@Michael *******

I think it's been contracted out to them.

@Rikki *******

maybe in Thailand and for Thai processes there maybe alternative ways, but not for UK. In my opinion anything other than the official route could lead to problems. Don't forget, even if you did get a UK visa via 'who you know', there is another check at border control in UK.

@Rikki *******

Another incorrect statement. The Entry Clearance is NOT done by Thais. Moreover, a visa is not issued by the embassy. It is done through the consulate I believe and is a clearance from UKBA. Decision making has been moved to Delhi.

@Neil *******

Sorry Neil, it doesn't carry much clout as the ECO (Entry Clearance Officers) are well aware of SE Asian culture where parents work away and leave children with grandparents.

Whilst it's a 6 month visa that's issued, that's the validity period during which time the applicant can visit. IT DOES NOT MEAN THE APPLICANT CAN AUTOMATICALLY STAY 6 MONTHS. If applicant applies for a 3 week visit they can stay 3 weeks within the 6 month period. Staying longer COULD result in an arrest for overstay. Anyone who wishes to contradict this should know that I have personal experience of this.

@Rikki *******

Not true. There is no route for paying under the table!

@Michael *******

the VFS is as the title implies Visa Forwarding Services. They check and advise for documents submitted and then, as I understand it, decision is made by staff at the INDIAN embassy.

@Michael ******

Congratulations Michael. Non Immigrant O visa. 400,000 baht in bank. Do you know about the documents you'll need for visa application?

@Astrid *********

get an online bus or train ticket for Laos or Cambodia. Only a few hundred baht.

@Michael ******

I've lived in Thailand for 10 years on OA long stay retirement visa for which I had to have TGIA approved health insurance. I already had a good health insurance but the company wasn't part of TGIA group. I went to Cambodia to void my OA visa and back same day. On return to Thailand I had 60 day visa exempt stamp. After 30 days I applied for and was given 90 day Non O visa. I needed to show 800,000 baht had been in a Thai bank for 3 months prior to my Non O application.I shall apply for Non O 1 year extension at the end of November on grounds of retirement.