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

i think it was more useful advice basrd on experience, than taking photos of the bed and the garden. But you are obviously the guru, so I just delete, and go and do something useful.

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

when we did this application several times the "proof of reasons to return" were separate documents, and not part of the letter of support. We provided her employment details, actually proof of business ownership, evidence of her financial assets (bank statements etc).

It is a fine line between providing enough information to support the application, and looking like you are pleading a defence for something you are not going to do. The UK visa processing, is in my experience, less subjective than some other countries we can think of. It really is a tick list of documents and actually discourged to provide things they don't ask for, imo.

Letter of support or invitation needs only the things I mentioned, and the subject for assessment is actually the invitees own status and independent financial standing. Like you say, proof permanent employment in Thailand is th of the way.

Good luck to all those honest couples that try and deserve approvals without challenge.

I have done it a few times. Successfully.

If your letter simply states purpose and duration of visit, your relationship, address you will stay, that you will be responsible for all costs and expenses, that she has full medical insurance and that you will undertake that she will return on the specified date, stating your own passport details and UK address,.

This is enough. The UK just wants to ensure no access to public purse and that she will not work.

I usually also include my own proof of income or assets, as proof you have the means to dp what you undertake

We never had a problem. There was an interview at the Immigration on first entry, but no problem and we had single entry visas and now a 5 year multiple entry. C

@Marty ********

yes, i think IDP is not really required if your existing licence is on the long list of recognised countries. But to drive before you get your Thai licence you are supposed to have an IDP these days, I thought. Got my IDP online and it took 5 minutes. And yes the local Transport Office did look at it.

@Patrizio *******

no need for a driving test if you hold an eligible foreign licence to convert and get an international driving permit, which is easy.

You need yellow book or do your first 90 day report so you can get a residence certificste. Then buy your medical certificate at a local clinic for 50 Baht.

Turn up early at your local Transport Department office, do the vision test, the reaction test, watch a 1 hour video snd leave with your Thai driving licence in hand. Simple to do if you follow the steps.

@Chris ****

same here Chris. I changed phone number and because I read about this hassle with Bangkok Bank, went to the Branch to update. They sent me to AIS office to pay B100 and re-do the face scan against passport photo. Took the receipt back to the branch and got a notification a few days later that everything is good. Seems to be a bit of a hassle but new regulations.

Just glad to have opened a bank account in December because it seems to be getting harder and harder.....

@Ivan ***********

yes it is a visa issued under Tourist Authority of Thailand. But it most certainly is a long term visa, and part of the benefits is the assistance given to open a bank account with Bangkok Bank or others. Official, and government sponsored arrangements. There are the usual conditions such as proof of residence etc. But they are not going to rescind legitimate accounts for individuals on Elite Visas unless there are specific money laundering or sanctions concerns.

@Maksym **********

we never been offered this service the last 50 times both ways...

@Dennis ********

not sure it is correct on Udon Thani. Despite the name as international it is a domestic airport with no through check in, unless things changed very recently.