Thanks.

Can't answer the other questions but a Thai can only apply for a Schengen visa in Thailand.

Have you read this?

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visas-immigration/partners-families/citizens-settled/spouse-cp/applying-in-uk/

It says no.

1/ yes

2/ no

3/ no

No english test is required for visit visa

1/ yes

2/ no

3/ no

No english test is required for visit visa

AFAIK

1/ NO

As a visitor she would not be a resident of the UK

APPLYING FOR A FRENCH SCHENGEN VISA

If applying for a Schengen visa through the French Embassy, you MUST be a resident of the UK (excludes Scotland), France MUST be the main destination of the initial trip taken on the visa. 'Main Destination' is defined as the most time (nights) spent in a particular country on that initial round trip. Proof of all hotel reservations, and flight/travel itinerary confirmation for the whole trip must be supplied as part of the application.

http://www.visafrance.co.uk/

Gprit

You ask

If we get a Family Visitor Visa for six month from say start August and go to the UK, can we apply for a Schengen Visa at a French Consulate in the UK to visit France mid September (after current Schengen Visa expires). We would use the EU ruling to get a free Schengen visa.

You suggest your wife has an existing Schengen visa that expires when?

Yes sorry about that,

1/ yes

2/ no

3/ no

No english test is required for visit visa

AFAIK

1/ NO

As a visitor she would not be a resident of the UK

APPLYING FOR A FRENCH SCHENGEN VISA

If applying for a Schengen visa through the French Embassy, you MUST be a resident of the UK (excludes Scotland), France MUST be the main destination of the initial trip taken on the visa. 'Main Destination' is defined as the most time (nights) spent in a particular country on that initial round trip. Proof of all hotel reservations, and flight/travel itinerary confirmation for the whole trip must be supplied as part of the application.

http://www.visafrance.co.uk/