@Stuart ********

haha fair play. Cheers for ur advice 🙏

@Stuart ********

thanks stewart. I guess I was under the impression that if the embassy issues them, then I’d be all good.

Any alternative strategies you could recommend? Elite is unfortunately way out of my budget so not an option

@Stuart ********

out of interest have you ever heard of issues at thai immigration when arriving with a tourist visa? As I usually spend 2-3months in Thailand followed by 2 weeks in UK I always come back with a tourist visa from thai embassy London. Recently they seem hesitant to stamp me in on arrival with comments like “why do you come so many times? You’re not a tourist” 🙄

@Steve ******

thanks Steve. Will up it prior to arrival to be on the safe side.

@Stuart ********

thanks for the heads up Stuart. Time will tell and who knows, but I’ll make sure I’m as prepared as possible when extension time comes!

@Stuart ********

for many situations yes I do agree. However in Greg’s position it could work pretty smoothly as he’s coming in 2 weeks and wanting to stay 180 days. Very similar to me.

FYI, I have already had my STV issued from thai embassy in UK last week. They were happy to accept my condo contract with only 2 months on it (as I informed them I will renew in August when it’s time). Similarly with my Heath insurance they accepted only 2 months cover (again as I said I will extend in August when it’s up).

My point is just that it’s not all doom and gloom for everyone with the STV. Personally, I like that fact I will only require one extension to take me through to December when I will be returning to uk for Xmas regardless.

@Stuart ********

he has his sights set on staying 180 days. Why is STV a horrible option in that case?

I will be coming 1st July for 160 days and making using of STV.

Please expand on why it’s such a bad idea in your option.

If arriving before 3rd July then one extension of 90 days will be allowed.

@Bobby *******

thanks Bobby that’s great info. It’ll work for me luckily as this trip will actually just be 5.5 months 🙏

@Tod ********

Cheers Tod, good advice. I’m one of the few who it should work well for then. Into Thailand start of July, do one extension taking me through to December when I will return to UK anyway for Xmas.

@Bobby *******

hi bobby, why do you not recommend stv? I was planning to make use of it for a longer stay. I know it’s being withdrawn later, but London embassy says I can still get 90days + one 90day extension when in Thailand before they phase it out. Any advice appreciated