Thanks so much again Jo, and I really look forward to experiencing Thailand with the local language, reckon it could make a big difference to our experience here.

@Darren *******************

do you reckon an Ed visa for Thai language could also cause an Elite blacklisting? Or did they find you weren't volunteering or some problem with the NGO? Appreciate it's a guess but I'm a complete novice, and an Elite blacklist is my biggest nightmare, as it is me and my family here.

Thank you

@Jo *********

@Jo *********

are there any other visa types they don't like? I know a string of visa exempt entries looks bad, I guess too many tourist visas back to back too. Medical visa? Ed visa for a Thai language course?

I also think it is unethical to resort to corruption in a host country (however normalized it is). It is corrosive of a country's civil service, especially when the guest is from a richer country so can afford to corrupt civil servants, who may then demand from poorer locals. Us rich country folk have a special responsibility to encourage clean government; it's the least we can do given all our advantages, and an important form of solidarity with those who can't spare a few thousand Baht to shortcut a process.

Ah, if this is at all illegitimate I won't, thanks, as a spotless record is very important to me. I didn't realize. Thanks very much for the warning Steve.

Can you provide any contact for Thai visa center? There are a few when I Google. Thanks

I'm not sharing my queen

@John *********

thanks very much, I am not convinced the hospital knows about visas for Ethiopians, we would need a letter from the hospital. Two days gives me an idea of timescale - that's comfortable thanks. (For context, the US embassy in Ethiopia currently has a > 400 day waiting list.)

Def want to get medical or tourist. We're getting some hospital treatment either way. Do you know if a medical visa is easier to get than a tourist visa for a VoA citizen? And do you know how long in advance you need to book an appointment? Huge thanks