Tourist visa warning - too many days in one year

[Asiantravel]

41 minutes ago, LivinLOS said:

 

 

Its 500k for 5 years of visa.. You think 99% of expats live here on 40k a month ?? 

 

No wonder the immigration constantly push against these kind of cases. 

 

 

if I needed to get Elite I would want  the ability to see at least little bit more political and economic stability down the road(to have a reasonable chance of amortising your investment over the five-year period) but that's just not there right now? Plus I've never understood the need to charge this upfront fee in one lump sum. They went broke last time what is the guarantee it couldn't happen again?

Edited November 2, 2016 by Asiantravel

[Saradoc1972]

1 hour ago, performance said:

Savannakhet what are the transport options from Pattaya ?

 

Yellow Bus from Patty to Mukdahan 4 or 5 times a day, overnight VIP busses 21:00 and 21:30, take some 12 hours with one stop in the middle of nowhere. That's the same company that had that crash that left one dead 4 weeks ago. www.iloveyellowbus.co.th or something, leaves from the back of the bus station on Northern Road near Sukhumvit. Maybe buy ticket a day or two early, seems to be popular. less than 900 Baht one way, bottle of water and some Thai diabetes cakes included.

 

Rooms in Muang Muk are 450 Baht up, do visit The Good Mook Cafe. They also rent out scooters if you want to have a look round. Two days are plenty, nothing there, never found those waterfalls.

 

Busses over Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. every 60-90 minutes, 60 Baht. Some paperwork at the border, visa are 30 dollar if memory serves. Do bring dollar, it's a wild mix between dollar, Baht and KIP (10.000 Kip are 1 GBP, 1,10 Eur, 1,20 USD). Getting a big stack of Kip from some ATM is advisable, prices are in Kip and exchange rates are unfavourable. You will need to stay for one night in Savannakhet min (try Avalon, it's close to the consulate, reasonably close to bridge, has a late bar) because the consulate accepts your visa application in the morning and processes it until the afternoon next day. Queue of locals moves quickly enough, maybe 15 min, some guy has set up shop over  the road and copies things for you for 10 Baht or something, a bit more if you want him to fill that sheet in for you.

 

Way back works the same, calculate 90 mins for border-crossing. Same 5 busses back to Patty and Rayong every day, do make an appointment with your physiotherapist or put in a stop in between. Or maybe take the bus to Udon Thani and take the train back to Bangkok.

Edited November 2, 2016 by Saradoc1972
extra info

[stephen tracy]

On ‎11‎/‎1‎/‎2016 at 5:25 PM, ubonjoe said:

There have been reports of some embassies and consulates accepting proof of retirement or disability income to apply for a METV. His medical disability should be accepted in lieu of working.

 

About a week ago I got an METV in the Thai consulate in Toronto, Canada, and I'm not even Canadian, I only have a British passport.  They only thing they wanted to see was my "itinerary", which consisted of my return ticket to Bangkok.  Having said that, I doubt all consulates are as flexible and as easy going as that. 

[Saradoc1972]

1 hour ago, LivinLOS said:

 

 

Its 500k for 5 years of visa.. You think 99% of expats live here on 40k a month ?? 

 

No wonder the immigration constantly push against these kind of cases. 

1 hour ago, JackThompson said:

 

99% can not shell out for the Elite because it would be financially-unwise choice.  If priced for the market, such a visa-scheme could generate a lot more net-income in fees, not to mention the added spend into the economy from all those using it.

 

I would venture that the vast majority of retirees here do not spend more than 40K Baht/mo.  I have a nice condo with a beautiful view in one of the more expensive places to live in Thailand and often spend less.  If I only had 30K/mo to spend, I could move to a smaller-town, and still live quite decently. 

 

Those surviving on 20K/mo or less are probably "fan-room" folks (or amazingly thrifty), but even they are contributing foreign-capital, so no harm done that I can see.  Ask the vendors and landlords they patronize them whether they want them booted out.

 

All assumptions correct. I live on definitely more than 40k a months, I could set aside some 400-500 EUR a month, Elite thingy is 12.000 EUR. Save for taking out a loan against my life insurance I could not find that sort of money without making too many sacrifices. It would be "unwise", as saving some money gives you security if something goes very wrong, like you need a new set of teeth. So without touching what I have saved for emergencies I would need to save up 2 years, if nothing happens, by which time I would be 47 and only need 3 years on that special visa thingy because at 50 I can go for a Non-OA. And I might have to put some fund in the bank, just to be on the safe side, they might nudge the 800k barrier upward.

 

See how that doesn't reasonably work out for most people, even if you have a nice enough income to live on? A downright desirable income for a not-so-much-a-third-world-country-any-more country like Thailand to get out of a foreigner just like that?

 

That being said, if I were to just make a visa trip to Savannakhet every 3 month, everything as cheap as possible, straight from yellow bus over border to embassy same morning, crash at hotel, pick up visa and back to Mukdahan, yellow bus and crash in Patty, assuming I don't get a heart attack from that or my spine needs to get operated upon, that would be.... 50 motorbike+900 yellow bus+60 bus+1100 visa lao+200 tuktuk+2000 visa thai+800 hotel+200+60+900+50 motorbike... that's 6.400 Baht including the visa, discounting meals and any everyday expenses.

 

6400x4x5= 128k Baht. Definitely less than the 500k, but more or less infeasible and too boring for my liking. If you take the opportunity to mix your visa runs with some pleasurable sightseeing activities, i.e. do a bit of tourism after all, that might come out the same money, just you got something for it.

 

Forget this Elite thingy unless you don't need to care about money. In which case please PM me for my account and IBAN numbers.

[performance]

34 minutes ago, Saradoc1972 said:

 

Yellow Bus from Patty to Mukdahan 4 or 5 times a day, overnight VIP busses 21:00 and 21:30, take some 12 hours with one stop in the middle of nowhere. That's the same company that had that crash that left one dead 4 weeks ago. www.iloveyellowbus.co.th or something, leaves from the back of the bus station on Northern Road near Sukhumvit. Maybe buy ticket a day or two early, seems to be popular. less than 900 Baht one way, bottle of water and some Thai diabetes cakes included.

 

Rooms in Muang Muk are 450 Baht up, do visit The Good Mook Cafe. They also rent out scooters if you want to have a look round. Two days are plenty, nothing there, never found those waterfalls.

 

Busses over Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. every 60-90 minutes, 60 Baht. Some paperwork at the border, visa are 30 dollar if memory serves. Do bring dollar, it's a wild mix between dollar, Baht and KIP (10.000 Kip are 1 GBP, 1,10 Eur, 1,20 USD). Getting a big stack of Kip from some ATM is advisable, prices are in Kip and exchange rates are unfavourable. You will need to stay for one night in Savannakhet min (try Avalon, it's close to the consulate, reasonably close to bridge, has a late bar) because the consulate accepts your visa application in the morning and processes it until the afternoon next day. Queue of locals moves quickly enough, maybe 15 min, some guy has set up shop over  the road and copies things for you for 10 Baht or something, a bit more if you want him to fill that sheet in for you.

 

Way back works the same, calculate 90 mins for border-crossing. Same 5 busses back to Patty and Rayong every day, do make an appointment with your physiotherapist or put in a stop in between. Or maybe take the bus to Udon Thani and take the train back to Bangkok.

You are a champion of a man. I respect you and wish you the very best.

[Saradoc1972]

Savannakhet is quite small, nothing much there. You can more or less walk and see it all. The Avalon rents out motorcycles 300 Baht, Rooms should be 700 Baht up, although there are two upmarket options like the Dao Savan, but I'd just pass on that swimming pool. Nice view from pool over Mekong into Thailand, but it's not really worth it, and forget the restaurant (or bring KIP, they don't even give change). Nice Restaurant is the Cafe Chez Boune, mid of town, have some French cuisine there. Bit more expensive, but well in range, definite recommendation. Massage parlour right next to it One specialist store for wines, believe it or not.

Café Chez Boune

Read more at: http://www.visit-laos.com/savannakhet/dining.htm?cid=ch:OTH:001

Café Chez Boune

Read more at: http://www.visit-laos.com/savannakhet/dining.htm?cid=ch:OTH:001

[Saradoc1972]

???? Do those links auto-insert if you name some establishment? Spooky.

 

[performance]

26 minutes ago, Saradoc1972 said:

 

All assumptions correct. I live on definitely more than 40k a months, I could set aside some 400-500 EUR a month, Elite thingy is 12.000 EUR. Save for taking out a loan against my life insurance I could not find that sort of money without making too many sacrifices. It would be "unwise", as saving some money gives you security if something goes very wrong, like you need a new set of teeth. So without touching what I have saved for emergencies I would need to save up 2 years, if nothing happens, by which time I would be 47 and only need 3 years on that special visa thingy because at 50 I can go for a Non-OA. And I might have to put some fund in the bank, just to be on the safe side, they might nudge the 800k barrier upward.

 

See how that doesn't reasonably work out for most people, even if you have a nice enough income to live on? A downright desirable income for a not-so-much-a-third-world-country-any-more country like Thailand to get out of a foreigner just like that?

 

That being said, if I were to just make a visa trip to Savannakhet every 3 month, everything as cheap as possible, straight from yellow bus over border to embassy same morning, crash at hotel, pick up visa and back to Mukdahan, yellow bus and crash in Patty, assuming I don't get a heart attack from that or my spine needs to get operated upon, that would be.... 50 motorbike+900 yellow bus+60 bus+1100 visa lao+200 tuktuk+2000 visa thai+800 hotel+200+60+900+50 motorbike... that's 6.400 Baht including the visa, discounting meals and any everyday expenses.

 

6400x4x5= 128k Baht. Definitely less than the 500k, but more or less infeasible and too boring for my liking. If you take the opportunity to mix your visa runs with some pleasurable sightseeing activities, i.e. do a bit of tourism after all, that might come out the same money, just you got something for it.

 

Forget this Elite thingy unless you don't need to care about money. In which case please PM me for my account and IBAN numbers.

Elite roberry

[elviajero]

7 hours ago, gk10002000 said:

So what does one do if they are not working, or have a lot of money, or are retired and have sizable investment income from dividends, interest, or have a pension or social security?  I mean as written the METV requirements seems to not cover so many situations.

The same applies to the requirements for every visa category or reason for an extension of stay. The METV criteria seems to target a market of people that visit frequently and have a reason to go home. 

[BritTim]

5 hours ago, LivinLOS said:

Anyone renting a house long term isnt really a tourist ?? 

 

As already pointed out, undefined terms like "tourist" are unhelpful in determining what is lawful. I think it is frowned upon to live full-time in Thailand on tourist visas. It is made inconvenient to prompt most to find other solutions. However, to date, Thailand has not acted to prevent it. There are probably some officials that believe there should be hard limits. The decision, to date, is not to introduce them because, although the authorities would prefer you use another solution (like Thailand Elite) they still, on balance, believe the benefits of long term tourism outweigh the downsides (including those actually working under the radar). In fact (and you are free to disagree: I could be wrong) I think the authorities typically turn a blind eye to the English teachers working for peanuts on tourist visas. I think they (correctly) decide replacing them with Thais who cannot speak English would not be a net benefit. The Thais tend to be pretty pragmatic.

[elviajero]

6 hours ago, JackThompson said:

There has been no crackdown on Tourist Visas.  Laos, for example, always had a restrictive limit (even back in the double-entry days), and Cambodia is actually more friendly now, than at some periods in the p

There has been a definite move to make it harder for people to get back to back visas over the last 10 years, which should be construed as a clampdown/crackdown. Prior to 2006 there was no limit to back to back visas from Laos.

 

In 2006 they cracked down on Visa Exempt entry to push some 'tourists' out, and make the remainder of perpetual tourists to have to apply for TR's. They then started to limit the TR's as a way to discourage these 'tourists' from using them to live here. Last year the stopped the 2 and 3 entry TR's to further make it harder/practical for long term tourism, and didn't make the replacement available locally to Thialand. The replacement to the 2 and 3 entry TR now, for many, requires proof of affordability, a reason to go home, and is mostly available from ones home country.

 

If this doesn't constitute a clampdown/crackdown I don't know what does.

 

As I see it, with each change, the numbers of long term tourists goes down and once it gets to a level the Thai authorities are happy with they will stop tinkering with the system.  I have no doubt that the authorities have no problem with a small number of long term tourists, that can afford to travel home regularly to get a new visa.

 

As I've said before, it's a numbers game. The more people take advantage of the Tourist Visa 'loophole' the harder it will become.

[JackThompson]

1 hour ago, Saradoc1972 said:

 

Yellow Bus from Patty to Mukdahan 4 or 5 times a day, overnight VIP busses 21:00 and 21:30, take some 12 hours with one stop in the middle of nowhere. That's the same company that had that crash that left one dead 4 weeks ago. www.iloveyellowbus.co.th or something, leaves from the back of the bus station on Northern Road near Sukhumvit. Maybe buy ticket a day or two early, seems to be popular. less than 900 Baht one way, bottle of water and some Thai diabetes cakes included.

 

 

Good info - but warning what yellow-bus calls a VIP on this route is NOT what I would call a VIP.  In theory, a but more legroom, but sometimes blocked with some sort of footstool for short people, and 4 typical-cheap seats across.  I did that once, one-way - but never again.

 

Nowadays, I take a bus from Patty to Bangkok Morchit, then grab a Real VIP bus - 3 extra comfy seats across.  If you are traveling alone, you can take the seat "by itself" across the isle from the pair of seats, and sleep very well.  Well worth the extra trouble, IMO.

[elviajero]

8 hours ago, claffey said:

Perhaps the OP should reconsider living here as using tourist visas to live in a country is, technically, illegal. And some of the people on here seem to be encouraging him to break the law? 

All that the law says is that someone can only stay in the country for a maximum of 90 days for any entry entry granted for the purpose of 'tourism' and they limit their activity in Thailand to tourism. So as long as the tourist exits at the end of their given permit to stay, and don't work, they are not breaking any law.

 

If a consular service issues a visa, and the IO at the border grants entry, there is nothing stopping the tourist repeating this without breaking any law.

 

If you put the reason for applying for a Tourist Visa is tourism, and you limit your activity in the country to leisure and tourism, then I don't believe you are breaking any law.

 

The problem is that Thailand do not define how long someone can stay in the country as a tourist, although, their system makes it blindingly obvious to anyone with an impartial open mind that Tourist Visas are meant for short term visits and not for staying long term.

 

I am sure there are plenty of 'tourists' that are obtaining Tourist Visas by failing to disclose their other, potentially, illegal activities, thereby breaking the terms of the issuance of their visa and permission to stay.

 

The growing number of DN's funding their stay by working in Thailand seems to be the latest challenge for the authorities, and it will be interesting to see how that plays out. 

[gk10002000]

22 hours ago, AYJAYDEE said:

not for canada

 

Multiple-Entry (METV):

• Passport or travel document with validity not less than 6 months. The passport must be valid for travelling to Thailand.
• Visa application form completely filled out for each passport
• One recent official passport photograph of the applicant taken within six months of application
• An applicant has a permanent resident/a permit of stay in Canada
• A copy of a bank statement showing a balance of the amount equal to no less than 200,000 (Baht) per person or 400,000 (Baht) per family
• A copy of round-trip ticket or itinerary for at least the first trip
• A copy of hotel reservation for at least the first trip

 

http://www.thaiconsulatevancouver.ca/tourist-visa/

Very interesting.  Makes me wonder what the Thai immigration laws actually say, or were meant to say as compared to what different country embassies are listing.   Thanks

[ubonjoe]

51 minutes ago, gk10002000 said:

Very interesting.  Makes me wonder what the Thai immigration laws actually say, or were meant to say as compared to what different country embassies are listing.   Thanks

The are rules set out are under a ministerial regulation not any immigration law. I suspect the ministerial regulation only gave authority for the visa to issued and for how long it is valid for and the length of stay. I think the requirements are from guidelines under a MFA order or guidance for issuing the visa.

[4evermaat]

On 11/2/2016 at 11:15 AM, alex8912 said:

Hi. Is there something new about a METV? I have my second one now and was quite sure you CAN NOT stay in country for nine months!  I am quite sure you can come into Thailand for 60 days then extend for 30 days then LEAVE then repeat 60 + 30 and then LEAVE and if your USE BY date has not happened then 60 + 30 again. To make this work you have to leave your home country within a few days of obtaining it ( because the use by date is 180 days later) and your visa trips should probably be 24 to 48 hrs or same day.  Can anyone let me know if I am correct and the post above mine is wrong?  Thank you. 

 

You are on the correct path.  I am unclear how long the validity of the METV is....i assume 182 days or 6 months from date of issue,

 

Arrive in Thailand shortly after the visa is issued.  then do the following:

 

a) 60 + 60 + 60 +60 day entries + 30 day extension on last entry  = 270 days (appx 9 months)...or

b ) 60 day entry + 30 day extension followed by 60 day + 60 day entry + 30 day extension on last entry = 240 days (appx 8 months) or

c) 60 day entry + 30 day extension, 60 day entry + 30 day extension, 60 day entry + 30 day extension = 270 days (appx 9 months)

 

To maximize the days, make sure your final border run is just before the visa expiration date.

Depending on where you are located, option a would be the most economical route.  Maybe less stressful also depending on your relationship/opinion of local immigration office staff.

 

Edited November 3, 2016 by 4evermaat

[bamukloy]

On Wednesday, November 02, 2016 at 2:30 PM, claffey said:

And what would you think of people in your own country who lie about their intentions in order to gain entry to your country? You'd want them deported probably. A tourist visa is for a short term visit. It's not intended for people who want to reside there. Lying to immigration is against the law in every country, including Thailand.

 

On Wednesday, November 02, 2016 at 2:30 PM, claffey said:

And what would you think of people in your own country who lie about their intentions in order to gain entry to your country? You'd want them deported probably. A tourist visa is for a short term visit. It's not intended for people who want to reside there. Lying to immigration is against the law in every country, including Thailand.

 

 

The differance is my country has imm laws that are clearly defined.

They either qualify or they dont.

Not just old laws from the 70s that any Somchai IM can apply as according to his mood on the day.

 

 

 

a few points:

 

1. If you are classed as a resident of your own country, by definition, you can only be a TOURIST here.

2. Nowhere have i seen any universal or Thai immigration rules on how long one can holiday.

3. The previous visa crackdowns and scrutiny at borders and consulates have been for:

-Outlaws on the run (like at the time of the bombings)

-people on ED permits that dont even turn up for classes

-working without proper work permits.

-people who havent sufficient cash to support themselves.

not for tourists!!

 

IMO They are more concerned with foreigners having to beg, getting involved in illegal activities, or running up huge hospital bills they cant pay

 

And Talking of crackdowns, i hear there could be one on "O" visas,

 in that if you cant show the required cash in the bank, you will no longer be let off by doing three month extensions.

 

If/when this happens and people like you have to hire agents to temporarily put money in your account, lets hope everyone gets on your case about illegal dealings and lying to IMMs

 

maybe instead of banging on about tourists, you can tell the paupers on O visas they are abusing the system?

 

These sorts pose more of a hinderance to everyday Thais than tourists. 

 

At least tourists actually go home occasionally..not just spongeing off Thailand and living on the cheap year after year

 

[arithai12]

On 11/2/2016 at 3:16 PM, Saradoc1972 said:

 

Lots of Germans owning or full-time renting Fincas on Mallorca or houses round the Ballaton.

Have you heard of something called the European Union?

You might just as well mention that lots of Germans own a house in Berlin.

[claffey]

8 hours ago, bamukloy said:

 

 

 

The differance is my country has imm laws that are clearly defined.

They either qualify or they dont.

Not just old laws from the 70s that any Somchai IM can apply as according to his mood on the day.

 

 

 

a few points:

 

1. If you are classed as a resident of your own country, by definition, you can only be a TOURIST here.

2. Nowhere have i seen any universal or Thai immigration rules on how long one can holiday.

3. The previous visa crackdowns and scrutiny at borders and consulates have been for:

-Outlaws on the run (like at the time of the bombings)

-people on ED permits that dont even turn up for classes

-working without proper work permits.

-people who havent sufficient cash to support themselves.

not for tourists!!

 

IMO They are more concerned with foreigners having to beg, getting involved in illegal activities, or running up huge hospital bills they cant pay

 

And Talking of crackdowns, i hear there could be one on "O" visas,

 in that if you cant show the required cash in the bank, you will no longer be let off by doing three month extensions.

 

If/when this happens and people like you have to hire agents to temporarily put money in your account, lets hope everyone gets on your case about illegal dealings and lying to IMMs

 

maybe instead of banging on about tourists, you can tell the paupers on O visas they are abusing the system?

 

These sorts pose more of a hinderance to everyday Thais than tourists. 

 

At least tourists actually go home occasionally..not just spongeing off Thailand and living on the cheap year after year

 

Actually I work here legally and pay more in income taxes than most people. 'People like me'? You know nothing about me. I would never hire agents and I have millions in my accounts. You need to chill out.. I have and never will 'sponge off' Thailand. That's a ridiculous statements as the Thai government does not offer any welfare system to non nationals so how could one 'sponge off' them. Living cheaply is not 'spongeing'. Its being prudent. You seen to have a lot of anger. Jai Yen Krap! 

[bamukloy]

9 hours ago, claffey said:

Actually I work here legally and pay more in income taxes than most people. 'People like me'? You know nothing about me. I would never hire agents and I have millions in my accounts. You need to chill out.. I have and never will 'sponge off' Thailand. That's a ridiculous statements as the Thai government does not offer any welfare system to non nationals so how could one 'sponge off' them. Living cheaply is not 'spongeing'. Its being prudent. You seen to have a lot of anger. Jai Yen Krap! 

 

No, no anger. I like to think i put my point forward with a bit of provocative humour, but anyway.

 

I must say i do spark up at comments about " tourists being here illegally"  though.

Its just not true. If it was illegal surely they wouldnt be letting thousands of us do it.?

 

But anyway, you sound very satisfied with yourself and comfortable with your status here and your millions in the bank..etc

 

It kind of goes against the mentality of someone who is happy and content..to go having potshots at others who cant rise to your lifestyle and visa status..dont you think? 

[aussienam]

Thanks Saradoc and others for posting. 

Unfortunately I don't qualify for a disability pension back in Australia because my investment incomes exceed the threshold (some may say that's a good thing!). 

Saying that I am classified as Total Permanent Disability which I have all paperwork plus honourable discharge.

I can produce proof of incomes and bank statements no dramas. 

Cannot see how I am doing anything illegal either 'living' here. That is an interpretation of words when immigration would most likely state I am 'visiting' here over the duration of my visa. I could state the same as it is true until I can be allowed to stay longer. 

It may be worth my while writing to the embassies for the possibility of non-o visa seeing I have circumstances that may qualify for special consideration? 

[aussienam]

Thanks Jack, 

Lucky Luck Motorcycle Shop was my first port of call before the Embassy and they are the one's who told me that they could not help me because of too many tourist visas and days in Thailand.  They said I had to to go to the Embassy in person. Thai Embassy lady wanted bank statements before she would take my application which I did same day.  They accepted printouts - no need for certified copies etc. 

Thanks for the options info. 

 

Embassy in Phnom Penh by the way pulled me up on the proof of ongoing travel out of the country after TV expires (as per the application form) but I just outlined the fact that I was not sure if I would get a tourist visa granted and therefore had not yet booked a ticket to fly out of Thailand and therefore waste money on a ticket that I may not be able to use.  She accepted that explanation - common sense prevailed there.  

 

For future issues regarding the 'throwaway ticket', I am assuming this means a ticket which I can get refunded on after I book?  Would I need to pay up front and then seek a refund from the airline afterwards so I could amend my future itinerary?  And do they grant full refunds?  

 

I need the flexibility to amend my future arrangements and not be locked into travel dates and destinations as well so this option of having a ticket that will not cost me anything upon cancelling would potentially solve any application issues.  If I go back to Oz in near future I the METV seems to be a good option.  

 

Pattaya have day trips to the Cambodian border for visa runs and I believe this is for METVs as well which can be renewed at the border - leave at 6am and back at 2pm scenario.  

On 11/1/2016 at 7:33 PM, JackThompson said:

 

Note on Phnom Penh - in general with a good agent like the one in "Lucky, Lucky Motorcycle Shop," a bank-book with proof of $1000 USD should allow you to obtain up to 3 visas from that consulate per passport.  Given your recent experience, you may want to call first, and see if anything there has changed before trying that location again.

 

As others have noted, both consulates in Laos are easier, but only up to 3 or 4 in one passport between both.  When you get a new passport, the count starts over from zero at the consulates, so be prepared to get a new passport after a set of SETVs.  

 

For long stayers on SETVs, options include: 1+ - Hong Kong, 2 - HCMC, 2 - Penang, 3 - Cambodia, 2 - Vientiene, 2 - Savanahket, 1+ Yangoon.  Some require proof of residence or hotel bookings and/or air-fare (a throwaway ticket). So 3 years worth SETVs per passport are possible, more or less. 

 

As other suggested, if traveling home, and you can qualify for an METV, that will give you about 9 months in-country, before starting this sequence, or returning for another METV (depending on your consulate's policy on back-to-back issuance - every consulate makes up its own special rules and/or exceptions to them).

 

[ubonjoe]

11 minutes ago, aussienam said:

For future issues regarding the 'throwaway ticket', I am assuming this means a ticket which I can get refunded on after I book?  Would I need to pay up front and then seek a refund from the airline afterwards so I could amend my future itinerary?  And do they grant full refunds?  

If you buy a ticket on a low cost carrier you would only get refunded  for the taxes paid on it. Throwaway ticket in this case means one that costs so little that you could throw it away and loose very light money. You can find one way tickets to a nearby country for as little as 1000 baht if you purchase it in advance.

[Saradoc1972]

2 hours ago, aussienam said:

Thanks Saradoc and others for posting. 

Unfortunately I don't qualify for a disability pension back in Australia because my investment incomes exceed the threshold (some may say that's a good thing!). 

Saying that I am classified as Total Permanent Disability which I have all paperwork plus honourable discharge.

I can produce proof of incomes and bank statements no dramas. 

Cannot see how I am doing anything illegal either 'living' here. That is an interpretation of words when immigration would most likely state I am 'visiting' here over the duration of my visa. I could state the same as it is true until I can be allowed to stay longer. 

It may be worth my while writing to the embassies for the possibility of non-o visa seeing I have circumstances that may qualify for special consideration? 

I certainly don't know about Australian social law, but not being entitled to a disability pension and not getting any money out of one because other income is counted against it would seem two entirely separate different things. Just how I have been trained to look at things as a lawyer.

 

Why don't you wager, say, 100 OZ$ on a certified translation of the piece of paper saying you are permanently unable to work, possibly also stating you are entitled to a pension in theory, and some 50 $ for a statement from your embassy or consulate certifying your income and see how far that gets you in, says, Savannakhet with getting a "Non-O"? Lady at my local visa-agency Naklua Soi 33 told me proof of owning a flat in Thailand might even help to get a ME, but not sure if that info is up to date. Bring proof of owning condo if you try at Savannakhet, can never hurt to have your paperwork together.

 

I doubt you will get an answer from the embassies, they charge the visa fees for having a look at your case. And if they require you to turn up in person with your passport to have that look, I don't believe writing them a letter will result in an answer. Plus it would force them to actually lay down their criteria in writing and I have come to think the key-word here will be discretion of the individual civil servant.

[freedomnow]

On 11/5/2016 at 0:59 PM, ubonjoe said:

If you buy a ticket on a low cost carrier you would only get refunded  for the taxes paid on it. Throwaway ticket in this case means one that costs so little that you could throw it away and loose very light money. You can find one way tickets to a nearby country for as little as 1000 baht if you purchase it in advance.

Hi Joe are there any routes you can advise on that cos that much ?

i guess it would be BKK to ??? and not regional departures.

[jerojero]

Not exactly living legally in the country. And bunches of advice how to continue the illegal stay, being a perpetual tourist.

[JackThompson]

57 minutes ago, jerojero said:

Not exactly living legally in the country. And bunches of advice how to continue the illegal stay, being a perpetual tourist.

 

Care to describe exactly which law would be broken, and how, by the advice given? 

[freedomnow]

1 hour ago, JackThompson said:

 

Care to describe exactly which law would be broken, and how, by the advice given? 

Just ignore him. Not worth the energy.

[BritTim]

3 hours ago, freedomnow said:

Hi Joe are there any routes you can advise on that cos that much ?

i guess it would be BKK to ??? and not regional departures.

 

The cheapest flight varies. Sometimes, flying out of places like Phuket can be cheaper (e.g. Phuket to Kuala Lumpur is around 1,000 baht on Air Asia some days right now).