Why can't I select the STV while applying for a Thai visa online?

Jan 27, 2021
4 years ago
Jeff *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
hey, im on the Thai electronic visa website, but when I start the application for stv, when selecting "tourism/leisure activities" - only the TR visa is available...?

how did those (UK) who have managed to get the STV apply for it?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
Users from the UK are facing issues applying for the Special Tourist Visa (STV) on the Thai electronic visa website, where only the TR visa is available when selecting 'tourism/leisure activities.' Some users have found that the STV can be accessed under the category 'stay no longer than 90 days,' despite its actual duration being up to 270 days. There is also reassurance from individuals who have successfully navigated the application process, indicating that the embassy in London is issuing STVs. However, applicants need to be prepared for significant upfront costs, including pre-paid accommodation and health insurance.
Charlie *******
Hi
@Jeff ********
How are you getting on with your STV application? I am also from the UK and looking to start the process. Is the Thai electronic visa website you mentioned the best way to do it? I got rather worried when there was no mention of the STV on the the Thai Embassy London website. Do you know of anyone from the UK who has successfully applied recently for an STV? Many thanks
Jeff *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Charlie ******
hey mate, I think the Thai electronic visa is the only way to do it haha. Finding the process pretty straightforward so far, but damn expensive, Ive already spent 2 grand!! and ive not even paid for the ASQ yet! To reassure you, the embassy is issuing stv, I have spoke to a few people who have received it, and in regular contact with someone from the embassy. The above comments are correct, it is found under the category of "up to 90 days" which is deceiving as its technically up to 270 days, thats why I didn't find it straight away, but its there.
Charlie *******
@Jeff ********
hi Jeff, thanks for your reply, really appreciate it. It’s reassuring to know they are definitely issuing STV’s to UK citizens. I will get cracking with my application ASAP.

On the 2 grand you’ve spent is that all admin & insurance costs? Or are you including some of your travel expenses in that too?

Thanks again, I can’t wait to return to the land of smiles 😎🌴
Jeff *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Charlie ******
you’re welcome 😃 they are definitely issuing it, I’ve been back and forth with someone high up on the visa side of the London embassy and almost finished my application.

The 2 grand is because the STV requires evidence that you have pre paid for a hotel post quarantine. So I’ve had to pay over a grand for 5 months accommodation, rather than pay it month by month as normally would. Also the health insurance will be more expensive due to the amount of time in the country. Just a few things to be aware of before applying, but hey. It means more time out there and less visits to the immigration offices. 👌
Charlie *******
@Jeff ********
great stuff, good to know. Thanks Jeff. Oh yeah I understand what you mean now with upfront costs (accommodation etc) all good. I am prepared for that 😄

I need to look into health insurance, haven’t done that yet. Thanks again Jeff and good luck! 👊🏻
Abby *********
Yeah have to click on ‘stay no longer than 90 days’ However Boris is apparently about to announce that they’ll be checking passengers at the airport, and anyone without a valid reason for travel will be sent home 🙄😬
Charlie *******
More bureaucracy! I am confident i have a legitimate reason to travel, but this is frustrating! thanks for the heads up. Is there any sign of this declaration to travel form yet?
Abby *********
@Charlie ******
Me too but i’m just wondering if they’ll see tourist visa and just say no haha. Here’s the link, you have to scroll pretty far to find it, the screen shot is the only info about it unfortunately. I think i’m still going to book everything and go for it anyway i guess 🤷🏼‍♀️

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1/COVID-19_Response_-_Spring_2021.pdf
Charlie *******
Likewise I cannot wait to book and cannot wait to get out of this country!
Charlie *******
Hi
@Abby ********
, sorry I only just saw this, I don't use FB really, apart from for this group! I am booking my first 90 days accommodation in advance. I have found some nice looking places on Airbnb which I am confirming tomorrow with payment, I am also about to book my flight for 21st March departure. Was the govt announcement you were waiting for the one happening today?
Abby *********
@Charlie ******
I’m looking at flying on the 21st too! Yeah the gov announcement today, but doesn’t look like international travel will be allowed until May, which i’m not intending to wait around for! To be honest i can’t imagine actually being checked at the airport, i won’t have a return flight and i’ll be by myself so i’m not going to stick out as if i’m trying to go on a girls holiday! Before you book i heard there is and ASQ announcement on wednesday, so i’m now waiting for that in case they up it to 21 days, which has been speculated. Just desperate to get things booked now though
Charlie *******
@Abby ********
oh cool! Yes, just saw the Govt news, there hasn’t been any indication of this ‘declaration to travel’ being introduced so I am defo gonna book. Interesting about ASQ, I’d be surprised if they up it though. You’re getting an STV right? I didn’t think an outbound or return flight was needed but Trunk travel told me you do need an outbound flight after 90 days, so I am looking at a cheap flight to Singapore which I won’t use. Have you heard the same?
Abby *********
@Charlie ******
I think they already have for people flying in from Africa.. i could be wrong though. I saw a post last night and i’m sure Trunk said for STV you don’t need a return but i can’t find it anywhere now! I’m going to apply with a one way and see if they ask for a return, if so i’ll find a cheap flight out and add that, BKK to Yangon is pretty cheap i think
Charlie *******
@Abby ********
oh really. I didn’t know that. 21 days! Don’t fancy that! I saw the same post from Trunk which is why I was surprised when they told me directly that I would need a flight. Oh well. Wait and see I guess. Thanks
Abby *********
@Charlie ******
Keep in touch with your progress!
Charlie *******
@Abby ********
will do 👍🏼👍🏼
Abby *********
@Charlie ******
FYI 😬😩
Charlie *******
Thanks Abby. I booked everything yesterday. What a pain this is, I think it will be fine, but I could do without the added uncertainty!
Charlie *******
@Abby ********
where is this extract from? thanks Abby.
Abby *********
@Charlie ******
They also say this though so who knows
Charlie *******
@Abby ********
hey Abby, are you progressing with your STV application? I am planning to travel mid march and keen to keep comms going with anyone in the same boat :)
Abby *********
@Charlie ******
Heeey, i’m waiting until the announcement from the gov at end of feb to book anything. I’ve started the application but only up to the point of needing to upload booking info. I’ve just seen a new post from i think the guy above saying that his was pretty simple though!
Charlie *******
@Abby ********
cool. thanks Abby. good to know. I am going to start my application properly in the next few days and get start booking stuff. Let's stay in touch...
Abby *********
@Charlie ******
Yeah for sure, super interested in peoples experiences from the UK. How are you getting around the accommodation booking situation? Booking somewhere that you can cancel?
Jeff *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Abby ********
I doubt this will be ongoing, and im not flying for another 2.5 months so im not panicking yet.., it will be a good idea to keep track of peoples experiences on here over the next few weeks, this group and the stranded farangs groups will be good for that
Will ************
I haven't time to look now but if you scroll down to I think it's stay no longer than 90 days. That is the STV
Joe ******
Yeah I tried it only comes up with the 60 day tourist visa in UK.

Try contacting Saim Legal.

They might give you advice.
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