Non-O visa from UK consulate

[Procyon]

I am well aware of the difficulties the local office has dealing with marriage visas which is why I select the hassle free option of getting it outside of Thailand. Hua Hin office is well known for adding 'requirements' to what is officially required to get this extension and I know I am not alone with this problem.

Ohh to be 50 ...

[GroveHillWanderer]

My post was highlighting how easy things are outside of the country, you may not have had a problem but you do not speak for every falang that has set foot in that office.

I have actually found it cheaper and easier to get the visa outside of Thailand than keep jumping through an ever increasing number of hoops in county.

And from what I read on here and elsewhere things are going to get tougher for you retirees, they never get easier.

I can't speak for all expats either but I know a fair number and I've never heard of anyone having any problems with Hua Hin immigration. My personal experiences with them have been nothing other than extremely pleasant, quick and hassle-free.

I'm also not aware of there being any increasing number of hoops - and things have certainly got a whole lot easier when it comes to the most frequent procedure I (and most people I know) have to deal with, 90-day reports. Those used to involve a bunch of paperwork (forms, copies etc) and some waiting around but now it's a totally paperless transaction that normally takes around two minutes tops in BlúPort.

[Big Boy]

I've never had a problem (Retirement visa), but I've known a couple of people (other long term visas) that have, to the extent they were driven out of the country.

[handdrummer]

My first visa was a marriage visa. The first time at the office I had a real SOB who was angling for a bribe. ( I'd just seen a guy slip him some baht and he smiled with his mouth at the Farang.) I left and talked to my landlady who does visas for people. She knew an officer there and went to him. I waited outside. In abut 15 mins. she came out and said come back in a week and you'll have your visa. Sho nuff I did and had it. The next yr. the officer suggested that I get a retirement visa as it's much easier and quicker. I did and it was. Next yr. I'll be attempting to change back to a marriage visa. 800,000 is beyond the pale, especially since it has to come from out of the country. Excalibur!