The Multiple Entry Tourist Visa Topic (METV)

[blueyeshk]

This topic is coming to an end everything is clear and said - it's easy to get- and so interesting as any other visa- bye

[BritTim]

This topic is coming to an end everything is clear and said - it's easy to get- and so interesting as any other visa- bye

It is easy to get for some nationals. For others, it is extremely difficult.

[riclag]

I never got an answer on post@1645

[BritTim]

elviajero So it sounds like during the 180 day METV ,I don't have to go to immigration office and pay 1900 bht for a 30 day extension. I dis agree on the loosing days for every entry though,example if you get a stamp on the 8 of june or whatever day it is valid for the 7th of the next 60 or 30 is when it is good until .I believe.

You are correct that you can choose to do border hops for a new entry rather than visiting an immigration office for an extension. I think, for many visitors, the decision on which to do would depend on where they were at the time.

On extensions, you misunderstand one point. The 30-day extension runs from the admitted until date on your entry. If you have an admitted until date of 27 June, and apply for an extension on 21 June, your new admitted until date is 27 July.

[ubonjoe]

elviajero So it sounds like during the 180 day METV ,I don't have to go to immigration office and pay 1900 bht for a 30 day extension. I dis agree on the loosing days for every entry though,example if you get a stamp on the 8 of june or whatever day it is valid for the 7th of the next 60 or 30 is when it is good until .I believe.

I never got an answer on post@1645

Do mean the one above? I see it as 1879 since removed posts are included in the number I see. Best to right click the post number and copy/paste the link.

There is no need to the 30 day extension since you get unlimited 60 day entries up to the enter before date on your visa. If you do an entry on or before the enter before date to get another getting the 30 day extension would be worth the 1900 baht.

Normally they do start the 30 day extension the day after you apply. But some offices might start it on the same day.

Leaving and re-entering the country on the same day you do loose one day.

[riclag]

So this is how it sounds to me enter and get 60 days, do a 1 hour trip up to Nakon Phanom on or before the 60 days is up and get another 60 days and do that again get another 60.that will complete the METV..The bus trip up and back together with the bus to the friendship bridge for me and the Mrs. comes to 500bht then the Lao full page stamp cost 1500.Going forward if I choose to try to simulate my previous trips to Thailand via triple entry visa I could after the METV is complete, try to get the maximum stay, I could extend that by 30 days(1900bht) and get if I chose to do so a SETV (60+30) total 300 days right?

elviajero So it sounds like during the 180 day METV ,I don't have to go to immigration office and pay 1900 bht for a 30 day extension. I dis agree on the loosing days for every entry though,example if you get a stamp on the 8 of june or whatever day it is valid for the 7th of the next 60 or 30 is when it is good until .I believe.

I never got an answer on post@1645

Do mean the one above? I see it as 1879 since removed posts are included in the number I see. Best to right click the post number and copy/paste the link.

There is no need to the 30 day extension since you get unlimited 60 day entries up to the enter before date on your visa. If you do an entry on or before the enter before date to get another getting the 30 day extension would be worth the 1900 baht.

Normally they do start the 30 day extension the day after you apply. But some offices might start it on the same day.

Leaving and re-entering the country on the same day you do loose one day.

Edited July 16, 2016 by riclag

[BritTim]

So this is how it sounds to me enter and get 60 days, do a 1 hour trip up to Nakon Phanom on or before the 60 days is up and get another 60 days and do that again get another 60.that will complete the METV..The bus trip up and back together with the bus to the friendship bridge for me and the Mrs. comes to 500bht then the Lao full page stamp cost 1500.Going forward if I choose to try to simulate my previous trips to Thailand via triple entry visa I could after the METV is complete, try to get the maximum stay, I could extend that by 30 days(1900bht) and get if I chose to do so a SETV (60+30) total 300 days right?

elviajero So it sounds like during the 180 day METV ,I don't have to go to immigration office and pay 1900 bht for a 30 day extension. I dis agree on the loosing days for every entry though,example if you get a stamp on the 8 of june or whatever day it is valid for the 7th of the next 60 or 30 is when it is good until .I believe.

I never got an answer on post@1645

Do mean the one above? I see it as 1879 since removed posts are included in the number I see. Best to right click the post number and copy/paste the link.

There is no need to the 30 day extension since you get unlimited 60 day entries up to the enter before date on your visa. If you do an entry on or before the enter before date to get another getting the 30 day extension would be worth the 1900 baht.

Normally they do start the 30 day extension the day after you apply. But some offices might start it on the same day.

Leaving and re-entering the country on the same day you do loose one day.

If I read what you saying correctly:

• Original METV period (assuming first entry the same day the visa is issued and last entry on the last day the METV is valid)

  about 180 days (depending on the month the METV started)

• Final entry on METV

  60 days (59 nights)

• Extension of final entry

  30 days

• SETV 60 days (59 nights)
• Extension of that enty

  30 days

• GRAND TOTAL = approximately 180 + 60 + 30 + 60 + 30 = 360 days

Edited July 16, 2016 by BritTim

[riclag]

Brit Tim I think your mistaken no disrespect intended. Once you do the 180 days .I don't see how you can still work the METV.I think what your saying is adding another 60 days to a METV which is a 180 day visa

• "Final entry on METV
  60 days (59 nights)"??????
• I think the Metv is finished at 180 and then you go into a extension and or SETV if you wanted to extend your stay

[ubonjoe]

Brit Tim I think your mistaken no disrespect intended. Once you do the 180 days .I don't see how you can still work the METV.I think what your saying is adding another 60 days to a METV which is a 180 day visa

• "Final entry on METV

  60 days (59 nights)"??????

• I think the Metv is finished at 180 and then you go into a extension and or SETV if you wanted to extend your stay

The METV will expire 6 months from the date of issue which is shown as the enter before date on the visa. You can do an entry on or before the enter before date to get another 60 day entry and then extend it for 30 days. The enter before date is just that it does not limit the amount of time you can be in the country.

[terminal 22]

I thank those who replied to my question and all is clear . I cannot get a METV but I can get a extention based on retirement renewable every year . Better in a way .

To those who think this visa is wonderful and easy to get I would like to comment on that .

I would agree with this visa as a welcome step forward except for the condition that you must be working , self employed or receiving State Pension . It excludes quite a chunk of people like myself who are retired early not of pensionable age . Given that Thailand is all about attracting money , why introduce a visa that excludes one of the groups of people who have the most disposable income of all and who are likely to stay longer than those in a full time job who have to get back to work .? They should have introduced into that clause perhaps a condition that these very people have to have £xxx on deposit at a Thai bank . That would then keep everyone happy . I asked the consulate at Hull yesterday and they confirmed even if I was a 1st prize lottery winner with £10million (I'm not by the way ) I would NOT qualify for this METV . I mean how mad is that ?

And its even worse for those retired early and under 50 years old .. they have to make do with a SETV no matter how much money they have .

Whoever drafted this new visa clearly totally forgot about a whole section of the population . Clearly it wasn't a deliberate decision , Thailand would never turn away a wealthy group , they simply forgot .

Amazing Thailand indeed

[elviajero]

Hi, there are so many pages to this thread the answer to my question may be hidden in here somewhere but if it is I can't find it . So apologies if its already been answered but my question is this ....

regarding this new METV the difficulty for me is that I have voluntarily retired , am not self-employed (as I am retired ) and although retired do am not old enough to have a state pension . So am I right in thinking that whatever financial figures I can prove this visa seems to completely exclude those of us say 50-65 retired but without state pension ?

It appears to me that whoever drafted this new visa completely forgot to cater for those who are financially independent and retired before state pension age. I am a UK citizen.

What do you expert members think ?

Being retired shouldn't stop you getting a METV as long as you can prove your income.

[elviajero]

I thank those who replied to my question and all is clear . I cannot get a METV but I can get a extention based on retirement renewable every year . Better in a way .

To those who think this visa is wonderful and easy to get I would like to comment on that.

I would agree with this visa as a welcome step forward except for the condition that you must be working , self employed or receiving State Pension . It excludes quite a chunk of people like myself who are retired early not of pensionable age . Given that Thailand is all about attracting money , why introduce a visa that excludes one of the groups of people who have the most disposable income of all and who are likely to stay longer than those in a full time job who have to get back to work .? They should have introduced into that clause perhaps a condition that these very people have to have £xxx on deposit at a Thai bank . That would then keep everyone happy . I asked the consulate at Hull yesterday and they confirmed even if I was a 1st prize lottery winner with £10million (I'm not by the way ) I would NOT qualify for this METV . I mean how mad is that ?

And its even worse for those retired early and under 50 years old .. they have to make do with a SETV no matter how much money they have .

Whoever drafted this new visa clearly totally forgot about a whole section of the population . Clearly it wasn't a deliberate decision , Thailand would never turn away a wealthy group , they simply forgot .

Amazing Thailand indeed

I think your understanding of the METV and it's target group is wrong. It is aimed at those wanting to visit regularly over a 6 month period, that go home between visits, and don't want or need to take root in Thailand.

The drafters didn't forget anything. Visitor numbers are still on the increase since the METV was launched as the vast number of tourists are catered for with the SETV and Visa Exempt Scheme. Those that want to stay medium long term already have options.

Under 50's that have genuinely retired shouldn't have a problem paying out for the 5 year PE visa. Assuming you are over 50, and looking to stay in Thailand long term, a non immigrant visa and extension of stay is the way to go.

Thailand wants tourists to visit, spend money and go home. That's not unreasonable or unique. Some visitors can stay long term but, rightly, Thailand controls the numbers with stricter criteria.

[bubba1]

I thank those who replied to my question and all is clear . I cannot get a METV but I can get a extention based on retirement renewable every year . Better in a way .

To those who think this visa is wonderful and easy to get I would like to comment on that.

I would agree with this visa as a welcome step forward except for the condition that you must be working , self employed or receiving State Pension . It excludes quite a chunk of people like myself who are retired early not of pensionable age . Given that Thailand is all about attracting money , why introduce a visa that excludes one of the groups of people who have the most disposable income of all and who are likely to stay longer than those in a full time job who have to get back to work .? They should have introduced into that clause perhaps a condition that these very people have to have £xxx on deposit at a Thai bank . That would then keep everyone happy . I asked the consulate at Hull yesterday and they confirmed even if I was a 1st prize lottery winner with £10million (I'm not by the way ) I would NOT qualify for this METV . I mean how mad is that ?

And its even worse for those retired early and under 50 years old .. they have to make do with a SETV no matter how much money they have .

Whoever drafted this new visa clearly totally forgot about a whole section of the population . Clearly it wasn't a deliberate decision , Thailand would never turn away a wealthy group , they simply forgot .

Amazing Thailand indeed

I think your understanding of the METV and it's target group is wrong. It is aimed at those wanting to visit regularly over a 6 month period, that go home between visits, and don't want or need to take root in Thailand.

The drafters didn't forget anything. Visitor numbers are still on the increase since the METV was launched as the vast number of tourists are catered for with the SETV and Visa Exempt Scheme. Those that want to stay medium long term already have options.

Under 50's that have genuinely retired shouldn't have a problem paying out for the 5 year PE visa. Assuming you are over 50, and looking to stay in Thailand long term, a non immigrant visa and extension of stay is the way to go.

Thailand wants tourists to visit, spend money and go home. That's not unreasonable or unique. Some visitors can stay long term but, rightly, Thailand controls the numbers with stricter criteria.

Most under 50 and retired didn't get that way by paying over the top for things like a PE visa.

[elviajero]

Brit Tim I think your mistaken no disrespect intended. Once you do the 180 days .I don't see how you can still work the METV.I think what your saying is adding another 60 days to a METV which is a 180 day visa

• "Final entry on METV

  60 days (59 nights)"??????

• I think the Metv is finished at 180 and then you go into a extension and or SETV if you wanted to extend your stay

A METV does not give you 180 days in Thailand. It allows you to enter an unlimited number of times for 6 months from the date the visa is issued until the date it expires. Every time you enter you can stay for 60 days.

Example:

METV issue date; August 1st

METV Expiry date; January 31st.

1.) 1st entry to Thailand on August 10th. Permission to stay for 60 days until October 8th.

2.) Exit and immediately re-enter for the 2nd Entry on October 8th. Permission to stay for 60 days until December 6th.

3.) Exit and immediately re-enter for the 3rd Entry on December 6th. Permission to stay for 60 days until February 3rd. You can stay the full 60 days BUT if you want to maximise the visa you need to exit and re-enter (after 57 days) on or before the expiry date of the visa (Jan 31st).

4.) Exit and re-enter for a 4th Entry on January 31st. Permission to stay for 60 days until March 31st.

5.) Shortly before March 31st you can apply for a 30 day extension of stay at an immigration office for 1,900 baht, which would extend the stay until April 30th.

The above example gives you 264 days in Thailand which is approximately 9 months.

On April 30th you could travel to a Thai Embassy/Consulate in a neighbouring country for a SETV. That would, on entry (May 1st), give you 60 days which is extendable by 30 days.

[elviajero]

I think your understanding of the METV and it's target group is wrong. It is aimed at those wanting to visit regularly over a 6 month period, that go home between visits, and don't want or need to take root in Thailand.

The drafters didn't forget anything. Visitor numbers are still on the increase since the METV was launched as the vast number of tourists are catered for with the SETV and Visa Exempt Scheme. Those that want to stay medium long term already have options.

Under 50's that have genuinely retired shouldn't have a problem paying out for the 5 year PE visa. Assuming you are over 50, and looking to stay in Thailand long term, a non immigrant visa and extension of stay is the way to go.

Thailand wants tourists to visit, spend money and go home. That's not unreasonable or unique. Some visitors can stay long term but, rightly, Thailand controls the numbers with stricter criteria.

Most under 50 and retired didn't get that way by paying over the top for things like a PE visa.

It's lucky then that they have the choice whether or not to pay to stay in Thailand.

[donaldinho9]

So the casino bus is a big tour/coach bus?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Yes, a large and generally pretty comfortable bus. Get the bus from Central Bang Na. Academic (you almost certainly do not want to do this) most casino buses will sell you a return ticket for 300 baht if you return on the same bus. The trouble is that you will end up spending about 6 hours in Rong Kleua/Poipet, and apart from the casino and a bit of shopping, there is nothing to do. I just mention it in case you like spending a few hours in a casino.

Hi Tim,

So if I didn't take the return/same bus back it's only an extra 100 baht (200 each way)? Where exactly do I get the bus at Central Bang Na? Do you know the departure schedule/how often they leave between 5-10am? If I don't take the same bus back, there are others frequently heading back to Central Bang Na from Poipet that I can hop on? With the $30 USD visa fee entering Cambodia do I need passport sized photos as well? Lots of questions sorry! Thanks for your help!!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[scubascuba3]

Visa system does seem over complicated, maybe all countries are the same. Why not 6 months fee x, 12 months fee y, 2 years fee z. Something simple. All this extend rubbish its just a job creating industry.

Edited July 16, 2016 by scubascuba3

[jay1980]

I thank those who replied to my question and all is clear . I cannot get a METV but I can get a extention based on retirement renewable every year . Better in a way .

To those who think this visa is wonderful and easy to get I would like to comment on that .

I would agree with this visa as a welcome step forward except for the condition that you must be working , self employed or receiving State Pension . It excludes quite a chunk of people like myself who are retired early not of pensionable age . Given that Thailand is all about attracting money , why introduce a visa that excludes one of the groups of people who have the most disposable income of all and who are likely to stay longer than those in a full time job who have to get back to work .? They should have introduced into that clause perhaps a condition that these very people have to have £xxx on deposit at a Thai bank . That would then keep everyone happy . I asked the consulate at Hull yesterday and they confirmed even if I was a 1st prize lottery winner with £10million (I'm not by the way ) I would NOT qualify for this METV . I mean how mad is that ?

And its even worse for those retired early and under 50 years old .. they have to make do with a SETV no matter how much money they have .

Whoever drafted this new visa clearly totally forgot about a whole section of the population . Clearly it wasn't a deliberate decision , Thailand would never turn away a wealthy group , they simply forgot .

Amazing Thailand indeed

I am under 50 and pretty much retired living off investments, however I had no problem getting a METV visa from Hull last week.

I just gave them copies of my last SA100 and SA105 tax returns, as well as the other requirements including one of my saving account statements showing a balance of over £5,000 going back 6 months, an electric bill from my condo, ticket into Thailand and one out again within 6 Months. (not a return ticket, my ticket out was just a short hop to Malaysia), 2 passport photo's, a completed application form and my passport.

If you are non working but have a legitimate income where you pay actual UK tax properly you can still get a METV at Hull.

hope that helps.

[BritTim]

Hi Tim,

So if I didn't take the return/same bus back it's only an extra 100 baht (200 each way)? Where exactly do I get the bus at Central Bang Na? Do you know the departure schedule/how often they leave between 5-10am? If I don't take the same bus back, there are others frequently heading back to Central Bang Na from Poipet that I can hop on? With the $30 USD visa fee entering Cambodia do I need passport sized photos as well? Lots of questions sorry! Thanks for your help!!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

As long as you go early morning, the casino buses from Central Bang Na are frequent (maybe every 20 mins on average). It is not that easy to explain where the casino buses tend to congregate. Coming from Bangkok, you pass a pedestrian bridge and a gap where traffic on the Bangna-Trad highway can pull onto the frontage road. The buses that pass and just stop briefly usually do so near that spot. Buses originating from Central may park out on the main road, or may be in a nearby side soi that runs beside Central. If you see a big bus that does not look like a company employee bus, it will often be a casino bus. Ask.

Yes, an extra 100 baht if you take a different casino bus back (or an extra 130 baht if you take a minibus back). The return casino buses start around 1:00 pm or so. If you take, say, an 8:00 am bus outbound, you arrive at the border at around 11:00 am. Depending on luck, you can be in and out of Cambodia by about 12:30 pm. Ask where the casino buses leave from, look to see when one is leaving and ask if they have a spare seat (usually, they do). Grab something to eat if you have time. The return trip takes about 4 hours, typically, as they are in less of a hurry and tend to stop somewhere en route for people to eat/toilet break.

You need one visa photo (or, alternatively, they will waive the requirement for 100 baht).

[donaldinho9]

Great thanks very much Tim!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[SunsetT]

Hi, there are so many pages to this thread the answer to my question may be hidden in here somewhere but if it is I can't find it . So apologies if its already been answered but my question is this ....

regarding this new METV the difficulty for me is that I have voluntarily retired , am not self-employed (as I am retired ) and although retired do am not old enough to have a state pension . So am I right in thinking that whatever financial figures I can prove this visa seems to completely exclude those of us say 50-65 retired but without state pension ?

It appears to me that whoever drafted this new visa completely forgot to cater for those who are financially independent and retired before state pension age. I am a UK citizen.

What do you expert members think ?

Being retired shouldn't stop you getting a METV as long as you can prove your income.

No terminal 22 is right. Although Thai embassies in some countries are being logical and reasonable in applying the income criteria for an METV, the London Embassy will not accept income, such as income from rentals, that is not classed as 'employed' or 'self-employed'. Like so many things Thai that are absurd, this rules out those that most need it that dont want to live there but have the time and money to spend their winters in Thailand. Most employed or self-employed people are working so cannot spend 6 to 9 mths doing nothing in Thailand anyway. Maybe they dont want Brits since we kick up such a fuss when they keep murdering our kids on Koh Tao, etc., etc., and expect something to be done about it. Whoever heard of such a thing!!!

[jay1980]

Hi, there are so many pages to this thread the answer to my question may be hidden in here somewhere but if it is I can't find it . So apologies if its already been answered but my question is this ....

regarding this new METV the difficulty for me is that I have voluntarily retired , am not self-employed (as I am retired ) and although retired do am not old enough to have a state pension . So am I right in thinking that whatever financial figures I can prove this visa seems to completely exclude those of us say 50-65 retired but without state pension ?

It appears to me that whoever drafted this new visa completely forgot to cater for those who are financially independent and retired before state pension age. I am a UK citizen.

What do you expert members think ?

Being retired shouldn't stop you getting a METV as long as you can prove your income.

No terminal 22 is right. Although Thai embassies in some countries are being logical and reasonable in applying the income criteria for an METV, the London Embassy will not accept income, such as income from rentals, that is not classed as 'employed' or 'self-employed'. Like so many things Thai that are absurd, this rules out those that most need it that dont want to live there but have the time and money to spend their winters in Thailand. Most employed or self-employed people are working so cannot spend 6 to 9 mths doing nothing in Thailand anyway. Maybe they dont want Brits since we kick up such a fuss when they keep murdering our kids on Koh Tao, etc., etc., and expect something to be done about it. Whoever heard of such a thing!!!

I am a Brit and financially independent, with 70% of my income coming from fully managed uk biased BTL properties.

I had no problem getting an METV visa in the UK after submitting the correct paperwork including a copy of my UK tax return forms certified by my UK accountant proving my income is genuine and I pay full UK tax on this income.

Do you know any actual real cases of anyone being refused a METV visa after submitting this paperwork (and satisfying the other criteria) or this this statement just conjecture?

thanks

[SunsetT]

Hi, there are so many pages to this thread the answer to my question may be hidden in here somewhere but if it is I can't find it . So apologies if its already been answered but my question is this ....

regarding this new METV the difficulty for me is that I have voluntarily retired , am not self-employed (as I am retired ) and although retired do am not old enough to have a state pension . So am I right in thinking that whatever financial figures I can prove this visa seems to completely exclude those of us say 50-65 retired but without state pension ?

It appears to me that whoever drafted this new visa completely forgot to cater for those who are financially independent and retired before state pension age. I am a UK citizen.

What do you expert members think ?

Being retired shouldn't stop you getting a METV as long as you can prove your income.

No terminal 22 is right. Although Thai embassies in some countries are being logical and reasonable in applying the income criteria for an METV, the London Embassy will not accept income, such as income from rentals, that is not classed as 'employed' or 'self-employed'. Like so many things Thai that are absurd, this rules out those that most need it that dont want to live there but have the time and money to spend their winters in Thailand. Most employed or self-employed people are working so cannot spend 6 to 9 mths doing nothing in Thailand anyway. Maybe they dont want Brits since we kick up such a fuss when they keep murdering our kids on Koh Tao, etc., etc., and expect something to be done about it. Whoever heard of such a thing!!!

I am a Brit and financially independent, with 70% of my income coming from fully managed uk biased BTL properties.

I had no problem getting an METV visa in the UK after submitting the correct paperwork including a copy of my UK tax return forms certified by my UK accountant proving my income is genuine and I pay full UK tax on this income.

Do you know any actual real cases of anyone being refused a METV visa after submitting this paperwork (and satisfying the other criteria) or this this statement just conjecture?

thanks

I am very pleased to hear your application was successful. I do hope they have relaxed their strict interpretation of the requirements. But when the METV was introduced the requirements were not enforced for a period of time because at such short notice applicants would not have been able to provide the paperwork required, e.g: 3 months bank statements showing 5k. Perhaps your application benefitted from this period of grace? When was your appl.? Maybe this grace period is continuing.

I personally have not applied for an METV as I stay near a Thai border so 3 X SETVs will suit me better and be cheaper, far less inconvenient, time consuming and stressful than preparing a METV appl. which might be turned down on a whim by a Thai who happened to have got out of bed on the wrong side in the morning! But since all postal visa applications have had to be sent to London I did have an 'O' visa turned down because my more than adequate income from property was ineligible despite telephone supplications and tax returns being offered. So yes I admit to a degree of conjecture but, despite my posting twice on this thread about this, no one has replied positively and yours is the 1st post that I have read of a succesfull UK postal appl. on such grounds (Was it postal or did you apply in person? Was it London? As this could make a difference) . But I have read many posts, like Terminal 22's worrying and complaining that the METV requirements, if strictly enforced, exclude them. I have not followed this thread religiously so I may have missed some posts.

I would very much like to hear of more financially independent successful postal applicants to London, or anyone who has phoned them and been told that their application on such grounds would be accepted.

Edited July 18, 2016 by SunsetT

[elviajero]

I am very pleased to hear your application was successful. I do hope they have relaxed their strict interpretation of the requirements. But when the METV was introduced the requirements were not enforced for a period of time because at such short notice applicants would not have been able to provide the paperwork required, e.g: 3 months bank statements showing 5k. Perhaps your application benefitted from this period of grace? When was your appl.? Maybe this grace period is continuing.

I personally have not applied for an METV as I stay near a Thai border so 3 X SETVs will suit me better and be cheaper, far less inconvenient, time consuming and stressful than preparing a METV appl. which might be turned down on a whim by a Thai who happened to have got out of bed on the wrong side in the morning! But since all postal visa applications have had to be sent to London I did have an 'O' visa turned down because my more than adequate income from property was ineligible despite telephone supplications and tax returns being offered. So yes I admit to a degree of conjecture but, despite my posting twice on this thread about this, no one has replied positively and yours is the 1st post that I have read of a succesfull UK postal appl. on such grounds (Was it postal or did you apply in person? Was it London? As this could make a difference) . But I have read many posts, like Terminal 22's worrying and complaining that the METV requirements, if strictly enforced, exclude them. I have not followed this thread religiously so I may have missed some posts.

I would very much like to hear of more financially independent successful postal applicants to London, or anyone who has phoned them and been told that their application on such grounds would be accepted.

As I said there is no reason for someone that is 'retired' or financially independent being denied the METV as long as they can prove their income. They are effectively treated the same as a self employed person and would need to provide proof of pension/income and or tax returns.

The main reason for the employment criteria is to demonstrate the applicant has a job to go home to and no need to work in Thailand.

London do not issue a non 'O' to over 50's anymore regardless of the income source. You have to be state pension age. Your rental income would have been accepted for a non 'O-A' visa if you had it certified correctly.

[jay1980]

Hi, I got my METV visa last week (Wednesday 13th July 16). I applied in person, not by post.

As well as submitting copies of my UK tax return forms (SA100,SA105 and SA110) that had been stamped by my UK accountant, I also submitted bank statements from my UK Natwest savings account that proved my balance had never been under £5,000 within the last 6 months, details of my accommodation which is in my own condo and included a copy of my charnote and a recent electric bill and a e-ticket of my flight into Thailand and a cheap e-ticket out of Thailand to Malaysia within 6 months.

I listed my occupation as 'landlord of fully managed investment property' bit of a mouthful but I wanted to stress that I do not work in Thailand in any capacity (not even remotely managing my properties).

I hope that helps.

[SunsetT]

Hi, I got my METV visa last week (Wednesday 13th July 16). I applied in person, not by post.

As well as submitting copies of my UK tax return forms (SA100,SA105 and SA110) that had been stamped by my UK accountant, I also submitted bank statements from my UK Natwest savings account that proved my balance had never been under £5,000 within the last 6 months, details of my accommodation which is in my own condo and included a copy of my charnote and a recent electric bill and a e-ticket of my flight into Thailand and a cheap e-ticket out of Thailand to Malaysia within 6 months.

I listed my occupation as 'landlord of fully managed investment property' bit of a mouthful but I wanted to stress that I do not work in Thailand in any capacity (not even remotely managing my properties).

I hope that helps.

Thanks...........Was it London?

[SunsetT]

I am very pleased to hear your application was successful. I do hope they have relaxed their strict interpretation of the requirements. But when the METV was introduced the requirements were not enforced for a period of time because at such short notice applicants would not have been able to provide the paperwork required, e.g: 3 months bank statements showing 5k. Perhaps your application benefitted from this period of grace? When was your appl.? Maybe this grace period is continuing.

I personally have not applied for an METV as I stay near a Thai border so 3 X SETVs will suit me better and be cheaper, far less inconvenient, time consuming and stressful than preparing a METV appl. which might be turned down on a whim by a Thai who happened to have got out of bed on the wrong side in the morning! But since all postal visa applications have had to be sent to London I did have an 'O' visa turned down because my more than adequate income from property was ineligible despite telephone supplications and tax returns being offered. So yes I admit to a degree of conjecture but, despite my posting twice on this thread about this, no one has replied positively and yours is the 1st post that I have read of a succesfull UK postal appl. on such grounds (Was it postal or did you apply in person? Was it London? As this could make a difference) . But I have read many posts, like Terminal 22's worrying and complaining that the METV requirements, if strictly enforced, exclude them. I have not followed this thread religiously so I may have missed some posts.

I would very much like to hear of more financially independent successful postal applicants to London, or anyone who has phoned them and been told that their application on such grounds would be accepted.

As I said there is no reason for someone that is 'retired' or financially independent being denied the METV as long as they can prove their income. They are effectively treated the same as a self employed person and would need to provide proof of pension/income and or tax returns......

......................How do you know this??? Do you mean London?

The main reason for the employment criteria is to demonstrate the applicant has a job to go home to and no need to work in Thailand.

London do not issue a non 'O' to over 50's anymore regardless of the income source. .........Do you think I dont know this?. Your rental income would have been accepted for a non 'O-A' visa if you had it certified correctly..........On what authority are you telling me that it would have been accepted?.......................I was told clearly over the phone by London that rental income was not acceptable for an O-A visa which is what I was applying for ....................In my post I was writing of applying for an 'O' visa generically, as Id forgotten that it was specifically an O-A.

[jay1980]

Hi, I got my METV visa last week (Wednesday 13th July 16). I applied in person, not by post.

As well as submitting copies of my UK tax return forms (SA100,SA105 and SA110) that had been stamped by my UK accountant, I also submitted bank statements from my UK Natwest savings account that proved my balance had never been under £5,000 within the last 6 months, details of my accommodation which is in my own condo and included a copy of my charnote and a recent electric bill and a e-ticket of my flight into Thailand and a cheap e-ticket out of Thailand to Malaysia within 6 months.

I listed my occupation as 'landlord of fully managed investment property' bit of a mouthful but I wanted to stress that I do not work in Thailand in any capacity (not even remotely managing my properties).

I hope that helps.

Thanks...........Was it London?

No Hull, my mum lives in Yorkshire so I went there. I do have a mate who did get a METV from London recently by providing similar information, he is not a Thaivisa member but I will ask him the details when I next see him and report back if it helps.

[SunsetT]

Hi, I got my METV visa last week (Wednesday 13th July 16). I applied in person, not by post.

As well as submitting copies of my UK tax return forms (SA100,SA105 and SA110) that had been stamped by my UK accountant, I also submitted bank statements from my UK Natwest savings account that proved my balance had never been under £5,000 within the last 6 months, details of my accommodation which is in my own condo and included a copy of my charnote and a recent electric bill and a e-ticket of my flight into Thailand and a cheap e-ticket out of Thailand to Malaysia within 6 months.

I listed my occupation as 'landlord of fully managed investment property' bit of a mouthful but I wanted to stress that I do not work in Thailand in any capacity (not even remotely managing my properties).

I hope that helps.

Thanks...........Was it London?

No Hull, my mum lives in Yorkshire so I went there. I do have a mate who did get a METV from London recently by providing similar information, he is not a Thaivisa member but I will ask him the details when I next see him and report back if it helps.

Thants Jay1980. That makes sense. Hull was always the most 'user friendly' and helpful UK consulate of choice before all postal applications had to go to London.

That means there are still no first hand reports of successful METV POSTAL applications to London for those of 'independent' means' with adequate income but not employed, not self-employed, nor receiving a pension. So yes I would like to know if your mate made a successful postal application to London with the same financial circumstances..

[donaldinho9]

Hi Tim,

So if I didn't take the return/same bus back it's only an extra 100 baht (200 each way)? Where exactly do I get the bus at Central Bang Na? Do you know the departure schedule/how often they leave between 5-10am? If I don't take the same bus back, there are others frequently heading back to Central Bang Na from Poipet that I can hop on? With the $30 USD visa fee entering Cambodia do I need passport sized photos as well? Lots of questions sorry! Thanks for your help!!

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As long as you go early morning, the casino buses from Central Bang Na are frequent (maybe every 20 mins on average). It is not that easy to explain where the casino buses tend to congregate. Coming from Bangkok, you pass a pedestrian bridge and a gap where traffic on the Bangna-Trad highway can pull onto the frontage road. The buses that pass and just stop briefly usually do so near that spot. Buses originating from Central may park out on the main road, or may be in a nearby side soi that runs beside Central. If you see a big bus that does not look like a company employee bus, it will often be a casino bus. Ask.

Yes, an extra 100 baht if you take a different casino bus back (or an extra 130 baht if you take a minibus back). The return casino buses start around 1:00 pm or so. If you take, say, an 8:00 am bus outbound, you arrive at the border at around 11:00 am. Depending on luck, you can be in and out of Cambodia by about 12:30 pm. Ask where the casino buses leave from, look to see when one is leaving and ask if they have a spare seat (usually, they do). Grab something to eat if you have time. The return trip takes about 4 hours, typically, as they are in less of a hurry and tend to stop somewhere en route for people to eat/toilet break.

You need one visa photo (or, alternatively, they will waive the requirement for 100 baht).

Hi Tim,

Looking to leave Thursday morning. Just wondering if you have any more details on where we would get the casino bus from Central Bang Na? It just a seems a bit confusing/daunting not knowing exactly where the pick up location is and wasting time walking all around the surrounding area hoping to see a bus and that it's the right one...

Also, do enough people speak English at the border/are there a lot of casino buses there, where it would be easy enough to hop on one back to Central Bang Na? How would we get the same bus back/ do they give a stamp/bracelet/something to indicate that's your bus back? Do we pay for the round trip up front, or just 1-way fares each bus we get on?

Last question (!): do we need to bring new any documents with us besides the 1 passport photo, passport and $30 USD cash?

Thanks very much for your help!

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