Crackdown- Will it affect me?/Swerving&pushing things?

[AbythornTom]

Hey everyone! I'll introduce myself at the end of this post for the sake of those that couldn't give a monkeys.

So, I've lurched around for quite some time now in attempt to get to grips with the whole 'new' crackdown, and the 'general' ways of the Thai visa(s).

The reason being you ask?
I'd like to move to Thailand (for roughly 1 year), bet you never guessed... .

However, I'd like to do this with a Tourist (3 months validity/Up to 60 days/Single) visa & if possible, implementing the Tourist Visa Exemption along the way.
This is where you guys come into play, I'd like to hear your view, advice and any guidance/recommendations on the following.. oh, and if it's even possible!

The various ideas I had in mind goes as follows;
1:Enter Thailand by air on a Tourist Visa Exemption. --problem with this is they require proof of onwards (air) travel prior to the TVE expiration, correct?. Not exactly cost efficient if so!
2:Extend the tourist visa exemption (if possible, I read somewhere they're no longer doing this for TVE's?).
3:Exit to a Neighbouring Country coming to the end of visa exemption/Tourist Visa -- Laos for me as I'd be staying in Khon kaen?.
4:Apply for Tourist (3 months validity/Up to 60 days/Single) visa in Laos (staying there over night whilst visa is sorted).
5:Collect visa the following day and attempt to re-enter Thailand with the Tourist (3 months validity/Up to 60 days/Single) Visa -- Would this be classed as a O/I or not? I lack on knowledge of O/I's, would this then prevent me from doing the same again if I obtained an O/I stamp?
6:Presuming I got back into Thailand with a Tourist (3 months validity/Up to 60 days/Single) visa and without an O/I stamp, I'd extend the visa to 90 days.
7:Rinse and repeat from stage 3.
NOTE:
A: In regards of stage (1:) If having proof of onwards (air) travel is the case (If someone could confirm this for me please) I'd apply for and obtain the 3 month tourist visa prior to going to Thailand.
B: It's just come to my attention that in all honesty, I'd probably skip extending the TVE and Tourist visa all together as it'd be more cost effective to travel to Laos and apply for a 3 month tourist visa (despite having to travel there, stay the night, and then travel back!). -Making stages 2 and 6 redundant
C:I can only apply for 3 month tourist visa as I am not eligible for the 6 month tourist visa.
D:Would they allow this? It's entirely the same as Border Hopping with a Visa Exemption but with a one night stay in a neighbour country and applying for a visa that literately just expired.

Things that I'm guessing are in place to stop this from working!?
1:A cool-down period on applying for Visa's? - is that a thing?
2:When coming back with my second visa I'd receive an O/I (Out / In stamp), thus no longer allowing me to repeat the process. - if so, how long do you have to wait till you can repeat the process?
!#! I may be totally wrong about the O/I stamp, I've not yet got to grips with how they work !#!
-- If anyone has any other reasons it will not work or may not work, I'll edit and post them here if possible. Please suggest an alternative method or tweak if you know of one --

Costs:

(60 day tourist visa = 1,328THB~25GBP)

+(Travelling to/sleeping/returning from Laos for new visa = 2,000THB~37.63GBP) = 3328THB~62.63GBP

6 * 3328THB~62.63 == 19968THB~375.78GBP

Total cost for one year = 19968THB~375.78GBP

So that's it guys, I'd appreciate it if you could give me any advice or feedback, especially if you know this won't work for whatever reason.
Oh, one more thing, if you could elaborate on your answers as much as possible please, as I am very very new and in the unknown when it comes to visa's and Thai law, I'm extremely grateful for all responses.

Nice to meet you all, happy new year and all the very best to everyone here at Thai Visa

Roll the intro... (Don't worry, I'm going to keep this short and sweet)

For those of you that care, my name is Tom, I'm 18 years old and I'm from the UK; male if you hadn't guessed already.
I came across ThaiVisa Forums whilst on a hunt for information on anything and everything about Thai Visa's (Via google), in the recent churn of visa changes and tightened immigration laws this place was a godsend for me. I've learned pretty much all I know from you guys and you've no idea how much I respect it, so keep up the good work everyone!
P.S: This isn't a one-off post, I intend to stick around. Speak soon everyone, Thanks in advance for any help or input on the matter.

Edited January 5, 2016 by AbythornTom

[ubonjoe]

How about skipping 1 and 2 by getting a single entry tourist visa from the Thai embassy in London. You can do it in person or by post. See: http://www.thaiembassyuk.org.uk/?q=node/4 That would give you total stay of 90 days by getting the 30 day extension of the 60 day entry from the visa.

1. Most airlines will want to see a ticket out of the country within 30 days.

2. No problem getting the 30 day extension.

You seem to have the rest correct about getting a single entry visa from Laos. By getting a visa before leaving the UK you could easily get 2 tourists visa in Laos that would give you a total of 9 months. You could do a border hop between 1 or 2 of the visas to get a 30 day visa exempt entry and then extend it for 30 days that would give you about 5 months between visa applications.

[AbythornTom]

This is amazing news for me, I couldn't thank you enough. I was going to attempt it despite worrying it was going to go tits up haha!.. Couldn't have done it without all the info you've got gathered here. Cheers bud

[elviajero]

• As said. Get a single entry tourist visa (SETV) before coming. Do not try to travel without a visa as it adds unnecessary complications.

The other 3 SETV's you'll need for the year can be obtained easily from neighbouring countries.

There is no "cool down period" between visas or any overall limit to the number of back to back SETV's you can have, but the embassies/consulates do have individual limits. 3 (maybe less) being the number you'll likely get before being denied more from on place.

There is no "crackdown" of tourist visa entries. The people experiencing "O/I" problems are those trying to enter with back to back visa exempt entry.

[AbythornTom]

Thanks for the quick response and additional info, much appreciated.
With that in mind I'll look into changing the Title/Topic -(Admin/mods you're more than welcome to change the title as you see fits)

[Mrjlh]

Hummm....18 yrs old. Lots of ambition to move here, that's good. Taking in advice about the Visa issues, that's a good too. Figured out a travel budget...sort of.

Now where are you going to sleep? Eat? Sorry you can't work legally? So where's your Income coming in from? Spending money? Once you are here there's going to be NO help at all. You are on your own. So how long before you get into trouble? My advice...think about that very CAREFULLY.

[Koratdave]

Tom

You dont say where you live in the UK. You dont have just London as an option to get your visa

[JomtienEats]

I think if you get the SETV in the UK, you won't need proof of onward travel. If you do find yourself ever needing to prove onward travel, there's a website that will 'rent' you a ticket for 48 hours for $10 or so. Don't have the name handy now.

[justmaybe]

The onward ticket really doesn't need to be a hassle. Right now a Bangkok-Ho Chi Minh City ticket on Air Asia will set you back something around £18. When it matters, which varies with the wind and the airline, the onward ticket requirement doesn't need to be headed anywhere specifically other than out of the Kingdom. At worst, you'd have a nice souvenir you could frame inexpensively and hang in your study in later life when you look back on the adventure.

[VBF]

I think if you get the SETV in the UK, you won't need proof of onward travel. If you do find yourself ever needing to prove onward travel, there's a website that will 'rent' you a ticket for 48 hours for $10 or so. Don't have the name handy now.

Correct!

In December I applied for my SETV via post to the London Embassy - sent documents as stated on web, payment etc - I posted it off on a Tuesday, received PP with Visa on the Friday morning.

No need for any proof of finances or tickets for a SETV

Edited January 5, 2016 by VBF

[AbythornTom]

Hummm....18 yrs old. Lots of ambition to move here, that's good. Taking in advice about the Visa issues, that's a good too. Figured out a travel budget...sort of.

Now where are you going to sleep? Eat? Sorry you can't work legally? So where's your Income coming in from? Spending money? Once you are here there's going to be NO help at all. You are on your own. So how long before you get into trouble? My advice...think about that very CAREFULLY.

Thanks for showing concern/seeing I have everything covered. There's always going to be that something that I'll stumble across that I never though of or expected lol.

I've got a permanent place to live and sleep in Khon kaen, that's not of concern.

Eating will come out of my own savings as and when (What there is of it anyhow... lol), certainly enough to keep me well fed and hydrated however. -I've budgeted 2500 Thai Baht a month. I don't intend on going to any upmarket restaurants or alike. I typically eat 2 average sized meals a day or one large meal, not exactly very healthy I know . Is my budget reasonable/practical?

I don't intend on working illegally or legally, just live on what savings I have -Although I will have a mooch around to find possible employers, so I'm somewhat prepared for a future if I do find my feet. I've had a tough time recently, just need some relaxation time and get a taste of self independence/life experience, (Although I'm not working, like I said, Just a taster, dipping my toe in the water I suppose).

There is no income coming in, like stated previously, it's all budgeted and planned on savings. To add to that I'm not a smoker, nor a drinker; therefore have little to no interest in clubs, pubs and what not (with the exception of special occasions, such as new year, birthdays and Christmas- maybe once in a blue moon with friends as a bit of socialiser). I have no intentions of going balls to the wall or trying to live like a king by any means.

I'm not a trouble maker, but I suppose you don't know what's around the corner or what may happen at any given time. For my best interest, after reading your post I did read into what help you can obtain and how the typical process goes when being detained and/or jailed in Thailand. I've read of prison quality, packets/help you can to obtain, charity that'll assist if needed/at all possible and deportation. I'm hoping this is all knowledge I won't have to put into practice.. fingers crossed. -Thanks, I wouldn't have even thought or looked at this had I come across it. Who knows you may have just saved me in future if something does go tits up!

[AbythornTom]

Tom

You dont say where you live in the UK. You dont have just London as an option to get your visa

Sorry? Where are you going with this may I ask?

When did I say I lived in London?

Anyway, yes, I used to live in London. I've recently moved house up north of the country however.

[AbythornTom]

I think if you get the SETV in the UK, you won't need proof of onward travel. If you do find yourself ever needing to prove onward travel, there's a website that will 'rent' you a ticket for 48 hours for $10 or so. Don't have the name handy now.

The onward ticket really doesn't need to be a hassle. Right now a Bangkok-Ho Chi Minh City ticket on Air Asia will set you back something around £18. When it matters, which varies with the wind and the airline, the onward ticket requirement doesn't need to be headed anywhere specifically other than out of the Kingdom. At worst, you'd have a nice souvenir you could frame inexpensively and hang in your study in later life when you look back on the adventure.

I think if you get the SETV in the UK, you won't need proof of onward travel. If you do find yourself ever needing to prove onward travel, there's a website that will 'rent' you a ticket for 48 hours for $10 or so. Don't have the name handy now.

Correct!

In December I applied for my SETV via post to the London Embassy - sent documents as stated on web, payment etc - I posted it off on a Tuesday, received PP with Visa on the Friday morning.

No need for any proof of finances or tickets for a SETV

Thanks guys!! That's cleared that concern up

-On the advice I've been given I will certainly be applying for an SETV for my (air) entry into Thailand

[Koratdave]

Tom

You dont say where you live in the UK. You dont have just London as an option to get your visa

Sorry? Where are you going with this may I ask?

When did I say I lived in London?

Anyway, yes, I used to live in London. I've recently moved house up north of the country however.

The point i am trying to make. Is everyone is saying go to London to get your visa. Which is pointless if you live in Hull and can go to the Thai consulate in Hull.

[ubonjoe]

Tom

You dont say where you live in the UK. You dont have just London as an option to get your visa

Sorry? Where are you going with this may I ask?

When did I say I lived in London?

Anyway, yes, I used to live in London. I've recently moved house up north of the country however.

He was referring to getting your visa at one of the consulates instead of the embassy. They do not accept applications by post. List of consulates here: http://www.thaiembassyuk.org.uk/?q=node/179

[AbythornTom]

I can't seem to re-edit my opening post, so just a little update.
I intend on staying for 7months now (allowing me to have that little bit of spare cash in case of emergency)

I have family and loved ones in the UK who I know..... well, hope.. will support me when I'm back into England after my 7 months in Thailand lol.
I'm by far from a wealthy background, far far from it. Nor do I personally have good qualifications; I had an every day, average job prior to this in the hospitality.
I'm just fortunate to have supportive family and nothing tying me down.

[Koratdave]

Tom

You dont say where you live in the UK. You dont have just London as an option to get your visa

Sorry? Where are you going with this may I ask?

When did I say I lived in London?

Anyway, yes, I used to live in London. I've recently moved house up north of the country however.

He was referring to getting your visa at one of the consulates instead of the embassy. They do not accept applications by post. List of consulates here: http://www.thaiembassyuk.org.uk/?q=node/179

UbonJoe

Thanks for clarifying

[AbythornTom]

Tom

You dont say where you live in the UK. You dont have just London as an option to get your visa

Sorry? Where are you going with this may I ask?

When did I say I lived in London?

Anyway, yes, I used to live in London. I've recently moved house up north of the country however.

The point i am trying to make. Is everyone is saying go to London to get your visa. Which is pointless if you live in Hull and can go to the Thai consulate in Hull.

He was referring to getting your visa at one of the consulates instead of the embassy. They do not accept applications by post. List of consulates here: http://www.thaiembassyuk.org.uk/?q=node/179

A very big thanks for pointing this out! I never knew the consulates could issue a visa's also, I wouldn't have thought to check.

You just saved me around £100! I was about to book train tickets and stop at an old friends house for tomorrow night, cheers lads

[ubonjoe]

Off topic posts have been removed. Topic is about getting a visa and nothing more.

[scorecard]

Hummm....18 yrs old. Lots of ambition to move here, that's good. Taking in advice about the Visa issues, that's a good too. Figured out a travel budget...sort of.

Now where are you going to sleep? Eat? Sorry you can't work legally? So where's your Income coming in from? Spending money? Once you are here there's going to be NO help at all. You are on your own. So how long before you get into trouble? My advice...think about that very CAREFULLY.

Thanks for showing concern/seeing I have everything covered. There's always going to be that something that I'll stumble across that I never though of or expected lol.

I've got a permanent place to live and sleep in Khon kaen, that's not of concern.

Eating will come out of my own savings as and when (What there is of it anyhow... lol), certainly enough to keep me well fed and hydrated however. -I've budgeted 2500 Thai Baht a month. I don't intend on going to any upmarket restaurants or alike. I typically eat 2 average sized meals a day or one large meal, not exactly very healthy I know . Is my budget reasonable/practical?

I don't intend on working illegally or legally, just live on what savings I have -Although I will have a mooch around to find possible employers, so I'm somewhat prepared for a future if I do find my feet. I've had a tough time recently, just need some relaxation time and get a taste of self independence/life experience, (Although I'm not working, like I said, Just a taster, dipping my toe in the water I suppose).

There is no income coming in, like stated previously, it's all budgeted and planned on savings. To add to that I'm not a smoker, nor a drinker; therefore have little to no interest in clubs, pubs and what not (with the exception of special occasions, such as new year, birthdays and Christmas- maybe once in a blue moon with friends as a bit of socialiser). I have no intentions of going balls to the wall or trying to live like a king by any means.

I'm not a trouble maker, but I suppose you don't know what's around the corner or what may happen at any given time. For my best interest, after reading your post I did read into what help you can obtain and how the typical process goes when being detained and/or jailed in Thailand. I've read of prison quality, packets/help you can to obtain, charity that'll assist if needed/at all possible and deportation. I'm hoping this is all knowledge I won't have to put into practice.. fingers crossed. -Thanks, I wouldn't have even thought or looked at this had I come across it. Who knows you may have just saved me in future if something does go tits up!

".....I don't intend on working illegally or legally, just live on what savings I have -Although I will have a mooch around to find possible employers, so I'm somewhat prepared for a future if I do find my feet....."

Maybe you have already done some background research about this. If not please take a look at the pinned threads at the start of the ThaiVisa forum website re: 'Work Permits'. You'll find lots of valuable information but specifically look for the list of work / jobs that are restricted to Thai nationals only, and this list is not flexible.

Also, you must have a work permit (WP) to work legally in Thailand. WPs are only issued where you have a documented job offer from a Thai company. There is no such thing as a 'personal' WP for a foreigner to work anywhere / any job.

Re health issues, well you can of course just take the risk, your choice of course, but it may be worthwhile to goggle for an entry level health insurance policy. Perhaps other members can make some suggestions on this.

Good luck.

Edited January 6, 2016 by scorecard

[keithathome]

Tom, I've just arrived from the YUK, also from the northwest. I just posted passport and visa application to London Embassy recorded delivery there and back. 3month SE.

Quick and easy. Filled in the form online and printed it out.

[AbythornTom]

".....I don't intend on working illegally or legally, just live on what savings I have -Although I will have a mooch around to find possible employers, so I'm somewhat prepared for a future if I do find my feet....."

Maybe you have already done some background research about this. If not please take a look at the pinned threads at the start of the ThaiVisa forum website re: 'Work Permits'. You'll find lots of valuable information but specifically look for the list of work / jobs that are restricted to Thai nationals only, and this list is not flexible.

Also, you must have a work permit (WP) to work legally in Thailand. WPs are only issued where you have a documented job offer from a Thai company. There is no such thing as a 'personal' WP for a foreigner to work anywhere / any job.

Re health issues, well you can of course just take the risk, your choice of course, but it may be worthwhile to goggle for an entry level health insurance policy. Perhaps other members can make some suggestions on this.

Good luck.

Cheers for informing me, much appreciated. I've researched this and I am aware of the restricted jobs list.

However, I admittedly lack knowledge on the grounds of finding employment and the actually process (I know it's illegal to work without holding both a type B visa (Non-immigrant visa) and Work Permit).

I've not heard of a 'personal' WP, I presume this is something only Thai nationals are allocated judging by your comment. None the less, I now know whatever it may be won't be of any use or help to me, so thanks for clearing that up in case of future confusion.

I'm not too familiar with Type B (Non-immigrant) visa's and WP's -Everything I know is pretty much personal assumption from bits and pieces I've skimmed over. I'm presuming you have to be offered a job (with proof) to be able to obtain a Type B (Non-immigrant) visa and then follow it up with documentation (whatever that may be) to obtain a work permit, at which point you can begin to work. I probably sound like a complete dumbass now haha! Apologies to those scratching their eyeballs out right now...

In all honesty I don't think I stand much chance obtaining a job in Thailand right now, I'm young (18), fairly ill-educated (High school/secondary school standard). -- as stated in my intro -- The only thing I have going for me is past experience in hospitality, working behind the bar in the local pub and doing everything but kitchen work in a very small and somewhat secluded 5* hotel. but I'll see what's available and if I can dip my toe in the water, I'll give it my best shot as always.

[AbythornTom]

Tom, I've just arrived from the YUK, also from the northwest. I just posted passport and visa application to London Embassy recorded delivery there and back. 3month SE.

Quick and easy. Filled in the form online and printed it out.

Cheers Keith, been looking at this as my most likely option now; as I'm fairly out in the sticks and lack quality transport.

Hope you don't mind me asking, but do you think I should pay via a postal order or just pop money along with the form and passport?

Roughly how long did it take for you to get it back? Thanks again

[monk213]

I moved here from the UK nearly 6 years ago now and have yet to return home, I have however been around other parts of SE Asia briefly. All I can say is you will most certainly meet various steep learning curves. Just keep your head screwed on because a lot of things can go terribly wrong in 1 year here at your age. I probably should be dead looking back so I am lucky in that sense; being 18 and full of ambition is great and you do seem to have done a lot of research, but for example you can read how to build a nuclear reactor for 10 years but then when you try to build one, do you think you would be able to do it? Just have your wits about you and don't fall into the various traps that so many do

Take care mate

[Anon999]

Tom obviously you have done a lot of background work and now have a lot more information from the posts here. However, getting here is the easy bit, once you are here beware of the scams and never get into an argument with a local it could be fatal. Take care and always be aware.

Edited January 6, 2016 by Anon999

[scorecard]

".....I don't intend on working illegally or legally, just live on what savings I have -Although I will have a mooch around to find possible employers, so I'm somewhat prepared for a future if I do find my feet....."

Maybe you have already done some background research about this. If not please take a look at the pinned threads at the start of the ThaiVisa forum website re: 'Work Permits'. You'll find lots of valuable information but specifically look for the list of work / jobs that are restricted to Thai nationals only, and this list is not flexible.

Also, you must have a work permit (WP) to work legally in Thailand. WPs are only issued where you have a documented job offer from a Thai company. There is no such thing as a 'personal' WP for a foreigner to work anywhere / any job.

Re health issues, well you can of course just take the risk, your choice of course, but it may be worthwhile to goggle for an entry level health insurance policy. Perhaps other members can make some suggestions on this.

Good luck.

Cheers for informing me, much appreciated. I've researched this and I am aware of the restricted jobs list.

However, I admittedly lack knowledge on the grounds of finding employment and the actually process (I know it's illegal to work without holding both a type B visa (Non-immigrant visa) and Work Permit).

I've not heard of a 'personal' WP, I presume this is something only Thai nationals are allocated judging by your comment. None the less, I now know whatever it may be won't be of any use or help to me, so thanks for clearing that up in case of future confusion.

I'm not too familiar with Type B (Non-immigrant) visa's and WP's -Everything I know is pretty much personal assumption from bits and pieces I've skimmed over. I'm presuming you have to be offered a job (with proof) to be able to obtain a Type B (Non-immigrant) visa and then follow it up with documentation (whatever that may be) to obtain a work permit, at which point you can begin to work. I probably sound like a complete dumbass now haha! Apologies to those scratching their eyeballs out right now...

In all honesty I don't think I stand much chance obtaining a job in Thailand right now, I'm young (18), fairly ill-educated (High school/secondary school standard). -- as stated in my intro -- The only thing I have going for me is past experience in hospitality, working behind the bar in the local pub and doing everything but kitchen work in a very small and somewhat secluded 5* hotel. but I'll see what's available and if I can dip my toe in the water, I'll give it my best shot as always.

Well your willing to learn and a fast leaner, two great advantages.

Just to be clear, Thais never need a work permit (in Thailand). I mentioned 'personal work permit' because:

- There have been shonky employers (Thais and foreign business owners) who have told foreigners in the past:

- 'I'll help you get a personal work permit'. Impossible, it doesn't exist, just immoral shady employers trying to trick the naive.

- 'I can add you to the 'Company Work Permit', or 'As a foreign employer I can add up to 20 names to my own personal work permit, not full yet so no problems.' None of these things exist at all, just immoral shady employers trying to trick the naive.

- Getting fully familiar and fully understanding all the visa options takes a while, your doing OK. (And don't forget it's not only Thailand, in many countries the visa options etc., are complex.) The good news is that there are several experts who follow these threads and are very willing to kindly share their knowledge.

- WP then Visa? / Visa then WP? This needs to be answered clearly by the experts to avoid any confusion.

- Here's a wild card - If you can prove that you have 'extensive beverage management experience in a 5 star hotel', then maybe one of the 5 star hotels might be interested to talk to you. In some cases it's possible to get a Work Permit on the basis of a consultant. But you would need to have the experience and proof that you can add really something of higher value. Keep in mind that the salary would be much higher than what a Thai employee would be paid for this position, so the hotel would want to be convinced the higher (foreigner) salary is worth it.

Take care.

Edited January 6, 2016 by scorecard

[Kasset Tak]

2500 Baht a month is not a lot but it's doable as you are not thinking about drinking beer and alcohol.

Just as an example: where I live I pay around 20-30 Baht for a standard Thai meal, if I eat 3 times a day that's about 80 Baht but then sometimes I want to eat some more Western food and then it will easily become 250-500 for just a meal. On to that you will also have to add the cost for whatever you drink, 3 liter water a day would set you back 2-160 (yes, two to one hundred sixty) Baht a day depending on what water you drink!
I try to keep my own expenses for food and drinks under 5,000 Baht a month and as I don't drink alcohol (doctors order) it should be easy to keep it down to even 3,000 Baht but some times I want a pizza or a steak or anything else that is not just Thai food and then it's easy to spend more than 5,000 a month (6 days in to 2016 and I have already spent over 1,500 Baht for just food, snacks and drinks).

Just remember that KFC, McDonald's or Burger King would set you back at least 100 Baht just for a meal while a simple Thai dish is (usually) 30 Baht or less, at least in non-tourist areas.

[AbythornTom]

I moved here from the UK nearly 6 years ago now and have yet to return home, I have however been around other parts of SE Asia briefly. All I can say is you will most certainly meet various steep learning curves. Just keep your head screwed on because a lot of things can go terribly wrong in 1 year here at your age. I probably should be dead looking back so I am lucky in that sense; being 18 and full of ambition is great and you do seem to have done a lot of research, but for example you can read how to build a nuclear reactor for 10 years but then when you try to build one, do you think you would be able to do it? Just have your wits about you and don't fall into the various traps that so many do

Take care mate

Thanks bud, that's pretty inspiring, I'd love to stay on a permanent basis. Will be giving everything my best shot; getting to grips with it all. So glad I found this place and community. I see what you're saying with the research and couldn't agree more, my memory is awful.. certainly doesn't do me any favours lol.

[AbythornTom]

Tom obviously you have done a lot of background work and now have a lot more information from the posts here. However, getting here is the easy bit, once you are here beware of the scams and never get into an argument with a local it could be fatal. Take care and always be aware.

Thanks for your advice, I'll be sure to take it all on-board. All the best Anon999

[AbythornTom]

".....I don't intend on working illegally or legally, just live on what savings I have -Although I will have a mooch around to find possible employers, so I'm somewhat prepared for a future if I do find my feet....."

Maybe you have already done some background research about this. If not please take a look at the pinned threads at the start of the ThaiVisa forum website re: 'Work Permits'. You'll find lots of valuable information but specifically look for the list of work / jobs that are restricted to Thai nationals only, and this list is not flexible.

Also, you must have a work permit (WP) to work legally in Thailand. WPs are only issued where you have a documented job offer from a Thai company. There is no such thing as a 'personal' WP for a foreigner to work anywhere / any job.

Re health issues, well you can of course just take the risk, your choice of course, but it may be worthwhile to goggle for an entry level health insurance policy. Perhaps other members can make some suggestions on this.

Good luck.

Cheers for informing me, much appreciated. I've researched this and I am aware of the restricted jobs list.

However, I admittedly lack knowledge on the grounds of finding employment and the actually process (I know it's illegal to work without holding both a type B visa (Non-immigrant visa) and Work Permit).

I've not heard of a 'personal' WP, I presume this is something only Thai nationals are allocated judging by your comment. None the less, I now know whatever it may be won't be of any use or help to me, so thanks for clearing that up in case of future confusion.

I'm not too familiar with Type B (Non-immigrant) visa's and WP's -Everything I know is pretty much personal assumption from bits and pieces I've skimmed over. I'm presuming you have to be offered a job (with proof) to be able to obtain a Type B (Non-immigrant) visa and then follow it up with documentation (whatever that may be) to obtain a work permit, at which point you can begin to work. I probably sound like a complete dumbass now haha! Apologies to those scratching their eyeballs out right now...

In all honesty I don't think I stand much chance obtaining a job in Thailand right now, I'm young (18), fairly ill-educated (High school/secondary school standard). -- as stated in my intro -- The only thing I have going for me is past experience in hospitality, working behind the bar in the local pub and doing everything but kitchen work in a very small and somewhat secluded 5* hotel. but I'll see what's available and if I can dip my toe in the water, I'll give it my best shot as always.

Well your willing to learn and a fast leaner, two great advantages.

Just to be clear, Thais never need a work permit (in Thailand). I mentioned 'personal work permit' because:

- There have been shonky employers (Thais and foreign business owners) who have told foreigners in the past:

- 'I'll help you get a personal work permit'. Impossible, it doesn't exist, just immoral shady employers trying to trick the naive.

- 'I can add you to the 'Company Work Permit', or 'As a foreign employer I can add up to 20 names to my own personal work permit, not full yet so no problems.' None of these things exist at all, just immoral shady employers trying to trick the naive.

- Getting fully familiar and fully understanding all the visa options takes a while, your doing OK. (And don't forget it's not only Thailand, in many countries the visa options etc., are complex.) The good news is that there are several experts who follow these threads and are very willing to kindly share their knowledge.

- WP then Visa? / Visa then WP? This needs to be answered clearly by the experts to avoid any confusion.

- Here's a wild card - If you can prove that you have 'extensive beverage management experience in a 5 star hotel', then maybe one of the 5 star hotels might be interested to talk to you. In some cases it's possible to get a Work Permit on the basis of a consultant. But you would need to have the experience and proof that you can add really something of higher value. Keep in mind that the salary would be much higher than what a Thai employee would be paid for this position, so the hotel would want to be convinced the higher (foreigner) salary is worth it.

Take care.

Couldn't thank you enough for the heads up on shady employers.

I'll have to have a really good think about the wild card, seek advice from family and loved ones etc, maybe try get some form of bar certification or something alike. I'll keep all this in mind and I'll inform you of any updates with many thanks of course. Take care mate