All I would say is if you have the time then I would just apply for a tourist visa then y9u shouldn't need to worry. With the changes currently taking place you only need an excited immigration officer to give you are hard time based on how they feel!!. Good luck

Suggest your friend changes flight details until the visa is approved and they have it.

@Henry ********

yes your correct sorry you need a uk bank

@Pete ******

yes thats true I was pointing out if you are still a tax resident in the uk

@Carl *******

what do you mean HMRC on larger investments? You will pay taxes on the capital gains and interest/dividend income unless its in a pension or isa if invested through the uk

There are many investment opportunities out there but like most things it depends what you are looking for and how much you are wanting to invest? Are you looking at a regular income ? What risk level are you happy with? Premium bonds are ok if you are looking at paying higher tax rate if not then a high interest savings rate is better? Be aware many investments in the uk including premium bonds needs you to have a uk address and/or say you live in the uk. Also same with uk bank accounts these days they can close your account if you dont live in the uk. I would suggest if you have family in the uk you register at their address and use that for your accounts. Also the thai tax authorities are looking at updating their tax laws in January 26 but will have to wait and see if it happens this if it does will make bringing money into thailand much more simple and probably little chance you will ever pay thai tax

Could be a busy period for the thai embassies in the countries around thailand aswell as for those people already planning on visiting thailand and on their 3rd visit ? The question of will they or wont they let me in I'm sure will be asked more than usual.

@Alan ************

you have the ability to do it at your leisure 😉

@Alan ************

hey lots of fit guys doing muay thai at 70!!! . You connect with a muat thai gym in thailand that are registered with the department of sport, you sign up with them, they then supply the paperwork to allow you to apply for the DTV on the evisa website and bingo !!! Typically they will have a course that costs baht which satisfy the embassy. I have recently completed mine and return to thailand in December

@Alan ************

Alan if I were you i would look into getting a DTV through the soft power muay thai route which is valid for 5 years multi entry and stamped in for 180 days each time. Much less hassle to deal with and keeping your fingers crossed that immigration will let you in