My British friend wants to take his son and the Thai mother to the UK next year with a view to settling there permanently. They currently live together in Thailand.

My friend's son is nearly 2 years old and already holds a British passport.

The mother has been to the UK once before for a holiday.

Mum & Dad are not married and don't plan to marry.

What's the best way for the mother to apply for settlement in the UK?

If your friend and his girlfriend have been living together for in excess of two years, she could qualify to settle as an unmarried partner, though there are a number of other requirements, including financial.

Get your friend to have a read through this pinned topic, most questions are answered there: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/524561-uk-settlement-visa-basics/

He, or you, can ask any question appertaining to their own personal circumstances, though no doubt most will been answered in previous threads.