Reason for Non-Immigrant O Visa

[Tim16]

I have been visiting my thai gf, 3 or 4 times a year for the last 6 years, staying between 4 and 7 weeks.  Each time I get 30 day visa exempt stamp.

The times that I have stayed longer than 30 days we have travelled outside Thailand and I have received 30 days on return . We have always stayed a few days sometimes a week before returning never returned same day.

 

 

My passport now contains around 30 visa exempt stamps.

 

I am going back in September and to prevent any problems at Immigration, I see on the Cardiff Thai Consulate that a Multi entry Non-Immigrant O Visa is available for £125.

I am over 65 years old all that is required is proof of receipt of State Pension.

 

The web site states: This visa is available to UK passport holders travelling to Thailand for purposes other than Tourism. I have also read that visiting friends is not a valid reason.

 

What reason for visit do I put on the application form?

[PoorSucker]

Retirement purposes.

[Suradit69]

Retirement purposes.

 

The assumption being that you would subsequently apply for an extension of stay based on retirement.

 

Actually, if you can meet the financial requirement, getting the extension of stay might be a good idea. It can be renewed each year (assuming you're in Thailand when the renewal date comes up). Once you get the extension you can get a re-entry permit ... single or multi depending on your needs. Then, as long as you keep renewing the extension of stay and re-entry permits, you can come & go as you please without the need for any more visas.

 

There is no requirement that you are actually retired from work in your home country or that you spend any minimum time in Thailand. "Retirement" is just a convenient term to apply to this type of long-stay extension.