....would like to visit Pattaya for 2 months -soon . A single entry visa costs £25 ( from Glasgow) , and eradicates the need to go to Jomtien and obtain an extension on a visa waiver on arrival  ; there is also a saving of £15 or so . I would have a return flight booked for this 2 month time-span .

     Is such a strategy possible and permitted ?

Yes it's both possible and permitted. Note that the visa gives you 60 days (not 2 months) and day 1 is the day you arrive.

I would recommend getting the single entry tourist visa. It is possible for the airline to decide your return ticket is not sufficient to satisfy the visa exempt requirement for an onward ticket out of Thailand (which some will say must be within 30 days). Financially, the SETV is cheaper than the extension, so there seems no advantage in the visa exempt option, assuming there is not some major logistical challenge involved in getting the visa.

Think you may find the SETV is £25 as op correctly says but there is normally a £10 processing charge on top of this, so is only £5 saving (never been to Glasgow so I stand to be corrected) my info is 100% correct for SETV issued at Hull, either way having the SETV is better cheaper option as stated all round.

Think you may find the SETV is £25 as op correctly says but there is normally a £10 processing charge on top of this, so is only £5 saving (never been to Glasgow so I stand to be corrected) my info is 100% correct for SETV issued at Hull, either way having the SETV is better cheaper option as stated all round.

Saving that extra fiver will certainly help him have a better holiday in Pattaya!
Cheers have a beer for me!!
(You might get some change back)

OP 

Just go to the Thai consulate in Glasgow like you have stated you will do ,it is very easy and hassle free process drop off all the paperwork off one day and ready for collection my 2pm the next and you can stay in Thailand for 60 days with the option of extending for another 30 days for a fee of 1900 if this is required ,and by getting the visa you will have no issues when you enter with the immigration  officers at the airport asking you questions.

4 hours ago, paul18620 said:

OP 

Just go to the Thai consulate in Glasgow like you have stated you will do ,it is very easy and hassle free process drop off all the paperwork off one day and ready for collection my 2pm the next and you can stay in Thailand for 60 days with the option of extending for another 30 days for a fee of 1900 if this is required ,and by getting the visa you will have no issues when you enter with the immigration  officers at the airport asking you questions.

 

Does Glasgow not do an SETV while you wait if you have an appointment? I though all the consulates could do that.

I don't think they do SETV on same day ,doesn't say that on the form you fill in ,I had to go back the next day ,and collect mine from the Glasgow office ,doesn't even mention fast track on the application form .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1 hour ago, paul18620 said:

I don't think they do SETV on same day ,doesn't say that on the form you fill in ,I had to go back the next day ,and collect mine from the Glasgow office ,doesn't even mention fast track on the application form .

 

Interestingly enough, their website has this:

Quote

Where possible, visas will be processed and passports available for collection by 1.00pm on the same day.  At least one hour must be allowed for a visa to be processed.

 

Source: http://www.thaiconsulscotland.org.uk/visa/.

 

In my experience, you need to make an appointment to be confident of same-day service at most consulates.

Not at Hull, SETVs issued while you wait (around 1 hour average) no need to book for an SETV

(good tip is download the application form and fill in at home - saves doing it at consulate so you can just arrive and hand over your docs straight away)

 

Other types of visas yes, send in application first for vetting and then if ok get invited for appointment/book appointment (they prefer you send all docs first to ensure they are correct and certain items have to be cleared with LONDON embassy) you then arrange your booked appointment and get your visa issued in just one trip.

 

I visited Hull few weeks ago for SETV, even though was busy when I arrived I was on my way after about an hour done and dusted. 

On 02/11/2016 at 0:43 PM, elviajero said:

Yes it's both possible and permitted. Note that the visa gives you 60 days (not 2 months) and day 1 is the day you arrive.

....your is point noted ; thanks for advice...

On 02/11/2016 at 0:49 PM, BritTim said:

I would recommend getting the single entry tourist visa. It is possible for the airline to decide your return ticket is not sufficient to satisfy the visa exempt requirement for an onward ticket out of Thailand (which some will say must be within 30 days). Financially, the SETV is cheaper than the extension, so there seems no advantage in the visa exempt option, assuming there is not some major logistical challenge involved in getting the visa.

....yes , thanks for elucidation ; thought maybe there was some technicality concerning return flights....

On 03/11/2016 at 8:51 AM, Lokie said:

Think you may find the SETV is £25 as op correctly says but there is normally a £10 processing charge on top of this, so is only £5 saving (never been to Glasgow so I stand to be corrected) my info is 100% correct for SETV issued at Hull, either way having the SETV is better cheaper option as stated all round.

....last time I obtained a SETV was 4 years back and charge was an all inclusive £25....no mention of processing charge on website.......thanks for your validation....

On 03/11/2016 at 10:29 AM, paul18620 said:

OP 

Just go to the Thai consulate in Glasgow like you have stated you will do ,it is very easy and hassle free process drop off all the paperwork off one day and ready for collection my 2pm the next and you can stay in Thailand for 60 days with the option of extending for another 30 days for a fee of 1900 if this is required ,and by getting the visa you will have no issues when you enter with the immigration  officers at the airport asking you questions.

....cheers...

On 02/11/2016 at 0:49 PM, BritTim said:

I would recommend getting the single entry tourist visa. It is possible for the airline to decide your return ticket is not sufficient to satisfy the visa exempt requirement for an onward ticket out of Thailand (which some will say must be within 30 days). Financially, the SETV is cheaper than the extension, so there seems no advantage in the visa exempt option, assuming there is not some major logistical challenge involved in getting the visa.

....I live within easy striking distance of the consulate...thanks for assistance...

On 04/11/2016 at 9:40 AM, Lokie said:

Not at Hull, SETVs issued while you wait (around 1 hour average) no need to book for an SETV

(good tip is download the application form and fill in at home - saves doing it at consulate so you can just arrive and hand over your docs straight away)

 

Other types of visas yes, send in application first for vetting and then if ok get invited for appointment/book appointment (they prefer you send all docs first to ensure they are correct and certain items have to be cleared with LONDON embassy) you then arrange your booked appointment and get your visa issued in just one trip.

 

I visited Hull few weeks ago for SETV, even though was busy when I arrived I was on my way after about an hour done and dusted. 

...thanks for your input...point(s) taken....

On 03/11/2016 at 9:17 AM, roo860 said:

 

Saving that extra fiver will certainly help him have a better holiday in Pattaya!
Cheers have a beer for me!!
(You might get some change back)

 

...am fairly confident 'twill cost no more than the stated fee of £25..... I don't use alcohol , so will have around 6500 Baht to spend on ....whatever ; blimey ! the pound sure is taking a pounding....