@Howard *********

I took out an annual multi-trip as I’d planned 2 trips of 3-months each. The broker is well known on various FB groups (especially during Covid). Arawan Namak

@Howard *********

it isn’t for annual Extensions once in Thailand but it is listed as a requirement for the initial application in the U.K. and other countries.

I always get Travel Insurance anyway so I just made sure the one I bought matched the requirements. I actually got it through a Thai broker as I knew they’d provide whatever paperwork I wanted. They were also very helpful when I made a claim during my last trip to Thailand.

@Roger *******

I typed this for someone else, just to give you an idea:

Visa Procedure

I was applying for the Non O ‘for Retirement’. I just followed the online instructions- though I had most documents etc ready on my iPad.

From memory, I uploaded:

1. Photo of details page of passport;

2. Headshot of myself taken on phone (when I submitted I got a warning that the photo might not be good enough but submitted it anyway and it was accepted);

3. Declaration form which appears during application- I printed it off, signed it and took photo;

4. My occupational pension statement. I’m too young for State Pension and the occupational pension amount isn’t very high;

5. I used a bank statement as proof of residence showing well over £10k in account, though I only uploaded one month;

6. No travel history so I wrote ‘None’ on a piece of paper and took a photo;

7. Photo of me holding passport;

8. Flight details - return flight 92 days after arrival;

9. hotel booking for first week;

10. Insurance that included 100k Covid. I was getting insurance anyway, used a Thai agent/broker and they provide a one page summary for me to upload;

11. Paid the £60 fee.

I did everything on my ipad and had no problems. Uploads each need to be less than 2mb but it’s easy to choose size of file on ipad. Some had to be jpg but PDF was ok for others.

I got the visa in about 3 days.

@Roger *******

I paid 8000 baht plus 4000 for a multiple re-entry permit. They do the 90-day reports for no extra charge.

Worth it for me, though I know others will disagree 😊

@Roger *******

Depends on the immigration office. They can decide to make it difficult if they feel like it. Better to get Non O in U.K.

I still used an agent for my extension to save myself the hassle, even though I had the cash, Non O, accommodation etc etc. I never plan to set foot in immigration if I can help it. A couple of friends are the same.

It’s worth it to me. I’ve no problem if others would rather spend the time to do it themselves, but I’d rather part with a few baht.

@Roger *******

I did it last October. Easy. Just get the required documentation on your iPad/phone/computer first.

Yes it’s possible, though getting a Tourist Visa before travelling will give you more time. You’ll need the money in the account asap. You’ll get an initial 90 days visa then do annual Extensions of Stay.

If you plan to use an agent, then it doesn’t really matter - though they’d prefer the additional time as well. They’ll do the conversion to the 90 day Non O and the first Extension at the same time to give you 15 months.

It’s fairly straightforward to get a Non O from RTE London so that’s another option.

To infinity and beyond.

8. This is usually just for the multiple-entry TR. Did you choose that option by mistake? You only need a single entry.

9. Hotel booking is fine.

RTE London are usually pretty good about this stuff and know some things aren’t really relevant for a TR.

Passport details page is fine for residency and you can upload the same thing in more than one place. I hadn’t travelled either so just wrote None on a bit of paper and photographed it.

I used a bank statement for my current residency, but anything official with address will be fine. They’ll recognise the children will be with you so use the same for them.