There’s an ap called Cheap

Flights .com , it compares all airlines and helpfully the calendar is colour coded green/ amber / red. I’ve found south very good cheap flights.

@Chris **********

I’ve been coming to Phuket about times a year since 2021 with no hassle, I usually stay two months then head back to UK for at least a month sometimes 2 months in UK, never had any issue at immigration. I always have proof of my accommodation, 20,000 baht in cash and proof of onward travel , never had any issue although I’ve been asked to show proof of onward travel a few times.

If it’s a tourist visa for a short term visit it’s an easy process. There is an online form with UK immigration. You can get a standard visitor visa that will allow get to stay up to 6 months per visit. You can get a 6 month 2 year 5 year or 10 year visa. These are multi entry visa’s that allow multiple visits of up to 6 months at a time. You will need to upload various documents, proof of address and employment in Thailand , passport, proof of address in UK, letter from host or sponsor and proof of funds.

Once the fee varies depending on length of visa. Once you submit the application and pay the fee your wife will need to go to VFS global office in Thailand , there are several , she will need to hand over her passport and have her biometrics taken. They will also scan any documents you want to submit for a fee. Once visa is granted she goes back to VFS global to get her passport.

It’s a very simple process and an agent is not necessary. If you are wanting her to live in Uk I have a friend who is a UK based immigration lawyer, but it’s a difficult and lengthy process.

I had my ACL replaced using a part of my hamstring in the UK in 2010. They had me up walking the next day and with physio / rehab twice a week I was running in a straight line in three months and playing rugby again 9 months after op. I doubt very much you can get a medical extension for a procedure which is an elective surgery not emergency or essential. If you can walk , you can travel and you can leave….

I always write “ to extend my holiday”

They can ask to see cash but I’ve never been asked. I always carry at least 20,000 in cash as it’s not a lot of money and it’s cheaper to get a big lump changed in Uk than keep paying commission on smaller withdrawals at ATM. Also they can ask to see onward travel and proof of accommodation, again someone with say they have never been asked but in only 3 years of coming to Thailand multiple times a year I’ve been asked to show accommodation once and onward travel a few times. I believe this will vary from airport to airport or even immigration officer to officer.

There are at least three types of IDP : 1926, 1949, 1968, the number relates to the year of the international treaty the particular country you drive in is a signatory to. That one shown in the pic is a 1949, in Thailand I believe you need a 1968. Best to check with your issuing body in your country. They all cost the same and some are accepted in some countries others in other countries. I believe the one I have for Thailand is a 1968. The 1968 is valid for 3 years but you can only use it for up to three months after initial entry stamp, it’s a touristy thing. Long term visitors would need a local driving licence after 3 months. Hope that helps. The one in the pic looks like a fake version of the 1949, as I understand only a 1968 is valid for three years, a 1949 is only 1 year I believe.

Also an IDP is only a translation of your domestic driving licence but it must be purchased in person at the authorised issuer in your home country, Post Office in UK. You cannot buy these online to my knowledge and you cannot buy them in the country you are visiting.

@Graham *****

thank you

@Burnard ***********

overstay was a while back and I’ve entered Thailand 8 or 9 times since then