@Robert **********

This is not how B2 visa interviews go. You might get 2 or 3 total questions. They have reviewed the file prior to the interview and likely have already made their decision. The questions are obligatory to some degree, but there is an opportunity to turn a no in to a yes with the right preparation and a little confidence. If the first thing you do when you walk up is smile and give a nice greeting and ask if they can review the best part of your prepared documents or ask a real specific question about the interview or if you can ask or say something in Thai, it can interrupt the no flow long enough to maybe turn the tide.

Important to note that some of the IOs will ask gotcha questions about things that may have been off on the application and that can be confusing for a non-native English speaker... so confidence in English or even being careful and requesting clarification instead of just saying yes reflexively can go a long way.

Those are the US reported statistics for Thailand.

@Brandon ***********

This is not accurate. A girlfriend, partner, or wife can get a tourist visa. It is more challenging to demonstrate sufficient ties to Thailand if that particular American they are with does not also have sufficient ties to Thailand, so that is a thing... But it is not a hard no if there is a strong enough case that they will return. My wife (then unemployed girlfriend) was able to get a 10 year B2 visa on her second attempt. I know of at least three other Thai women in similar situations as her that also got the B2 on the first or second try. As long as it is not obviously a backdoor way to get her in to the country to change status or try to work illegally, you have a decent shot at an approval, all other things being equal.

There is no magic formula for approval. No amount of money in the bank or property or job type that makes it a slam dunk. Just provide the facts and make a compelling case.

It helps a lot if the American partner has a significant job in Thailand or is on a Thai Elite visa or has some other clear motivation for being in Thailand full time. I am sure there are many members in this community that were successful and would happily share some personal experiences or best practices... anyways, it is possible. The reported approval rate for B2 visas out of Thailand averages somewhere in the range of 70-75%. Anecdotal evidence not withstanding, Thai people get visas from the US (and Europe, and the UK, and Australia)... It might just take a couple of tries to dial in the application and find the right IO. Anyways, good luck to the OP... it only costs 185 USD to give it a shot... :)

Sure... In the same way that twenty million GBP would be even more credibility. It is just one of many variables used to make a determination about the trustworthiness of the person applying. And the IO will see if you just randomly seeded someone's account with a large deposit... It can be just as hurtful as it is helpful. Many have been approved with less, many have been denied with more... 500K THB is not part of a checklist or some specific delta that has to be met to qualify... Can it help? Maybe.

In any event, OP and their partner just need to put together a compelling case that they will return to Thailand. Tell the truth and present the case that the person seeking a tourist visa will go home when the visa is done. That's how it works.

@Don ********

this is not correct. They will evaluate her ties to Thailand and the likelihood of her staying in the UK or trying to work illegally. If she builds a sufficient case for her return, she will probably be ok. Money in the bank may help that, but there is not a specific amount of money needed in an account. Her connection to her partner and the partner’s strong ties to Thailand can also play a significant role in the decision making. A letter from the partner as the person paying for the trip and their reasons for travel and return and any supporting documentation (itinerary, banking records, long term visa history, etc…) would be helpful in making a strong case. In any event, there is no secret recipe or combination of factors that guarantee a visa, just be sure to put the strongest evidence on the top of the pile, and keep any letters of support brief and to the point.

You can not volunteer on an ed visa, but you can go to school on a volunteer visa (if you can even get one these days). Volunteering is considered work and requires a visa and work permit accordingly. Education visas do not allow you to work… so you have to do it the other way around in order to legally volunteer.

@Tulip *******

Great advice... also great advice: A prenup that covers you in any jurisdiction in which you have assets or interests that may be in jeopardy in the event of a divorce. Also great advice, a will. I mean, even if you don't have doubts about living a long life, it is a good idea to plan out your end of life affairs for the security of loved ones that you leave behind.

UOB is up to 50K.

UOB allows up to 50K (as did Citi before UOB took them over), and banking with Citi out of the US, I get market rate with no percentage and all ATM fees refunded. I don't know about UK banks or fees, though...

They are in Texas, but I'm sure they will happily charge extra for state certification if it is in some other state... May be best to find a local agency, but these guys are good and I have used them for everything from visas to expedited passports... Austin Passport Express. They are on FB and are responsive via phone, email, and chat if you catch them during business hours.