Yes you can get a 6 month tourist fairly easily in Australia, but there are a few requirements, including have 8k AUD in a bank account. Look up the canberra website and check the requirements.

@Terary *********

It is 100% factual. Getting a new passport greatly reduces the chance of having issues when applying for a visa. Maybe comment when you are sure what you are saying.

Yes this is true, and they might have gotten her a new one possibly. But a long history of stamps is not a good thing to have in your passport these days. I am considering a new passport for this reason :)

So seeing as you are going for a 6 months entry visa and you have many stamps, I would do as the school suggested and get a new passport. Otherwise you will always worry every time you apply for a new visa.

I always carry my old passport after renewal, just in case.

Oh right, my apologies. But MANY Farangs come to thailand under prepared and don't have enough to live. Obviously you are not in the at situation. People who don't have the money manage because they pay for agents to do it for them the back door way.

Not when he says he doesn't want to use it and wants to keep it in the bank ;) "another question how do some go on as 18k tied up is quite a bit of cash? I know people on retirement that don't have that money?"...........It looks like he is planning to live on a lot less than that perhaps....?? Yes I agree easy to live on 65K......BUT once you factor in rent, transport, entertainment, an emergency fund (everyone should have) and VERY IMPORTANTLY....a good insurance plan (everyone should have).....65k is not really a huge amount.......especially if you will have trouble producing this amount when it comes to visa renewal later ;)

If you don't have that sort of money then perhaps you are retiring too early or under-prepared. That is only 65K Baht a month, which is not a lot to live on.

This is true. Vientiane is the best as it is easiest.

For a tourist visa there are no requirements other than passport photos and cash in Thai baht. They you get copies of the Laos entry visa and your passport, etc, fill out the form and submit. have to stay one night.